Steven J. Harris was born in Japan and grew up in Santa Monica, California. He graduated from Santa Monica High School and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before dedicating over twelve years to service as a US Army Signal Corps Officer in both the United States and Germany. Steve is a distinguished graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and transitioned to a career in finance in 1993. He retired as a Credit and Collection Specialist in 2023.
He began his Masonic journey in 1982 at Galilei Lodge #810A, Germany, receiving the Sublime degree the following year. In 1983, he also joined Scottish Rite, Valley of NATO and Aahmes Shrine Temple, subsequently becoming a life member of Pasadena Scottish Rite and Al Malaikah Shrine after relocating to Burbank in 1995.
Upon joining Burbank Lodge #406 in 1995, Steve progressed through various officer positions, serving as Master in 2012. He has subsequently held roles as Officer’s Coach, Candidate’s Coach, Financial Trustee, Hall Association Secretary, and President of the Los Angeles Masonic Service Bureau in 2024. He chaired the Grand Lodge’s San Gabriel Valley Public Schools Advisory Council for thirteen years and holds membership with Lodge #50 of the Holy Land, Grand Lodge of Israel.
Additionally, Steve is affiliated with the National Sojourners, having served as Chapter President for Pasadena Chapter 265, Commander of Pershing Camp Heroes of ‘76, and Regional Representative for the Southern California Area – North. He joined the Burbank Shrine Club in 2002 and was President in 2008 and 2009. In 2014, he was appointed as one of the inaugural Shrine Lodge Ambassadors and continues in this capacity.
From 2015 to 2019, he served as Al Malaikah’s Assistant Director of Shrine Clubs. Steve is active in the Stagecraft, Clowns, Ritual Cast, Motor Patrol, Marksmen Shrine Club, Legion of Honor, and Hillbilly Clan #69. He was appointed 2nd Ceremonial Master in 2019.
In 2019, Steve married Jenny, and together they have four adult children: Joe, Dan, and Jacob (residing in the Los Angeles Area), and Rachael (in the Bay Area). They enjoy spending their leisure time operating their scale train in Griffith Park and traveling. He values his longstanding Masonic heritage, shared with his grandfather, father, and numerous uncles, many of whom were also Al Malaikah Nobles.