Profile of a Mason
Mitchell Lane Denning, 32° KCCH
Mitchell Lane Denning, alias Mitch, is a product of Middle Tennessee. Born and raised in Sumner County, Gallatin, Tennessee, and graduated from high school in bordering Macon County, Tennessee. He followed with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Middle Tennessee State University of Rutherford County, Tennessee, another adjoining county. Since we are a product of our environment, the counties of Sumner, Macon, and Rutherford should claim him as a successful favorite son, when you consider all he has accomplished in a short time.
Mitch graduated Macon County High School in 2013. On to college he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Electronic Media Production in 2016. He is currently working for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) as the Live Video Technical Director. The ACLJ is a conservative organization with a media presence and mandate to protect religious and constitutional freedoms. He is a member of the Society of Masonic Orators and Litterateurs, where he assists with filming the Symposium, and produces the DVDs.
Mitch first became interested in masonry following his initiation in Pi Kappa Phi fraternity while at MTSU. He asked his grandfather, a member of Portland Lodge #326, for a petition. He was raised a Master Mason in 2015 in Portland Lodge and was a member of the Fall 2015 Class of the Scottish Rite. He first worked in the 29th°. That enhanced his interest in the Knights of Saint Andrew. The attraction continued when he was invested with the Order of Knighthood of Saint Andrew of Scotland in 2018. He has remained active in the Scottish Rite and was elected by the membership of the Knights of St Andrew (KSA) to be their Venerable Master in May, 2022, where he is currently serving.
He is a Past Master of Portland Lodge #326 where he currently serves as Secretary. He is a plural member of Collegium Ritus Asteri #779 where he currently serves as Junior Deacon. In the Scottish Rite he holds the office as Expert in the Lodge of Perfection, and he is a member of the Lodge of Research and the Royal Order of Scotland.
He is married to the former Shelby Lauren Taylor. They make their home in White House, Tennessee.
Among his many talents Mitch is a martial arts expert, having earned the rank of first-degree black belt at age 14. Upon achieving the rank of second-degree, he started to teach classes at the Ernie Reyes World Martial Arts in Gallatin, Tennessee, where he was an instructor for three years. He earned the rank of third-degree black belt in 2012.
In spite of his many activities, Mitch continues to serve his church. To fulfill a strong desire to preach, he was licensed by Siloam Missionary Baptist Church of Westmoreland, Tennessee, in 2018, where he continues to hold membership. He will preach by appointment and fill in for pastors whenever asked. He proudly asserts that he has preached in four different states.
The Scottish Rite is fortunate to have the talents and energy of Mitch as an active member. His mild, but confident, demeanor is an inspiration to all who know him. The life we live is a reflection of our being. Mitch is a great example of our membership that forms the favorable image and reputation of the Scottish Rite in the Middle Tennessee community.