Shelton Dennis Redden was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the loving couple of Marian E. Jackson and John Redden. At a young age his parents

relocated to Toledo, Ohio where he received his formal education. 

After graduating from Libby High School, GM Redden decided to enter the US Air Force where he remained for 28 years. He retired from the US Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted grade achievable. During his Air Force career, he obtained his Associates of Arts degree in Information Services from the Community College of the Air Force. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Processing from Golden Gate University in 1976. During his Air Force career, GM Redden was assigned to Korea, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, England, and was involved in the TET offensive in Vietnam (1967-68). For his combat service in the TET offensive in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. 

GM Redden was shown the light in Prince Hall Military Lodge #103 in Lancaster, California and was raised a Master Mason on May 16, 1970. He learned the beauty of Masonry under the watchful guidance and well-informed direction of the late Joseph A. Meekins, a revered Master Mason in Southern California. Continuing his ascension, GM Redden advanced to the 33rd degree in Kansas City, Missouri in October of 1977. He was elevated to active 33rd degree in October 1988 when the late Dr. I.H. Clayburn, the Sovereign Grand Commander at that time, appointed him Deputy for the Supreme Council, Orient and State of Maryland.

He was elected Grand Minister of State at the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, USA in October of 1991. He served as the 1st Lt. Grand Commander until 2006. He had also served as the Worshipful Master of Donald E. Jones Lodge #121, as the DDGM of the 13th Masonic District in the United Kingdom, and as the Grand Junior Warden of the MWPHGL of Maryland and Jurisdiction. He was elected to the office of Grand Junior Warden in August of 1993 and to the office of Deputy Grand Master in August 1996. On August 10, 1998, he was elected to the most prestigious position in Prince Hall Masonry in Maryland, that of the Grand Master. He is a member and Past Master of King Solomon Lodge #7, Past Commander-in -Chief of James A. Mingo Consistory #334, and Past Potentate of MISR Temple #213, all of which are in the Jurisdiction of Maryland. In the spring of 1997 he was the recipient of the Gold Medal Achievement Award. 

GM Redden is employed by ARTEL Telecommunications of Reston, VA. He is a principal computer specialist and the chief of ARTEL/FEMA Operations. He is married, has 5 children and 3 grandchildren.