Divan 2026
The Divan is the board of directors or executive council of the Philae Shriners and serves as the management team for fraternal and business activities. Its 2023 members are:
Illustrious Sir David Skinner
Potentate
My name is David Skinner and I’ve been elected to serve as your Potentate 2026
I began my Masonic Career on November 1994, following in both my Father’s and
Father-In-Law’s footsteps. On ???? I became a Shriner – a wonderful
organization dedicated to helping others, especially children. I am also the
Temple Jeweller and am ready to serve on any other committees as required.
One of my biggest pleasures is acting as my alter ego, Salty the Clown, in various
parades and events throughout NS and PEI.
I am married to the love of of life, Susan, for the past 45 years and we are proud
dog parents to our Australian Shepard, Penny.
If you want to know to know more about this organization or are interested in
becoming a member, please contact me at your convenience –
david.skinner@philaeshriners.org
Noble Greg Gillespie
Chief Rabban
Greg Gillespie
Chief Rabban
Family
Greg and Lady Gayle hail from small town Nova Scotia…Greg from
Kentville and Gayle from Amherst Head.
They have four adult children, two living in Nova Scotia, one in New
Brunswick and one in Saskatchewan. And, five grandchildren.
Noble Greg & Lady Gayle live in Bedford, Nova Scotia
Masonic & Shrine Journey
Greg was raised to Master Mason in Masonic Lodge No. 7 A.F. & A.M.
(Saskatchewan) in 2016, holding the office of Junior Warden, before
leaving Saskatchewan to return to Nova Scotia in 2022. Noble Greg
joined WaWa Shriners #123 (Moosomin, Saskatchewan) in late 2016,
and was elected WaWa Shrine Club President from 2018 to 2022.
Being a small rural Club (20 registered Nobles – but only 12 active),
all Nobles had to be very involved in keeping the Club alive and
relevant. Besides his role as Club President, Greg was very active in
Fundraising Committee work and assumed a lead role in the
Lodge/Shriner building upkeep.
Greg joined Philae Shriners in 2022, and was elected to the Divan a
few months later. In 2025 he affiliated with the John Albro Lodge No
122.
Career
Greg enjoyed a successful career in the business world, starting many
moons ago in Marketing. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded
to include Sales and Operations. For the last 16 years of his career
Greg held company leadership positions, with overall responsibility for
Operations and Profitability. Greg has worked in a variety of
companies and industries; his longest stint with the Shaw Group
Limited in Halifax (20 years).
Noble Greg continues to work as a business consultant, currently
working part time with Building Futures Employment Society – an
organization supporting intellectually & developmentally challenged
adults. Greg’s role there is helping to lead 3 “social enterprises” (small
businesses) to profitability.
Community
Outside of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners, Greg has been an active
volunteer for 40 years, including past Board positions with the AVR
Hospital Foundation (Kentville), VON, and Red Cross (Halifax) and
active involvement in Big Brothers (Ontario) and Junior Achievers
(Halifax). Greg took on a senior volunteer position with the North
American Indigenous Games (Halifax, 2023) – the largest sporting
event ever held in Atlantic Canada.
Noble Sean Wheeler
Assistant Rabban
Sean Wheeler hails from Stephenville, Newfoundland. He lives in Charlottetown, PEI, with his wife, Tara, and their two children. The Wheeler family has called Charlottetown home since 1996, making it nearly 28 years in this beautiful maritime city.
Masonic & Shrine Journey
Sean was raised to Master Mason in Victoria Lodge #2 in Charlottetown, PEI. He served as a Past Master in 2015 and currently holds the position of Tyler. In addition, Sean holds the position of Grand Senior Deacon in the Grand Lodge of PEI. He joined the Shriners in 2010 and has been an active member of the Island Shrine Club ever since. His leadership roles within the club include serving as President in 2014 and Secretary from 2018 to the present. Sean is also a Past High Priest of Alexandra Chapter #11.
Career
Sean is a Mechanical Engineer with Coles Associates Ltd, a full-service architectural engineering consulting firm. He joined Coles Associates in 2005 and has been a partner leading the mechanical engineering team since 2018. Sean graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and earned an MBA from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2014.
Community
Throughout his nearly two-decade career, Sean Wheeler has significantly contributed to engineering. He has held key leadership positions, including serving as the Past President of Engineers PEI in 2014. Sean is an active Engineers Canada Awards Committee member and chairs the PEI Boiler and Pressure Vessels Committee.
Noble Calvin Carter
High Priest and Prophet
Born in Newfoundland and grew up in a small community (Cape Ray) on
the southwest coast of the island. After High school and two years of
college, started work of a company doing fire alarm and security work and
spend 26 years travelling and working in the four Atlantic provinces. Then
when to work for the dept. of national defense in Nova Scotia. After 14
years, I took a medical retirement.
My hobbies include fishing, hunting, cooking, and photography to name a
few. I am a NASP instructor, NASP is a national archery program for school
kids from the age of 12 and up.
I am presently living on the south shore of Nova Scotia with my partner
and two kids in Maitland Lunenburg County. I joined the Masonic Fraternity
in 2010. I am a member of Unity Lodge No.4 and presently the IPM . I have
served as a DDGM for the district of Lunenburg Queens under the Grand
Lodge of Nova Scotia. I joined the Shrine in 2013 and presently I am the
High Priest and Profit of Philae Shriners of NS and PEI , Boss clown of the
Philae Clown Unit and the Shrine photographer.
My future, plans include my continuing support of the Shrine and
supporting our kids. As well as supporting our communities we live in
whether it be by taking part in parades, events, fundraising or just helping
were I can. I believe that working together we can better help aide and
access each other and those around us.
Noble Sandy Buchan
Past Potentate 2025
Alexander (Sandy) Buchan.
Currently residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife Cindy of 47 years, Sandy Buchan has built a rich and varied life rooted in service, creativity, and community. Originally from Norwich, Ontario, Sandy has spent the past several decades in Nova Scotia, where he raised his family and established a long-standing career in the transportation industry and emergency health field.
Sandy is well known in his community as the Station Manager and an announcer for Seaside FM, a beloved community-based radio station. His voice and passion for broadcasting have become familiar to many across the region.
Beyond radio, Sandy is also recognized for his vibrant alter egos—“Cookie,” “Flatfoot,” and “Sundae”—as a 25-year member of the Philae Shriner Clown Unit, bringing joy to parades and festivals across the province.
A proud grandfather and now semi-retired, Sandy continues to explore his creative passions. He is actively involved in television and film production, both as an actor and Executive Producer with SGP Film Productions. Whether behind the microphone or in front of the camera, Sandy’s enduring commitment to entertainment, service, and family remains at the heart of all he does.
Masonic Fraternity 1992 to Present
Sandy has been a deeply committed Freemason for over 30 years, serving in several leadership and ceremonial capacities.
Key Accomplishments
- 33 year member of Masonic Fraternity, Kentville Lodge # 58
- Worshipful Master of Kentville # 58 – 1996
- Grand Chaplin, Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia Masons-Appointed by MW Grand Master – 2013 to 2014/ 2019 to 2021
- Past Deputy Grand Master, Kings District, Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia – 2016-2017
- 32 Degree Member of Scottish Rite, Masonic Order
- Past President of Valley Scottish Rite Club
- Member of Scottish Rite, 6 th Degree Drama Team/Member of Royal Order of Scotland
- Member of Royal Order of Scotland
Philae Shriners 2000 to Present
Sandy has maintained a significant and impactful presence within the Shriners organization, contributing to leadership, outreach, and performance.
Key Accomplishments:
- Past President of Eastern Valley Shrine Club
- Editor of Philae Shriner’s News Magazine – 2014
- Web Master for Philae Shriners – 2014
- Member in Good Standing International Shrine Clown Association (ISCA)
- Past Member of Philae Shriner Ceremonial Divan
- Shriner Clown, member in good standing, known as “Cookie”, “Flatfoot”, or “Sundae”
- Elected Chief Rabban, January 2024
- Elected Potentate Philae Shriners January 2025
Noble Georges Yaacoub
Oriental Guide
Noble Charles Amoroso
T R E A S U R ER
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Charles now proudly called Halifax, Nova Scotia home—bringing with him a global perspective shaped by a career in international finance and a lifelong dedication to leadership and service.
With over a decade of leadership experience in the financial services industry, he has held management roles at top global institutions including MUFG, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and HSBC. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, a Graduate Certificate in Finance with Honours from Nova Scotia Community College and is currently pursuing a Master of Education at the University of British Columbia, specializing in Adult Learning and Global Change.
In 2024, Charles was created a Noble of Philae Shriners and was soon elected and installed as Treasurer. In this role, he brings his financial acumen and commitment to strong governance to support the philanthropic mission of Shriners International—ensuring sound financial stewardship for initiatives benefiting children and communities throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Charles was raised as a Master Mason at St. John’s Lodge No. 2 under the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia and later affiliated with Royal Standard Lodge No. 398 under the United Grand Lodge of England. His Masonic journey also includes active membership in Royal Arch Masonry through Royal Union Chapter No. 1 and in the Knights Templar as a member of Antiquity Preceptory No. 5 under the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada.
Beyond Freemasonry, Charles is a devoted civic leader. He is a founding and charter member of the Noble Order of Muscovites in the Philippines and the Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (AMOS) in Nova Scotia. He is a Past Club President of Lions Clubs International and a former Chapter and Regional Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal. Within the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in the Philippines, he has served in senior leadership roles including Noble Grand, Chief Patriarch, Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master. Today, he serves as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Atlantic Provinces, where he continues to lead efforts to expand and revitalize Odd Fellowship across Atlantic Canada.
Also elected to the 2025 Executive were:
Noble Bob Wells
Noble Kevin Kirkbride
Noble Scott Cousins
Philae Shriners Ceremonial Divan
The Ceremonial Divan performs the ritualistic work of the Shrine for our Ceremonials, thus relieving the Divan officers of that responsibility, in order for the Divan to concentrate on their administrative duties and to better to serve our Nobles of Philae Shriners.
Ceremonial Potentate
Ceremonial Chief Rabban
Ceremonial Assistant Rabban
Ceremonial High Priest and Prophet
Ceremonial Oriental Guide
Previous Divans
Potentate: Illustrious Sir Sandy Buchan
Past Potentate: Illustrious Sir Aaron Verge
Chief Rabban: Noble David Skinner
Assistant Rabban: Noble Greg Gillespie
High Priest and Prophet: Noble Sean Wheeler
Oriental Guide: Noble Calvin Carter
Treasurer: Noble Charles Amorosa
Recorder: Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Potentate: Illustrious Sir Aaron Verge
Past Potentate: Illustrious Sir Ken Conrod
Chief Rabban: Noble Sandy Buchan
Assistant Rabban: Noble David Skinner
High Priest and Prophet: Noble Greg Gillespie
Oriental Guide: Noble Sean Wheeler
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Mike Schmid
Recorder: Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Potentate: Illustrious Sir David Lewis/ Ill Sir Ken Conrod
Past Potentate: Illustrious Sir Shawn Buchan
Chief Rabban: Noble Aaron Verge
Assistant Rabban: Noble Aaron Verge
High Priest and Prophet: Noble David Skinner
Oriental Guide: Noble Greg Gillespie
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Mike Schmid
Recorder: Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Potentate: Illustrious Sir Shawn Buchan
Past Potentate: Illustrious Sir Kenneth Conrod
Chief Rabban: Noble David Lewis
Assistant Rabban: Noble Aaron Verge
High Priest and Prophet: Noble …
Oriental Guide: Vacant
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Mike Schmid
Recorder: Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Potentate: Illustrious Sir Kenneth Conrod
Past Potentate: Illustrious Sir Shane Buchan
Chief Rabban: Noble Shawn Buchan
Assistant Rabban: Noble John Cody
High Priest and Prophet: Noble David Lewis
Oriental Guide: Vacant
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Mike Schmid
Recorder: Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Potentate: Illustrious Sir Shane Buchan
Assistant Rabban: Noble Robert Stein
Chief Rabban: Noble Kenneth Conrod
High Priest & Prophet: Noble John Cody
Oriental Guide: Noble David Lewis
Recorder: Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Mike Schmid
Potentate: Illustrious Sir Ken Wheelans
Chief Rabban: Illustrious Sir Shane Buchan
Assistant Rabban: Noble Helgi Stefansson
High Priest and Prophet: Noble Gino Thibeault
Oriental Guide: Noble Robert Stein
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Mike Schmid
Recorder: Noble David Penney
Potentate:Illustrious Sir Ed Corbett
Chief Rabban: Noble Ken Wheelans
Assistant Rabban: Illustrious Sir Shane Buchan
High Priest & Prophet: Noble Ron Clowes
Oriental Guide: Noble Gino Thibeault
Recorder: Noble David Penney
Treasurer: Illustrious Sir Doug Morton