Profile of a Mason
James Spencer Lampley, 32° KCCH
Mild mannered, straightforward, soft speaking, friendly, and always ready to help. That is the first impression one gets when you approach James Spencer Lampley. He was born in Nashville in 1974, grew up in Sumner County, Gallatin, Tennessee, but there is much more to consider.
James is a chef, not just a cook. He has an A.O.S. in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, in Hotel Restaurant Management from New England Culinary Institute of Burlington, Vermont. In addition, he attended Domino Carlton Tivoli International Hotel & Business Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland. He has developed his skills abroad in Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, and Monte Carlo.
Following his chosen food interest, he is the owner and operator of Starr Ranch, a restaurant in Gallatin, Tennessee. He operates a catering business under Starr Ranch, LLC, that is used primarily with Masonic bodies. He proudly caters all of the Scottish Rite special functions, i.e., Maundy Thursday & Easter Service and the KCCH Investiture, that are open to the general public, and most important to all knife and fork Masons, he feeds us at every Stated Meeting of the Scottish Rite. We are always ready to eat James’ cooking.
His Masonic career began in 2006 with Hendersonville Lodge #359, and he became a Master of the Royal with the Scottish Rite 32° in 2007. He was Worshipful Master of King Solomon Lodge #6 in 2010 where he currently serves as Treasurer. James is a Past Worshipful Master of the Knights of Saint Andrew. The Scottish Rite bestowed upon him the distinction of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 2023.
If you look for James during a Scottish Rite Reunion, you may find him any place. Other than his first love of the kitchen, he works in the parking lot to maintain order, as a cast member in several degrees, hangs out with the stage and lighting crews, and in the wardrobe assisting whenever needed. He says he likes to be everywhere so as to build relationships with everyone. True to his Masonic heritage, he finds satisfaction with helping others.
Married to the former Holley Akers for 19 years, they have two teenage children and make their home in Gallatin, Tennessee.
James comes from a long line of Scottish Rite Masons, going as far back as his great-great-grandfather. He tries to live the traditional Masonic values we strive to include in our daily lives. The Scottish Rite is fortunate and proud to have his participation in our fraternity.