Profile of a Mason

Ernest Aloysius Chapman III, 33º

Ernest Aloysius Chapman III was raised in West Nashville Lodge #612, now West Nashville Phoenix Lodge #131. He is also a dual member of Doric lodge #732 and a member of the Franklin Chapter and Council of the York Rite. He has performed for Celebrating the Craft, composed music for the documentary “33 and BEYOND”, and coproduced and appeared as an interview subject. He was recognized for his participation with the honor and declaration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 2015, and received the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite on August 22, 2023.

Did you have music in the first three degrees of the Blue Lodge? How surprised I was while a member of a Scottish Rite reunion class to hear appropriate music during the degree presentation. It is said that music is a language of the soul. If so, it made its impression on me for it added another dimension to the moment. Today we have Ernest Chapman to thank for the extra emphasis. He serves as the Principal Keyboardist and Co-Director of Music for the Nashville Valley in the Scottish Rite.

Music has been a major part of his life. Early on he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampshire College of Amherst, Massachusetts, with emphasis in music and alchemy. Alchemy is the study of philosophical and spiritual traditions historically practiced in China, India, the Muslim world, and Europe.

He has 12 years’ experience as a private music instructor and as a professional recording and touring musician. He is proficient in several musical instruments, including the keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums.

Making use of his abilities and adoptive talent he has developed skills of the digital world. He is the founder of the branding agency https://www.notblacklabs.com. He is and has been at times a consultant and creative strategist for an impressive array of business clients, i.e., RYMAN Hospitality, First Tennessee Bank, Acme Feed & Seed, SESAC, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, Recording Connection, and INGRAM, just to mention a few. This effort includes agency services in messaging, alignment, branding, marketing strategy, creation and structuring of a website.

Ernest is married to the former Jessie Friedman. They have two sons, ages four and ten years. They make their home in Nashville in the neighborhood of Nippers Corner.

Ernest says he has been fortunate to have five “m’s” in his life. They are music, marketing, masonry, martial arts, and mindset:

• Music: professional musician and music teacher;
• Marketing: consultant and creative strategist and certified content digital marketer;
• Masonry: Scottish Rite organist and 33º Scottish Rite Mason
• Martial Arts: fourth-degree black belt, Hapkido;
• Mindset: alchemy, personal habits to develop his creative talents and routines to regulate his daily activity.

Ernest is a welcome talent to masonry. His energy and enthusiasm are impressive. The Scottish Rite Valley of Nashville appreciates his membership and participation.