Robert Nilsen

mec Robert Roy Nilsen is the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, Royal Arch Masons for the 2025-2026 term.

Bob’s Masonic journey started at age 13 when he was initiated into Fairview Park Chapter, Order of DeMolay in November of 1973. Bro. Nilsen served as Master Councilor in 1976, a State Officer for 4 years and is a recipient of the PMC-MSA, Degree of Chevalier and the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Bro. Nilsen was raised in Fairview Lodge No. 699 (now John W. Barkley Lodge No. 621) where he served 4 terms as Worshipful Master. He is also a 3-time Past President of the Cuyahoga County Blue Lodge Association.

In the York Rite, MEC Nilsen is a Past Right Worshipful Master of DeMolay Mark Lodge No. 2, a Past High Priest of Summit-Baker Chapter No. 74, a past Illustrious Master of Windermere Council No. 113 R&SM and a member of Forest City & Oriental Commanderies. Bro. Nilsen began his journey through the elected line of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 2017 when he was installed as Grand Master of the 1st Veil.

MEC & Illustrious Brother Nilsen is a 41 year member of the Scottish Rite with residence in the Valley of Cleveland where is served as Most Wise Master of Ariel Chapter, Rose Croix from 2021 to 2023. He was coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason in August 2025 in Indianapolis.

Other Masonic endeavors include memberships in Al Koran Shrine, The River Chapter OES, Royal Order of Scotland, St. Benedict Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Grand Chapter Lodge of Research, Cleveland York Rite College where he is an officer and ritual director and a member of Fowler Council, Knight Masons of Ireland. Bob is also a member of Prokop-Velky Lodge #708 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Bob serves on the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland Masonic Library and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, OH.