A Richmond area man has been elected to a top state post in the women’s auxiliary of the Prince Hall Masons.

Albert Ruffin is the new grand worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

A 35-year member of OES, he was elected last week to a two-year term in the 122-year- old organization that he said currently has 87 chapters and about 3,500 members in the state.

Jacqueline E. Sutton of Hampton was elected grand worthy matron of the state group.

An insurance agent, Mr. Ruffin succeeded Clarence Williams of Dinwiddie in the top post after previously serving two years as the OES’ grand associate patron.

A Richmond native who now lives in Henrico County, Mr. Ruffin said he joined back in 1988 to allow his first wife, Helen Worrell Ruffin, now deceased, to become a member.

His second wife, Julinda Lewis Ruffin, a dancer, teacher and author, also is a member.

Mr. Ruffin is a past master of the Carey Wheaton Lodge No. 307 F&AM in Hanover County and is active in OES’ Carey Wheaton Chapter.

He is treasurer and a past right eminent grand commander of the Prince Hall Masons’ King Baldwin Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Virginia.