2023's Divan Members
James A. Bennett
Potentate
A lifelong resident of Maine, James ‘Jim’ A. Bennett grew up in the Town of Lisbon. He spent nearly every day of his adult life serving residents of multiple Maine communities. As member of Ancient York Lodge in Lisbon Falls since 1983, his masonic teachings assisted as he assumed various leadership roles.
Paul D. Gardner
Chief Rabban
Paul Gardner is a native of Lewiston/Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School and Bates College. Paul joined Ashlar Lodge #105 in Auburn, and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in June of 1997.
Michael J. Zubiate
Assistant Rabban
I Grew up in Auburn ME graduated from Edward little high school in 1974. August of 1974 joined the Navy and travel the world honorable discharge in 1979. Shortly afterwards started working at BIW retiring 40 years later.
Michael S. Robataille
High Priest and Prophet
Michael Robitaille, of Lisbon Falls, Maine, is serving as the High Priest and Prophet for Kora Shrine. Michael was raised a Master Mason in Ancient York Lodge No. 155 in Lisbon Falls, Maine in 2004. He is currently serving as the Lodge Secretary and has been the Worshipful Master in 22011, 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Frank P. Welch, Jr
Oriental Guide
A lifelong resident of Maine, Frank grew up in Lewiston and is currently residing in Minot with his wife Pam (Marcotte), Bernese Mountain Dog Remington (Remy) and cat Allister. He has two adult children, Amanda and Frank III (Frankie).
Barry Gates PP
Treasurer
Barry grew up in the town of Buckfield, graduating from Buckfield High School. He then went on to the University of Maine in Orono, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Barry is married to Roberta Jean (BJ), and they have two adult children, Bethany, and Brady, and six grandchildren.
John R Knox PP
Recorder
John R. Knox, Past Potentate and present Recorder for Kora Shriners is from Saco, Maine and attended Saco public schools, Thornton Academy and the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, majoring in elementary education.
Barry C. Irish
1st Ceremonial Master
A lifelong resident of Maine, Barry Irish grew up in the town of Gorham, the son of a self-employed carpenter. While growing up Barry and a younger brother joined their father,( while not attending school), building and remodeling homes in the greater Portland area.
Ryan W. Sherman
2nd Ceremonial Master
Ryan and his wife Renee make live in Wales on that Ryan is the 7 th generation residing at the property. Ryan is a high school graduate where his tendency towards leadership started to grow.
Benjamin J. Weisner
Marshall
Ben grew up in New Gloucester and moved to Auburn where he lives today with his wife Cassidy. He attended Thomas College in Waterville, Maine graduating with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. There he met Cassidy. During the day Ben is a Public Insurance Adjuster and the owner of Breakwater Public Adjusting LLC in Lewiston.
Gordon L. Kimball, Jr
Captain of Guard
As a lifelong resident of Gray, Maine Gordon Kimball Jr has led an active life in the Masonic Circles of Maine. Beginning at the age of 14 when his father gave him an application for Membership in DeMolay and joining Auburn Chapter Order of DeMolay then located on Lisbon Street in Lewiston, serving as Master Councilor in 1971 and State Master Councilor of Maine DeMolay 1973-74.
E. Andy Caron
Outer Guard
Andy grew up in Topsham Maine and graduated from the University of Maine in 04’ and 06’ with a bachelors and master’s in physical education. Most recently Andy has decided to return to college, and he will be graduating from Husson University this coming May with a master’s in business.
Gene L. Tanguay
Chaplain
Gene Tanguay grew up in the shadows of Mount Washington in Berlin, New Hampshire. He graduated from New Hampshire Technical College in Berlin, NH with an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Electricity. He worked for several electrical wholesale companies in the Berlin area.
