Profile of a Mason
Ali Scott Azizi, 32°
A COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP, EDUCATION AND SERVICE
Even though Ali was born in Nashville and graduated Martin Luther King Magnet High School, he quickly set his sights on more distant horizons. He has literally traveled the world and climbed mountains. For example, he has backpacked in Asia from Thailand to India through Laos, China and Nepal. At the end of that journey, he volunteered at the Missionaries of Charity, established by Mother Teresa in 1950, in New Delhi, India, to assist with the care of the destitute and dying.
Further demonstrating his charitable intent, Ali and his wife Elizabeth created a nonprofit organization, focused on youth education, and built a school in Toul Roka, Cambodia. They are currently involved in supporting youth music education programs in Concepcion, Chile.
He is married to the former Elizabeth Garrison. They make their home in Lebanon, Tennessee. A true life partner, together they hiked all of the Wonderland Trail, a 96 mile trek, for a week, circumnavigating Mount Rainier in Washington State. In addition, they have climbed Mount Whitney, whose summit is 14,505 feet.
Ali earned a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in religious studies, history and theater from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He went on to receive a Master of Education degree with a concentration in international education policy and management from Vanderbilt University. He has a certificate in the Arabic Language Intensive Summer Program from the American University in Cairo, Egypt, and a Master of Business Administration degree with concentration in finance and international business from the American University. He also holds a certificate in Thai massage from Wat Pho, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, and is a certified Reiki Master, a form of ancient Japanese healing.
Ali began his masonic journey with Corinthian Lodge #8 in Nashville. That same year he joined the Scottish Rite and is now a member of King Solomon Lodge #6 in Gallatin, Tennessee. He served as Senior Warden in the 14th degree, conferred the 4th degree, and has participated in the 16th degree, 17th degree, 28th degree and the 31st degree. He currently serves as Captain of the Guard of Trinity Consistory. Reflecting on his involvement, he shares “Living as an active member of the Nashville Scottish Rite has been a blessing of a lifetime.”
In addition to his masonic leadership, Ali was ordained to the priesthood in the Ecclesia Gnostica, an off shoot of The Liberal Catholic Church, in 2021. He currently serves as Rector of St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
Ali’s impressive personal, academic, and professional accomplishments reflect a life of service, scholarship, and global engagement. His contributions to the Scottish Rite and the broader community continue to be both meaningful and inspiring.