Sir Knight
Rick L. Baca, KCT, KYGCH
168th Right Eminent Grand Commander
Grand Commandery Knights Templar
California
Rick Baca was born on September 11, 1969, in Hollywood, California, and raised in the vibrant stretch of the San Fernando Valley between Burbank and Glendale. Growing up in the 1980s—an era defined by heavy metal, skateboarding culture, MTV, and afternoons spent roaming local malls—he developed the independence, curiosity, and resilience that would shape the rest of his life. He attended Joaquin Miller Elementary School, Eleanor J. Toll Middle School, and Herbert Hoover High School.
At just seventeen, immediately after graduating high school, Rick enlisted in the United States Army. Scoring high on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, he entered service as an E 1 and discovered his passion for armored warfare after watching a video on tank operations. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being assigned to Mannheim, Germany, with the 5th Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
During his military career, Rick distinguished himself early. He completed the Primary Leadership Development Course, earning first place in his class and receiving the Army Commendation Medal. Rising to the rank of Sergeant (E 5) in just three and a half years, he served during the Gulf War in Operation Desert Shield before completing his active duty service in 1991.
Returning home, Rick transitioned into the Hollywood entertainment industry, beginning humbly as a data entry clerk for a payroll company. Over the next two decades, he mastered the world of film and television accounting, contributing to major productions including Alien: Resurrection, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, and many others. His expertise and leadership ultimately led to his appointment in 2017 as Director of Post Production Finance for CBS Television.
Rick is the proud father of his son, Gavin Christopher Baca, born December 18, 1999, who continued the family tradition of service by joining the U.S. Army as a Signal Support Systems Specialist stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
Rick’s Masonic journey began in 2004 after discovering Freemasonry online. He contacted Old West Lodge No. 813 in Newhall, California, where he was Initiated on January 20, 2004, Passed on April 20, 2004, and Raised on June 15, 2004. His leadership quickly became evident: he served as Master of Old West Lodge in 2007, then as Treasurer from 2008 to 2011. In 2011 he joined Oasis Lodge UD, becoming Junior Deacon upon its chartering as Oasis Lodge No. 854 in 2012. He went on to serve as Master again in 2015 and 2018. From 2008 to 2011, he also served the Grand Lodge of California as a member of the Lodge Support Committee.
Over the years, Rick has been deeply involved in numerous Masonic bodies. His service includes:
- Past Worthy Patron – Old West Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
- Past High Priest – Signet Chapter, Royal Arch Masons
- Illustrious Past Master – Omega Council, Cryptic Masons
- Past Commander – Los Angeles Commandery, Knights Templar
- Past Monarch – Cinema Grotto, Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm
- Past Governor – St. Alban College, York Rite Sovereign College
- Past Sovereign Master – George Hadley Himes Council, Allied Masonic Degrees
- Past President – Los Angeles Masonic Service Bureau
- Past Prior – Sierra Pacific Priory, Knights of the York Cross of Honour
- Past President – Los Angeles Chapter, National Sojourners
- Past Commandant – Sahara Patrol, Al Malaikah Shrine
- Past Master – Old West Lodge, Masons of California
- Past Master – Oasis Lodge, Masons of California
- Past Master of Kadosh – Consistory, Valley of Pasadena, Scottish Rite
- Past Virtual Prior – Past Commanders Association of California
- Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Order of the Silver Trowel
Other Masonic bodies, currently an officer:- Senior Warden – Lodge of Perfection, Valley of Pasadena, Scottish Rite
- Secretary – Los Angeles Chapter, National Sojourners
- Secretary – Signet Chapter – Royal Arch Masons
- Recorder – Omega Council, Cryptic Masons
- Recorder – Los Angeles Commandery, Knights Templar
Other Masonic bodies as a member:- Royal Order of Scotland
- Past Masters Association of Southern California
- Order of High Priesthood
- Order of Zanzibar
- Order of the Golden Poppy
His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Russell D. Roberts Perpetual Trophy, Grand High Priest Distinguished Service Medal, High Priest of the Year for the State of California, Knight Commander of the Temple, Order of the Secret Vault, Grand Commandery Ritualist Award, Grand Council Ritual Award, Order of Brian’s Harp, and Hiram Award from Oasis Lodge.
From soldier to entertainment professional, from father to Masonic leader, Rick Baca’s life reflects dedication, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to service—both to his country and to the Craft.