Utah Grand Master 2024 – The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Utah

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1923

The forty-ninth Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, Brother LeRoy Aylmer McGee, like his immediate predecessor, is a native of Illinois. He was born at Macon, in that state, June 26, 1877. His school work was done, for the most part, in the county schools, till he entered Bushnell Normal College, later going to the Northern Indiana Normal University, at Valparaiso. Then followed experience teaching, in Illinois and Iowa, and three years in the Government service as Indian teacher and agency clerk, at Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, and Green Bay Reservation, Wisconsin.

Brother McGee was then transferred to a clerical position in the Treasury Department, Washington. Availing himself of the opportunity afforded by this position he entered the George Washington University, and three years later graduated with the degree of L. L. B.

Almost immediately after completing his legal studies, he entered Government service as P. O. Inspector, with assignment to the St. Louis Division, with work in Missouri, Arkansas and Iowa. In this work he remained four years, in the meantime being admitted to the Missouri bar. In the fall of 1910, he having resigned his position with the Government, he began the practice of law in Salt Lake City. Not yet, however, was he ready to break entirely with the Government Service, and 1912 saw him at work again as P. O. Inspector, his territory being Utah and Colorado. This work he continued till 1915, when he opened offices and began the practice of law in Price and there he has remained to the present time.

Brother McGee was married in December, 1898, to Miss Laura Biggerstaff. One child, a daughter, has come to brighten the home. He has dabbled a little in politics, and has served Price one year as Mayor.

The new Grand Master was made a Mason in Shawano Lodge No. 170, A. F. & A. M. Shawano, Wisconsin, in 1903, dimitted to Wasatch Lodge No.1, F. & A. M., Salt Lake, later becoming a charter member of Acacia Lodge No. 17, F. & A. M., Salt Lake. When he began the practice of his profession in Price, he dimitted to Carbon Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M., of that place. He is also a member of Price Chapter No. 6, R. A. M., Salt Lake Council, Charles Fred Jennings Commandery, K. T., under dispensation, Utah Consistory No. 1 and of EI Kalah Temple, Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership in Lynds Chapter No.5, O. E. S., and is a Past Worthy Grand Patron of Utah.

With training and experience such as indicated above, the Craft of Utah is surely justified in anticipating a most successful administration under Brother McGee’s direction.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1923.

PGM, LeRoy Aylmer McGee died on February 26, 1936 in San Francisco, California. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1937, page 80.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Brother Travis M. McGuire was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 8^th 1977, to Edward and Sandy McGuire, the youngest of three boys and his mom’s favorite. He grew up in Taylorsville Utah. He attended Cottonwood High School, graduating in 1995. He worked a number of starter jobs until he found his niche in the world of production planning and management. He worked for Intermountain Wood Products for 20 years. He has three beautiful children Cody (Brooke), Tyler (Addison), and Oakley (Carson) who are the light of his life. He met his girlfriend Alexis and has three bonus kids Jaxson, Brody, and Avery and they have been inseparable ever since.

Most Worshipful Brother McGuire was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Christopher Diehl Lodge No. 19 (now Oquirrh Lodge #19) in Magna, Utah on July 27, 2009. He was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft in the same Lodge on November 23, 2009 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 13, 2010. He affiliated with Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 11 on June 18, 2010, with Tintic Lodge No. 9 on September 8, 2015 and with Canyon Lodge No. 13 on June 16, 2016.

Most Worshipful Brother McGuire served as Worshipful Master of Christopher Diehl Lodge No. 19 in 2015. He also served as Secretary of Christopher Diehl Lodge No. 19 during the years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. He served as Treasurer of Tintic Lodge No. 9 in 2017, and 2020 . He also served as the Deputy Grand Lecturer in Christopher Diehl No. 19 in 2016.

In 2016 Travis was appointed Junior Grand Steward of the MW Grand Lodge of Utah by Most Worshipful Brother R. Wesley Ing. He was appointed as Grand Marshal in 2017, and as Grand Lecturer in 2018 and 2019. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2020, Senior Grand Warden in 2021, and Deputy Grand Master/Grand Master Elect in 2022. On February 4, 2023 Most Worshipful Brother McGuire was installed as Grand Master of Utah by Most Worshipful Brother R. Wesley Ing, PGM.

Most Worshipful Brother McGuire joined El Kalah Shrine in 2010 and has subsequently served as Parade Marshal twice, the last time in 2022. He was elected Assistant Raban in 2023. He joined the Midvale York Rite in 2019. He joined the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite in April 2010, beginning his journey on April 22, 2010 and achieving the 32˚ on April 24, 2010. He was invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor for his extensive service on November 7, 2015. He was Coroneted a 33° Inspector General, Honorary on August 19, 2023. He is also a member of Bonneville Conclave Red Cross of Constantine.

He has served as head of all four bodies of the Scottish Rite Valley of Salt Lake. Serving as Venerable Master of the Jordan Lodge of Perfection in 2016. Wise Master of James Lowe chapter of Rose Croix in 2019. Commander of the Salt Lake Council of Kadosh in 2018. And Master of Kadosh of the Utah Consistory in 2016.

He served in various capacities including Commander of the KCCH Club, as a member of the Reunion Staff, also served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees for RiteCare of Utah beginning in 2010 and served for more than a decade.

Most Worshipful Brother McGuire’s extensive travel throughout the state of Utah, and within all its major bodies, as well as his extensive business experience have well prepared him to oversee the Grand Lodge of Utah and we are greatly blessed by his service to the Grand Lodge and Scottish Rite of Utah.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 2021

Most Worshipful Brother Daniel J. Lawes was born in Massachusetts to Doug and Linda Lawes. At a young age the family moved to Wyoming where he was raised in Evanston and Little America with a brief stint in Farmington, Utah in between.

Brother Lawes graduated from Green River High School in Green River, Wyoming. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health from the University of Utah and a Masters of Healthcare Administration from Walden University. He has worked for University of Utah Health Care since 2008. From 2011 to 2016 he served as a Planning Commissioner and Planning Commission Chair for The City of West Jordan, Utah.

He is married to the love of his life Janci and together they have one beautiful daughter.

Brother Lawes was Initiated, Passed and Raised a Master Mason in 2005 in Wasatch Lodge #1 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He later joined Christopher Diehl Lodge #19 in Magna, Utah (now Oquirrh Lodge #19) in 2007, serving in many positions including Worshipful Master in 2013, 2018 and 2019. He is also a member of Canyon Lodge #13 in Midvale, Utah, Rock Springs Lodge #12 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, South Pass Historic Lodge #1869 in South Pass, Wyoming, Bannack Historic Lodge #3777 in Bannock, Montana, and a Charter Member of Camp Floyd Historic Lodge #205. He is honored to hold Honorary Memberships in Rocky Mountain Lodge #11 in Tooele, Utah and Harmony Lodge #20 in Logan, Utah. He was first appointed as a Utah Grand Lodge Officer by Most Worshipful Brother Gerald Everett in 2015 as Grand Pursuivant.

Brother Lawes is also a member of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Orient of Utah. In November 2017 he was honored to be invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor and in 2021 Coroneted a 33° Inspector General, Honorary by the Supreme Council. He is a member of the Provo York Rite Bodies, Bonneville Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Jezreel Council # 570 Allied Masonic Degrees, Camp Floyd #19 York Rite Sovereign College, Mt. Nebo Chapel #34 Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon, Grand College of Rites of the United States of America, Scottish Rite Research Society, and Salt Lake Chapter #114 National Sojourners.

In 2020 he was recognized by the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay with the Honorary Legion of Honor.

He served as Chairman of the Conference of Grand Masters of North American at their Annual Meeting in 2021. This was the first conference to be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In his spare time, Brother Lawes enjoys spending time with family, trips to Disneyland, woodturning and fishing at Flaming Gorge with his Father-in-Law John.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1986

Jesse R. Barnes was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on February 26,1931, and attended the public school system in Evanston, Wyoming.

He there met Shirley, his wife of 32 years. They have been blessed with three children and five grandchildren, all of whom reside in Utah.

After leaving Evanston, he spent four years in the U.S. Navy, after which he attended the University of Utah School of Engineering. He has been employed by Litton Guidance and Control Systems division for the past 21 years and is currently an Engineering Group Leader.

His Masonic career began in 1962 when on March 8th he was initiated in Acacia Lodge #17 and raised to the sublime degree on April 28th. He had the honor of serving Acacia as Worshipful Master in 1969 and again in 1972. Most Worshipful Brother M.G. Stowe appointed him an officer of that body. He became a member of the Scottish Rite in April 1969 and was decorated a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in October 1979. He joined the York Rite in November 1981; El Kalah in May 1981; and served as Worthy Patron of Bethsaida Chapter, Order of Eastern Star in 1983.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1986.

Most Worshipful Brother Barnes passed away July 19, 2022.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1987

Duane C. Carpenter was elected Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Utah, on February 3, 1987. Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter was born in Michigan city, Indiana, but spent the majority of his childhood and adolescent years in Tucson, Arizona; Miles City, Montana; and Sheridan, Wyoming; and attended public schools in each of these cities. He attended Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas, and is currently President of Carpenter Furnace Co., Inc., Ogden, Utah

In 1950 in Salem, Oregon, he married Patricia L. Roper of Atchison, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Ogden where they have resided since, with the exception of short sojourns in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Holland, Michigan. They have four children and nine grandchildren.

Brother Carpenter began his Masonic journey in Unity Lodge No. 18 where he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in May, 1955. He served as Worshipful Master of his Lodge in 1981. He was appointed an Officer of The Grand Lodge in February of that year and has served in various offices in that Body. He became a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1980, a member of the Ogden York Rite Bodies in 1966, and EI Kalah Temple A.A.O.N.O.M.S. in 1972. He holds membership in several Masonic bodies, including the Red Cross of Constantine, KYCH, HRAKTP, Royal Order of Scotland, Royal Order of Jesters, Past Associate Guardian of the Grand Council IOJD, and has been invested with the Honorary Legion of Honor, Order of DeMolay.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1987

Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter passed away November 12, 2022.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1995

Grand Master Murphy was born in Ely, Nevada, on November 14, 1928, and shortly after moved to Inglewood, California. The family remained in California until he was 3 years old when his parents moved to Morgan, Utah, where they lived for 1-1/2 years before moving to Idaho. Jim attended Public Schools in Hailey, Cascade, Boise, and Pocatello. After moving again to Utah in 1945, Jim graduated from Ogden High School in 1946 and attended Weber State College at the old campus, studying Engineering for 1-1/2 years.

Jim married Helen Driskell January 9, 1948, and to this marriage four children were born; two daughters Patricia and Jamie; and two sons Michael and Dennis.

Jim was employed with Murphy/Neill Electric of Ogden for 41 years as a construction electrician on such projects as Great Salt Lake Minerals and Chemicals, Hill Air Force Base, Pillsbury Mills, Thiokol Corporation, and Western Zirconium.

Grand Master Murphy began his Masonic career as a DeMolay in Ogden Chapter in 1946. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on November 8, 1951, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on January 24, 1952, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on March 20, 1952 all in Weber Lodge No.6, F. & A.M. in Ogden. He served as Worshipful Master of Weber Lodge in 1982. Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Moffet E. Felkner appointed Jim to the Grand Lodge line as Grand Tyler in 1985. Jim served in the offices of Senior Grand Steward, Junior and Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Chaplain, Grand Pursuivant, Grand Lecturer, and in 1992 was elected Junior Grand Warden.

Further activity in Masonry for Grand Master Murphy continued when he was Exalted a member of Ogden Chapter No.2 Royal Arch Masons, Greeted in Ogden Council No.3 Cryptic Masons and Knighted in EI Monte Commandery No.2 Knights Templar. In 1976 he was elevated to the 32nd degree as a member of the Valley of Salt Lake, Orient of Utah Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He was created a Noble of The Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in August 1973 and presented with a Grand Master’s Fez at the February 1995 Shrine meeting.

In 1994 Grand Master Murphy received the DeMolay Legion of Honor (Active) of which he is very proud.

Most Worshipful Grand Master Murphy was appointed a 3-year Trustee to the George Washington National Memorial. A Utah appointment has not occurred since 1985.

His response to all of this was “I’m honored and most proud to be a Utah Mason.”

Most Worshipful Brother Murphy passed away March 21, 2006.

© 2001-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.Digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1996

Born September 16, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jack and Eileen Betts. Educated in public schools in Chicago, Illinois, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Graduated from East High School, Salt Lake City in 1968. Served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1970 through 1974. Graduated from Salt Lake Community College in 1976 with an Associate Degree in Building Technology. Returned to school in 1985 at Westminster College to pursue a degree in Business Administration. Currently employed by Hewlett Packard Company as Branch Office Manager.

During his travels in the Coast Guard Bruce met the love of his life, Elizabeth L. Cornell. Bruce and Beth were married on February 7,1972 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have three lovely daughters: Rebecca, Rachel, and Alicia.

Member of Progress Lodge #22 F. & A.M., Salt Lake City, Utah. Initiated an Entered Apprentice on January 10, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on February 28, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 28, 1977. All three degrees were performed by his father Jack C. Betts, who was the presiding Worshipful Master of the Lodge. Bruce served Progress Lodge #22 as Worshipful Master in 1982 and as trustee from 1983 through 1992.

A member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, he received the 32nd Degree in the spring of 1978 as a member of the 151th class. Invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1995. Currently serving as director of the 31st Degree. Created a Noble in El Kalah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine of North America in 1978. Member of the Royal Order of Scotland and the Royal Scots of Utah, 1993. Member of Lynds Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Star. Served as Worthy Patron in 1990 and 1992. Past Guardian Treasurer of Bethel #1, Salt Lake City, International Order of Job’s Daughters, serving from 1985 through 1990. Initiated in R.W. Moore Chapter, Midvale, Utah, International Order of DeMolay in the spring of 1966. Recipient of the International Order of DeMolay’s Active Legion of Honor in 1995.

Member of Wasatch Presbyterian Church, Salt Lake City. Member of Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, graduate of Leadership Utah Class of 1994. Consultant for the Salt Lake Junior Achievement.

Most Worshipful Brother Betts passed away November 10, 2019.

© 2001-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.Digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 2002

M.W. Brother Powell was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, December 31, 1929. His parents were Detroit Wilson Powell and Bennie Naomi Goudelock, both deceased. Bill and his wife, Bettie, have resided in the Ogden area since July 1966.

Brother Powell received his elementary and high school education in Spartanburg, graduating from Spartanburg High School in June 1947. He is a graduate of numerous military technical and management schools during his twenty-two years of military service. He graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree in 1980. He was employed in textile manufacturing after high school hours from 1945 to 1948 when he enlisted in the US Navy as an enlisted volunteer transferring to the US Navy Active Reserve in 1949. He returned to Spartanburg and employment in the textile trade until reenlisting in the US Air Force at the outbreak of the Korean police action in 1950. Brother Powell was trained in Air Craft Maintenance at Shepard Air Force Base in Texas. He was transferred to military duty at Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany, with the Army of Occupation in 1952. Reassigned to Brookley AFB, Mobile, Alabama, he was trained as a Flight Engineer on Military Air Transport (MATS) Air Craft. His assignment as an Air Crew Member took him to many parts of the world in support of the Department of Defense Mission. Brother Powell was awarded numerous military campaign and special recognition awards during his military service. Upon retirement from the USAF in 1970, Brother Powell received the Air Force Flying Safety Award for over 15,000 safe flying hours.

He was employed as a Technical Training Specialist at Hill AFB retiring in 1994 with over 24 years as a civilian employee with the Federal Government Service. He has over 47 years of combined military and federal service.

It was at Brookley AFB where he met his wife Bettie Jane Little, where she was employed at the base Post Exchange (PX) and Instrument Repair Section. They were married in the Base Chapel on July 3, 1954. The family consists of four children, Patricia (Stanley) Busath and family, Salt Lake City; William “Artie” (Julie) Powell, Jr. and family; Huntsville, Utah; Joanne (William) Kamppinen and family, Omaha; and Daniel Powell, Merritt Island, Florida. They have eleven grandchildren and four great-grand daughters and one great-grandson.

His Masonic career began while serving as an enlisted Air Force Air Advisor to the Wyoming Air Guard in Cheyenne in the 1960’s. He was initiated, passed and raised in Cheyenne’s Rocky Mountain Lodge Number 40, where he still maintains membership. He is a member and Past Master of Unity Lodge Number 18 in Ogden, and a charter member of St George Lodge Number 33 in St George, Utah. His Masonic membership includes the Scottish Rite Bodies in Salt Lake; The Red Cross of Constantine, Bonneville Conclave; Ogden York Rite Bodies, El Kalah Temple; Royal Order of Scotland, Royal Scots of Utah; Ogden Shrine Club; Ogden Scottish Rite Club; Ogden Masonic Library Club and Scottish Rite Research Society. He was elected by the Supreme Council to receive the 33º, Inspector General Honorary, at the Scottish Rite 2001 Bicentennial Biennial Session in Charleston, South Carolina in October, 2001. Past Grand Master James D. Wadley appointed Brother Powell to the Grand Lodge Officers line in 1992. His Masonic career has encompassed many offices and duties of responsibility.

Most Worshipful Brother Powell passed away October 27, 2017.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1991

J.C. McLaughlin or Jay, as he is commonly called, was born October 16, 1934 at home on a wheat farm in the panhandle of Texas near the small town of Channing. He started school in French, New Mexico. This town no longer exists. His Family moved from New Mexico in 1943 and most of his adolescent years were spent on a dairy farm in northeast Texas at Sulphur Springs where he graduated from high school. He received a B.S. degree in chemistry from East Texas State Teachers College in 1956 and attended one year of graduate school at The University of Oklahoma where he was employed as a chemistry teaching assistant. All his corporate working experience was in chemical research and development.

He married Nancy Ann Webb in 1954 and they raised two sons; John and Brad.

After being employed as a chemist for two years at Temco Aircraft and two years at Texas Instruments, his desire to move to the mountains resulted in his seeking employment with Thiokol Chemical Corp. as a chemist. So the McLaughlins moved to Brigham City, Utah in 1961. After 5 years at Thiokol, in 1966 he joined Lithium Corp. in a joint research project with a West German Company that resulted in Great Salt Lake Minerals and Chemical (GSL) where he retired in 1999 as Senior Research Chemist.

Jay was made a Master Mason in Amity Lodge #23 in 1965. Jay has served Amity Lodge #23 as Worshipful Master 4 times the first in 1972. He served Utah as MWGM in 1991. Being appointed to the Grand Lodge Jurisprudence Committee in 1992 he served a total of some 14 years, serving as chairman in 1995 and 2006.

He enjoys being a Scottish Rite Mason, served in two degrees and has been honored with the 33 rd degree. Being a member of the York Rite Bodies in Ogden, Utah, he served as head of Ogden Chapter #2, Ogden Council #3, and El Monte Comandery #2 and was elected a KYCH member of York Rite Priory #47. He also served as Eminent Prior of the Past Commanders Association. In the Grand York Rite of Utah he served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons and Grand Commander of Knights Templar. As a member of El Kalah Temple he served as Chaplain on year.

J.C. as a loyal member of Corinne Chapter #11 The Order of The Eastern Star he served Utah as Worthy Grand Patron in 1980. He also served three years as Fraternal Relations Committee Chairman for the General Grand Chapter of The Order of The Eastern Star. At this writing he has served 16 times as Worthy Patron of Corinne Chapter # 11,

He was awarded the Legion of Honor by the DeMolay and is a member of the Red Cross of Constantine. He is very proud of these honors and will continue to serve where needed in the Masonic Family.

He has always believed in service and has served as a teacher and Deacon in the First Baptist Church and as a teacher and Trustee in the Methodist Church, both in Brigham City, Utah. His motto is Quality, Fun, and Service.

His earnest hope is that mankind and Masonry will be better for his having passed this way.

Most Worshipful Brother McLaughlin passed away October 26, 2022.

© 2001-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.Digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1997

M.W. Grand Master David H. Nelson was born on March 21, 1933, in Great Falls, Montana. His parents were Emil H. And Margaret Sprague Nelson. His father was employed by the U.S. Post Office Department in Montana. Both parents were active in Masonry, and his father was Worshipful Master of Lodges in Montana and Oregon. He was also active in the Scottish Rite in Oregon and was a 33º Honorary.

Shortly after his birth, G.M. Nelson’s parents moved to Helena, Montana, where he attended public schools, graduating from Helena High School in 1951. He entered the University of Montana School of Pharmacy at Missoula, Montana, in the fall of 1951. G.M. Nelson volunteered for military service in June 1952. He served with the U.S. Army in Washington, Alaska, and Japan. After his discharge in 1955, he re-entered the University of Montana, where he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Pharmacy in June 1958.

After graduation from college, G.M. Nelson worked as a pharmacist for several retail and hospital pharmacies in Butte and Great Falls, Montana. He was employed as pharmacy manager by Skaggs Drug Centers from 1963 to 1967 and worked as a store manager for Skaggs Drug Centers from 1967-1977, managing stores in Great Falls, Spokane, Washington, Elko, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah. He returned to the practice of pharmacy in 1977 and was pharmacy manager for several Skaggs Alpha Beta and Osco drug stores. In 1983, he joined Thrifty Payless as pharmacy manager, where he is still employed.

He met his future wife, Beverly Mican, while she was a student at St. Patricks School of Nursing in Missoula, Montana. They were married on June 14, 1957, shortly after her graduation as a Registered Nurse. They are the parents of four children: Barbara, Patricia (Cazer), Karen, and David Michael and have four grandchildren, Mathew and Alex Cazer, Kacey and Cydney Stackhouse.

G.M. Nelson was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Elko Lodge #15, Elko, Nevada, on November 15, 1976. Shortly after his initiation he was transferred by Skaggs Drug Centers to Salt Lake City. He received his Fellowcraft Degree on May 26, 1977, and his Master Mason Degree on May 31, 1977, in Canyon Lodge #13. He affiliated with Canyon Lodge #13 in June 1977. He served as Worshipful Master of Canyon Lodge #13 in 1984 and 1985. He is a charter member of St. George Lodge #33, St. George, Utah.

G.M. Nelson served on several Grand Lodge Committees and was appointed to the Grand Lodge by Grand Master James A. McIntire in 1988. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1994 and was installed as Grand Master on February 2, 1997.

G.M. Nelson is a member of A. & A. Scottish Rite and is a past Venerable Master of the Jordan Lodge of Perfection. He was knighted a K.C.C.H. in 1993. He is a member of the Midvale York Rite Bodies and is a Past High Priest, Past Illustrious Master, and Past Commander of those bodies.

He is presently an appointed officer in all Grand York Rite Bodies. G.M. Nelson is a member of El Kalah Temple A.A.O.N.O.M.S., the Knight York Cross of Honor, the Red Cross of Constantine, and the Royal Scots of Utah.

G.M. Nelson is a member of the American Legion and the B. P.O.E. He and his family attend Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. When not at work or at a Masonic Function, he can be found working on his scroll saw, reading, gardening, doing glass work, or stamp collecting.

Most Worshipful Brother Nelson passed away March 27, 2022.

© 2001-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.Digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1994

John Elwell was born in Scott City, Kansas on March 3, 1936; a son of J. L. Elwell and Zilpha E. Paschal Elwell. Educated in public schools of Dodge City, Kansas; he graduated from Dodge City Senior High School in 1954 and Dodge City Community College in 1956 with an Associate in Arts Degree. He received a BA degree in January 1959 from the University of Wichita (now known as Wichita State University); with a Chemistry major and minors in Math and Education.

He was employed as an analytical chemist by Frontier Chemical Division of Vulcan Materials in Wichita Kansas from January 1959 to January 1962. He accepted employment with Thiokol Chemical Corporation of Brigham City, Utah and remained there from January 1962 to January of 1965 when he accepted Civil Service employment with the A.F. L.C. at Hill AFB. Utah. He accepted an early retirement from the Air Logistics Command on March 3, 1988. During his employment years, he developed analytical procedures using the current “state of art” electronic equipment. An interest in solvent theory led to the formulation of a variety of mixtures used in the repair of electronic equipment for aerospace applications. This interest resulted in the development of three patents for the Air Force.

He married Mary Jo Fry in Montezuma, Kansas on March 1, 1959. They have one son , Martin “Marty” Elwell,who resides in Gray County Kansas and one grandson , Cody Aubrey Edward Elwell, who lives in Dodge City, Kansas. John and Mary Jo have bred American Quarter Horses since 1965. They belong to the American Quarter Horse Association, Utah Quarter Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association, and several of their affiliates in Utah and Idaho. John is a past director of the Utah Quarter Horse Association and a past President of the Intermountain Quarter Horse association. Serving the IQHA from 1983 through 1985. John and Mary Jo were named to the Utah Quarter Horse association “Hall of Fame” in 2003 in recognition of their loyal support.

While in Utah, John and Mary Jo have belonged to the Tremonton Community Methodist Church, the Community Methodist Church in Washington Terrace where he served three terms as chairman of the administrative board , and they currently belong to the Clearfield Community Church.

He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Albert Pike Lodge No. 303 A.F. & A.M. in Wichita Kansas on October 18, 1961. He dimited to Corinne Lodge No. 5 on May 10, 1965 serving as Worshipful Master in 1968, 1973, 1989, 1999, and 2005. He was given a life membership in 1994. He was appointed Grand Tyler of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge F. & A.M. by M.W. Curtis N. Lancaster, PGM in 1983. He served various appointed offices prior to being elected Junior Grand Warden in 1991 and being progressively elected to the various platform positions . He was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master at the 122nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Utah on February 1, 1994. He was awarded the 50 year service pin of the Grand Lodge of Utah by Charles Persinger, W.M. of Corinne Lodge No. 5 on 18 October 2011.

M. W. Brother Elwell was exalted a member of Logan Chapter #8 , Royal Arch Masons on June 8, 1963 serving as High Priest in 1971 and 1972. He was appointed to the line of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Utah in 1992. He served various offices prior to being elected and installed M. E. Grand High Priest in 2001 and serving his term until completion in 2002. He received the Anointed High Priest degree in 1971 and served as M.E. President of the Anointed High Priests of Utah in 1993. He completed 50 years of service to Royal Arch Masonry on 8 June 2013.

He was greeted a member of Ogden Council #3 of Cryptic Masons on February 17, 1964 serving as Illustrious Master in 1975 receiving the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1976. He later served in various offices and positions in the officer line of the Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Utah prior to serving as Most Illustrious Grand Master in 1997-98.

He was knighted a Knight Templar on March 23, 1964; serving as Eminent Commander in 1979. He joined the Past Commanders Association of Utah in 1981. He was elected and served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Utah for the Templar year ending 1996. He received the K.C. T. award in May of 1996.

He was elected a member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor in 1980 serving as Prior of Utah Priory No. 47 in 1997. He received the 4th Quadrant of the KGYCH in 2002 by virtue of having completed serving the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter RAM, Grand Cryptic Rite, and the Grand Commandery of Utah in the respective presiding offices. He is a life member.

He became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in the 135th class of the Valley of Salt Lake, Orient of Utah for Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons in 1970. He was invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH) in 1993 and exalted to the rank of 33rd degree on Nov. 11, 1999. He is a life member of the Valley of Salt Lake.

He is a life member of the Royal Order of Scotland having received the degree in 1971 in Billings Montana.

He was elected a Member of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest Tabernacle Petra LXI in 1997, serving as Very Excellent Preceptor in 2005. He is a life member.

He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor on Sept. 10, 1993. Designated an active member on the basis of membership in the Dodge City Kansas chapter of DeMolay in the 1950s.

He joined El Kalah Temple of Shrine Masons in Nov. of 1966. He served as president of the Northern Utah Shrine Club in 1971 and was a Charter Member of the El Kalah Shrine Clowns. He is a past member of Utah Court #49 Royal Order of Jesters.

He is a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #11 and the Camp Floyd York Rite College Jurisdiction of Utah from 2001-2004.

He was installed a member of Bonneville Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine serving as Sovereign in 1996. He was installed Intendant General for the Division of Utah of the United Grand Imperial Council Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders United States of America, Mexico, and the Philippines on June 13, 2009 during the 137th annual assembly in Oklahoma City. He served in this capacity until 14 June 2014.

He was accepted as a member of the National Sojourners Chapter #114 in Salt Lake City on March 24, 1994. He became a member of the Heroes of 1776 in 1996.

A life-long interest in team sports motivated him to support/coach elementary age baseball and basketball teams that competed in the Roy City/ Weber County recreation leagues. The Elwells provided basketball uniforms that were used long after their involvement in the recreation league. Since the rural area in which the Elwells reside was incorporated in 1991, their residence is in West Haven Utah. John served on the City Planning Commission from July 1, 1991 to Dec. 31, 1993. He was Chairman of the Commission for one and one-half terms.

Most Worshipful Brother Elwell passed away October 30, 2021.

© 2001-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.Bio updated October 5, 2014 – George Winters, Grand Historian

Digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1875

Bro. Bennett, son of Ira and Angelica (Templer) Bennett, was born October 14, 1833, in the town of Duanesburgh, Schenectady county, N. Y., and in the district school of that town he learned his first lessons. After taking an academical course he finished his education at the Albany, N. Y., Law school, from which he graduated in March, 1857. In September of the same year he left his native State and settled in Racine, Wis., where he opened a law office. He married Miss Isabella E. Fisher in Racine in 1858. He was for two years Prosecuting Attorney of Racine county. In 1869 he went to Chicago, Ill., and coming to Utah in 1871, instituted a law firm in Salt Lake City, of which he has ever since been the senior partner, and which is still in existence. He has also been engaged in mining business in Utah and adjoining States and Territories. From 1880 to 1883 he lived in London, England, in the interest of a large mining company which operated in Utah silver mines.

Bro. Bennett always took a deep interest in national politics, and was ever considered a staunch leader of the Republican party in Utah. He was a member of the National Republican Committee from 1888 to 1892.

The Masonic Record of Bro. Bennett is an enviable one. He was initiated in Racine Lodge No. 18, Racine, Wis., January 25th, passed February 8th, and raised March 3, 1864. Was Junior Warden of the Lodge in 1865, Senior Warden 1866 and Master 1867. He dimitted from Racine Lodge March 16, 1870, and affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1 April 12, 1872, of which he was Master in 1874.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah Bro. Bennett was Grand Lecturer in 1873; Grand Master from November 14, 1874, to November 10, 1875; Grand Orator in 1876 and 1877; Grand Chaplain in 1878 and 1879. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of South Australia since May 29, 1886, and of the Grand Lodge of Idaho since June 29, 1889. Was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee in 1874, 1876 to 1883, and in 1885. His Grand Lodge number is 17, Lodge No. 18. He holds an honorary membership in the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast since August 1880.

Bro. Bennett in the Father of the “Utah Standard Work.” He was the originator of the Masonic Public Library, 1875, and since its first opening for public use, September 1, 1877, the chief protector of the institution, which since February 1, 1891, was known as the Pioneer Library Association, of which he was President until December 22, 1897, when the Grand Lodge donated all the furniture and 8000 volumes of miscellaneous works to the Free Public Library of Salt Lake City.

Bro. Bennett received the Capitular degrees in Orient Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., Racine, Wis., in the year 1865, as follows: W. M., March 12th; P. M., May 19th, W. E. M., July 7th; R. A., November 3rd. He was King of said Chapter in 1867 and High Priest in 1868, and dimitted from it March 16, 1870. Was a charter member of Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., and several times its High Priest.

Brother Bennett died on October 18, 1906, in Salt Lake City, Utah

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1901. Page 96, 96.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections in grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P. M., 2005

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1876

The liberal Argonauts and Pioneer Mason of Utah are getting less every year. Past Grand Master Edmund Pelton Johnson, who died at his home in Corinne, January 29th, 1898, at 11 o’clock p. m., was one of them. His best years were spent in Utah; it was here where his sterling Americanism was tested; it was here that his best friendships were formed. By his death Utah has lost one of its best known loyal citizens, and Free Masonry an earnest, warmhearted craftsman. Perhaps Bro. Johnson was not a keen business man, but that he was a honest man is proven by the many offices he held, each one of which he filled ably and creditably. In former years Bro. Johnson was a strong and healthy man, and always cheerful, but when in later years his health failed him and the frame became worn out he gave up the unequal struggle and laid down to eternal rest.

Bro. Johnson was born at Homer, Courtland County, N. Y., September 2d, 1832. He received his education at the New York Conference Seminary. In 1853 he moved to Elkhorn, Wis., where he engaged in the mercantile business, studying law at odd hours. In 1859 he removed to Kewanee, Ill., where he continued the study of law in the office of Judge C. C. Wilson, being admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Illinois in February, 1864. In July of the same year he emigrated to Stockton, and built the first smelter in Utah in company with the late Bro. Henry Monheim. He removed to Salt Lake City in 1867 and formed a partnership with Judge Hoge. In 1869 he removed to Corinne and remained there ten years practicing law and serving as mayor of the city for two terms. He went to Challis, Custer County, Idaho, in 1880, and was elected by the citizens of that county a member of the Territorial legislature of Idaho. Returning to Corinne in 1887, he was appointed by President Cleveland Probate Judge of Box Elder County, February, 1889, which office he held for over three years and until Utah was admitted as a State in the Union. He was elected Recorder of Box Elder county in 1892, and held that office for one term. During these five years he resided in Brigham City, the county seat of Box Elder County. After the expiration of his term as County Recorder he returned to Corinne.

Judge Johnson was present at the birth of the liberal party in the Convention held at Corinne in July 1870, and it was upon his motion that the organization was called the “Liberal political party of Utah.”

He was a delegate from Utah in 1872 to the national convention; held in Baltimore, Md., that nominated Horace Greeley for the Presidency.

Bro. Johnson was made a Mason in Elkhorn Lodge No. 77, at Elkhorn, Wis. He was initiated January 28th, passed February 25th, and raised March 12th, 1857.

Coming from Stockton to Salt Lake City he took at once an active part in Masonic affairs, casting his lot with Brethren of the then defunct Mt. Moriah Lodge, U. D., Nevada Registry. He was one of the petitioners for a Dispensation to open a Lodge in this city, which was granted by M W Bro. M. S. Adams, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, November 25th, 1867. On the following 18th day of December Mt. Moriah Lodge, U. D., Kansas Registry, was instituted, Bro. Johnson being its first Secretary.

In order to procure a charter for the young Lodge it was necessary for certain reasons, that it should be represented at the Thirteenth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, which met at Leavenworth, October 20th, 1868. The Brethren elected Bro. Johnson to proceed to that 1,600 miles far off city and defend their cause. It was at that time a tedious and dangerous journey, but Bro. Johnson’s love for Free Masonry was so deeply rooted that he undertook the tiresome journey and considered it a pleasure trip. His mission was successful. One month after leaving here he returned with a Charter for Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 70, Kansas Registry.

Bro Johnson was the father of Corinne Lodge. He was named as the first Master in its dispensation granted by Grand Master R. H. Robertson, October 15, 1873. While Master of the Lodge, U. D., he conferred fifty-nine Degrees, the largest number of Degrees conferred by any Master in the Jurisdiction. On the Charter of Corinne Lodge No. 5, the name of Bro. Johnson appears as its first Master. He held the office for one year, during which he conferred thirty-five degrees.

In Grand Lodge Bro. Johnson was appointed Grand Standard Bearer November 12, 1873. He was elected Deputy Grand Master November 10, 1875 and Grand Master, November 16,1876. He was always a zealous Grand Officer, and before his departure to Idaho attended every meeting of the Grand Lodge. Whenever he was in Grand Lodge he was busily engaged on Committee work. Bro. Johnson was a member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast, and at the time of his death Grand Representative of the Grand Lodges of Indiana and New Jersey.

The last remains of Bro. Johnson were tenderly and lovingly placed in the silent grave by his Brethren of Corinne Lodge and several members of the Grand Lodge, Grand Master Hardie conducting the impressive Masonic funeral service. The funeral was attended by a host of friends from Corinne and the surrounding country, all testifying to his worth as a kind neighbor and a good man.

On February 1, 1898, when the funeral cortege wended its way to the Cemetery, the valley and distant mountains were covered with glittering snow; the sun, however, shone brightly promising the advance of spring. It was a touching scene. It taught a Masonic lesson. A ripe life with a record as pure as snow had been extinguished in winter, but the sun rising higher on the zenith heralds the approach of spring, with its budding trees and flowers, and as time passes on the foliage of the spring and summer fades again away and dies, obeying the law of nature. It is an ever returning change of life; but the spirit of life never dies – it is eternal.

Bro. Johnson now sleeps in the silent grave “away from the turmoil of life.” May that sleep be sweet, and may it never be disturbed by the canyon winds when they blow over Bear River valley.

Ref: Proceeding of the Grand Lodge of Utah , 1899, page 73, 74, 75.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections in grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P. M., 2005

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1877

Brother Joseph Milton Orr was made a Mason in Lima Lodge No. 135, Lima, Illinois, in the year 1855. He was a charter member of Wasatch Lodge No. 8, Montana Registry, and its Worshipful Master in 1871 and 1872. He assisted in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Utah, January, 1872; was Senior Grand Warden in 1873; Deputy Grand Master in 1874, and Grand Master in 1877. During all these years he was a devoted Mason and filled every office with fervency and zeal. His Lodge No. was 3, Grand Lodge No. 8. Brother Orr was born in Ohio Seventy-five years go, and died in Little Blue, Missouri, June 1905. We all hope that his soul has come eternal peace.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1906, page 34.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P. M., January, 2005

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1878

On the twenty-third day of November, 1828, Bro. John Shaw Scott was born at Jamiaica Plains, near Boston, Mass. He was the eldest son of five children born to Benjamin Homans and Sara Tufts (Carlisle) Scott, and of four brothers the only one who became a Free Mason. His parents went West when he was an infant and after tarrying awhile in Ohio finally settled in Miamisport, now Peru, Indiana, where his boyhood days were passed in the town and on a farm, and in the crude schools of that time he obtained the rudiments of an education.

On the death of his mother the five children were taken to Massachusetts, 1849, to her two sisters, by whom they were raised and educated. Bro. Scott was educated in the Winthrop Grammar School and English High School of Boston, and drew the Benjamin Franklin medal in each.

He left Boston for California in the schooner Edwin, March 1, 1848, bound for Chagres, remained two months on the isthmus of Panama, and arrived in San Francisco on the 3rd day of August, 1849, after seventy-eight days’ sail from Panama on board the English bark Circassian. Like most of the California argonauts he first tried gold mining, but luck being against him found employment in the express office of Hunter & Co. at Coloma, El Dorado county, and later became agent for Adams & Co. in upper Placer county, with three men under his charge. After failure of Adams & Co. Express Company he was engaged in various pursuits in different parts of the State, the last ten years in San Francisco.

Bro Scott came to Utah April 1, 1871, and engaged in mining until he was offered a position of bookkeeper in Wells Fargo’s Bank by Bro. Theo. F. Tracy, its Salt Lake City manager. When Bro. Tracy resigned he accepted the position of bookkeeper for the Winnamuck Mining and Smelting Company at Bingham until 1875, when he formed a partnership with Bro. James Anderson, who had been assayer for the concern. September 1, 1875, the firm of Scott and Anderson bought the sampling mill and ore-buying business of Mr. George Johnson, at Sandy, which they conducted successfully for over twenty years.

Bro. Scott’s Masonic life is well rounded and worthy of emulation. He was made a Mason in Mission Lodge No. 169, San Francisco, Cal., in the year 1865; was initiated October 30th; passed November 8th, and raised November 15th; was appointed Senior Deacon December, 1867, and without having been a Warden elected from the floor Master of the Lodge December, 1868. He affiliated with Argenta Lodge No. 3, September 16, 1873; was Senior Warden of the Lodge in 1874, and twice its Master, 1875 and 1880.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he was Senior Grand Warden in 1875, Deputy Grand Master in 1876 and `77, and Grand Master from November 15, 1877 to November 18, 1878. In 1879 he was Grand Orator. He was chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence from 1879 to 1881, and ever since has been a member of it. Is a member of the Board of Custodians since 1896. He is Grand Representative of the following Grand Lodges: California, appointed August 20, 1877; New York, appointed August 24, 1874; Scotland, appointed August 6, 1878. He was elected an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast August 14, 1880. His Lodge number is 5; Grand Lodge number 38.

The Capitular degrees were conferred upon Bro. Scott in Utah Chapter No. 1. R. A. M., in the year 1877, as follows: Mark Master, June 7th; Past Master, June 20th; Most Excellent Master, June 29th, and Royal Arch, July 15th. After holding several minor offices he was elected High Priest in 1888.

He was knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., November 8, 1877, and was Eminent Commander in 1883, 1887 and 1888. He held other important offices in the Commandery, but the records and books having been lost dates cannot be obtained.

Bro. Scott was always a true and sincere friend to the Masonic Public Library. He was for over a decade of years Treasurer of the institution, and his love for it, coupled with his financial ability, often helped to bridge over serious financial embarrassments.

Ref: Proceedings of Utah Grand Lodge, 1901, page 97, 98.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P. M., January, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1879

Note: Brother Clohecy removed from this Jurisdiction early in his term of office as Grand Master – now some 54 years ago. One result of this was that very little concerning his life is of record in the Utah Proceedings. For this reason such items of information as are now available are included in this sketch. For the facts relating to Brother Clohecy’s early life and for the eulogy given herewith, we are indebted to Brother W. I. Day, Assistant Secretary of the East Bay Masonic Board of Relief, Oakland, California.

Brother Clohecy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 10th, 1846. He was a son of Marc Anthony Clohecy and Ann Brady Clohecy.

“His father,” writes Brother Day, “was for many years engaged in shipbuilding on the Mississippi River which at that time was a very lucrative business and he was able to provide very generously for his family.

“The fathers interest in the future welfare of his son was most practically expressed in his efforts to provide his son with a liberal education. In addition to the regular grammar school course young Thomas was sent to the best collage in New Orleans, where he received a splendid commercial education.

“Thomas Clohecy formed a regiment of which he was made Captain at the commencement of the War of the Rebellion and served with great distinction until the close of the war. (1)

“At the conclusion of the war,” writes our informant “Brother Clohecy engaged in mining and banking business which took him to Montana and to Utah, where he became a member of Wasatch Lodge,”

Concerning the period extending from 1879 to 1911, no information concerning Brother Clohecy’s whereabouts and activities is available aside from a statement by Grand Secretary Diehl to the effect that he went from Utah to Wood River, Idaho, where he engaged in merchandising and mining. During the last year named he took up residence in California, which was his home for the last 21 years of his life.

Grand Secretary Diehl, who was well acquainted with Brother Clohecy, has the following to say concerning him in his Correspondence Report, written in 1881. (2) This tribute was in response to a reference to Grand Master Clohecy’s address by Grand Secretary Hedges, of Montana. Said Brother Diehl:

“In calling Grand Master Clohecy’s address `able and high-toned,` Brother Hedges has only expressed the opinion of every Mason in our Jurisdiction. It has been said that a man shows his character in his writings, which in this case is certainly correct. Our Utah Masons are all proud of having Brother Clohecy for their Grand Master, and all agree that if there ever was a true Mason and high-toned gentleman that stood at the helm and commanded their beloved ship, it was him. True to his covenants, charitable to his fellow-men, firm in his resolutions, a friend to his friends, is a picture of Brother Clohecy that is not in the least overdrawn. During his residence in Utah he has seen the ups and downs of a western life, but under no circumstances has he deviated even a hairbreadth from the path which a righteous man should walk, and never did he despair. He has now left Utah and has cast his lot in the newly discovered mining region on Wood River in Idaho, where, as a merchant and miner, fortune seems to smile upon him. May it never be otherwise. As a citizen Utah has lost him, as a Mason our Grand Lodge will retain him, for it is his first love and he will remain fastened to it with all his heart, and a future historian of Masonry in Utah will have to mention Brother Clohecy’s name as one of the best promoters of its progress and intellectual developments.”

Past Grand Master Clohecy must have been an active, ardent member of the Fraternity, as the following Masonic record appears to show.

He was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No. 1, September 20, passed September 25th and raised September 30, 1872. He served his Lodge as Master in 1875. He was a life member of Wasatch Lodge No. 1.

In Grand Lodge Brother Clohecy was elected Senior Grand Warden while Master of Wasatch and served two years in that station.

November 15, 1877, he was advanced to the station of Deputy Grand Master and a year later, November 18, 1878, to that of Grand Master.

He was exalted in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., April 16, 1873, and was elected High Priest in December, 1877. On February 5, 1874, he was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., and in December, 1877, was elected Eminent Commander.

In the meantime, on August 21, 1873, he received the degrees, 4th to the 14th inclusive, in St. John’s Lodge of Perfection No. 1, A. & A. S., Rite, Salt Lake City, and on March 12, 1874, he was elected Senior Warden and for the greater part of the time he served as presiding officer of that body until April 24th, 1877, when the charter was surrendered.

From the City Directory for 1874, it is learned that Brother Clohecy’s business was that of mining broker, and that he resided on 3rd South between West Temple and 1st West Streets.

Brother Clohecy died in Oakland, California, November 14, 1932, at the age of 86 years, one month and four days. He was buried with full Masonic honors in Oakland, November 16, 1832, by Live Oak Lodge No. 61, F. & A. M., under the auspices of the East Bay Masonic Board of Relief.

(1) There appears to be some confusion here with reference to dates and activities. While it is true that boys served in the ranks of the confederate armies, especially toward the close of the war, it is hardly likely that a boy of fifteen commanded a regiment, or even a company, early in that struggle.

(2) Utah Proceedings 1882, Correspondence Report, page 111.

For the eulogy, prepared by Brother William I. Day, refer to page 82, Utah Proceedings, 1933.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1933, page 80, 81, 82.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P. M., January, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1880

By Christopher Diehl

“Wrapping the drapery of his couch about him
And lying down to peaceful rest.”

On the morning of June 23d, 1886, a dispatch brought the sorrowful tiding of the death, in Denver, Colorado, of Past Grand Master Frank Tilford. The day proceeding, shortly before sunset, our Brother’s spirit left his earthly tabernacle and flew to a better and brighter sphere. The Brethren and his many friends in Utah grieved, and the symbol of grief – a flag at half mast – floated over our Masonic Hall.

Bro. Tilford was of Scotch-Irish decent, and was born in Lexington, Kentucky, 1822. His parents were able to give him a thorough education, which he finished in Princeton College, New Jersey. Returning from college he intended to open a law office in Lexington, but the discoveries of gold on the Pacific Coast induced him to go overland to California, which he reached in August 1849. He was one of those pioneers who clearly foresaw the future commercial greatness of the town of San Francisco, and recognized the little place the nucleus of a vast population. In October, 1849, he was elected to the town council, and while in that body he interested himself more than any other member in education, and it is to him that San Francisco owes the first endowment bestowed upon her public schools. He also labored, but without result, to have a part of the city lands set apart for the establishment of a free college. In May, 1851, he was elected Criminal Judge, which office he held for one year. Retiring from that office he spent five months in Oregon. Coming back to San Francisco he opened a law office, obtaining a high reputation as a criminal lawyer. In 1855 he was elected to the California State Senate, in which he was during his last term Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He was appointed Navel officer by President James Buchanan at, San Francisco, in 1857, and served a full term of four years.

During the years 1863-65 Bro. Tilford lived in Virginia City, Nevada, where, soon after his arrival , he was elected Superintendent of Public Schools in Storey County, and City Attorney. Virginia City beginning to fail as a mining center, in 1866 Bro. Tilford removed to Meadow Lake, Excelsior Mining District, Nevada County, California, where he practiced law and edited the Sun, an independent newspaper. He then again returned to San Francisco, and in 1869 started for White Pine, Nevada, where he practiced successfully his profession, and married the estimable lady who survives him.

Bro. Tilford came to Salt Lake City in 1872, and resided here till the fall of 1880. For eight years he lived among us. He suffered with us under tyrannical church rule, and fought with us for that liberty that is the birthright of every American citizen. He was a man above reproach and an honor to the bar. His heart was full of kindness, and many were unseen and unheralded deeds of charity he practiced in our city and Territory. That education for all was his very soul, is proven in our Library, of which he was one of the founders. Under the existing power in Utah he had no chance to interest himself for public school as he did in California and Nevada, but he could for a public Library, in which he beheld a harbinger of light and freedom for the adult population. He was a power for our Library, and its interest and permanency he had ever at heart. May his good work for this institution never be forgotten.

Bro. Tilford was a ripe scholar; possessed of a rich and varied fund of ancient and modern literature; his mind was a well-filled storehouse of all that was elegant in art and science. His soul was full of poetry. As a conversationalist he had but few equals. His conversation was always entertaining and instructive. Sunshine illuminated his daily discourse, and no cloud darkened his intercourse with his fellow men. As an orator he was eloquent, graceful and commanding. He used the choicest language, and there was no subject upon which he could not speak and interest his hearers. In “California Anthology” a book published in San Francisco, by O. T. Shick, are a large number of selections from Bro. Tilford’s orations, and they are worthy to be printed with the orations of the Rev. Thomas Starr King, Gen. E. D. Baker, and many other orators of the early days of California.

Bro. Tilford could not long exist in Utah, can easily be explained. It is impossible for a man of his caliber to live under a “one-man power.” For him the breathing of the free air of this Republic was a necessity. His early training in California and Nevada had made him a political leader. He was athirst for political fame, but there was no room for him in Utah in that direction. He often expressed the feeling that the stagnation of a political life in Utah was something unbearable to him, and that if he would prolong his life he had to make a change in his domicile; and he did make a change – the final one on this earth.

In September, 1880, he took leave of Utah and established himself in Denver. Here he was in his element. Two years after his arrival there he was elected State Senator from Arapahoe County, serving in the Session of 1883-85. He also was elected and served for a full term as City Attorney of Denver.

Bro. Tilford was made a Mason in California Lodge No. 1, San Francisco in 1850. And dimitted from that Lodge in 1854. His wanderings through California and Nevada, and his constant engagements in the political arena, must have kept him from the peaceful retreat of a Masonic home, as his name does not appear in any of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of either of these two States until 1872, when he affiliated with White Pine Lodge No. 14, at Hamilton, Nevada. On April 3, 1872, he affiliated with our Argenta Lodge No. 3. From which he dimitted December 5, 1882, and soon thereafter affiliated with Union Lodge No. 7, at Denver, Colorado.

The first time the present writer met Bro. Tilford as a Mason, was on the 12th day of November, 1872, in the Grand Lodge of Utah. The Brethren presented to the retiring Grand Master, O. F. Strickland, a gold watch, and Bro. P. H. Lannan had selected Bro. Tilford to make the presentation speech. The remarks he made then were short, but they were so graceful and elegant that every Mason present admitted that Bro. Tilford would be an ornament to the Masonic Institution in Utah.

Bro. Tilford was Junior Warden of Argenta Lodge No. 3, in 1875, and at the session of the Grand Lodge in that year, he was appointed Grand Orator. In 1876 he was Grand Chaplain and a member of the Committee on Grand Master’s Address. In 1877 and ’78, he was Master of Argenta Lodge, and in the Grand Lodge, a member of the Committee on Jurisprudence. At the Seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, held November 12th and 13th, 1878, he was elected Deputy Grand Master, and at the following Communication in 1879, he presided over the Grand body, Grand Master Thomas Edward Clohecy, being absent. On the 12th day of November, 1879, he was installed by Past Grand Master John Shaw Scott, Grand Master of Masons in Utah. His acts and deeds as the head of the Craft in Utah are too well known to be recapitulated. Suffice to say that they were truly Masonic, in strict accordance with the ancient landmarks and regulations of Free Masonry, and so much so that every Utah Mason can point with pride to his portrait in our Lodge room, and say: ” He was a whole man and a perfect Master Builder.” In his every-day walk of life his bearing was majestic; could it be otherwise than dignified as Grand Master of Masons?

During his administration the Grand Lodge laid the Cornerstone of St. Paul’s Chapel , and although it was the first time it performed such work, it was well done under the able leadership of Grand Master Frank Tilford. The oration he delivered on that occasion was a masterpiece of oratory, and a tribute to Ancient Craft Masonry such as was never heard before in Utah, It is published in our Proceedings of 1880 and ’81.

It will be remembered that previous to the laying of the Cornerstone, the members of the Grand Lodge presented to the distinguished Brother a silver trowel and the clergy of the Episcopal parish a gavel. These implements were so dear to him that, doubtless at his own request, they were placed over the apron on the coffin that contained his last remains. The floral decorations on the coffin were many and beautiful and appropriate designs. The funeral was conducted by Union Lodge No. 7, of which he was a member. Around his bier stood the best men of Denver and Colorado. Member of the bench and bar, representatives of Federal, State and City Governments, and the Masonic Fraternity paid the last tribute of respect to one whose cup in life was ever filled with pleasantness and good-will for his fellowmen. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery with the Masonic honors due his rank and station. “His was a life to live for.” May the turf rest light upon him, and long may his memory be cherished in the hearts of his Brethren and friends.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1887, page 59, 60, 61.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., January, 2005

Brother James was born at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in the year 1846. His education was conducted by a private tutor and in the public schools till he was fifteen years old, when he studied one year mining engineering. In the year 1864 he left the parental roof for the purpose of joining the Twentieth Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment, which was then stationed in the Iron Mountains, Missouri. He reached the regiment in time to take part in the battle of Pilot Knob, September 27, 1864, when the National troops, under General Ewing, drove General S. M. Price out of the state of Missouri. After handling a musket for five days in the regiment he was refused regular enlistment on account of age, but insisting upon remaining with it he was attached to the regimental Quartermaster’s department, in which he remained till the close of the war. Returning home he engaged in the mercantile business.

In the spring of 1866 Bro. James and others formed a company to ship mining supplies to Montana, and on June 2nd of that year a large and well-equipped train of ox-teams, loaded with merchandise of all descriptions, left Omaha, Neb., for the newly-discovered gold fields in the north. On the trip the train, in which were 105 well-armed men, had two big Indian fights, resulting in the killing of nineteen men and the wounding of five. Other skirmishes with hostile Indians were encountered on the trip, but no more lives lost. Having disposed of the goods in Montana, he was employed as an assayer by the Gold Hill and Montana Mining company. The spring of 1867 found him in Idaho with a surveying expedition, and in the fall of that year he came to Salt Lake City. From here he went to Nevada and California prospecting and mining. Returning to Utah in 1871 and making Salt Lake City his home, he engaged in mining in Utah, Nevada and Idaho, and ever since has successfully followed the mining industry. In 1880 he was elected president of the Utah Ore Producers’ Association, which association he represented during the preparation and adoption of three tariff bills in the United Stated Congress, and also at two monetary conferences held at Washington.

In politics Bro. James is a firm adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He took an active part in the campaign of 1886 in Nevada, casting his maiden vote for U. S. Grant, an act of which he is still proud. He assisted in the organization of the Republican party in Utah, 1872, serving as a member of the Territorial committee for a number of years, In 1884 he was elected a member of the National Republican Committee, occupying the position for four years. On the abandonment of the People’s and Liberal parties in Utah, he assisted in the organization of the Republican party, and was chairman of Salt Lake County Republican Committee during two campaigns.

In 1894 he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and assisted in framing the Constitution of the new State of Utah. He was appointed by President Harrison as a member of the U. S. Annual Assay Commission, which convened in Philadelphia February 14, 1893, and attended the convention during its sessions. In 1889 he was elected on the Liberal ticket as a member of the Salt Lake City Council, serving in that office the full term of two years.

Bro. James was married in Salt Lake City in February, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Bancer Hull.

The Masonic record of Bro. James commenced in 1872, and for over a score of years he was a zealous workman on the Masonic edifice in Utah, upon which he left strong marks. His petition for the three Degrees was received by Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, May 27, 1872; was elected June 24th; was initiated July 3rd; passed September 9th, and raised November 11th. He was Senior Warden of the Lodge in 1878. During that year the Lodge held twenty-nine meetings, and Bro. Charles Popper, the then Master, being frequently out of the city, Bro. James acted as Master at twenty of these meetings. He was elected Master December 9, 1879, and installed the following Monday, December 16th. The year, in fact two years, of his administration were successful ones. He was a trustee of Mt. Moriah Lodge for six years, 1886 to 1892.

Bro. James was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Utah November 12, 1879, Deputy Grand Master November 18, 1880, and Grand Master January 18, 1882. At the request of the New West Education Institute he laid the corner stone of Hammond Hall, the large school building on the corner of Third East and Third South streets, September 23, 1882, on which occasion he was presented by the trustees of the school with a gavel and trowel made of Utah mountain mahogany and bound in Utah silver. He was Grand Lecturer in 1887, 1889, 1890 and 1891. He was one of the guiding stars of the Masonic Public Library from its incipiency to its end. He was the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas since September 1, 1879, and of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, his native state, since November 21, 1881. He is an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast since April 11, 1883. His Lodge number is 53; Grand Lodge number 185.

The Capitular Degrees were conferred upon him in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., as follows: M. M., June 14th; P. M. and M. E. M., June 15th; R. A., June 23rd, in the year 1881.

He was knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., November 23, 1882. Never held an office in Chapter or Commandery, devoting all his time and attention to his first love – Blue Lodge Masonry.

Bro. James died at Long Beach, California, January 18, 1920. (Proceedings 1921)

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1901, page 99, 100.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., January, 2005

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1883

By Christopher Diehl

“When hearts whose truth was proven
Like thine are laid in earth,
There should a wreath be woven
To tell the world their worth.”

When, at sunrise on the 19th day of March, 1889, the spirit of Past Grand Master Phillip Henry Emerson took its flight the immortal part of a good man and true Mason went home. Bro. Emerson did not have to die to be esteemed good and true and noble. For nearly a decade and a half he was known in Utah, and during all that time only good words were spoken of him. All who come in contact with him, on the bench or at the bar, in the social or Masonic circle, bore testimony to his ability, his uprightness, his fairness and his sincerity. Such a reputation as his is a thing to be proud of; such a record as he has left in a glorious legacy to come to his family and friends.

And how was it that Bro. Emerson succeeded so admirably in winning and retaining the good opinion of those who knew him.? It was a grand nature that fell to him, and that he cultivated and improved and made still more grand. He recognized the Brotherhood of man, and believed it was the duty and mission of man to do good to his fellows. To him the declaration “that all men are created equal” was not a void and meaningless expression, but a living truth, and by making that his guide in association of whatever character with men, he went through life gaining friends and winning plaudits. His was indeed a life worth living for, and when the Grand Tyler handed him the last summons he was ready and prepared to “answer and obey” it.

Bro. Emerson was born at Danby, Rutland County, Vermont, February, 15th, 1833. After receiving a common school education he entered the field of life as a school teacher. Leaving that he commenced to study law with the Hon. David Nicholson at Rutland. From there he went to the Conference Academy at Poultney, Vt., where he graduated. He was admitted to the bar at Rutland, and began the practice of law at Willingford, Vt. In 1861 we find him in Battle Creek, Michigan, where his legal abilities soon commanded the attention of the people, whom he served for a number of years as city attorney. In 1868 he was elected to the Michigan Legislature, and then for two terms to the Senate. During the second term in the Senate he was elected President pro tem. of that body, serving as Lieutenant-Governor, and for a short time as acting Governor of the State of Michigan.

In 1873 he resigned that position and accepted the appointment tendered him by President Grant as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Utah, which office he held for twelve consecutive years. Judge Emerson was so staunch a Republican that few days after the inauguration of President Cleveland his resignation was at the White House. Retiring from the bench he opened a law office at Ogden, in which capacity he was engaged at the time of his death.

Bro. Emerson was made a Mason in Shipman Lodge No.1, At Rutland Vermont, in 1855. He affiliated with Story Lodge No. 4, at Provo, Utah, in 1877, over which Lodge he presided as Master in 1879. On the 13th day of November, 1879, he appeared for the first time on the floor of the Grand Lodge of Utah, and he being well read in Masonic law and an eloquent speaker the members recognized his superiority and elected him Deputy Grand Master. Grand Master Frank Tilford having removed from the jurisdiction during his term of office, Bro. Emerson presided at the session of 1880, at which he was elected Grand Master. He was re-elected Grand Master in 1881, and again in 1883. Leaving the Grand East he was appointed on the Jurisprudence Committee, the members of which looked upon him as the guiding star. He was also for three consecutive years a member of the Board of Custodians., and largely are we indebted to him and his ability that we have a uniform work. Suffice it to say that every station and place in our Grand Lodge he had no superior. As Master of Story Lodge, as a member of Weber Lodge with he affiliated in 1885, as Deputy and Grand Master, as a lecturer or orator on any Masonic topic, whether in the Lodge, Grand Lodge, or on ceremonial occasions, or at the festive board, he was always industrious and zealous, impressive, eloquent, and grand. Powerful to grasp the subject, quick to digest it, ready to give it expression, serious, pathetic, or humorous, as occasion demanded, he knew just how to say the right thing at the right time. He was born a leader and died a leader. The stuff he was made of is not plentiful, and his like we may never look upon again.

Bro. Emerson at the time of his death, was Grand Representative of Grand Lodges of Kentucky and Vermont. The Memorial tributes the Grand Masters of these two Grand Lodges have paid their departed Grand Representative are well deserved and highly appreciated by the members of the Grand Lodge of Utah.

But it was not only in Masonic circles where Bro. Emerson occupied such as exalted position. His power was felt on the bench and at the bar, in politics, in commercial, city and church affaires as well. He was one of those men of whom the German poet sings:

“Within one man, how much was piled!
In light of thought, what soul of child;
In common praise, what giant sway,
Whose stream the strongest bears away.”

All the elements were so combined in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, “This was a man!” The signal distinction Judge Emerson had attained among his distinguished associates was fully expressed by Captain Ransford Smith, at the memorial meeting of the bar held at Ogden on the morning of the funeral: “Judge Emerson’s walk in life was confined to no narrow sphere–no pent up Utica. For twelve years a judge, engaged in the administration of justice-what a grand occupation! How ennobling to one always endeavoring to stand in the right. He performed his whole duty and that made him hosts of friends-friends who came from all parts of the Territory to be present at his funeral rites; hence the air is full of mourning

I need not speak in this presence of his ability as a jurist. The records of this court, and of the Supreme Court of the Territory attest his greatness in that respect. Nor need I speak here of his kindly disposition. That countenance, now hid from us forever, bespoke of his kindness. He bore in this arena a polished scimitar, but concealed the keenness of the blade with a silken handkerchief.” The presiding judge and other members of the bar made similar remarks, all testifying to the ability, fairness and high professional character of the deceased.

Eminent in many things, and with versatile qualifications for the service of society, the citizen Emerson took a most prominent part in the shaping of the free and untrammeled city government of Ogden. Few men did more of hard, honest work, than he, both in the quite preparation for the battle and on the open platform, to make out of the village of Ogden a free and prosperous city. He did not live to see the fruit of his labors, but that they were appreciated by all classes was demonstrated at his funeral. The flags at half-mast, every store and business place closed, the streets full of mourners, who had come from all parts of the Territory, evinced that he was beloved by his fellow-citizens, even though the majority of them differed with his in opinion.

While the last remains of Bro. Emerson laid in state on the green lawn in front of his residence, the coffin decked with floral offerings, the sun being at it’s meridian height, its rays shining through the trees, the buds of which were ready to burst open and put on their spring garments, hundreds of people with moistened eyes gazed for the last time upon the placid, peaceful countenance of the deceased, and all were deeply impressed that the light which shone upon his forehead was but the reflex of the gentile spirit which was born in him and which even though the icy finger had touched him was yet a part of his lifeless body.. Expressions of sympathy for the bereaved family came from every lip, for it was known in every household that Judge Emerson was a true husband and a kind father.

The funeral cortege was the largest ever witnessed in Ogden, and all who joined in it felt keenly their loss. He was buried with the impressive funeral rites of the Knights Templar, El Monte Commandary No. 2, of Ogden, and Utah Commandary No. 1, of Salt Lake City, performing the ceremony. The flowers on the mound, under which he sleeps will never wither, that sacred tomb will be the Mecca of his family and friends, and his monument their shrine. May the wind from Weber Canyon blow softly over his grave in Mountain View Cemetery, and may the snow-clad Wasatch mountains give it that shade and with it that peaceful rest its owner so well deserved in life.

“Can that man be dead
Whose spiritual influence is upon his kind?
He live in glory, and his speaking dust
Has more of life than half its breathing moulds.”

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1890, page, 64, 65, 66, 67.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., January, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1884

BY CHRISTOPHER DIEHL

*”Sleep on, O friend, until thy waking day,
and ever we, who loved thy presence here,
Will keep for thee. through changes manifold
A tender memory with the years”

The parting hand of Time has once again caused a gap in the Masonic circle in Utah. Past Grand Master James Lowe, who on the morning of October 21, 1883, answered the final summons, will be forever remembered as one of the staunchest and most enduring workmen in the quarry of Utah Freemasonry. It was he who helped mold out the character of the Grand Lodge of Utah, and his name is so stamped on its records that will never be effaced in all the years of the future. Of Bro. Lowe it can well be said that he was born a Freemason; its teachings and principles were a part of his very nature and he would have practiced them had he never worn the lambskin apron. He was a zealous and conscientious Mason, and having labored here below for nearly half a century on the temple of humanity he has earned the final rest that has come to him.

“The fame that a man makes himself is best – That he may call his own.”

Bro. Lowe was born in Ipswich, England, October 23th, 1822, of German parents. He came to San Francisco, Cal., in November 1849, by vessel, round Cape Horn, left California in 1852 for Australia, and returning in 1854, lived several years in Michigan, and then settled in Quincy, Ills., where he resided for a large number of years, and where he made many and true friends who will forever cherish his memory. From 1861 to ’64 he was private secretary of the Illinois State Senator James W. Singleton, and during the same period was the clerk of the State Senate. From 1860 to ’64, he was a member of the Board of Education at Quincy, and for two terms Superintendent of the Public Schools in that City. During the same period he was connected with the Quincy Herald, being the assistant editor, and held a similar position on the German Volksblatt. His was a busy life.

Bro. Lowe came to Utah in the spring of 1868, engaging in prospecting for silver mines, and was fortunate in discovering and locating the Pinion Mine, now the celebrated Crescent, near Park City. In the winter of that year he returned to Quincy, and coming back with his family in 1870, made Salt Lake City his permanent home, developing his mine.

There he toiled for several years, without much success in the earlier years. Later, however, the mine turned out to be valuable and realized enough for Bro. Lowe to make him comfortable during the rest of his days. But he could not be idle, he was born to work, and he did work till (sic) a month previous to his death. During his early residence in Salt Lake City he was Clerk in the U. S. Land Office, and assistant editor of the Salt Lake Evening Journal. Later he opened a land office, in which he was eminently successful. In that branch of law he was considered the best attorney in this city, and had clients all over Utah and in the adjoining Territories.

Is it (not) surprising that the “passing away” of such a man brings sorrow and sadness to many a heart, and that these sad and sorrowful hearts are not confined to the family and relatives, to the nearest friends and Brethren of the deceased, but will be found everywhere and wherever James Lowe was known. He was always trustworthy, energetic and genial, always more thoughtful for others than himself, and ever doing good out of pure goodness of heart. When such a man is taken from the midst of a community, the community is the loser and mourns his death.

In Freemasonry, Bro. Lowe footed every path. He was a Masonic searcher and student and profoundly versed in the history of the institution, its ancient laws, custom and usage upon which he would never permit an infringement. In Lodge and Grand Lodge he was always ready to call a halt when Brethren with less experience and knowledge attempted to walk into the Old Temple on a new road. As a Masonic jurist consult he had but few equals and no superior in Utah, ever holding quick to understand and a ready debater he was indeed a giant, whether in an official position or on the floor.

He was not (at least, not in latter years) a thorough ritualist, because the teachings of Masonry, which unfolds its doctrines, and the symbols which illustrate its principles were to him all, the words of the ritual but cold letters.

Bro. Lowe was initiated in Bodley Lodge No. 1, (in Quincy, Ill.) November 15, 1858, passed January 25, and raised February 28, 1859. In December, 1859, he was appointed Senior Deacon of Bodley Lodge, in 1860 elected Junior Warden, and in 1861 Master, which office he held for three consecutive years. He dimitted from Bodley Lodge November 1, 1877, and a month later affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1, (Salt Lake City, Utah) of which he was Senior Warden in 1878, and Master in 1879. He was appointed Treasurer of the Lodge July 14, 1893, which office he held at the time of his death.

He appeared the first time in the Grand Lodge of Utah, Nov. 11, 1879, serving during the session on the Finance Committee. At the Ninth Annual Communication, held November 9 and 10, 1880, he was appointed a member of the Committee on Lodges, U. D., and elected Junior Grand Warden. January 18, 1882, he was elected Deputy Grand Master, and January 16, 1884, Grand Master. From 1886 to 1890 he was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee, Grand Master Samuel Paul appointed him Grand Chaplain January 18, 1888, to which office he was continuously reappointed and which he held when the grim messenger called him to a brighter world. He was the Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, near Utah, since September 10, 1875, and of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island since September 12, 1888.

Bro. Lowe entered Grand Lodge of Illinois as Master of Bodley Lodge in 1862, and again in 1863 and 1864. At the latter session he was appointed on the Finance Committee, and in 1865,-67,-68 occupied the place of Senior Deacon. In 1868,-69,-70 he was Chairman of the Finance Committee and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory.

He was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in Quincy Chapter No. 5, Quincy, Ill., June 18, 1859, of which Chapter he was King in 1869 and ’70, and secretary in 1860,-61,-67,-68. He dimitted from that Chapter December 25, 1877, and affiliated with Utah Chapter No. 1, February 6, 1878, and was elected and served as its High Priest during 1887.

He received the Degrees of Royal and Select Master in Quincy Council, 1857, and served as its Trice Ill. Grand Master in 1860 and’61. He was one of the petitioners for a dispensation for Utah Council U. D. and one of its members at the time he fell out of the ranks.

He was created a Knight Templar in Beauseant Commandery No. 11, Quincy, April 3, 1861, and its Recorder from 1862 to ’67. He dimitted from that Commandery, Nov. 30, 1878 and affiliated with Utah Commandery No. 1, of which he was always an active member, and its Em. Commander in 1883 and ever since, its Prelate.

He received the Scottish Rite Degrees, including the 32, in Carson Consistory, at Springfield, Ills. June 22, 1866, and when it surrendered its Charter, he affiliated with Waukegan, now Quincy Consistory, Dec. 28, 1869. The same day he was elected First Lieutenant Commander, and dimitted from it Sept. 15, 1877.

He was honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast and its Vice-President for Utah.

Bro. Lowe’s whole soul was wrapped up in Freemasonry. To attend a Masonic meeting was to him a pleasure, but the greatest pleasure it ever gave him was when he initiated, passed and raised as Master of Wasatch Lodge his only son, Arthur James Lowe, and whom December 21, 1883, he installed Junior Warden; December 19, 1884, and December 13, 1884, as Senior Warden, and December 14, 1888, W Master of Wasatch Lodge No. 1.

On the 24th day of October, 1893 (his birthday), Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., laid the last remains of Bro. James Lowe tenderly to an everlasting rest. He sleeps the long sleep at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. His grave will be kept green, it will be strewn with flowers, he will not be forgotten for generations to come.

True friend, wise counselor and zealous Brother.

“Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages,
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages.”

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah 1894, Page 78

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., January, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1885, 1886 and 1887

A long, useful and honorable life came to a close in the early morning hours of March 23, 1936, when Parley Lycurgus Williams went forth on the great adventure. The span of his life extended “almost through an entire century of amazing progress in national, local and personal achievement – during a marvelous era of modern miracles.”

He was born at Holt’s Prairie, Perry County, Illinois, April 7, 1842, and spent his early life there, being educated in the public schools and McKendree Academy at Lebanon, Illinois.

At the age of 25 he came west to Wyoming Territory, where he was admitted to the Bar and shortly afterwards was elected District Attorney.

Coming to Utah in November, 1871, he opened a law office in this city, January 1, 1872. A few months later he joined with others in organizing the horse and mule street railway system, which today is the Utah Light and Traction Company. He was one of five men who organized the Alta Club in 1883. Governor Murray appointed him Territorial Superintendent of Schools in 1886, and in 1893 and 1894 he served in the upper house on the Territorial Legislature. For many years he was general counsel for the Oregon Short Line Railroad.

Brother Williams was acquainted with every Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah, although he was not made a Mason until 1880. On April 22, 1880, he was initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, F. and A. M., of Salt Lake, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, May 31st, and raised June 9, 1880. He was Junior Warden of Mt. Moriah Lodge in 1881, and its Master from December 12, 1881, to December 17, 1883. He was made a Life Member of the Lodge December 11, 1893.

In Grand Lodge he was elected Deputy Grand Master, in 1883, re-elected to that position in 1884, and on January 21, 1885, he was elected Grand Master and served in that station for three successive years-the only Grand Master in our history to be so honored. He was Grand Orator in 1888, and delivered the address at the laying of the cornerstone of the old Union Depot of Ogden, November 5, of that year and 36 years later was present when the box was taken from that cornerstone after the building was destroyed by fire. At the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Grand Lodge, January 17, 1922, the exercises of which were held in the Orpheum Theater, Brother Williams presided as Chairman and gave and address filled with interesting reminiscences. For 46 years he was a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Jurisprudence.

He last attended sessions of Grand Lodge in January, 1931, but that was not the last occasion when the Brethren heard his voice while assembled in Annual Communication. By means of a special public address system installed in the Masonic Temple and the telephone in his home, Brother Williams spoke words of greeting and congratulations to Grand Lodge when assembled in its 64th Annual Communication, January, 1934.

He was a member of Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., having received the degrees in August, 1881; and on August 23, 1911, when in his 70th year, he was crested a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, in El Kalah Temple, Salt Lake City, and received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the Salt Lake bodies with the Fall class of 1908.

In 1876, Brother Williams was married to Miss Catherine Sharp of Salt Lake. She died in 1901. To this union five children, four sons and one daughter, were born, all of whom survived him.

With the going of Past Grand Master Williams a personality of the old school dropped out of the ranks of the living. Tall, erect, dignified, facing forward always; interested to the last in passing events, his was a character unblemished by any of the varied experiences which the long train of years brought to him.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1937, page 82, 83

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1888

Samuel Paul was born in Colraine, County of Londonberry, Ireland, February 20, 1836, and died at his home in Salt Lake City, April 21, 1927, aged 91 years, 2 months and one day.

When 17 years of age Brother Paul left his native land and arrived in New York in the fall of 1853, going thence into southeastern Pennsylvania, where he remained for a year. He then turned his face toward the Great West, which was to be his future home. He stopped first in the new territory of Kansas, and a little later went into Iowa and Nebraska.

When the war between the States came on, Brother Paul enlisted as Sargent in Company A, Fifth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, August 29, 1861, and after successive promotions, he was given a Captain’s Commission, January 29, 1863. His command was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and he saw much service in Tennessee and Georgia.. He was mustered out January 26, 1865.

In the years of 1868 and 1869, the Captain spent time in Chile and Peru, South America, in the interest of railroad construction .

Returning to this country, in the spring of 1870 he was appointed Deputy U. S. Marshal by U. S. Marshal M. T. Patrick, and came to Utah with him, and for 57 years this State has been his home.

For years he was engaged in freight and ore-hauling, then in the livery business, and when he retired had been long identified with the Salt Lake Transportation Company.

In city affairs he was Supervisor of Streets for one term and Chief of Police for two terms.

He married Miss Florence A. Slade, November 10, 1874, and four children, two sons and two daughters, came to bless this union.

For more than sixty years Brother Paul was an earnest, active member of the craft. He received the degrees in Covert Lodge No. 11, Omaha, Nebraska, in 1866, dimitted, in 1872 and was one of four men responsible for the organization of Utah Lodge U. D. (now Story Lodge No. 4) Provo, of which he was the first Junior Warden and a few months later, upon the removal of the Senior Warden from the Jurisdiction, he was appointed Senior Warden by Grand Master O. F. Strickland. On October 12, 1878, he affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1, of Salt Lake, and was Worshipful Master of that Lodge for six consecutive years, from December 27, 1882 to December 27, 1888. In Grand Lodge he served as Grand Lecturer, Grand Marshal, and Grand Treasurer, and in 1887 was elected Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Master in 1888.

During his term of office, he laid the cornerstone of the Ogden Union Depot, November 5, 1888, and 36 years later was present when that cornerstone was removed and the box taken out, after the building had been destroyed by fire.

He received the Capitular Degrees in 1881, in Utah Chapter No. 1, was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, in the same year, was Eminent Commander in 1889, and was honored by being chosen the first Grand Commander of the Utah Commandery of Utah, 1910, and thereafter served as Grand Prelate till his death.

He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the Salt Lake Bodies in April. 1908, and in October, 1919, was elected K. C. C. H. by the Supreme Council.

Ref: Proceeding of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1928, page168, 169.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1889

Twice in the same year the invisible arm of Death flashed from out of the darkness and each time struck a Past Grand Master of this Jurisdiction.

All through the years he fought a sturdy, unyielding battle with insidious disease, the call finally came to Abbot Rodney Heywood, at the end of only a few days of illness. He was in his place as head of the State Utilities Commission on Saturday before his death on Tuesday. (January 9, 1923, Ogden, Utah) That was as it should be, for he came of Pilgrim stock, in direct line, eighth in succession from John Alden-whose life and love the poet has embalmed for all time.

Brother Heywood was born in Grafton, Mass., September 16, 1855. He was educated in the elementary and high schools of his native place. Coming to Utah about the time he had attained his majority he took up the study of law in the office of Robertson and Longstreet, and three years later, in January, 1879, he was admitted to the bar.

R.H. Robertson, the senior member of the firm in whose offices our Brother pursued his legal studies, was the second Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah, and he, and O. F. Strickland, the first Grand Master , were close friends, members and Past Masters, of the same Lodge-Wasatch Lodge No. 1-and earlier, associates in the practice of their profession. Brother Heywood referred to those early days and characters in his “Reminiscences” given on the occasion of the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Grand Lodge. He thus had known every one of the Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Utah, although he himself did not become a Mason till some years after his student days.

In 1879 he went to Ogden in the employ of the Government, being connected with the office of the Collector of Internal Revenue for the District of Utah. Later he went to Corinne, Utah, where he met the one whom he afterwards married. In 1880 he entered into a law partnership with Judge James U. Kinball, which continued until 1886. A term as city attorney followed and afterwards he practiced law until 1902. In the meantime he had become interested in banking and for seven years was cashier and Vice President of the Commercial National Bank of Ogden, retiring from this position in 1913. He served Ogden as Mayor from 1916 to 1918, during which time he was also Chairman of the Draft Board. For the last two years of his life he was Chairman of the State Utilities Commission, and as such gave to its affairs the benefit of his legal training and wide experience in business affairs.

But space does not permit, if the necessary information were at hand, of a record of all his varied activities. He was a zealous party worker in politics, interested in all civic affairs, a staunch and generous supporter of the Public Library, a philanthropist of many unheralded benefactions. A writer in an Ogden paper characterized his as a “public spirited citizen, man of affairs, public benefactor and home man,” and after referring to the poor health which our Brother faced for so many years, the same writer declared:

“An ordinary man would have given up the struggle long ago, but Abbot R. Heywood had a masterful will and endless courage and so he fought on, not purely for the pleasure of living, but to serve to the best of his ability those who might lean upon him. He possessed high sense of duty and a keen understanding of every obligation placed at his door, and so he labored to the last, determined to perform a noble part in life’s responsibilities.

Our Brother was married to Miss Elizabeth Guthre, in Ogden, April 16, 1885, and she and an only child, a son survive him.

Brother Heywood was made a Mason in Weber Lodge No. 6, Ogden, Utah, June 3, 1880, and was Master of that Lodge in 1887. In the Grand Lodge of Utah, he was Grand Orator in 1883, and on January 16, 1889, was elected Grand Master. He was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee, 1891 and 1892, and when Past Grand Master Louis Cohn resigned as Chairman of this Committee, owing to the pressure of business-at the Annual Communication of 1893, Grand Master Shilling appointed Brother Heywood Chairman, and in that position he served, by reappointment, annually, till the end came, only a few days short of thirty years.

He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Ogden Chapter No. 2, May 21, 1881, and later was the presiding officer of his Chapter. In 1914 he was Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R. A. M., of Utah, but in spite of the earnest solicitations of the Companions, he declined to accept the election of Grand High Priest owing to the uncertain state of his health.

He was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., and was a charter member and Past Eminent Commander of El Monte Commandrey No. 2, of Ogden.

On January 25, 1883, he received the degrees of the A. & A. S. Rite, from the 4th to the 32nd inclusive, from the then Deputy Inspector General for Wyoming and Utah, Brother Frank Foote. On Oct. 24, 1907, he was given the rank and decoration of K. C. C. H., and in Washington D. C., October 21, 1921, he was duly invested a Mason of the thirty-third Degree, and proclaimed an Inspector General Honorary of the Supreme Council, S. J. His was the privilege of voicing Utah’s welcome to the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction in August last (1922) when that Body assembled in Salt Lake City, for its Annual Session.

Brother Heywood had come to be regarded as a fixture in Masonic gatherings, especially in Grand Lodge, and few, if any, in the Jurisdiction would be missed as he will be missed from our gatherings. He loved to put snap and sparkle, and the smile, into the communications of Grand Lodge, and this he never failed to do, somewhere along the way, and these sallies came to be looked for, and fully appreciated by the brethren.

A kindly courageous sprit; a sturdy contender for what he held true; a wise counselor; a very human and humane man; a loyal friend; a citizen of high ideals; a lover of home and family, passed on the never-ending trail with the going of Abbot Rodney Heywood.

Because of his indomitable spirt, perhaps, these lines are inseparably linked with our thought of him.

“I was ever a fighter, so-one fight more,
The best and the last!
I would hate that death bandaged my eyes, and forbore,
And bade me creep past.
No ! Let me taste the whole of it, fare like my peers,
The heroes of old,
Bear the brunt, in a minute pay glad life’s arrears
Of pain, darkness and cold.”

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1923, page 118, 119.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1890

Arthur Morris Grant was born 12 January 1839 in Conneaut, Ashtabula, Ohio, son of Solyman Ward Grant and Lucinda F. Rollo.

Little is known about Brother Grant until after he was mustered out of the 18th Regiment of the New York Volunteers. At age 21 while living in Ogdensburgh New York, he enlisted on May 15, 1861, at Malone New York. He mustered in as a private, with Co. I, on May 17, 1861, to serve for two years. Shortly after, on June 24, 1861, Private Arthur Morris Grant was transferred into Company K, perhaps to be near his brother Ralph Rollo Grant, already assigned to that company. He was promoted to Sergeant on June 27, 1862, and later that year was promoted again to 2nd Lieutenant on December 2, 1862. He mustered out with the company, on May 28, 1863, at Albany, New York10. He married Mary Thomason after leaving the service, soon after, he and his wife moved to Nevada.

Brother Morris may have received his degrees while living in Nevada prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge of that state, when Lodges in Nevada were still under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California. It is known that Brother Grant was a member of Oasis Lodge No. 11 located in Belmont Nevada. He served that Lodge as Senior Deacon during 1869 and 1870, and as Junior Warden during 18721. Arthur Morris Grant, his wife Mary and son William Rollo Grant were living in Buena Vista, Humboldt, Nevada on July 1, 18702. There is no record of him being a member of any Lodge in the state after 1873 when he was dropped from the rolls of the Lodge.

The family moved to Utah sometime during 18743. He and his family were living in Park City (Summit County) in 1880. He affiliated with Uintah Lodge No.7 after they were chartered in 1880, and is listed as Senior Deacon in 18814. The following year he served as Senior Warden and was elected Master in 1883, serving during 1884. He demitted from Uintah Lodge during 1887 and affiliated with Argenta Lodge No.3. He served two terms as Master of Argenta in 1888 and 18895.

Worshipful Brother Grant was appointed to Grand Lodge in 1884 by Most Worshipful Brother James Lowe. He served that year as Grand Standard Bearer and was appointed as Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of West Virginia on May 20 1884, Senior Grand Warden in 1885, Grand Lecturer during 1887, Grand Orator during 1888, Deputy Grand Master during 1889 and on January 22, 1890 durring the 19th Annual Communication, he was installed as Grand Master by Most Worshipful Brother Abbot Rodney Heywood.

During 1892, Arthur Morris Grant served as Eminent Commander of the Utah Commandry No.1 K.T.6. He served as president of the Salt Lake Masonic Temple Association 1891-1893.

Brother Grant served as the first elected Potentate of El Kalah Shrine during 1890. Treasurer of Utah Chapter No. 1 RAM during 1893. His wife Mary served as Treasurer of Lynds Chapter O.E.S.7. He later served as Secretary of Utah Chapter No.1 RAM until 18998. By 1900, Most Worshipful Brother Grant along with his family had moved north to Idaho and ended his association with Freemasonry in Utah.

Most Worshipful Brother Grant age 81 left these earthly bounds on 31 May, 1921 at the home of his son William in Boise Idaho where he had been living since the death of his wife Mary on March 14, 1916. He is buried along side his wife Mary and daughter Ella at Mt. Olivet Cemetery9 in Salt Lake City.

George F. Winters, Grand Historian – September 30, 2009.
Photo digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Ref:
1. Records of the Grand Lodge of Nevada.
2. 1870; US Federal Census Place: Buena Vista, Humboldt, Nevada; Roll M593_834; Page: 101; Image: 204
3. 1880; US Federal Census Place: Park City, Summitt County, Utah; District 74; Page: 20; Line: 11.
4. Grand Lodge of Utah Annual Proceedings 1882.
5. Various Grand Lodge of Utah Annual Proceedings 1883-1891.
6. R.L Polk & Co. Salt Lake City Directory 1891-2, page 79.
7. R.L Polk & Co. Salt Lake City Directory 1893
8. R.L Polk & Co. Salt Lake City Directory 1897, page 64.
9. Mount Olivet Cemetery Records, Salt Lake City Utah, Burial Section E Lot 33.
10. U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, New York, 1863-1865, Sheet No. 64. (available on Ancestry.com)

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1891

William Grant Van Horne, the seventeenth Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah, was a native of Arkansas. He was born in Fayetteville, that state, August 19, 1855. He was a son of Rev. Thomas B. Van Horne, who at the time was Professor of Languages in Arkansas College.

It appears that the family returned to Ohio, the birthplace of elder Van Horne, and at the outbreak of the Civil War the father entered the service as Chaplain of the 13th Ohio Volunteers and served in that capacity throughout that struggle. At the close of the war he was commissioned Chaplain in the regular army and stationed at Fort Douglas, near this city.

It is not known where the subject of this sketch did his preparatory school work-probably in Ohio-but at the age of 22 he was graduated from Brown University, Providence, R. I., in June, 1877, and soon thereafter came to Utah to visit his father. He then entered the law office of Bennett and Harkness, studied law and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of the state in 1878. He became associated in the practice of his profession with R. N. Baskin, and when Brother Baskin was elected mayor of Salt Lake City in 1892, he appointed Past Master Van Horne (who had just completed the year as Grand Master) as City Attorney. Later, he was elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Utah, in which he served on important committees, and in 1900 he was elected a member of the Utah legislature.

Past Master Van Horne was interested in the mining resources on this intermountain country and was active in promoting those interests.

In 1902, on the recommendation of Senator Thomas Kerns, President Roosevelt appointed him presiding judge of the Court of First Instance at Cairo, Egypt. From that position he retired some ten years ago, since which time he had made his home in Hollywood, California, where he died March, 2, 1932. The body was taken to Columbus, Ohio, for burial.

This Brother was initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, Salt Lake City, April 22, passed April 24, and raised April 26, 1880. He was Worshipful Master in 1886.

In Grand Lodge he served as Grand Lecturer, Grand Orator, Grand Marshal, Junior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master, and on January 21, 1891, he was elected Grand Master.

At the time of his decease he was survived by a sister, who resided in Hollywood, California.

Ref: Proceeding of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1933, page 79.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1892

Bro. Shilling was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 23, 1840, of sturdy American parents. He attended school in his native county until he was twelve years old, when his parents moved to Cass County, Michigan, where he worked on a farm in the summer and attended school in the winter. At the breaking out of the Civil War, he enlisted in Capt. Dennison’s Company “M,” First Regiment of Michigan Cavalry, serving till the end of the war. He was made a prisoner at Gettysburg, and incarcerated for eight weeks in Libbey Prison and Belle Isle, Richmond, Va.

After being honorably mustered out, he took a course in Eastman’s Business Collage at Chicago, Ill. In 1866, he emigrated to the Rocky Mountains, settling in Central City, Colorado, where he worked for a few months in a drug store. After this he entered as a messenger in an office of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and learned telegraphy, of which he soon became expert. The first office he had charge of was in Cooper Creek, Wyoming, on the Overland Stage Line.

During the summer of the preliminary survey of the Union Pacific Railroad an Indian uprising occurred, causing much trouble to the surveyors and settlers, and Bro Shilling’s station being in the very midst of the disturbance, he was harassed by the redskins night and day, but always escaped unhurt. Upon completion of the telegraph line to Helena, Montana, in 1873, he filled the position of assistant operator at Helena. From there he went to Idaho and Utah, where he conducted the stringing of an emergency wire for the Western Union to Promontory, Utah, and when on the 10th day of May, 1869, the last (gold) spike was driven on the Union and Central Pacific Railroad, he assisted in telegraphing the news of the completion of the first Continental Railway to all parts of the world.

Leaving the northern shore of the Great Salt Lake, he went to Malad City, Idaho, as telegraph operator, stage and express agent. In Malad he found his future partner through life, Miss Angie Harrison. They were married in 1871. Seven children were born to them.

From Malad he was transferred to the Fort Hall Indian Agency in the same capacity, and by appointment of the United States Government, held the position of licensed trader to the Bannocks and Shoshone Indians. While following his occupation here as operator in 1876, the Custer massacre occurred in Montana; and this being before the day of railroads in Montana, their only route for telegraphic communication was over the Western Union line, constructed in 1865 from Salt Lake City to Virginia City, Montana.

This line having been temporarily constructed to tide over the time when railroad lines would supercede it, was becoming dilapidated and frequently out of repair; and at the time of the massacre the wire was broken between Fort Hall and the next station north, which at that time was Pleasant Valley, Idaho, 125 miles distant. The operator at Pleasant Valley took off the news at his station and turned it over to the stage driver to carry with all dispatch to Bro. Shilling at Fort Hall (or Ross Fork), as was the name of the post-office, and he, Bro. Shilling, telegraphed the news of this cruel massacre to the world. Mr. W. B. Hibbard, superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph company at Salt Lake City at the time, received the dispatch from the wires in the Salt Lake office.

While doing business at Fort Hall, in 1878, the Bannocks went on the warpath, and Bro. Shilling was again in danger of losing his life by the savage Indians. Upon completion of the Utah & Northern narrow gauge railroad, he removed to Blackfoot, Idaho, and was one of the first who erected a nice residence in that then thriving town. In 1880 his fellow Republicans nominated him for the Upper House of the Idaho Legislature; he however, was defeated by a very small majority. He was chairman of the first Board of the Idaho Insane Asylum; but having moved out of the Territory, resigned before the completion of the building. In 1884 he was elected a Delegate from Idaho to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, casting each time his vote for the “Plumed Knight,” whom he considered one of the greatest living Americans.

Bro Shilling removed to Ogden, Utah, in 1885, where he entered into the mercantile and banking business, and in which he was successful, until the disastrous crash came in 1893, which ruined not only him, but many other careful and conservative business men.

At the first election carried by the Liberty party, he was elected Alderman from his ward, and was the acting Mayor of Ogden during the frequent absence of Mayor Bro. F. J. Kiesel. In 1890 he was appointed Regent of the University of Utah; and again in 1892, holding the office four years. He was elected Superintendent of Public schools of Ogden in 1891, and during his incumbency of the office many fine school buildings were erected at an expenditure of over $100,000.

After his failure in business he moved to Washington, D. C., where he occupied a position in one of the Government Departments. But the custom and climate of the East would not agree with him, the “wild and wooly West” suited him best, and to it he turned his footsteps in 1901. He resides now in Ontario, Oregon, where he is engaged in the through-bred cattle business.

March 9, 1880, Grand Master Charles Himrod of the Grand Lodge of Idaho granted a dispensation to Weber Lodge No. 6 to receive and act upon the petition for the three Degrees of Bro. Shilling, who resided then in Ross Fork, Idaho Territory. Receiving the notice of his election he traveled over 150 miles to be initiated, which occurred April 1, 1880; he was passed May 24th, and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason May 27th of same year. The beloved Bro. Gumpert Goldberg, Master of Weber Lodge, who died in Ogden November 14, 1881, conferred the degrees upon him. The first and only appointed office he held in the Lodge was that of Junior Steward in 1884. He was elected Junior Warden in December, 1885, Senior Warden in 1886, and presided over the Lodge from December, 1887, to December, 1888.

Bro. Shilling never held an appointed office in the Grand Lodge. He was elected Senior Grand Warden January 22, 1890; Deputy Grand Master January 21, 1891, and Grand Master January 20, 1882. He was a painstaking and zealous guardian of the craft. He visited every Lodge in the Jurisdiction, instructed them in the work, and in the kindliest manner advised the officers and members as to their duties as men and Masons, all of which made his administration a successful one for the fraternity, and on account of two events, an auspicious one for himself. The Grand Lodge not having granted a Charter for ten years, it granted one at its Twenty-Second Annual Communication to Tintic Lodge No. 9, at Eureka, which bears his signature as Grand Master.

But fortune smiled upon his administration, on another occasion, an occasion which will doubtless remain in his memory till his clock strikes low twelve. On Pioneer Day, July 25, 1892, at the request of the Liberal City and County Administration, he laid the cornerstone of the City and County Building, the finest public edifice ever erected in this part of the country. The heavy granite stone in the northeast corner of the building bears the following inscription in gold letters: “Laid by the Masonic Fraternity, W. N. Shilling, Grand Master, July 25, A. D. 1892.” It was chiseled in the stone by order of the then Mayor of the City, Bro. R. N. Baskin, and it is hoped that it will never be defaced. The Building Committee, through Mayor Baskin, presented Bro. Shilling, previous to the beginning of the ceremony, with a gavel and trowel made out of Utah mahogany and bound with Utah silver, of which he has reason to be proud.

Bro. Shilling is an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast. His Grand Lodge number is 584; Lodge number 63.

The Capitular Degree were conferred upon him in Ogden Chapter No. 2, R. A. M., as follows: M. M. and P. M., April 1st; M. E. M. and R. A., April 21, 1883.

He was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., Salt Lake City, February 21, 1884, dimitted from it and became a charter member of El Monte Commandery No. 2 at Ogden. He held the office of Treasurer in both these bodies for a number of years.

Brother Shilling dimitted from Weber Lodge No. 6, in 1910. No record has been found as to the date of when and where he died.

This sketch was published in;

The proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1902, page, 85, 86, 87.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Note*: Most worshipful Brother Shilling moved north after dimitting from Weber Lodge No. 6 and settled in Idaho. His wife passed away on June 30, 1912 and is buried in the cemetary at Hailey, Idaho. Shortly there after, Most Worshipful Brother Shilling moved to Portland Oregon, where he shared a residence with his widowed sister Martha. He passed away on August 4, 1923. – George Winters, Grand Historian September 7, 2009

Ref*; 1. History of Idaho: a narrative account of its historical progress …, Volume 3 By Hiram Taylor French, pages 1026-1028, 1 photo. 2, 1920 US Federal Census Portland Oregon ED:109 Sheet: 4, January 6th 1920. 3, Portland Oregon Deaths 1915-1924, online data base.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1893

The warm heart of a good man and exemplary Freemason beats no more. In San , Francisco, Cal., shortly before sunrise on the morning of June 13, 1894, Bro. Albion Bernard Emery stepped from the shore of time to the threshold of his eternal home. When the sad news was announced in this city and became known throughout Utah the shadow of a great sorrow fell upon many a heart, and the pain it brought to them will not be assuaged this side of the grave. But few men in this community had so many friends as he, but few so many admirers, but few stood so high in the esteem of his fellow men as did Albion Bernard Emery. He was loved by all who knew him for his manly character, his genial disposition and his true, noble and charitable heart. He was a live man and a companionable gentleman. He always kept abreast of the times, took deep interest in the advancement of his fellow men and the progress of civilization. He lived in sympathy with the people of this region and was “their friend.” And they mourn his loss because they know there is no other to fill his place.

“When such men as he die
Their places ye may not well supply
Though ye may among the thousands try
With vain endeavor.”

Bro. Albion Bernard Emery was born in South Berwick, York county, Maine, June 26, 1846, and when twenty-two years old pushed his was to Chicago, where he remained a few years. He crossed the rocky Mountains in 1869, arriving in Idaho in November of that year, where he worked in the Snake river placer mines. He came to Utah in 1870. He first tried mining in Big Cottonwood, then went to Ophir and Dry Canyon in 1872. He was the first Gentile County Clerk in Tooele county, and held the office from August, 1874, to May, 1875. For the following three years he had charge of a smelter in Ophir and resided most of the time in Salt Lake City. He then made a short trip to Arizona and returning from there mined a short time in Custer county, Idaho. In the fall of 1880 he located in Park City, which place has ever since been his home. He was Postmaster in Park City from 1881 till January, 1886. From that time on he was with the Daly Mining Company and an extensive operator in mines. In the spring of 1882, fortune smiled upon him and he became part owner of one of the richest and best paying mines in Utah.

Bro. Emery was a self-made and self-cultured man. He was well versed in literature and loved to delve in the history of nations, both ancient and modern; but more especially in the political history of his own native land. His mind was a store house filled with the choicest passages and grandest thoughts of English and American authors, and he being a ready conversationalist used them to the best advantage. These accomplishments coupled with his own warm heart, his great good sense, keen mind and business qualifications made him a leader of the people among whom he lived. He presided at several important political conventions and was appointed by the Governor of Utah a delegate to the Chicago Silver Congress held July, 1893. In November, 1893, the citizens of Summit county elected him to the thirty-first Utah Legislature, and when that August body met in January, 1894, the Republican majority elected Albion B. Emery unanimously Speaker of the House. At the close of the Legislature both parties united and presented him with a beautiful finished gavel made of mountain mahogany trimmed and bound with gold. The gavel bears the inscription: “Presented to Albion B. Emery, 31st Legislative Assembly of Utah Territory. By the members of the House, Salt Lake City, Utah, March 8, 1894.” The name of each member is engraved on the gold bands of the gavel. At the time of his death he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Utah Insane Asylum, at Provo.

November 11, 1884, our deceased Past Grand Master, Judge P. H. Emerson, united Bro. Emery in wedlock with Susie E. Bransford. It was a happy union. Ten years full of love and peace. And when the parting hour came his dear companion watched over his failing breath, smoothed his pillow and closed his eyes.

“A devoted woman’s hand
Lead him to a better land.”

Bro. Albion Bernard Emery was made a Mason in Pleiades Lodge No. 478, Chicago, Ills., July 12, 1874, he affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1, Salt Lake City, of which Lodge he was Senior Deacon in 1876 and `77, and Senior Warden in 1878. He dimitted from Wasatch Lodge, October 8, 1880, and assisted in the formation of Uintah Lodge U. D., Park City, being its Senior Deacon. When, November 10, 1880, Uintah Lodge No. 7, received a charter, Bro. Emery was its first Senior Warden and its Master in 1881 -`82 -`83, and from that time up to the time of his departure to the Grand Lodge above he has ever been a constant attendant of the Lodge and its leading spirit.

Bro. Emery appeared for the first time on the floor of the Grand Lodge of Utah in January, 1882, and he was appointed Grand Sword Bearer. In 1884 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, in 1891 Senior Grand Warden, in 1892, Deputy Grand Master and in 1893, Grand Master. When retiring from the Grand East he presented to Grand Master A. S. Chapman a ring to be used by all future Grand Masters as their official seal, which will bring forth for all time to come sweet recollections of the loved Brother Albion Bernard Emery. He was the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodges of Wisconsin and Illinois, and a member of the Veteran Masonic Association of the Pacific Coast. He was a Royal Arch Mason, member of Ontario Chapter No. 3, Park City, and a member of Utah Commandery No. 1, Salt Lake City.

Bro. Emery loved Freemasonry, it was a part of his very life. He considered it a high honor to be elected Speaker of the first Republican Legislature of Utah, but he told the present writer on several occasions that the highest honor ever conferred upon him was that of having been elected Grand Master of Masons in Utah. He was a bright Mason in every sense of the word. He was a Masonic jurist and ritualist and well versed in Masonic history. As Grand Master he never swerved to do his whole duty. In his decisions he was always firm and at the same time careful and wise. He demanded obedience to the laws and obeyed them himself. From the Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge of Utah Bro. Emery was absent but once in twelve years, in 1889, when he was lying dangerously ill at home in Park City. His absence was noted by the Correspondent of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, which the Utah Correspondent answered as follows: “Bro. Emery is a Mason all over. Whether he trampled over the hills and through the valleys of this western country with a pick and shovel and a blanket and frying pan strapped on his back, prospecting for precious metals, or whether he worked deep down in the earth digging them out, he never neglected his Masonic duties. Neither did he when he was postmaster at Park City, nor does he now when manager of a rich mine. He was born a Mason and will die a Mason.” When mother earth took him back she took to her bosom a true and faithful Mason. The Grand Lodge of Utah is better because Bro. Emery presided in its Grand East, and his grave in Mt. Olivet Cemetery will for all time to come be a honored grave and a shrine for Utah Masons. He is no more, but he has left behind him a legacy that will remind future Utah Masons that he has lived and that his life was one full of deeds of love and charity.

Wreaths will fade and wither on his tomb; remorseless time will raze the mound where he sleeps; monuments will rust and granite will crumble; but Bro. Emery’s achievements as a man and Mason will be imperishable.

“We live in deeds, not years;
In thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on the dial.
We should count time by heart throbs.
He most lives who thinks most,
Feels the noblest, acts the best.
Friend and Brother sleep well.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1895, page, 95, 96, 97, 98.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1894

Bro. Chapman, the fourth child of Arvis Segrave and Lucina (Burr) Chapman, was born in Seville, Medina County, Ohio, August 17, 1839. During his infancy the family removed to Lodi, in the same county. and State, where they remained until September 1, 1845, when they settled in Princeton, Bureau County, Illinois. In the common schools of a frontier hamlet, supplemented by some instructions in private schools, he received such an education as could be obtained under the circumstances. At the age of sixteen he was employed as a clerk in a hardware and stove business owned by his father and brother.

October 1, 1863, he was called to Washington, D. C., to fill a responsible position in the War Department, which he resigned in 1864 to serve his country on the battlefield. When in April of that year, a call was issued from the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac for surgical and hospital volunteers, he supplied himself at his own expense, with all the necessary implements, went to the front, assisting and helping the wounded and dying during that memorable campaign of General Grant in 1864.

In 1867 and 1868 he held the office of Assistant County Clerk and Recorder of Bureau County, Illinois. In the winter of 1868 he began the study of dentistry, which occupation he has followed ever since successfully.

He came to Salt Lake City in January, 1878, and entered the dental office of Dr. J. R. Crawford, with whom he soon formed a partnership, which terminated by the removal of Dr. Crawford to New York.

In national politics Dr, Chapman has followed the banner of Abraham Lincoln ever since he cast his first vote, but from the day he stepped on Utah soil he has known no party affiliations, and could always be found in the ranks of those American citizens who fought for the exercise of American principles in all parts of our common country; and when at that memorable meeting held in the Salt Lake Theater December 19, 1893, it was resolved to disband the Liberal party of Utah and divide on party lines, Dr. Chapman was among those who opposed the movement and voted against the adoption of the resolution.

Bro. Chapman has been an enthusiastic and zealous Mason for nearly two scores of years, and his record as such can profitably be used as a mirror for the younger brethren. He was initiated in Bureau Lodge No. 112, Princeton, Ills., April 14th, passed May 19th, and raised June 9th, in the year 1863, was the senior Deacon of the Lodge in 1865, dimitted from it December 11, 1867, for the purpose of assisting in the formation of Princeton Lodge, U. D. which was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois October 6, 1868, as Princeton Lodge No. 587. Of that Lodge he was Senior Deacon in 1869, Junior Warden in 1870, Senior Warden in 1871, and Master in 1877 and 1878.

He received the Capitular Degrees in Princeton Chapter No. 28, R. A. M., Princeton, Ills., as follows: M. M. September 24; P. M. and M. E. M., September 29, and R. A., October 1, in the year 1863; was Secretary of the Chapter in 1864, 1865 and 1866; P. S. in 1870, C. H. in 1871, and dimitted from it January 17, 1878. Affiliated with Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., at Salt Lake City, March 12, 1892, in which he held several minor offices.

The Cryptic Degree were conferred upon him in Orion Council No. 8, R. & S. M., at Princeton, Ills., December 10, 1864; was Recorder of that Council 1865-66, and dimitted from it March 12, 1892. He is a charter member of Utah Council No. 1, R. & S. M. was T Ill Master in 1897 and in 1901 Dep. T Ill Master.

The Degrees of the A. A. S. R. from the fourth to the thirty-second Degree, inclusive, were communicated to him at Princeton, Ills., April 14 to 29, 1867, by Bro. David W. Thompson, thirty-third Degree, Dis. Dep. Insp. General, and W. A. Stevens, thirty-third Degree, Ill Gr Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Consistory of Illinois. He was M. E. and P. K. Sen. W. of Princeton Chapter Rose Croix, in 1868 and 1869; was V. G. S. K. of S. & A. in Princeton Council, Princes of Jerusalem, in 1868, and was Gr. Sec. and K. of S. in Princeton Consistory in 1867 and 1868.

Bro Chapman affiliated with our Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2 March 14, 1881, and on December 12th of that year was elected Senior Warden; was Master of the Lodge in 1891 and 1892, and is one of its Trustees since 1794. And here it should be recorded that during this last twenty years old Mt. Moriah Lodge has had no member who has worked more faithfully and unceasingly for its interest than Bro. Chapman; to him the Lodge is largely indebted for its present sound financial condition, for the correct practice of the Utah Standard Work, and for the Sociability that exists between the members inside and outside of the Lodge. On December 10, 1900, Bro Chapman was unanimously elected an honorary life-member of Mt. Moriah Lodge, by which act it but feebly expressed its appreciation for the eminent services of a loyal craftsman and a member who has been its very soul for a full score of years.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he was appointed Grand Orator in 1891; was elected Senior Grand Warden in 1892, Deputy Grand Master in 1893, and was Grand Master from January 17, 1894, to January 16, 1895. Is a member of the Jurisprudence Committee since January, 1895, and a member of the Board of custodians since January, 1898. Is Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Illinois since July 1, 1894, and of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia since April 20, 1898, and the Grand Lodge of Tasmania since July 28, 1892. He is an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast since October 11, 1895. His Lodge number is 175; Grand Lodge number 618.

Bro Chapman was the first Grand Master who received the Signet Ring presented to the Grand Lodge by the retiring and ever-to-be-remembered Grand Master, Bro. Albion Bernard Emery, and on Sunday, June 17, 1894, it was his sad duty to conduct the funeral ceremonies in the Congregational church at Salt Lake City, and to bury the last remains of that true and warm-hearted Mason in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Bro. Chapman was born a Mason and will die a Mason.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1901, page, 104, 105, 106.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1895

Alvin Charles Emerson was born at Wallingford, Rutland County, Vermont, on the 11th day of November, 1858. In 1861 with his parents he moved to Michigan locating at Battle Creek, where he resided until 1876. He attended the public schools at Battle Creek, finishing in the high school in 1876 and in December of that year moved to Utah, locating at Provo. From the spring of 1877 to that of 1880 he was employed as engineer at the Crismon-Mammoth mill at Tinic, the Old Telegraph at Bingham and on the U. & P. V. (now R. G. W.) Railroad. In March, 1880, he was appointed Clerk of the First District Court of Utah, which position he held until 1887, when a change in National Administration changed the Judges of the Court. He moved to Ogden in 1880 where he has since resided.

During the time he was Clerk he read law and in 1875 was admitted to the Bar, and after the expiration of his term as Clerk practiced law with his father, the late Past Grand Master Phillip H. Emerson, for a couple years, but not taking kindly to the law, in 1878 went into the mercantile business which he followed for a number of years. In 1891 he was appointed U. S. Inspector of Customs at Ogden which he held for three years. He was Chairman of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners in 1894, a member of the Board of Education in 1893-4 and re-elected for the years 1895-6, and was President of that board during those two years. During the construction of the Pioneer Electric Company’s pipe line in Ogden canyon he was Chief Inspector of Steel Construction which position he filled until the completion of that work since which time he has devoted his attention to railroading, having been employed by the R. G. W. and U. P. railroads in various capacities. A little more than two years ago he accepted a position with the Armour Car Lines which he now holds, being the State agent for the Armour Car Lines and traveling representative of the Fruit Growers Express and Continental Fruit Express, with territory extending into Oregon, Idaho, Utah Wyoming and Colorado.

On June 28, 1882 he was married to Mary Martindale of La Crosse, Wis., and there have been as issue of such marriage three sons, Phillip H., Charles A. and Ralph M., the latter, a lad of fourteen years being however, the only one surviving.

On April 7, 1881, he presented his petition to Weber Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M. at Ogden to become a Mason. On May 5th he was elected and Initiated an Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on May 13th and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on June 2nd , same year.

From the report of the Grand Secretary, presented to the Grand Lodge at the Eleventh Annual Communication, held January 17, 1882:

On the 2nd day of last June the M W Grand Master raised his eldest son to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason in Weber Lodge, No. 6, at Ogden. I was determined to make it a festive occasion. And requested the Lodges in the jurisdiction to send a delegation of Brethren to the meeting, whereby not only a ceremony would be witnessed that might not occur again in a lifetime, but which would also show and convince our Grand Master that his labor for and devotion to the interests of Masonry in Utah were appreciated by its members. I am happy to be able to report that each Lodge was represented by three or more members, and thus a tribute of respect was paid our Grand Master, of which he had reason to feel proud. The ceremony itself was as solemn as it was rare, and the officers and members of Weber Lodge showed their guests a hospitality that is seldom equaled and never surpassed. I only wish that our Brother, Alvin Charles Emerson, made a Master Mason under such auspicious circumstances, may follow in the footsteps of his illustrious father as a man and a Mason.

He was elected Secretary of that Lodge in 1882, appointed Senior Deacon 1883-4, elected Junior Warden in 1891, Senior Warden in 1892 and Worshipful Master in 1893 and 1894, and is still a member of that Lodge.

He was appointed Grand Marshal of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Utah, January 20, 1892, elected Junior Grand Warden January 18, 1893, Senior Grand Warden January 17, 1894 and M. W. Grand Master January 16, 1895.

On January 17, 1894 he was appointed Grand Representative of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Prince Edwards Island near the Grand Lodge of Utah, which he now holds.

During his administration Damascus Lodge at Mt. Pleasant was organized by Dispensation which he granted September 13, 1895, and on January 21, 1896 he signed the Charter of the Lodge as Grand Master.

He is an active member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast since February 14, 1895, His Grand Lodge Number is 632, Lodge Number 72.

Bro. Emerson was advanced to the more Honorary Degree of Mark Master in Ogden Chapter No. 2, R. A. M., February 18, 1882, inducted into the Oriental Chair and received and acknowledged as Most Excellent Master March 6, 1882, and exalted to the Sublime Degree of a Royal Arch Mason March 18, 1882. He was Chaplain of the Chapter in 1884, Capt. of Host in 1885, Scribe in 1886, King in 1887, and High Priest for the years 1888 and 1889 and Acting High Priest up to 1894. He received the Degrees of Knighthood in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T. at Salt Lake City, November 16, 1882, and held the office of Warder at the time he was honorably released from Utah Commandery to become a charter member of El Monte Commandery No. 2 at Ogden in 1885, in which he has held the offices of Warder, Senior Warden, Capt. General, Prelate and Imminent Commander.

On June 2, 1902, he will celebrate his Twenty-first anniversary as a Mason, and during all those years there has been but little of the time that he has not held one or more offices in the Masonic bodies and is still in the harness, being Secretary of his Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery.

Brother Alvin Charles Emerson died on January 25, 1926 in Ogden, Utah.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1902, pages 88, 89, 90.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1896

The subject of this sketch was born in Lancaster County, Va., April 18, 1859. His father, William Thomas Dalby, who died at Baltimore, Md., at the age of seventy years, was at the time of his death the oldest Past Master of Washington Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M., of that city. The father’s blood running in the veins of the son made him a devoted and warm-hearted Mason he has proved himself to be ever since he saw for the first time the Masonic light shining upon the Altar of Aztlan Lodge No. 1, at Prescott, Arizona.

Bro. Dalby attended the primary and intermediate schools at Baltimore, Md., where he secured a thorough knowledge of the several branches taught in the public schools of that city. At the age of twenty-one years he followed the advice of the sage Horace Greeley and started for the west, arriving in Prescott, Arizona, December, 1880, where he remained till 1883. In the spring of that year he went to Omaha, Neb., to study medicine in the medical college of that city, from which he graduated March 26, 1885. Coming to Salt Lake City in August, 1889, his ability as a physician and surgeon soon became a household word and his medical services were wanted by all classes of people. In 1893, and again in 1898-99, he left his extensive practice for the purpose of taking post-graduate courses at the Medical College in New York City.

Bro. Dalby was assistant surgeon of the Union Pacific Railroad from 1891 to 1896, when the segregation of the Union Pacific and Oregon Short Line Railroads occurred. He was appointed Health Commissioner of Salt Lake City by Mayor R. N. Baskin October 2, 1894. Which office he resigned January 15, 1898; the resignation, however, was not accepted until the following first day of March. He was married to Miss Fredonia Maud Rives in St. Paul’s Chapel, Salt Lake City, October 1, 1898.

Bro. Dalby being a Virginian by birth is in politics a Democrat, but ever since he has become a citizen of Utah has laid political party affiliations aside and is a brave and courageous defender of the pure American home and the separation of church and State.

As a Mason Bro. Dalby was ever true to his trust, always using his best endeavors to maintain the high standard the Craft had obtained in Utah. He was initiated in Aztlan Lodge No. 1, Prescott, Arizona, August 18, 1883, passed on the 23th day of the same month, and was raised the following day. He affiliated with our Argenta Lodge No. 3, June 2, 1891, was Junior Warden on the Lodge in 1892, and its Master during the years 1893, 1894 and again in 1898. He was an ideal Master, and the Lodge prospered under his administration.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he was appointed Grand Marshal, January 18, 1893; was elected Deputy Grand Master January 16, 1895, and Grand Master January 16, 1896. While he was Grand Master he constituted a new Lodge-a Masonic ceremony that has happened in Utah but eight times since the existence of the Grand Lodge, now nearly thirty years-and also to dedicate a new Masonic Hall at Salt Lake City, March 19,1896, which was the grandest Masonic event that ever occurred in the State. Bro Dalby is a member of the Jurisprudence Committee since 1898; is Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maine since October 20, 1894, and was elected an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast October 13, 1897, His Lodge number is 171, Grand Lodge number 1068.

The Capitular Degrees were conferred upon Bro. Dalby in Utah Chapter No. 1, R.A.M., as follows: M. M., June 10; P. M., June 13; M E. M., June 14; R. A., June 17, 1891. Was Excellent Scribe in 1892. Since June 23, 1899, he is a member of Bellevue Chapter No. 7, at Omaha, Neb.

He is a member of Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., Salt Lake City, in which he was made a companion of the Red Cross May 12th. and a Knight Templar May 19, 1892. He served as Captain General in 1893 and as Generalisimo in 1894.

He received of the A. A. S. R. from the fourth to the thirty-second Degree, inclusive, in 1894.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1901, page 107, 108.

OBITUARY

“Brother Dalby was born in Lancaster County, Virginia, April 8, 1859, and died in Salt Lake City, September 7, 1903, aged 44 years and 7 months. His full history may be found in the `Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah for 1901. He was made a Mason in Azrlan Lodge No. 1, Prescott, Arizona in the year 1883; affiliated with Argenta Lodge No. 3, Salt Lake City, June 2, 1991; was Junior Warden in 1992, and Master during the years 1893, 1894 and 1898. He was appointed Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Utah January 18, 1893; was elected Deputy Grand Master January 16, 1895, and Grand Master January 16, 1896; was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee from 1898 to the day of his death, and filled many other positions of honor in Lodge and Grand Lodge, always with credit to himself and the brethren whom he so freely served. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Utah Chapter No. 1, and a Knight Templar in Utah Commandery No. 1, both of Salt Lake City, and received the degree of the Scottish Rite up to and including the thirty-second. He took a lively and active interest in all things pertaining to Free Masonry in all its phases and made his influence felt in all efforts for the promotion of the general good of the Craft.

“Who is there among us that has not felt the glow of satisfaction when the door of the Lodge room opened to the quite, unostentatious entrance of the good brother, whenever the arduous duties of his profession permitted him to visit among those he loved so well to meet?

“Where is there a brother who has not listened with delight to his manly utterances whenever the interests of his Lodge, its members or of Masonry in general impelled him to speak?

“A Brother he was indeed to all the Lodge most dear; it mattered not to him whether you were dressed in the finest broadcloth or in the humblest garb, the heart of a true man and Mason went out to you with the hand he extended.

“Generous beyond the average of mankind, his deeds of unheralded charity were always done with the right hand to the entire ignorance of the left, and the world may never know how many a prayer went up for his recovery from the humble homes of the poor of this city, whose hearthstones he had gladdened with his skillful, unremunerated services, nor the silent, honest tears that were shed in those same homes, when their inmates learned that the inexorable decree had been issued and there was no hope. Brother Dalby had the happy faculty to do and say the kindest things in the kindest way; he seamed to want to emulate the wish of George Herbert, that he might so live that he could place to his credit a least one kind act every day of his life; he was a noble, manly, upright man and Mason, a hater of shams, a lover of the truth and of honesty of purpose. His voice was as music to the ears of those who knew him best, and his smile sent a thrill of joy to the heart.

“May Evergreen like Ivy encradle his memory in the hearts of all his brethren, so that they my emulate his good deeds and cultivate his many virtues, so that when the great day for all of us shall come, our last prayer may be that we may be ushered into the Heavenly Circle, where our dear brother has gone, for there we know none but the good can enter.

“Brother Dalby was married October 1, 1898, in St. Paul’s Chapel, Salt Lake City, to Miss Frederica Maud Rivers, a most estimable young lady, and to her and the two beautiful orphan boys he has left behind him we extend our heartfelt condolence for their great loss. We feel that no words of ours can assuage their deep grief, and time alone can in a measure temper the wind to the shorn lambs, and together with a firm reliance upon the wisdom and goodness of Divine Providence enable the stricken widow to nerve herself to the task of bringing up those little jewels to a standard of excellence which shall emulate the example of their honored father and reflect credit upon her noble character.”

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1904, page 32, 33, 34.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1897

Brother Gash was born in Macon County, Missouri, February 11, 1861. He received his education in the public schools of his native county. On February 1, 1878, he went to La Plata, twelve miles from his parents` home, to accept a position in a drug store. He was connected with the firm at this place, first as a clerk, then as a partner, until March, 1890, when he sold his interests and came to Provo City, Utah, where he became interested in the Smoot Drug company and its business manager. He filled the latter position until the 1st day of June, 1891, when he quit the drug business entirely.

Brother Gash had studied law for a number of years during his spare moments, and opened a law office at Provo at once after retiring from the drug business, and was admitted to the bar September 22 of that year. He continued in the practice of his profession at that place until August 31, 1898, when he moved from there to Chicago, Illinois, and opened an office in the Oxford Building, at 84 and 86 La Salle street, where he now enjoys a lucrative practice. He was married at La Plata, Mo., October 1, 1885, and now resides, with his congenial wife and son, Lowell E., at 756 South Kedzie avenue, in that city.

In politics Brother Gash is a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. His ancestors on both sides have resided in Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri since before the days of the Revolution, all of whom have been firm believers in the principles of that party. Brother Gash was a member of the State organization committee of his party from the First Congressional district of Missouri at the time of his removal to Utah. He was on the State and County committee continuously, after division on party line in Utah, until he left the State; and was chairman of the Central Committee in Utah County at the time of his removal to Chicago. He filled the office of Deputy Circuit Clerk of Macon County, Mo., at La Plata, from January, 1885, to January, 1888, when he resigned on account of his private business requiring all of his attention. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Utah county two terms, and filled the position from January 1, 1893, to January 1, 1887. He was the first Gentile elected to a County office in Utah County. He was connected with the National Guard of Utah, being Judge Advocate General, rank of Colonel, on Governor West’s staff, from February, 1894, to January, 1886. He was appointed a member of the Trans-Mississippi Congress which met at San Francisco, California, February 13, 1894. He was freely mentioned as a prospective candidate for Congress of the Democratic ticket at the time he moved to Chicago, but left two weeks before the convention convened.

He has also a literary turn of mind, and has written some things for publication, the most conspicuous of which is “The False Star,” an historical novel, with the scene laid in Utah.

The Masonic life of Brother Gash began in 1883. He petitioned La Plata Lodge, No. 237, Mo., June 29, initiated July 18, passed August 18, and raised September 12, of that year. Was appointed J. D., June 24, 1885, reappointed June 16, 1886, and S. D., December 4, 1889. Dimitted September 24, 1890.

He affiliated with Story Lodge No. 4, at Provo, December 10, 1890. Was appointed Senior Deacon December 19, 1891, elected S. W., December 19, 1892, re-elected December 20, 1893, and W. M., December 22, 1894. Dimitted from Story Lodge March 19, 1901. Affiliated with Columbian Lodge, No. 819, Chicago, Ills.

Brother Gash made his first appearance in the Grand Lodge of Utah as a member, January 17,1893. He was appointed Grand Orator by M W Bro. Emery at this meeting. He was Junior Grand Warden, 1894, Senior Grand Warden, 1895, Deputy Grand Master, 1896, and Grand Master, 1897. He was Grand Representative of North Dakota from March 2, 1894 to December 28, 1898.

The Chapter degrees were conferred upon Bro. Gash in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., in the year 1896, as follows: Mark Master and Past Master, March 7; Most Excellent Master, April 25; and Royal Arch April 25. He is now a member of Lafayette Chapter No. 2, at Chicago. He was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., June 25, 1896, and is now a member of Appolo Commandery No. 1, at Chicago.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1902, page, 91, 92.

Note: No record of Brother Gash’s obituary has been found in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah. The date and place of Bro. Gash’s death is unknown.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1898

Brother John Francis Hardie was born in the city of London, England, November 5th, 1840, from good old Scotch stock. When two years old his parents moved back to Scotland, from whence they had gone to England. Brother Hardie was educated at St. Stephens’s School, in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and on the 20th day of March, 1856, left there for Liverpool, England, from which port he sailed on the American clipper ship “Enoch Train” for the United States, arriving in Boston, Mass., on the 1st day on May, after a somewhat tempestuous voyage, reaching Iowa City five days after landing, from which place he crossed the plains in what is known as the “Hand-Cart” company of Daniel McArthur, arriving in Salt Lake City in September of the same year. In the spring of 1860 he rode Pony Express for the Overland Mail Company for two years, during which time he met with all the hardships and dangers incident to that life. In October, 1862, he left Salt Lake City for California, arriving there in November. After spending the winter months in Los Angeles county he sailed on the old steamship “Senator” for San Francisco.

In September, 1863, after having worked at his trade, blacksmithing, in Benicia, and the Mt. Diablo coal mines, he returned to San Francisco, in which city he remained for the next two years, working at carriage blacksmithing with the firms of Folsom & Hiller, Black & Miller, and later with the Kimball Carriage Mfg. Co. While working for these firms he joined the “Old Volunteer Fire Engine Co. No. 7.” on Pine street, and participated in many an exciting run for the handsomely-mounted “Silver Gray Fox Tail,” which at that time had been presented by Sam Branan as a competing trophy to be run for by Engine Companies 5 and 7.

He returned to Salt Lake City in 1865, and in 1866, when the Indians commenced their depredations in Sanpete county, the Governor of the Territory, Charles Durkee, having called for volunteers to help put down the insurrection, Brother Hardie was one of the first to respond, and served with honor for three months in the regiment, furnishing his own horse, arms and ammunition. The punishment inflicted upon the Indians engaged in this campaign was of so decided a character that they have never molested the settlers in that section since; but all petitions for remuneration for the time spent and the expense incurred has never received any recognition by the United States Government.

In 1870 Brother Hardie was married to Miss A. Woodmansee of Salt Lake City, in which union four children have been born, the first of which died in infancy; his youngest son served in the Spanish-American war in the Philippine Islands as a member of “Battery B,” Utah Volunteers. Brother Hardie has always been staunch and loyal to the country of his adoption, and has always taught his children that their first duty was to uphold and sustain the honor of their native country. Brother Hardie has also had the distinguished honor or raising his eldest son to the sublime degree on Master Mason in Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 11, Mercur, Utah.

The Masonic record of Brother Hardie commenced when he petitioned Weber Lodge No. 6, at Ogden, for the three degrees in Masonry; was elected and initiated May 2, 1878; passed May 27, and raised June 17th of the same year; was appointed Secretary Pro Tem shortly after being raised, and elected Junior Warden at the following election; moved to Salt Lake City in 1880; dimitted from Weber Lodge and affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, February 14, 1881, of which he was elected Senior Warden in 1883 and Worshipful Master in 1884 and 1885, during which time he conferred forty degrees.

In Grand Lodge Brother Hardie was Grand Tyler in 1880 and 1882, Junior Grand Deacon in 1883, 1884 and 1885, Junior Grand Warden, 1895; Senior Grand Warden, 1896; Deputy Grand Master, 1897, and Grand Master, 1898. During the year 1899 he issued a dispensation to Uintah Lodge No. 7 to hold an open-air meeting on the top of a mountain over 8,000 feet above sea level, which he opened and presided at. He was appointed August 20, 1890, by M W Brenham Van Dusen Grand Master of Masons, of Oregon, Grand Representative of that Grand Lodge near the Grand Lodge of Utah, which office he hold today.

Brother Hardie was made a member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast on November 23, 1894. June 11, 1901, he was made a life member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2. January 22, 1902, he was appointed Grand Lecturer. His Lodge Number is 173; Grand Lodge Number, 513.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1902, page 93, 94.

OBITUARY

Brother John Francis Hardie was born in London, England, November 5th, 1840, and “Passed out of darkness into light”, in St. Mark’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, January 22, 1907. His spiritless body was laid to rest in the plat of Mt. Moriah Lodge, on Sunday afternoon, January 27, 1907. Mt Moriah Lodge conducting the funeral obsequies and twelve Past Grand Masters were honorable Pall Bearers.

Brother Hardie was initiated in Weber Lodge No. 6, May 7th, passed May 27 and raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason June 17th, in the year 1878; was Junior Warden of the Lodge in 1879; dimitted from Weber Lodge and affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, February 14, 1881, of which he was Senior Warden in 1883 and Worsh. Master in 1884 and 1885.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he was Grand Tyler in 1880 and 1882, Junior Grand Deacon in 1883, 1884 and 1885; Junior Grand Warden in 1995; Senior Grand Warden in 1896, Dep Grand Master in 1897, and Grand Master in 1998. He was Grand Lecturer from January 22, 1902, to January 17, 1906; was Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Oregon from August 20, 1890 to the day of his death, and was a Member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast since November 23, 1894, His Lodge number was 173, his Grand Lodge number 513.

“His toils are ended; we must labor on
Our Master for a little longer calls
Our hearts to duty, at the rise of the sun;
Our hands to rest when evening’s shadows fall.”

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1908. Page, 37.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1899

The subject of this sketch was born July 3, 1850, in Cronberry, parish of Auchinleck, Ayershire, Scotland, where he received a common school education. From his fourteenth to his nineteenth year he learned the machinist trade, of which he acquired such perfect knowledge that in later years he was considered one of the most competent machinists.

In April, 1870, he sailed from Glasgow in the steamship “Columbia” for New York, where he arrived May 16. Going from New York to Pittsburgh, Pa., he worked at his trade till January, 1874, when he returned to his native land in the steamship “Adriatic” making the voyage in nine days. August 3, 1875, he crossed the Atlantic for the third time in the steamship “State of Indiana,” and landing in New York August 16, located again in Pittsburgh, where he was employed at the new waterworks of that city till June, 1879.

Bro. Murdoch came to Salt Lake City, June 30, 1879, and, going to Park City, was engaged by the Ontario Silver Mining company as a machinist. In August, 1884, he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Anaconda Smelter company, at Anaconda, Mont., where he remained one year. Returning to Utah in 1886, he was again engaged by the Ontario Silver Mining company at Park City. May 17, 1888, Bro. Myron Gale Foote, chief engineer at the works, having lost his life by an accident, Bro. Murdoch was offered and accepted that responsible position, which he held till September, 1900, when after twenty-one years of arduous labor, mostly in the high altitude of the Wasatch mountains, he tendered his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted by the superintendent of the company, the late Bro. R. C. Chambers. He served his connection with the company for the purpose of bettering his health by living in a lower altitude and in a city where his children could have all the advantages of the best schools. Since leaving Park City he has resided in his own beautiful and costly residence on South Main street, Salt Lake City, which he erected in 1896.

Bro. Murdoch, being a staunch and uncompromising Republication, his party elected him twice as Alderman from the Third precinct of Park City, and the Board, knowing his business qualifications and strict integrity in all his dealings, erected him each time as their President, thus serving in that capacity for four years.

November, 1894, he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Utah, which met in Salt Lake City from March 4, 1895, to May 8, 1895, and in which he rendered valuable services for the mining industry of the new State.

Bro. Murdoch married Miss Lizzie Lindsay of Park City, January 1, 1883 the issue of marriage being two sons and two daughters.

After a lingering illness of several years the good wife died on December 4, 1896, and on November 14, 1898, he joined hands with Miss Lyde Tackeray of Croyden, Utah, one son being the issue of that marriage.

During the summer of 1901 the happy couple took a trip to the British Isles and France, returning to their home with pleasant recollections of their sightseeing and experiences of the voyage.

Bro. Murdoch although financially well situated, is a quite and unpretentious citizen, attends strictly to his own affairs, and makes the best of life for himself, family and friends.

Bro. Murdoch was initiated, passed and raised on the evening of April 7, 1874, in St. Thomas Lodge at Muirkirk, Ayrshire, Scotland. Dimitting from his mother Lodge, he became a charter member of Uintah Lodge No. 7, Park City, Utah, which was constituted by Grand Master W. F. James, November 24, 1880, and of which he was Secretary in 1886; Junior Warden in 1888; Senior Warden 1n 1889; Worshipful Master in 1890, and Treasurer from December, 1892, to December, 1900.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah Bro. Murdoch was Junior Grand Deacon in 1890 and 1891. At the twenty-fifth Annual Communication, held January 21, 1896, he was elected Junior Grand Warden; in 1897, Senior Grand Warden; in 1898; Deputy Grand Master, and at the twenty-eighth Annual Communication, held January 7, 1899, he was elevated to the Grand East.

During his Grand Mastership the Masonic Centennial observance of the death of Bro. George Washington was held at Mount Vernon, Va., December 14, 1899, and neither distance, expense of the trip or loss of time prevented him from representing the Grand Lodge of Utah on that solemn occasion. It was an event that will live in his and the Grand Secretary’s (who accompanied him as his guest) memories as long as life lasts.

Bro Murdoch is the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey since April 18, 1898. He was elected a member of the Masonic Veterans Association of the Pacific Coast January 8, 1900. His Grand Lodge number is 648; Lodge number, 19.

He received the Chapter and Commandery Degrees in Scotland, of which bodies he is still a member.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1902, page 95, 96.

Note: Bro. Murdoch died on December 2, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar and spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1900

Brother George Viall Schramm was born in Galesburg, Michigan, August 19, 1867. When four months old his parents removed to Mentor, Ohio, and in 1871 to Onawa, Iowa. Three years later, 1874, the family came to Ogden, this State.

Brother Schramm was educated in the public schools of Ogden. After leaving school, he was employed for several years in the railroad office of that city as Freight Inspector. Later he learned the jewelry business and was a member of the firm of Beghtol and Schramm. In connection with this business, after having made the necessary preparation, he took up the work of an optician and followed this with studies at several eastern institutions, including the Northwestern University, the Washington and Jefferson Medical College, and at St. Louis, completing his studies at San Francisco, in the year of the earthquake, 1906. In the meantime he had moved his family to Salt Lake, and upon his return to this city he began the practice of his profession-that of eye, ear and throat specialist-and continued it with marked success up to the time of his death, which occurred May 28, 1928.

In 1891 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Rowlands, of Sioux City, Iowa, and to them three children were born, Elizabeth Marie, Clem Sanford and Stephen Rowland Schramm.

He began his Masonic career in 1882, being initiated as E. A., March 17th, passed April 4th, and raised April 28th of the year named, and in Weber Lodge No. 6-the Lodge of which his father was a charter member, the first Junior Warden under charter and later Worshipful Master. On December 27th, 1894, Brother George Schramm began serving his Lodge as Worshipful Master, and he continued in that station two years, and after an intermission of one year, he was re-elected Master, in December, 1897. The records show that the Lodge prospered under his administrations.

In the Grand Lodge he was appointed Junior Grand Steward, January 17th, 1894, elected Senior Grand Warden January 19th, 1898, and Grand Master January, 1900. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Ogden Chapter No. 2, R. A. M. in 1897; was knighted in El Monte Commandery No. 2, K. T. Ogden, 1899; became a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in El Kalah Temple, April 23rd, 1902, and received the degrees in the A. & A. S. Rite at the fall reunion, 1911.

P. G. M. Schramm was a member of the Salt Lake County Medical Society and of the Utah State Medical Society and of the Salt Lake Rotary club.

Brother Schramm’s health had not been good for some time before his death, but he continued at his work until about two weeks before the end came. He was buried in the family plot in the City Cemetery at Ogden.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1929, page 138.

Electronically Transcribe as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1901

Charles Wesley Morse, Grand master in 1901, died at Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 4, 1938, being at the time of his death the senior living Past Grand Master of Utah. He was born at Cambridge, Illinois, on December 29, 1856, to John C. and Rebecca Morse.

When he was a boy of about fifteen, his family moved to Wellington, Kansas, where he later studied law in the office of an attorney and was admitted to practice in 1880. In the same year he was married to Emma DeArmond of Wellington, who was a true and beloved helpmate to him until her death in 1930. To their happy home were born two daughters: Lenore, now Mrs. W. G. Ruckenbrod; and Zora, now Mrs. J. D. Hurd; both of Salt Lake City.

The young lawyer acted as clerk of the Sumner County, Kansas, District Court for two terms. In 1885 he moved to Garden City, Kansas, where he was City Attorney for two terms.

In 1888 he came to Utah and opened a law office, from which time he steadily grew in the public esteem as a lawyer and as a citizen, so that in November, 1900, he was elected a Judge of the Third Judicial District Court of Utah, an office which he held and administrated with distinction for the next sixteen years.

During these years on the bench, Judge Morse became a recognized authority on water and irrigation law and was called to preside in cases all over the state where important matters involving water rights were in litigation. Upon retiring from the bench in 1917, he became counsel for two large industrial companies, serving them until 1934. From that time until he became seriously ill in December, 1937, he practiced law at Salt Lake City with his son-in-law, J. D. Hurd, and upon the formation of the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Waster District, became its consulting attorney.

Judge Morse was made a Mason in Tyrian Lodge No. 246. A. F. & A. M., of Garden City, Kansas, in 1888. He affiliated with our Wasatch Lodge No. 1 in 1893 and in 1896 was elected its Master.

His Masonic record shows an interest in and a devotion to Masonry seldom surpassed. He was a member of Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M. and its High Priest in 1906. He became a member of Utah Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar, and of Utah Council No. 1, R. & S. M. in 1906.

He was made a member of the Mystic Shrine in 1904 and in 1910 became its Potentate.

On May 11, 1903, Judge Morse was a member of the first Utah Scottish Rite class and received its degrees from the 4th to the 32nd. In 1905 he was made a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor; and in 1908 the Honorary 33rd Degree of that Rite was conferred upon him. At the time of his death he was the Senior 33rd in Utah, and it may fairly be said, a man of full stature intellectually and morally, who stood head and shoulders above his fellows and whom the Craft loved and revered for his wisdom and the simple sweetness of his words.

He was attentive to all his masonic duties and performed what he promised. He loved the Masonic institution in all its branches and supported it liberally with his time, his ability and his means. Those who knew him will long remember him as an ideal Mason.

Judge Morse was appointed a member of the Jurisprudence Committee of the Grand Lodge by Grand Master F. C. Schramm in 1909, became its Chairman in 1923, and occupied that position until his death. His work on that important committee was done with the same breadth of vision, coupled with common sense, that characterized everything he did.

Some of his Masonic Degree work will never be forgotten by those who have been privileged to hear it and he was always in demand when some special need or occasion required a speech, serious in nature or joyous and heart-warming, as the case might be.

Judge Morse was active in the religious work of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City and was President of its Board of Trustees at the time of his death.

After all it is more in his aspects as a man than as a lawyer, judge and Mason that we who knew and loved him will best remember him. He was very human and kindly in all his relationships, and unspoiled and unchanged by the honors and praise he won he remained to the end of his life a modest and unassuming gentleman who loved his fellow-men and was by them beloved. Learned in the law and wise with years and experience, he was yet simple, unaffected and sincere and went his serene way with a smile and a cheery word on his lips and understanding in his heart. Here was a man. We shall not soon look upon his like again.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1938, page 85, 86.

Electronically Transcribe as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1902

Bro. William John Lynch having been born in Salt Lake City, March 1, 1862, has the distinction of being the first native born Utahan, who occupies the Grand East of the Grand Lodge of Utah. He received a common school education at St. Mark’s Episcopal School in Salt Lake City. Leaving school at the age of fourteen years, he was employed by the Union Pacific Coal company, which was then in charge of the genial and charitable Bro. Abram Gould, who was so pleased with the excellent qualities of the boy that he took a deep interest in him, and was not only his employer, but also his guardian and friend. The friendship of the man and the boy formed in those days lasted until Bro. Gould’s death, which occurred in Salem, N, Y., June 22, 1899.

In 1887 Bro. Lynch engaged in the real estate business, and through upright dealing and keen judgment made a success of it. His knowledge of real estate values in Salt Lake City, coupled with his integrity and moral character, induced the Liberal party, of which he was always a staunch supporter, to nominate him for County Assessor, and when on the evening of election, August 4, 1890, the ballots were counted his opponent found himself beaten by a large majority of votes. His first term of office gave so much satisfaction to his fellow citizens that he was re-elected by the Liberal party in November, 1892, and for a third term in November, 1894, by the Republican party. At the election in 1890 and 1892 he led the ticket, and in 1894 had a handsome majority.

Retiring from politics, he devoted his energies to mining in Utah and Colorado, and for the last two years has been bookkeeper for the Pleasant Valley Coal company. While Bro. Lynch has not accumulated a fortune, he has gained the esteem and respect of all the people with whom he has come in contact, and earned the reputation of a man of integrity, honor and ability.

On the third day of June, 1888, Bro. Lynch married Miss Annie B. Taylor, also a native of Salt Lake City, who with her happy disposition and womanly kindness, brightens their cosy home near Liberty Park with never ceasing love and affection. Two daughters of twelve and six years, respectively, give already evidence of succeeding their parents in every direction

The Masonic record of Bro. Lynch has been equaled but not surpassed in the Grand Jurisdiction of Utah. He was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No. 1, January 15th; passed February 15th, and raised February 19th, in the year 1892. He dimitted from Wasatch Lodge February 10, 1893, and affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, March 13th, of same year. The Junior Warden of the Lodge having left the Jurisdiction in June, the Worsh. Master, Bro. Daniel Dunne, appointed him to occupy the South during the balance of the term. He was elected Senior Warden of the Lodge December 11, 1893, Worsh. Master December 10, 1894, and re-elected December 9, 1895, serving two years.

Bro. Lynch was an excellent presiding officer. He was a strict disciplinarian, yet always courteous and kind; he was charitable, yet careful in disbursing the fund of the Lodge. He had memorized the By-Laws of the Lodge, and being himself punctual in their observance, permitted no member to disobey them. As ritualist, he had no superior. When conferring a Degree his whole soul was in the work, and the words flowed from his lips with such emphasis that no candidate or Brother left the Lodge room without being better informed of the tenets of Masonry and the beauties of its symbolism. Besides that, he was an industrious and zealous officer. During his first term as Master, he presided at thirty-four Degrees. Ever since he became an officer of Mt. Moriah Lodge much of his time and attention was devoted to its interest, and for it he has worked in season and out of season, and by it has earned for himself the love and respect of every member, including the everlasting friendship of the writer.

Another proof that Bro. Lynch is a devoted and faithful Mason is the fact that ever since he retired from office he has missed but two meetings of Mt. Moriah Lodge, and never yet has shirked any duty as a member.

The Grand Lodge record of Bro. Lynch is similar to his Lodge record. He made his first appearance in Grand Lodge at the twenty-third annual communication held at Provo, January 16 and 17, 1894. At the twenty-fourth Annual Communication held at Ogden, January 15 and 16 1895, Grand Master A. C. Emerson appointed him Senior Grand Deacon. He was elected Junior Grand Warden January 18, 1899; Senior Grand Warden, January 17, 1900; Deputy Grand Master, January 16, 1901; and Grand Master, January 22, 1902.

He has been Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand since July 6, 1896. He is an honorary member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast since March 21, 1902. His Lodge number is 272; Grand Lodge number 1126. Bro. Lynch is a careful reader of Masonic literature; is familiar with the Laws of the Grand Lodge of Utah; is a true and loyal citizen, and will make and ideal Grand Master.

Bro. Lynch received the Capitular Degrees in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., Salt Lake City, as follows: Mark Master, April 9th; Past Master, April 16th; Most Excellent, April 20th; Royal Arch, April 27th; in the year 1892. He was appointed Principal Sojourner in December, 1893; was Captain of the Host in 1898 and `99, and was elected Excellent High Priest, December, 1900, and re-elected in December, 1901. After his first year’s service the members of the Chapter were so pleased with his work and devotion to duty that they presented him with a beautiful and costly Past High Priest Jewel.

Bro. Lynch was made a Companion of the Red Cross in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., Salt Lake City, February 9th; Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, February 16th, in the year 1893.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1902, page 1, 2, 3.

OBITUARY

An active career closed with the death of Past Grand Master William J. Lynch on Wednesday, July 22, 1931. He had been ailing for several years and the last six months of his life were passed in St. Mark’s Hospital.

He was born in Salt Lake City, March 1, 1862, and his entire life was spent in this city.

Brother Lynch was active in politics and served his party as county assessor several terms, chief of police, secretary of the State Land Board and in 1906 was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor of Salt Lake

In a business way, at different times he engaged in mining, real estate and insurance business, as book-keeper for the Pleasant Valley Coal Company, and for eleven years prior to his retirement on account of illness he was employed by the Utah Copper Company in the purchasing department.

On June 3, 1888 Brother Lynch was married to Miss Annie B. Taylor, also a native of Salt Lake, and to them were born two daughters who with the widow, survive him.

Brother Lynch was an exceptionally fine ritualist and his Masonic record gives unmistakable evidence of his interest and activities in all branches of Masonry.

Brother Lynch was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No. 1, January 15, 1892, passed February 15, and raised February 19th, of the same year. A year later-March 13, 1893,-he affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge. Of this Lodge he was Worshipful Master during the years of 1894 and `95, and on September 14, 1903, he was elected a life-member of the Lodge.

In Grand Lodge he was elected Junior Grand Warden in January 1899, having served as Senior Grand Deacon in 1895, and was thereafter regularly advanced till January 22, 1902, when he was chosen Grand Master of Masons in Utah.

In capitular Masonry he was exalted in Utah Chapter No. 1, April 27th, 1892; was elected Excellent High Priest of his Chapter in 1901, and served in that station two years, and in May 1913, he was made Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of Utah, and served one year as such.

He was greeted in Salt Lake Council R. & S. M., September 19th, 1922; Knighted in Utah Commandrey No. 1, February 16, 1893; elected Eminent Commander of his Commandery December 1912, and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandrey Knights Templar of Utah, 1920.

On May 22, 1914, he became a charter member of Saint Bernard Conclave No. 25, Red Cross of Constantine, and in the following year was elected Sovereign of that body.

In Scottish Rite he was made a Master of the Royal Secret, December 2, 1902, and when the four Bodies were organized in this valley in 1903 he was chosen the first Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection, April 6th, 1903, and served in that capacity two years. On October 19th, 1905, he was elected, by the Supreme Council A. & A. S. Rite to the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander Court of Honor.

On March 8, 1893, he was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, and served as Illustrious Potentate of El Kalah Temple, for the year 1900.

An occasional Communication of the M W Grand Lodge of Utah was convened July 26, 1931, and at the request of the Master of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2-which assembled in a special meeting-Grand Master Burt H. Hunt and associate Grand Lodge officers conducted the funeral services. (See page 66.)

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1932, page 67, 68.

Electronically Transcribe as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1903

Brother Walter Scott who, at his home in Salt Lake City, passed from this to the Grand Lodge Beyond, on the 28th day of July, 1909. Was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 5, 1845.

Brother Scott was initiated in Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 145, Beloit, Kansas, May 9, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft, June 13, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, August 15 in the year 1874. That the lessons taught in the Lodge had attraction for him is shown by the fact that he continued rapidly to take the Royal Arch Chapter, Royal and Select Master and Commandery Degrees. By reason of his regular attendance, his willingness to undertake any part of the work, the occasion had been rare when he had not filled some official position. He was Worshipful Master, High Priest, thrice Illustrious Master, and presiding Officer of the Order of High Priesthood.

The Scottish Rite Degrees were communicated to Bro. Scott in Salt Lake City, May 24, 25, 26, 1897, by Bro. Frank M. Foote, 33rd Degree, Sov. Grand Inspector General for Wyoming and Utah. He assisted in the organization of the four co-ordinate Bodies of the Rite in the Valley of Salt Lake, Dec. 14, 1902, when he was elected Wise Master of James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix No. 1. He held the office till May 18, 1905. He was advanced to the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor at the Biennial Session of the Supreme Council, N. J., held in Washington, D. C., October 20, 1903.

Brother Scott was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Utah in 1901, Senior Grand Warden in 1902 and Grand Master in 1903. He was a member of the Committee on Jurisprudence from Jan. 21, 1904, to the day of his death. In 1907 he was a member of the Committee in grievance and Appeals. He was the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick since April 2, 1898, and on the 10th of October, 1895, was elected an active member of the Masonic Veteran Association of the Pacific Coast.

Possessed of a peculiarly sympathetic nature, Bro. Scott, attracted the affectionate regard of his Brethren as few men are privileged to do. He believed in the Brotherhood of Man as only those can who firmly believe in the Fatherhood of God. He met all men on the level of equality and in all his dealings was square, upright and just. Words can hardly express a more fitting tribute than that paid to his memory by the bowed heads and sorrowing hearts of the throng of citizens, friends and Brothers who attended his funeral and who evidenced by their grief that the departed was in his lifetime indeed their friend.

On Sunday, July 31, 1909, his funeral took place in the auditorium on the Masonic Temple, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge, the funeral service being rendered by Grand Master F. C. Schramm. Ten Past Grand Masters were honorary pallbearers. The procession proceeded to Mt. Olivet cemetery, where all that was mortal of our dear Brother was tenderly laid to rest by loving hands.

A loving wife and two sons survive our Brother, to whom we tender most affectionate sympathy.

“But, oh! for a tough of a vanished hand
And the sound of a voice that is still.”

Brother Scott was a member of Uintah Lodge No. 7, Park City, Utah

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1910, page, 33, 34.

Electronically Transcribe as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1904

Brother Richard Lewis Conely was born in Brighton, Michigan on May 7, 1868, where he made his home until 1882, when he came to Salt Lake City with his parents. He attended the public school of Brighton and continued his school work at the Collegiate Institute in Salt Lake City, one of the oldest private schools in the City.

In 1901, after completing his school work, he was appointed Chief Deputy Assessor of Salt Lake County, in which position he continued for six years. In August, 1899, he entered the employ of the W. S. McCornick and Company Bank as manager of their branch bank at Mercur. Shortly after a fire that destroyed the greater part of the town of Mercur, July, 1902, he returned to Salt Lake City to resume work in the main bank, He continued with that bank until its final dissolution.

Brother Conely and Miss Rhoda Mullett of Salt Lake City were married on December 31, 1890, from which union four children were born: William; Frederick; Gladys and Richard. William was taken by death in his early manhood.

Brother Comely’s father and many of his close relatives were members of the Masonic Fraternity and it was quite natural that he, too, should be a Mason. He became a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2 of Salt Lake City in 1896, and , while serving as Senior Warden of that Lodge, he dimitted on October 8, 1900 to assist in the organization of Rocky Mountain Lodge No. 11, which was then located at Mercur, and served two years, 1901 and 1902, as its Worshipful Master.

After serving two years as an elective officer of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, he was elected M W Grand Master, January 20, 1904. He was appointed Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Colorado on January 7, 1901 and served as such continuously until his death. He was elected Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah on January 18, 1911 and served as such continuously until his death.

In Scottish Rite he received the degrees 4th to 32nd, inclusive, in the first Class, Reunion No. 1 of the Scottish Rite Masonry in Utah, held May 10 to 13, 1903. The Dispensation was granted by the Supreme Council at Washington the month previous and the Charter issued on October 21 of the same year. Brother Conely served as Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection during the year 1907 and as Master of Kadosh of Utah Consistory during the year 1918; he was elected to the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor October 21, 1909 and Coroneted Inspector General Honorary of the 33rd degree on October 16, 1923.

He became a member of El Kalah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Salt Lake City October 14, 1904.

He was also very active in the Order of the Eastern Star. He was among the very early members of Lynds Chapter No. 1, which was chartered June 20, 1892 and he later transferred his membership to become a Charter Member of Mizpah Chapter, which was chartered September 20, 1905. He served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star during the Masonic year 1908-1909.

He passed away on Monday morning, August 23, (1954) following an illness that confined him to his home for several months.

Those of his immediate family who survive are his widow, Mrs. Rhoda Mullett Conely; two sons, Frederick M. and Richard A. Conely of Salt Lake City and one daughter, Mrs Gladys Conely Brown of Los Angeles, California.

Their many, many friends, acquired throughout the many years of residence in this City, extend sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1955, page 100, 101.

Electronically Transcribe as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1905

IN MEMORIAM

Brother Charles Stetson Varian was born in Dayton, Ohio, September 10, 1846, and died in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 25, 1922.

At the age of twenty, he came to California, and in the following spring to Nevada, where he resided for sixteen years, coming finally to Utah in 1883. He and his law partner, W. H. Dickson, opened an office in March, of the previous year, at which time his partner took charge of the Salt Lake office.

For nearly forty years, Brother Varian was a resident of Salt Lake City. He came to Utah in the very prime of his early and vigorous manhood, and from the first took a position in the front rank of the legal profession. Admitted to the bar in 1871, he served in Nevada, as county clerk, county treasurer, member of the State Assembly-of which he was Speaker-and State Senator. In addition he had been United States Attorney for Nevada, having received appointment to that office at the hands of three Presidents: Grant, Hayes and Garfield.

Those were stirring times in which Brother Varian became a resident of the Bee Hive State. The Edmunds law was placed on the Statute Books in 1882, and in March, following Brother Varian’s arrival in Salt Lake City, his partner was made United States Attorney, The Mormon Church, through its leaders, and the Federal Government had finally come to close grips in the matter of enforcement of , and obedience to law. For twenty years and more the people had been taught, by precept and example, that the law of 1862, relating to polygamy, was unconstitutional and might and should be ignored. Then came the Poland Law of 1874, and the Edmunds Law of 1882, which had put “teeth” into previous congressional enactments, and the storm was on. Into this seething turmoil Brother Varian came and soon as chief assistant to the United States Attorney, and later as occupying that position himself, he had a large share in shaping events which finally bore fruit in statehood.

Much of a most interesting character concerning this period of our Brother’s life could be written, did space permit.

Brother Varian had looked forward with keen anticipation to the Grand Lodge Communication of 1922 and the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the organization of that body, but failing health kept him at home, His thoughts, however, was with the Brethren and he sent them a heartening message which was to be his last from the sick room, two sentences of which read:

“I send to you from the sick room, my love and congratulations upon this Fiftieth Annual Communication of your Grand Body. For months past it has been one of my most delightful anticipations that I should be able to meet you upon this memorial occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of our Grand Lodge.” He closed his message of greeting with Tennyson’s exquisite “Crossing the Bar,” the last verse of which seemed so exactly to express his forward look and belief:

“For through from out our bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.”

Concerning him, an editorial writer in the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE declared that in his passing, “City and State, and the West are bereft of one of the most public-spirited citizens and brilliant legal minds of the intermountain region in the last thirty years. Modest and unassuming in a marked degree, yet ever fortified by a highly trained and intellect and lofty ideals of conduct, Mr. Varian busied himself little with the petty and non-essentials of life, dwelling in a realm of thought and activity that made for the enduring things.”

Brother Varian married, while still in Nevada, Miss Florence Guthrie, the date being July 30, 1872. Three sons came to bless this union.

He was made a Mason in Winnemucca Lodge No. 19, Winnemucca, Nevada, April 17, 1875, and affiliated with Argenta Lodge No. 3, April 5, 1887. Of this Lodge he was Senior Warden in 1888, and Worshipful Master in 1889.

He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Reno Chapter No. 7, Reno, Nevada, December 21, 1881, and later dimitted to Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., Salt Lake City.

The Commandery Degrees he received in DeWitt Clinton Commandery No. 1, Virginia City, Nevada, June 25, 1882, and later transferred his membership to Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., Salt Lake City, Utah.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah, Brother Varian was Grand Orator in 1889, and again in 1903. He was elected Senior Grand Warden in 1888, Deputy Grand Master in 1904, and Grand Master, January 18, 1905. During his term of office as Grand Master, he had the privilege of laying the corner-stone of the Ogden and Salt Lake Masonic Temples.

He was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee in 1891, and 1893, and in1910 he was appointed by Grand Master C. B. Jack to membership on this most important of Committees and continued to serve Grand Lodge in that capacity till the end came.

The printed Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah afford abundant evidence of the character and virility of his well stored mind in the addresses delivered by him on various occasions during the last thirty years. Among these might be mentioned, as indication the range and versatility of his talents, the address given at the laying of the corner-stone of the M. E. Church, Ogden; that delivered at the joint meeting of the Salt Lake Lodges in commemoration of the one-hundredth anniversary of the death of Brother George Washington, and that given before the Lodge of Sorrow, Salt Lake City, Utah December 13, 1903.

A full life was his, coming at last to the end, “like a full shock of corn in its season.”

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1923, page 115, 117. See sketch of Brother Charles Stetson Varian, Grand Master, Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1905, page 1, 2.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1906

Brother Sidney Watson Badcon is a native of Lancashire, England, where he was born August 28, 1871. His father, James Arthur Badcon, of Welsh-English descent, is a Methodist minster in Sheridan, Montana. His mother, Mariam (Tranchard) Badcon, of Scotch-English descent, died in McCook, Neb. in 1897.

Brother Badcon received a common school education at Milford and Gulbertson, Neb. While attending school and working in a drug store he took a course of pharmacy (by mail) in the National Institute of Pharmacy of Chicago, Ill.

He came to Utah in 1891, and being unable to obtain employment in a drug store, owing to the dull times then prevailing in the Territory, worked for several months on the Tintic branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, then in course of construction. Coming to Ogden in September of that year, he was employed in two different drug stores for five years. In the fall of 1896 he bought a drug store on Twenty-fourth street. A few months later he bought the one known as Peeble’s Drug Store, on Washington avenue (formerly conducted by Brother F. C. Schramm), and by merging the two stocks became the sole owner of the leading drug store in Ogden. During his residence in Ogden he has gained the respect of all classes of people, and earned the reputation of a man of ability, integrity and honor.

He married Elsie Grace Dee, a native of Ogden, in January, 1896.

Grand Master Badcon’s Masonic record is as follows: He was initiated in Weber Lodge No. 6, at Ogden, April 24, passed October 18, and raised December 6, in the year 1894. He was Senior Steward of the Lodge in 1896, Junior Deacon 1897, Senior Deacon 1898, Junior Warden 1899, Senior Warden 1900, and Worshipful Master 1901-02. He has been Trustee of the Lodge for the past three years.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he was appointed Grand Orator January 22, 1902, was elected Junior Grand Warden January 21, 1903. Senior Grand Warden January 20, 1904, Deputy Grand Master January 18, 1905, and Grand Master January 17, 1906. His Grand Lodge number is 1372, Lodge number 285. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota since August 11, 1904.

Brother Badcon received the Capitular Degree on Ogden Chapter No. 2 R. A. M. as follows: Mark Master and Past Master, May 12; Most Excellent and Royal Arch, November 27, 1896. He was Treasurer of Ogden Chapter in 1897, Principal Sojourner 1898, Scribe 1899, High Priest 1900 and 1901.

He was made a Companion of the Red Cross in El Monte Commandery No. 2, K. T., January 18, Knight Templar March 10, 1897, Knight of Malta March 9, 1898. He was Warden of the Commandery in 1898, Junior Warden 1899, Senior Warden 1900, Gen’l. in 1901, Eminent Commander 1902 and 1903.

He received the Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry from the 4th to the 32nd, inclusive, at the reunion of the four co-ordinate bodies of the Rite in Cheyenne, Wyo., February 25, 26, 27, 28, 1902. At the first meeting of the Scottish Brethren residing in Utah held December 14, 1902, and called for the purpose of organizing the bodies in the Valley of Salt Lake. Brother Badcon was unanimously elected Senior Warden of Jordan Lodge of Perfection June 30, 1903, he dimitted from the Cheyenne bodies and became a charter member of the Salt Lake bodies. February 15, 1905, he was elected and on the following 16th day of March installed Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection No. 2. At the session of the Supreme Council held in Washington, D. C., October 19 and 19 1905, he was advance to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

Grand Master Badcon is worthy of all the honors that have been conferred upon him, and the Mason of Utah feel assured that during his administration of the high of the Grand Lodge of Utah will be maintained and advanced.

Ref: Proceeding of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1906, page 1, 2.

IN MEMORIAM

Sidney Watson Bancon
Grand Master-1906

In the passing of Past Grand Master Sidney Watson Badcon the Masonic Brotherhood of Utah has lost one who through long years of individual and official service, made deep impress upon many who were privileged to know him through the years when health and spirit made him a dominant factor in almost all fields of Masonic work.

During years of official leadership as Master and Grand Master he surpassed in effectiveness, imparting a viril interpretation which gave degree routing effective charm. As he served in other posts of Masonic duty he carried this talent to the end. So appreciative were Masons of this that he was frequently chosen to fill more than one official term.

His genial fellowship drew a wide coterie of friends and in the days of his full strength a wide circle delighted in his companionship. It is impossible to evaluate influence resulting from his long residence in Ogden. He entered heartily into civic interests and as physician served an influential clientele.

His honesty, loyalty and sympathetic interestedness in men drew many to him. The list of activities in which he was an active factor would reveal anew the old truth that wherever a man may make his home and whatever means he selects for a livelihood, there is a sphere of attainment commensurate to his worth.

His official record will be found a part of almost all branched of Utah Masonry. His influence will continue an abiding inspiration in the lives of hundreds of his Masonic friends.

Brother Sidney Watson Bancon died October 7, 1944, Ogden, Utah.

Ref: Proceeding of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1945, page, 124.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1907

Bro. Barrette, son of John Dunworth and Margaret (Maybanks) Barrette was born in Davenport, Iowa, February 17, 1867. He attended the graded and high schools in Davenport, and graduated from Iowa College at Grinnell, Iowa, with a Degree of A. B. He studied law at Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., in 1891 and 1892, and was admitted to the bar at Des Moines, Iowa, in 1892. From 1892 to 1896, he engaged in the lumber business in Iowa, South Dakota and Washington.

Bro. Barrette came to Salt Lake City in 1896, and entered upon the practice of law, which he has successfully continued ever since. In 1898 he became a member of the firm of Pierce, Critchlow & Barrette, and later of the firm of Henderson, Pierce, Critchlow and Barrette.

In 1895, he married at La Crosse, Wis., Elizabeth Smith. Four sturdy boys and a charming little girl have blessed their union and fill their home on North West Temple Street with sunshine and happiness.

The Masonic record of Bro. Barrette is an enviable one. He was initiated in Davenport Lodge No. 37, Davenport, Iowa, September 14, passed September 21, and raised September 28, in the year 1891. The Degrees were conferred upon him by and older Brother, a prominent and distinguished Mason in Eastern Iowa.

He dimitted from Davenport Lodge and affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1, June 10, 1898. Was Junior Deacon of Wasatch Lodge in 1901, Senior Deacon in 1902, Junior Warden in 1903, Senior Warden in 1904, and Worshipful Master in 1905.

At the Thirty-fourth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Utah, held in Ogden January 18, 1905, Bro. Barrette was elected Senior Grand Warden. In connection with his election to office it should be noted that he was not in attendance during any of the sessions of the Grand Lodge and that he did not have the least intimation of the honor the Brethren would bestow upon him. It was a case, pure and simple, where the office sought the man and Mason. He was advised by telephone of his election and requested to come on the next train to Ogden to be installed at the evening session.

Bro. Barrette was elected and installed Deputy Grand Master January 17, 1906, and Grand Master January 16, 1907. His Grand Lodge No. is 1667, Lodge No. 310. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Idaho since December 5, 1906.

He received the Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry from the 4th to the 32nd, inclusive, at the fourth Reunion of the four co-ordinate Bodies of the Rite, held in Salt Lake City, November 14, 15, 16, 17, 1904, and was Orator of James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix No.1, in 1905 and ’06.

Bro. Barrette is yet in the prime of life, and his love for Masonry, his Knowledge of its history and ancient regulations, and familiarity with the laws of our Grand Lodge, and above all his integrity of character, nobleness of purpose and unsullied honor will make his administration one which will be a bright page in the annals of the Grand Lodge of Utah.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1907, page 1 and 2.

IN MEMORIAM

William James Barrette

Born at Davenport, Iowa, February 17, 1867

Died at Salt Lake City, Utah, July 14, 1920

Brother William James Barrette, Past Grand Master, finished the last page of life’s history on the evening of July 14th, 1920, in this city, and quietly passed through the veil beyond.

In his death Masonry has lost a most valuable exponent, the community a worthy and respected citizen, and his family a devoted husband and father.

Brother Barrette was a good and sincere man who possessed an integrity of character, nobleness of purpose and unsullied honor far above the average.

Brother Barrette was born at Davenport, Iowa, February 17, 1867. He was made a Mason in Davenport Lodge No. 37 of that city in 1891, the degrees being conferred upon him by his elder brother who was Master of the Lodge at the time. He graduated from the law department of Washington University, at St. Louis, and was admitted to the bar at Des Moines, Iowa, in 1892. He came to Salt Lake City in 1896, practicing his profession, and in 1898 became a member of the law firm of Pierce, Chritchlow & Barrette, which partnership continued up to his death. During the same year he affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1 of this city and served as its Worshipful Master in 1905. He was elected Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge in 1905, and elected and served as Grand Master during 1907. He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry in the four co-ordinate bodies of the Rite held in Salt Lake City in November, 1904. Brother Barrette was buried with Masonic honors, the funeral being held in the auditorium of the Masonic Temple, in this city, Saturday, July 17th, under the auspices of Wasatch Lodge No. 1, assisted by the Grand Lodge officers, and his body laid at rest in Mt. Olivet cemetery.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1921, page 108.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1908

It is quite the common thing to think of one who is well on his way toward four score years, as being of a ripe old age, with perhaps few remaining ties and interests to hold him to the present, and as living mainly in the mist of scenes and events of the far-reaching past, and with friends who wearied, long since, and dropped out by the way. But this is not true of all. Some retain a certain youthfulness of spirit, with a clear-visioned forward look, and a grip on things and movements of today which carry no mark of the touch or tread of time. Of this class was our Brother James Henry Brown, who was born in Adrian, Michigan, September 5, 1855, and who fell on sleep January 31, 1932, in the 77th year of his age. Those of us who have been associated with this sterling character in various activities through the years can think of him, “as only old in judgement and understanding.”

The early years of our Brother’s life were spent in New York, to which state his parents returned soon after his birth, and there his school work was done, and in that, and the adjoining state of New Jersey, he had his early business training.

In common with energetic, ambitious young men of those days he found the “urge” to “Go West” too strong to be resisted, and following a brief pause in Chicago, he came to Echo, Utah, in the spring of 1881 and entered the employ of a mercantile firm that had stores in Utah and Wyoming. Transferred later to the company’s store at Rock Springs, he served one term in the Territorial legislature of Wyoming. Severing his connection with this company, January 1st, 1890, he came to Salt Lake, and with his associates formed the company of Brown, Terry & Woodruff, succeeding to the business of Men’s Furnishing Goods and the Troy Laundry, with which he was identified for so many years.

Only a bare list of his Masonic affiliations can be given place in this connection

He was initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, April 14, 1899, passed April 17, and raised May 1st of the same year. He served his Lodge as Master in 1904, and in January of the following year, was elected Junior Grand Warden in the Grand Lodge of Utah, and was regularly advanced, becoming Grand Master in 1908.

He Received the Capitular degrees in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., May 15, 1901; was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., January 30, 1902 and served as Commander in 1908; was made a member of Utah Council No. 1, R. & S. M., May 28, 1907, and presided over that body in 1915.

He became a member of El Kalah Temple in April, 1904, and was elected potentate in 1911.

This brief catalogue of the Masonic connections of Brother Brown gives hardly a hint of his varied activities in behalf of the Craft-and membership in an organization does not always connote service therein. But with him, such membership carried definite responsibility to the discharge of which he gave freely of time and means and of his exceptional administrative and business ability. Especially valuable was the service he rendered in connection with the erection of the Masonic Temple on South 2nd East Street, and with this building in which we are met. In both instances he was a member of the building committee as well as Trustee.

Of social and service clubs and organizations Brother Brown held membership in the Chamber of Commerce, and in the Rotary and Alta Clubs.

On October 24, 1883, our Brother was married-in Salt Lake City-to Mis Leoline Woodmansee. Of this union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters, seven of whom survive him-one son having died in infancy, and the wife and mother in 1916.

An Occasional Communication of the M W Grand Lodge of Utah was convened February 3, 1932, and at the request of the Master of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2-which assembled in a special meeting-Grand Master Howard P. Kirtley and associate Grand Officers conducted the funeral services. (See page 77)

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1933, page 77, 78.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1909

“He was a man, take him all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.”

To those who have known Frederick Clement Schramm through the years these words seem peculiarly applicable to him.

This does not mean that there will not be-and not now-among us men of vision; of initiative; capable of doing large things in a large way; possessed of qualities necessary to successful leadership, and of personality which will win for them recognition and high place among their fellows, and the unswerving loyalty of associates and friends. But it does mean that for one of his many-sided character; diversity of interests; powers of attraction, and the supreme gift of friendship in large measure-these combined in right proportions with the others, and all shot through with a warm, throbbing, sympathetic vitality and understanding-for one thus equipped, as he was, we know not where to turn.

Frederick Clement Schramm was a native of Ohio, son of Stephen S. and Sarah E. Schramm, born in Willoughby, of that state, December 1st, 1863, and passed within the veil, August 25th,1935, at the age of seventy-one years, eight months and twenty-four days.

In the early seventies Brother Schramm came with his parents to Ogden, and there at an early age he entered upon the career which brought him distinction in all the varied activities in which he engaged.

We cannot here trace, even in barest outline, the steps by which he rose to the high position he occupied in the business world, or consider in detail his great service to Masonry, in all of its branches during the nearly fifty years of his connection with the Fraternity, and which brought to him the highest honors that could be bestowed. And, as characteristic of the man, it should be said that the attainment of those honors did not mark the termination of his devoted service to any of these organizations. On the contrary he continued to the end to give to them all, of his seasoned judgement and rare ability.

Following, stated as briefly as possible, were his principal Masonic connections:

He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Weber Lodge No. 6, October 11, 1886; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, October 21st, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason October 28, 1886. He was Master of his Lodge in the years 1891 and 1892.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he early served in several official positions, including ten years as Grand Lecturer. He declined election as Junior Grand Warden in 1893, but was elected to that station in 1906, and was regularly advanced becoming Grand Master in 1909.

He received the Royal Arch Degree on May 20, 1887, in Ogden Chapter No. 2, R. A. M., and was High Priest of that Chapter in 1896.

His membership in Utah Council No. 1, R. & S. M. dates from May 27, 1907; he served as Illustrious Master of this body in 1916.

Brother Schramm was Knighted in El Monte Commandery No. 2, K. T., Ogden, November 9, 1887, and was Eminent Commander of this Commandery for the years 1893, 1894 and 1895. He was elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Utah, in May, 1933.

In Scottish Rite he received the degrees from the 4th to the 32nd inclusive as a member “At Large” of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, in April 1889; was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in the Supreme Council, October 18, 1901, and was elected to receive the 33Âº with the rank and dignity of Inspector General Honorary and an Honorary Member of the Supreme, October 18, 1905, and on October 16th, 1917, he was elected and crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council, with the title of Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Utah. Late in the fall of 1922, or early in the following year, Nevada was attached to the Jurisdiction of Utah, and this additional responsibility Brother Schramm carried for something like nine years. For a number of years he was Grand Master of Ceremonies in the Supreme Council, and at the October session, 1933, he was advance to the position of Grand Minister of State.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in El Jebel Temple, Denver, in 1889; affiliated with El Kalah Temple , Salt Lake, at the December meeting in 1897, and at the same meeting was elected Illustrious Potentate for the year 1898. At the annual meeting of El Kalah Temple, December, 1906, he was elected as a representative to the Supreme Council, and re-elected each year thereafter to and including 1920. In June of the following year (1921) he was elected an honorary member of the Supreme Council, and seven years later, May, 1928, he was made an Emeritus Member of the Supreme Council, having served twenty-one years consecutively.

Probably more than any other one man, Brother Schramm was responsible for bringing to Salt Lake the mobile unit of the Shriners’ Hospital for Crippled Children, which opened its doors January 22, 1925. He was Chairman of the local Board of Governors from the inception of this work, and to it he gave untiring and devoted service till the end came.

Of professional, civic and social connections it may be noted in passing that he held membership in the Pharmaceutical Association of Utah, the Chamber of Commerce, the Salt Lake Rotary Club, and the Alta, and Country Clubs.

The foregoing partial list of activities afford but a glimpse of the broad and varied field of usefulness and service in which this dynamic personality made for himself a commanding position, equaled by few. Of the man, and of his outstanding leadership, and his genius for friendship, it tells little, and that by indirection only.

On November 15, 1911, Brother Schramm was married to Miss Wynn Coman, who survives him.

An Occasional Communication of Grand Lodge was convened, August 28, 1935, and upon request of Weber Lodge No. 6, of which Brother Schramm was a member, Grand Master D. D. Stockman, assisted by associate Grand Officers, conducted the funeral services.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1936, page 81, 82.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1910

Charles Bruerton Jack, Past Grand Master of Utah; born in Albany, Franklin County, Ohio, April 4, 1854; died in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 4, 1914.

In the death of Brother Jack, summoned from among us in the early meridian of his usefulness, this Grand Lodge has suffered an irreparable loss. Endowed by nature with a clear and strong intellect and equipped with a broad and through education, he brought to his Masonic work a rare, good judgement which made him one of the most valued counselors among the Craft in this State.

For more than twenty-five years, Brother Jack devoted his energies to the advancement of the principles of Masonry in Utah, and the influence of his labors will be felt in this Grand Lodge for many years. His kind and genial disposition endeared him to all those who knew him. Brother Jack was true to every trust, faithful in the performance of his duties and courageous and unfaltering in his opposition to all that he deemed wrong.

While we mourn with profound sorrow his loss and keenly regret, the absence of his genial smile, his warm hand-clasp and cheery greeting, yet we humbly and submissively bow to the will of the Supreme Grand Master and exclaim, “Thy will, not ours, be done.”

Brother Jack was initiated in Tri Luminar Lodge No. 18 at Oskaloosa, Iowa, January 14th; passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft February 18th, and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason March 17, 1876. Affiliated with Malta Lodge No. 318 at Burlington, Iowa, in 1879; was Senior Warden of that Lodge in 1881 and was Worshipful Master in 1882, 1883 and 1884. Affiliated with Wasatch Lodge No. 1 at Salt Lake City, December 14, 1888, of which Lodge he was Senior Warden in 1890 and Worshipful Master in 1891.

Received the Royal Arch Degrees in Iowa Chapter No. 1 at Burlington, Iowa, in 1882, together with the Criptic Rite Degrees of Royal and Select Masters; Affiliated with Utah Council No. 1 at Salt Lake City in 1892, serving as Principal Conductor 1894 to 1898 and again in 1901; Deputy Master 1908 and 1909 and trice Illustrious Master, 1911 to 1914.

Created a Knight Templar in St. Omer Commandery No. 15 at Burlington, Iowa, in 1882. Affiliated with Utah Commandery No. 1 at Salt Lake City in 1888, serving as Senior Warden in 1889; Generalissimo in 1890; Eminent Commander in 1891 and 1892, and Prelate in 1896.

Received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Jordan Lodge of Perfection No. 2, James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix No. 1, Salt Lake Council of Kadosh No. 1, Utah Consistory No. 1; at the ninth reunion held at Masonic Temple, Salt Lake City, April 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1907; was installed Senior Warden in the James Lowe Chapter, January 14, 1909; appointed Master of Ceremonies in Utah Consistory, January 14, and elected Orator December 16, 1909. Elected Chancellor January 19, 1910; Preceptor January 25, 1911; Prior January 16, 1913;

Master of Kadosh, January 17, 1914; elected to the rank and dignity of K. C. C. H., October 19, 1911.

In the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Utah, he was Orator in 1892; Deputy Grand Master in 1909, and at the Thirty-ninth Annual Communication, held at Ogden, January 18 and 19, 1910, was elected, installed and proclaimed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Utah.

Appointed Assistant Grand Secretary, January 17, 1912; appointed Grand Secretary, September 23, 1912; elected Grand Secretary, January 22, 1913; appointed Grand Correspondent, September 23, 1912.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah,1915, page, 91, 92.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1911

Brother Gilbert Benjamin Pfoutz, the only son of John S. and Elizabeth Dennison Pfoutz, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1864. He received his early education in the graded and High Schools of his native city. He entered the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1888, receiving the degree of M. D. In the Fall of that year he crossed the Atlantic Ocean for the purpose of continuing his studies in European medical universities. Returning to Philadelphia in the Spring of 1890, he married Miss Helen Jarvis, May 21st. One son has blessed this union.

Inspired with the desire for a new field of action, Brother Pfoutz followed the advise of Horace Greeley and traveled west. He arrived at Salt Lake City in October, 1890, where he has ever since practiced his chosen speciality of eye, ear, nose and throat diseases. At the present time he is a member of the staff of St. Mark’s Hospital, oculist to the Oregon Short Line, the S. P. L. A. and S. L. R. R. companies, and the Utah Light and Railway Company. In 1907 he was appointed by Governor Cutler a member of the State Board of Corrections, to which position he was reappointed by Governor Spry in 1909.

The home life of Brother Pfoutz is full of happiness and Sunshine. His residence, surrounded by a large lawn and tastefully arranged garden, is one of the prettiest places on East First South street. The largest room in the house is the library, the walls of which are covered with shelves filled with hundreds of volumes of the best selected ancient and modern literature. There is also in the room an organ and a piano which shows that he is not only a reader and student, but also a lover of sweet and enchanting music.

Brother Pfoutz saw his first Masonic light in Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, in which he was initiated November 11th, passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft, November 21st, and raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason, November 23rd, in the year 1904.

The value and true grandeur of free Masonry made such a deep impression on Brother Pfoutz that he applied himself, immediately after his initiation, with energy and enthusiasm to the Work and Lectures so that he soon acquired a through knowledge of its sublime principles and tenets. But he did not rest with memorizing and studying the philosophy of the Degree work. He also delved in the history and ancient regulations of the Institution and the deeper he delved in all its phases the more grew his activity and interest in thee Fraternity.

During the year 1905, Brother Pfoutz was present at each meeting of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, and his ability to fill every vacant place in it, together with his pleasing personality and affable manner, made him deservingly so popular among his Brethren that they elected him Junior Warden of the Lodge in 1906, Senior Warden in 1907, and Worshipful Master in 1908.

Brother Pfoutz made his first appearance in the Grand Lodge of Utah in January, 1906. At the session of 1907, he was appointed a member of the Committee on Obituary; in 1908, a member of the Committee on Lodges and was elected Junior Grand Warden. At the session of 1909 he was elected Senior Grand Warden and appointed Grand Lecturer by Grand Master F. C. Schramm. In the office of Grand Lecturer he worked with all the energy of which he is capable, and that is a great deal. He, being a finished and impressive ritualist, it is due to him that the Utah Standard work is now uniformly practiced in every Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction. And that the Brethren still consider him the most perfect and efficacious Lecturer is evidenced by the fact that all of the newly elected Lodge Officers claim his instruction for the purpose of perfecting themselves in the Standard Work.

Brother Pfoutz does not permit parrot-like speech-making in conferring the degrees, but insists that every officer deliver his part so that it leaves an everlasting impression in the heart and mind of the candidate, and admonishes him to act as a Mason during his lifetime. He is indeed an ideal Lecturer.

He was elected Deputy Grand Master in 1910 and in 1911 Grand Master. His quick advancement from the day he stood for first time before a Masonic Altar, to the day he was elected to preside over the Craft in the Grand East, only six years and one month, has no parallel in the history of the Grand Lodge of Utah, and to the knowledge of this writer, in only one other Grand Lodge in the United States. There are men who are born Masons and Brother Pfoutz was one of them. Noble minded and generous, urbane and gentle, he has endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. Well versed in Masonic History and Law, more especially the laws of the Grand Lodge, and a trained parliamentarian, the Grand Lodge of Utah during his administratorship will not need cast anchor for repairs.

Brother Pfoutz received the Capitular Degrees in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., Salt Lake City, as follows: Mark Master and Past Master, October 7th; Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch, October 27th, in the year 1908. He received the Council Degrees, February 23, 1909. He was made a Companion of the Red Cross in Utah Commandery No. 1, K. T., Salt Lake City, December 5th, and a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, December 10, 1908. He was elected Junior Warden of the Commandery December 2, 1909, and Senior Warden December 1, 1910.

He received the Degrees of the A A S Rite from the 4th to the 32nd inclusive, at the seventh Reunion of the Salt Lake Scottish Rite Bodies, held April 23, 24, 25, and 26, 1906. He was elected Second Lt. Commander of Utah Council No. 1, June 18, 1908, First Lt. Commander June 17, 1909, and Commander June 16, 1910.

Brother Pfoutz has been and will continue to be a conscientious Mason and a living practical exponent of the moral tenets of the Fraternity.

Note: Brother Pfoutz died on January 2, 1936 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1911, facing pages.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1912

Brother Goodwin was born in Bandera, Texas, February 12, 1862. The family returned to their former home in Michigan when he was about four years of age and his father died on the way.

He received his early education in the public schools of Michigan and later the Theological Seminary at Bangor, Maine, from which he graduated in 1890. He then entered the work of Pastorate in North and South Weare, New Hampshire. In September of the same year he was ordained by the Congregational Church, and in the following month, October 7, 1890, he and Miss Edwina Gilman Quinby, of Bangor, Maine, were married.

A change of climate being advised by his physician, he came to Provo, Utah, in 1898, where he was Pastor of the Congregational Church, Principal of Proctor Academy and Superintendent of the work of the Congregational Education Society in Utah, for nearly eight years. During one year of that period he served on a Commission appointed by Governor Cutler of Utah, to investigate to work of the University of Utah.

In June, 1906, he resigned the Pastorate, but continued in the other positions, to which was added, a year later, the duties of a non-resident member of the Faculty of the Agricultural College, in the department of Ornithology. In may, 1910, he was appointed Superintendent of the Congregational Home Missions for Utah, in addition to his other duties.

Brother Goodwin became a member of Fraternal Lodge No. 71, F. & A. M. of Farmington, New Hampshire, receiving the Master Mason degree on January 27, 1898. He transferred his membership to Story Lodge No. 4 at Prove on March 3, 1903, and served as Worshipful Master of Story Lodge during the year 1909. On December 8, 1919, he transferred his membership to Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2 of Salt Lake City.

He became an officer of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah on January 16, 1907, and served as Junior Grand Deacon, as Grand Marshal two years, as Junior Grand Warden, as Deputy Grand Master and on January 17, 1912, was elected Grand Master.

In York Rite Masonry he was Exalted to the Sublime Degree of Royal Arch in Provo Chapter No. 4 on May 24, 1906, and served that Chapter as High Priest and was Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M. during the year 1917.

He was Greeted on May 31, 1910, in Utah Council No. 1, R. & S. M. at Salt Lake City.

He was Knighted on April 24, 1907, in Malta Commandery No. 3, Knights Templar at Park City and when Ivanhoe Commandery No. 5 was chartered, May 10, 1921, he transferred his membership to that Commandery and was elected its first Eminent Commander.

He was installed as a member of Bonneville Conclave No. 25, Red Cross of Constantine, on February 4, 1939, and elected Honorary Sovereign on December 6, 1945.

In Scottish Rite Masonry he was in the Class of April, 1908, when he received the degrees 4th to 32nd, inclusive. He was recognized by the Supreme Council on October 20, 1915, when he was given the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor and on October 16, 1917, was coroneted Inspector General Honorary of the 33rd degree.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in El Kalah Temple on March 17, 1909.

He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, in 1914, and continued that work for nearly thirty years, during which time he wrote a history of each of the first twelve Masonic Lodges chartered in Utah and prior to becoming Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge wrote a book dealing with early Masonic history in the States of Illinois and Missouri, much of which reflected the early history of Masonry in Utah. This book created much interest among the membership and has been widely distributed throughout the United States, so much so that it has been reprinted five times, with some modifications and additions each time.

Brother Goodwin was elected Secretary of Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M. of Salt Lake City on December 8, 1919, Secretary of the Four Coordinate Bodies of the Scottish Rite on February 19, 1920, and Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah on January 18, 1922. He continued in that service until the time of his retirement, January 25, 1944.

He died on June 10, 1951, at Whittier, California, at the home of his nephew, Arthur Justus Goodwin, with whom he had made his home since the death of Mrs, Goodwin on March 10, 1950.

Those of the immediate family who survive him are two daughters, Mrs. Francis T. Whitworth of Salt lake City; Miss Helen M. Goodwin of Los Angeles, California; one son, William Gaylord Goodwin of Salem, Oregon, and a nephew, Arthur Justus Goodwin, whose home was with the family during most of his boyhood.

Brother Goodwin enjoyed the friendship of many citizens of the State of Utah and the Intermountain West, who mourn his passing.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1953, page, 110, 111.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

It has been well said that “The measure of a man’s life in the well-spending of it.” By that rule the life of Past Grand Master Dern was long. His career was characterized by so many interests and achievements, and his steady rise to influence and prominence so marked, that only the barest outline of facts can be given here.

Born in Dodge County, Nebraska, September 8, 1872, he was in the sixty-fourth year of age when death found him on August 27, 1936.

He was educated in the public schools, the Fremont Normal College and the University of his native state. He came to Utah with his parents in 1894, here, in the thirty-nine years that followed by industry, intelligent application to the work in hand, and by a sturdy integrity of character, he won for himself a high place in the life and history of this Commonwealth.

His varied interests and experiences as a banker, business man, mining engineer and operator, legislator, and wise Governor of his adopted State, served to equip and qualify him for that larger and national service to which he was called in the President’s Cabinet. In this responsible position those qualities of character which brought him success in other fields of endeavor-thoroughness, devotion to duty, rugged honesty, and courage, enabled him to render an increasingly valuable and distinguished service to his country.

In taking up his duties as Secretary of War he entered a field in which he had had no previous experience and of which he had no special knowledge. He was at a further disadvantage in that the minds of many-if not quite generally-a question mark was attached to his appointment-the President had selected one of his particular friends for this responsible position, without much regard for the fitness of the appointee for the task assigned. With that dogged determination to master whatever he undertook, which was a marked characteristic of the man, he brought about a reversal of that opinion; won the co-operation, confidence and esteem of those with whom he was most closely associated and by his constructive leadership, came to be recognized as one of the really great peacetime Secretaries of War.

A year after his duties of Secretary of War were taken over by him, a writer in a widely circulated publication, after a long characterization in other particulars wrote:

” * * * when President Roosevelt wants some new activity administrated honestly and efficiently, he turns to the War Department and George Dern, formerly Utah’s good Governor`; the Nebraska farm boy who made good as gold miner, engineer and statesman.”

For almost 40 years Brother Dern was a member of the Masonic fraternity and while a resident of the state gave liberally to that Brotherhood of his time, energy and talents.

He was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No. 1 F. & A. M., of this city, April 16, 1897; passed April 23rd and raised May 7, 1897. He was Master of that Lodge in 1902.

In Grand Lodge he served as Grand Lecturer for the years 1910 and 1911; was elected Senior Grand Warden January 18, 1911; Deputy Grand Master January 17, 1912; and Grand Master January 22, 1913. He was a member of the Board of Custodians in Grand Lodge 1916 to 1919, and 1924 to 1934; of the Committee on Grievance and Appeals, 1920 to 1923, and of the Committee on Jurisprudence 1925 to August 27, 1936.

In York Rite he received the Chapter Degrees in Utah Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., February 2, 1898, and was Knighted in Utah Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar, March 22, 1898.

In the A. & A. S. Rite he received the degrees from the 4th to the 32nd inclusive, in Utah Consistory in November, 1904; served as presiding officer in the Lodge of Perfection; Council of Kadosh and Utah Consistory. October 16, 1923, he was advanced to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor and on October 21, 1927, he was invested with the Thirty-third Degree and proclaimed an Inspector General Honorary and an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in El Kalah Temple, Salt Lake City, March 28, 1898, and served that organization as Illustrious Potentate for the year 1929.

On June 7, 1899, Brother Dern was married to Miss Lottie Brown of Fremont, Nebraska. To them seven children were born, five of whom with his widow survive him.

The foregoing paragraphs give little more than glimpses of the career or our distinguished Brother. For a more complete account the reader is referred to newspapers of the period, particularly to those which recorded the event connected with the funeral services held in this city September 1, 1936. (See also, under “Occasional Communications of the Grand Lodge,’ p. 84.)

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1937, p. 84, 85.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1914

Brother James William Cherry, the son of Alfred N. and Mary E. Banks Cherry, was born on a farm in Rocky Run Township, Hancock County, Illinois, on April 5, 1872.

During the year 1886 he moved with his parents to Anthony, Kansas, where he attended High School, graduating therefrom in 1892. During that year he again followed his parents to their home in Salt Lake City.

He began the study of Law at an early age and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Utah on August 30, 1893, when he was but twenty-one years of age, and continued in that profession throughout his entire life.

He established his home in Sanpete County, Utah, during the year 1895, and on June 21, 1898, was married to Louise Keller at Manti, Utah. They made their home in Mt. Pleasant for many years.

During April, 1901, he moved with his family to La Grande, Oregon, and soon entered into a Law Partnership with Mr. F. S. Ivanhoe, in which he continued for about two years, when he again returned to Mt. Pleasant where they lived for the next twenty years.

He was elected District Attorney of the Seventh Judicial District of the State of Utah in 1912, in which position he continued for four years. He was elected a member of the Supreme Court of Utah during 1922, in which position he served the full term of ten years, including four years as Chief Justice. He served as a member of the State Board of Pardons for ten years. He was an Honorary member of the Salt Lake Alumni Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

He became afflicted with asthma during the year 1930, but continued his work in the Supreme Court until the expiration of his term, 1932, following which he spent some time in search of a climate less severe on his condition, trying California, Southern Utah and Arizona, continuing his home mostly in Arizona until his death. They lived in Phoenix for a short time, then several years at Chandler and more recently at Mesa, where he passed away on March 23, 1949.

Brother Cherry was a student of Freemasonry and throughly imbued with its principles and teachings, a true man and Mason.

He became a member of Damascus Lodge No. 10, F. & A. M. of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, in March, 1906, and served as Master of that Lodge during the year 1909. In 1910 he was appointed Junior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Utah, elected Junior Grand Warden in 1911; Senior Grand Warden in 1912; Deputy Grand Master in 1913 and Grand Master on January 21, 1914. Following his year as Grand Master he served on many important Committees of Grand Lodge as long as he continued his home in Utah.

He became a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Utah during the thirty-first Reunion held April 23, 24 and 25, 1918, and Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine March, 1923

Cremation having been in Arizona, Memorial Services were conducted in the Masonic Temple at Salt Lake City by officers of Grand Lodge on Sunday, March 27, 1949, and graveside services conducted by the officers and members of Damascus Lodge No. 10 at Manti and his ashes returned to Mother Earth.

Surviving are Mrs. Cherry; three sons, Alfred K. Cherry of Washington, D. C., James W. Cherry, Jr. of Los Angeles and Keller B. Cherry of San Francisco; three daughters, Mrs Joseph Moslander of Salt Lake City, Mrs. Arthur C. Inman and Miss Louise Cherry of Boise, Idaho; a brother E. A. Cherry, of Butte, Montana; three sisters, Mrs Frank Carmean of Salt Lake City, Mrs. Bertha C. Vorse of Portland, Oregon, and Mrs. Blanche Brown of Los Angeles; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

By the passing of Brother Cherry this Fraternity has suffered the loss of an ardent and beloved member. He will be mourned by all who knew him.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1954, p. 84.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1915

After many weary years of illness, release finally came to Past Grand Master Shealy, in Los Angeles, California, November 28, 1933, in the 71st year of his age. Burial took place in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, in the city named, on December 1st, the services being in charge of the Funeral Lodge, of the Masonic Board of Relief.

Brother Shealy was born in Lafayette, Indiana, April 9, 1863. When he was ten years of age, the family moved to Delphi, in the same state, where he attended the public schools. At the conclusion of his work in high school, he entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad and continued in that service in Indiana and Ohio until 1889, when he came west to Boulder, Colorado, and for two years he was in the service of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Resigning that position in 1891, he took another step west and settled in Ogden, this state, where for the next fifteen years he was in the service of the Southern Pacific System. In 1906 he severed his connection with that road to assist in the promotion of the Ogden and Northern Railroad, extending from Ogden to Hot Springs, of which company he was general manager.

A year later he disposed of his interests in the road named and came to Salt Lake City and engaged in the safe and vault business; was made western manager of the Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Company of New York, and in 1912 he opened a branch office in Los Angeles. In this line he built up a large and lucrative business.

Brother Shealy was twice married, first, in 1891 to Miss Florence Long, of Andrews, Indiana, who died in 1897. Eight years later he married Miss Katherine Greene, of Petersburg, Illinois. One son, William Greene, was born of this union-the widow and son survive him.

Masonry made a strong appeal to him. He was initiated in Antioch Lodge No. 410, F. & A. M., Andrews, Indiana, August 3rd, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft October 19th, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason November 9th, 1886. He affiliated with Weber Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M., Ogden, January 5th, 1893, and was Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1898. He received the Chapter degrees in Huntington Chapter No. 27, Huntington, Indiana, in 1887, and affiliated with Ogden Chapter No. 2, R. A. M., in 1893, and was elected High Priest in 1900. He assisted in the formation of the Grand Chapter R. A. M. of Utah, in 1911, and was its first Grand Secretary.

He received the Cryptic Degrees in Huntington Council, Huntington, Indiana in 1888. In 1891 he was created a Knight Templar in Mt. Sinai Commandery No. 7, K. T., Boulder, Colorado, and affiliated with El. Monte Commandery No. 2, Ogden, in 1893, of which he was elected Commander in 1903.

In November, 1903, he was made a Master of the Royal Secret in the Scottish Rite Bodies, Salt Lake City.

Brother Shealy was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in El Kalah Temple, Salt Lake City, May 20, 1892.

In Grand Lodge, this brother was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in 1900, elected Junior Grand Warden in 1912, and regularly advanced thereafter becoming Grand Master, January 20, 1915.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand lodge of Utah, 1934, p. 75, 76.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1916

Brother Charles Clifton Griggs, the son of Lewis T. and Caroline E. Gale Griggs, was born at Beatrice, Nebraska, May 3rd, 1875.

He received a high school education in his home town, and in 1893 entered the University of Nebraska, at Lincoln, from which he graduated with honors in 1897, being elected president of the society of Electrical Engineers during his senior year. Upon graduation he was elected by the Regents of the University to the Honorary Scientific Fraternity “Sigma Xi,” election being made from graduation class for scholarship.

In the fall and winter of 1887, he worked as assayer for a gold mining company in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and in 1898 accepted a position as chemist and assayer for the Dexter Gold Mining company at Tuscarora, Nevada. During 1900 and the early part of 1901, he was employed as electrician by the Union Pacific railway company in Wyoming. In the fall of 1901, he was employed as superintendent for the “Wasp No. 2” Gold Mining Co. at Deadwood, South Dakota. He moved to Eureka, Utah, his present home, March 1904, and was made superintendent of the Uncle Sam Consolidated Mining company, and later also superintendent of the May Day Mining & Milling Company; both positions he still holds.

In addition to this, he is associated with the Griggs, Castleton and Carter Cyanide Milling company at Eureka, also the Dern and Griggs Leasing company, operating at Milford, Utah, as well as other interests.

He is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers.

On June 28th, 1899, Brother Griggs was married to Miss Virginia Watkins, an accomplished musician, at Tuscarora, Nevada, and one daughter, Adele Virginia, graces their happy and pleasant home.

Brother Griggs is a student, and the success he has attained along that line is due entirely to his own efforts. During his attendance at the University, his vacations were spent on railroad survey on the Burlington in Wyoming and Montana. When a mere boy, he was self-supporting, attending school during the day, and working as messenger for the Western Union Telegraph company from four o`clock until midnight. Although the hours were long and tedious, he had the determination and pluck which is characteristic of the western people, and finished his education with great credit to himself.

He continues to take an active interest in all matters pertaining to educational work, and is now serving his seventh consecutive year as a member of the school board of his home town.

Brother Griggs is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet and know. He is through and conscientious in everything he undertakes, and there is little doubt that he will serve as Grand Master during the coming year with credit to himself and to the Craft.

MASONIC RECORD

Brother Griggs was made a Master Mason in Tuscarora Lodge No. 21, of Tuscarora, Nevada, in 1900; affiliated with Tintic Lodge No. 9, at Eureka, Utah, March 23, 1909; received the Royal Arch Chapter degrees in Lebanon Chapter No. 3, at Laramie, Wyoming, later affiliating with Provo Chapter No. 4., at Provo, Utah.

Created a Knight Templar in Dakota Commandrey No. 1, at Deadwood in 1902. Affiliated with Utah Commandery No. 1 at Salt Lake City, July 6, 1911

Received the Scottish Rite Degrees from the 4th to the 32nd. November 22, 23, and 24, 1915, in the four co-ordinate bodies of the Rite in the Valley of Salt Lake, of which he is a member.

In the Grand Lodge of Free and accepted Masons of Utah, he was Grand Marshall in 1911 and 1912; Junior Grand Warden in 1913; Senior Grand Warden in 1914; Deputy Grand Master in 1915, and at the Forty-fifth Annual Communication held January 18th and 19th, 1916, was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Utah.

Brother Griggs died on April 11, 1965, in Washington D. C. ( no additional information has been uncovered as of this date.)

Ref: Communication of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1916, facing pages.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1917

Brother Charles Fred Jennings was born in Laramie, Wyoming, July 10th, 1873. He attended public schools and University of Wyoming at Laramie until he was seventeen years of age, when, for financial reasons, he felt compelled to abandon his ambition in an educational way, and instead took up the battle of life’s problems for himself in 1890, and accepted the position as storekeeper for the Union Pacific Railway at Glenns Ferry, Idaho. The following year he was transferred by the company to a similar position at Laramie, Wyoming, remaining there two years, when again he was transferred to the company’s store at Green River in the same state.

Brother Jennings came to Salt Lake City, his present home, in 1897, and until 1907 was employed by the Oregon Short Line Railway in their store and purchasing department from which position he resigned in the spring of that year to accept the position of purchasing agent for the Utah Copper company and allied interests, which position he still holds. Brother Jennings having spent so many years of his life in this line of work, and being particularly adapted for it, his services are valuable to the Utah Copper’s managing force, and is so recognized by that company. When it is known that in this department he has general supervision over the purchasing of supplies and equipment to the amount of several millions of dollars each year, it will readily be seen that the position he occupies is a responsible one, and that he must of necessity be a man of ability in this line of work.

His office force has been carefully trained until its efficiency is second to none, and the large volume of business daily handled is, to the casual observer, transacted with apparent ease and accuracy.

Brother Jennings is both methodical and painstaking in all duties that he assumes, and the affairs of the Grand Lodge will, without question, be conducted in an efficient and businesslike manner during his incumbency as Grand Master.

Brother Jennings was married to Miss Nellie Crandall, February 10th, 1904, at Pocatello, Idaho, and besides he and Mrs. Jennings, the family consist of four children, two boys and two girls.

Masonic Record

Brother Jennings was initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 6, at Green River, Wyoming, August 9th; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft August 13th, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason September 6th, 1894. He was Senior Deacon of this Lodge in 1895; Senior Warden in 1896, and Worshipful Master in 1887. Affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 2, at Salt Lake City, March 14th, 1898, and was elected Junior Warden in 1900; Senior Warden in 1901, and Worshipful Master in 1902. Received the Royal Arch Chapter degrees in Baalbec Chapter No. 4, at Green River, Wyoming, in 1895. Affiliated with Utah Chapter No. 1, at Salt Lake City, in 1898, of which he was High Priest in 1911. It was his term as High Priest of Utah Chapter No. 1, that he took an active part in the formation of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Utah; was its first Grand High Priest, and was again elected to that office the following year-1912. In 1913 he was the main factor in the formation of Salt Lake Chapter No. 5, and was its High Priest until dispensation, but retained his membership in Utah Chapter No. 1. Salt Lake Chapter No. 5, appreciating his services in their behalf, elected him to honorary membership in 1914.

Brother Jennings was made a member of Red Cross of Constantine, St. Bernard Conclave No. 25, at Salt Lake City, April 4th, 1914, of which he was Sovereign from 1914 to 1916, and Intendant General from 1914 to the present time. Received the order of High Priesthood at Laramie, Wyoming, in 1912, and was President of the Utah Convention from 1913 to 1916. Received the Cryptic Rite degrees of Royal and Select Masters in Tyrus Council U. D., at Green River, Wyoming, in 1896. Affiliated with Utah Council No. 1, at Salt Lake City, November 5th, 1903, and was elected as Illustrious Master for 1917. Created a Knight Templar in Ascalon Commandery No. 5, at Green River, Wyoming, in May, 1895. Affiliated with Utah Commandery No. 1, at Salt Lake City, in 1898, of which he was Eminent Commander in 1903 and 1904.

In the Grand Commandery of Utah he was Senior Grand Warden in 1910 and 1911, Grand Captain General in 1912; Grand Generalissimo in 1913; Deputy Grand Commander in 1915.

In the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Utah, he was Senior Grand Deacon in 1902; Junior Grand Warden in 1914; Senior Grand Warden in 1915; Deputy Grand Master in 1916, and at the Forty-sixth Annual Communication held at Salt Lake City, January 16 and 17, 1917, was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Utah.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1917, facings pages.

*Brother Jennings died at Salt Lake City, Utah, December 27, 1921.

At the time of his death he was a valued member of the General Committee on the New Masonic Temple and had given cheerfully of his thought and time to this undertaking.

*Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1922.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1918

Brother Herbert Roderick Macmillan was born at Unionville, Nevada, July 9th, 1876. He attended the public schools of both Nevada and California until he was sixteen years of age, when the family moved to Ogden, Utah, where he attended the schools of that city, and graduated from the Ogden high school in June, 1895.

Brother Macmillan studied law with his father, who was a prominent attorney of Ogden, and later attended the Law Department at the University of Michigan, after which he returned to Ogden, forming a partnership with his father which continued until the latter’s death in May, 1899. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Utah in 1898, and held the office of City Attorney at Ogden during 1900 and 1901. He moved to Salt Lake City, his present home, February 1st, 1906, and formed a partnership with Judge Andrew Howat. Later other prominent attorneys were admitted into the partnership, and the firm is now known as Howat, Marshall, Macmillan & Nebeker, constituting one of the most prominent and successful law firms of the state.

Brother Macmillan’s success is due in a great measure to the inherited ability of his father, who, besides being prominent as an attorney, was an eloquent and forcible speaker, and his services were often in demand both in the Lodge and at the banquet board. His father was a Past Master of Winnemucca Lodge No. 19, of Nevada, and upon his removal to Ogden affiliated with Weber Lodge No. 6, in which he took an active interest up to the time of his death. One of his greatest pleasures was when his son, the subject of this sketch, became a Mason.

As Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Utah in 1905, Brother Macmillan delivered the orations at the laying of the corner stone and at the dedication of the Masonic Temple at Ogden that year, and also at the laying of the corner stone of the Masonic Temple in December at Salt Lake City.

Brother Macmillan possesses much native ability, is a gifted orator, and being a through student in his profession, justly ranks as one of the leading attorneys of the state.. He is far from being ostentatious in manner, and although firm in his convictions of what he considers right, his sincerity and honesty of purpose is convincing, and his judgement is seldom questioned. It would be hard to conceive of Brother Macmillan being anything but a successful Grand master, and the

Masonic fraternity of Utah not only looks forward with pride to his administration of its affairs, but is fortunate in having a man of his ability at the helm to guide its course.

Brother Macmillan was married May 27th, 1903, to Miss Helene M. Bohn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Bohn of Winona, Minnesota. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are living, two boys and two girls.

Masonic Record

Brother Macmillan was initiated in Weber Lodge No. 6, at Ogden, Utah, February 21st, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft March 6th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason March 14th, 1899. He was Senior Warden in 1904, and Worshipful Master in 1905. Received the Royal Arch degrees in Ogden Chapter No. 2, at Ogden, Utah in 1899. Created a Knight Templar in El Monte Commandrey No. 2, at Ogden, Utah in 1900.

He received the Scottish Rite degrees in Jordan Lodge of Perfection No. 2, James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix No. 1, Salt Lake Council of Kadosh No. 1, and Utah Consistory No. 1, at the twelfth reunion held in Salt Lake City November 17, 18 and 19, 1908. He was elected by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Knight Commander of the Court of Honor October 20th 1915.

In the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Utah, he was Grand Orator in 1905, and was a member of the committee on Grievance and Appeals from 1906 to 1913. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1915, Senior Grand Warden in 1916, Deputy Grand Master in 1917, and at the Forty-seventh Annual Communication held at Salt Lake City, January 15th and 16th, 1918, was elected, installed and proclaimed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Utah.

F. A. M.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1918, facing pages.

*During the year 1924 he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he became associated with the Macmillan Oil Company and continued an Executive of that Corporation until his death.

Brother Macmillan died January 13, 1945, in Los Angeles, California

*Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1945.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1919

Brother Arthur Cornelius Wherry was born at Edgerton, Kansas, August 27th, 1880. Before becoming of school age his parents moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended the public schools, graduated from high school in 1898. Shortly afterward he entered the University of Kansas at Lawrence, which he attended for a short time, when he decided to take up the study of dentistry as a profession. Before completing his course, however, in order to gain office experience, he worked for a time with his brother, a practicing dentist of Ogden, Utah. He then entered the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, a department of Lake Forest University of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1902.

Because of his love of nature and the attractions which the Rocky Mountains held for him, he decided to locate in the west, and during the spring of 1902 opened an office at Salt Lake City, where he has since lived, and today ranks as one of the leading dentists of the state, and is recognized throughout the United States as a skilled and progressive member of his profession.

He was elected president of the Salt Lake County Dental Society in 1905, and served in the same capacity for the Utah State Dental Society from 1914 to 1916. He was appointed on of the Utah State Board of Dental Examiners in 1905, serving for eight years and of which he was president for one year and secretary for six years.

Brother Wherry was married June 10th, 1903, to Miss Daisy Brewer Smith, only daughter of Brother F. P. Smith, of Lawrence Kansas. They have three children, two boys and a girl.

On September 23rd, 1913, he was appointed Grand Lecturer to fill the unexpired term of Past Grand Master G. B. Pfoutz, and while serving as such compiled and had printed the first Monitor published by the Grand Lodge of Utah.

Masonic Record

Brother Wherry was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No. 1, at Salt Lake City, March 18th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft March 25th and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason April 1st, 1904. He was Junior Steward of his Lodge in 1905, Senior Steward in 1906, Junior Deacon in 1907, Junior Warden in 1908, Senior Warden in 1909 and Worshipful Master in 1910.

He received the Scottish Rite degrees in Jordan Lodge of Perfection No. 2, James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix No. 1, Salt Lake Council of Kadosh No. 1 and Utah Consistory No. 1, at the fifth reunion held at Salt Lake City, April 24, 25, 26, and 27, 1905. He was elected by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, October 16th, 1917.

In the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason of Utah, he was appointed Senior Steward in 1909, and elected Junior Grand Warden in 1917, Senior Grand Warden in 1918, and at the Forty-eighth Annual Communication held at Lake City, January 21st and 22nd, 1919, was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand master of Masons in Utah.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1919, facing pages.

*He was installed Illustrious Potentate of El Kalah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. in the year 1922. For many years he had been in charge of work in the Scottish Rite Reunions-was deeply interested in the construction of this Masonic Temple and upon its completion became a member of the Board of Directors and continued as such until his death.

Brother Wherry died December 26, 1944 at Long Beach, California.(Ref: Grand Lodge files.)

*Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1945.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1920

Brother James LeRoy Cattron was born at Kingsbury, Indiana, May 29th, 1877. He received his early education in the public schools of his home town, and graduated from the high school at La Porte. During his spare time, while attending high school, he took up the study of telegraphy, and by the time his high school course was finished, he had become proficient as an operator. He then took up railroad work, and for about a year was employed as agent and operator for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway, at La Porte, Indiana. He went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1895, working as train dispatcher and later as auditor for the Pere Marquet railroad. It had been Brother Cattron’s desire for some time previous to take up the study of medicine as a profession, and from 1896 to 1899 he attended Old Michigan Medical College at Detroit, during which time he worked part time of each day and evening as telegraph operator in order that he might continue his studies without interruption. Three years of this strenuous work somewhat impaired his health, and he was advised to seek another climate, and came to Utah in 1902.

He accepted a position with the auditing department of the Oregon Short Line Railroad at Salt Lake City, and was acting traveling auditor for that company for about a year.

In 1906 he went to Mexico, returning the following year to assist in promoting the Beaver Irrigation Land & Power Company, of which he was made secretary. This venture did not prove successful, and in 1911 he accepted the position as manager of St. Marks Hospital at Salt Lake City, which he held until the fall of 1917, when he was compelled to resign because of failing health. During the period of the war he was Draft Board Inspector for the District Medical Draft Board No. 2, at Salt Lake City. In 1919 he was appointed Chief Deputy in the Internal Revenue Collector’s office, which position he now holds.

Brother Cattron was married March 2nd, 1904, to Miss Elizabeth Peacock Sprunt of Salt Lake City.

Masonic Record

Brother Cattron was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No. 1, at Salt Lake City, May 13th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft May 27th, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason September25th, 1908. He dimitted during 1911 to assist in the formation of Acacia Lodge No. 17, of which he was Junior Warden while his Lodge was under dispensation.

When the Lodge was constituted in 1912, he was elected Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master in 1913. He received the Royal Arch Chapter Degrees in Salt Lake Chapter No. 5, in 1914; created a Knight Templar in Utah Commandery No. 1 at Salt Lake City in 1915.

Received the Scottish Rite degrees from the 4th to the 32nd April 25, 26, 27 and 28, 1910, in the four co-ordinate bodies of the Rite in the Valley of Salt Lake, of which he is a member.

In the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason of Utah, he was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in 1914; Grand Marshal in 1815, 1916 and 1917; elected Junior Grand Warden in 1918, Deputy Grand Master in 1919, and at the Forty-ninth Annual Communication held at Salt Lake City, January 20th and 21st, 1920, was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Utah. F. A. M.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1921, facing pages.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Brother Cattron was removed from the rolls of Acacia Lodge No. 17 for non-payment of dues on May 2, 1925, (no further record of Brother Cattron has been found) (Ref: Grand Lodge Files)

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1922

Brother Emery Roy Gibson comes from Illinois, where he was born January 11, 1875, Creston being the place of his birth. When thirteen years of age he came, with his parents, into the adjoining State of Iowa.

At Creston, Illinois, and later at Woodward and Perry, Iowa, he attended the Public Schools, in the meantime learning telegraphy. In August, 1890, he came to Utah and entered the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company, serving for a brief period as relief Agent at Thompson, going soon after to Helper as night operator. He remained with the Company until the fall of 1899 when he accepted a position with the Utah Fuel Company as Chief Clerk at Sunnyside, Utah. In February, 1904 he went to West Virginia as Auditor of the Austen Coal and Coke Company. On accout of Mrs. Gibson’s ill health he returned to Utah in October, 1905 and again entered the employ of the Utah Fuel Company at Salt Lake City as Traveling Auditor, remaining in that position until May 1, 1912 when he was appointed Auditor of the several Companies which were subsequently consolidated into the United States Fuel Company, which position he still occupies.

Brother Gibson was married to Miss Annie Ryan, daughter of William and Janet C. Ryan, in August 1896. They have one daughter, who at present is in Columbia University, New York City.

Brother Gibson was initiated an Entered Apprentice August 15, 1903, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft September 25, 1903 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason October 21, 1903 in Damascus Lodge No. 10, F. & A. M. at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. In January, 1907 he dimitted from Damascus Lodge and in April following became a member of Argenta Lodge No. 3, by affiliation. . His name appears on the official roster of Argenta Lodge, as junior Steward, in the Grand Lodge Proceedings of 1912, and as Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1917. At the Annual Communication of that year he was appointed Senior Grand Deacon, thereafter being regularly advanced until the Fifty First Annual Communication, January 18, 1922, when he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Utah.

On May 19, 1920 he received the Royal Arch degree in Salt Lake Chapter No. 5.

At the Eighth Reunion of the Scottish Rite Bodies, October 2225, 1906, he received the degrees from the 4th to 32nd inclusive. In recognition of his services and value to the Craft he was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor by the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, October 18, 1922.

Brother Gibson takes up the duties of Grand Master with the confidence and esteem of the Craft of the entire jurisdiction. He is not in the class of those who “strike twelve” at the outset, for the qualities which distinguish him are of the substantial sort. The better he is known the more highly will his worth be appreciated. Possessed of a sunny, genial disposition, good judgment, sound business experience and the confidence of his Brethren, his administration promises to be one characterized by harmony and positive growth.

Ref: Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Utah, 1922, facing pages.

PGM Emery Roy Gibson died on February 23, 1969 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings 1970, Page 62.

Electronically transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Marianne Ausseresses, April, 2005

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1924

Grand Lodges do well to turn to business men, often, for leadership in Craft affairs. Professional men-and the writer of this speaks advisedly-are all right, and not infrequently furnish a strong administration, but it is well to sandwich in now and then one whose training, experience, and view point are characteristic of the business world. Such men-particularly when successful in their chosen fields -are apt to approach problems from an angle different from that of men trained for, and in, other callings. Not only is this true, but further, they are apt to bring to the discharge of their duties as administrators of Masonic affairs those qualities which make for efficiency, and that vigor and energy which bring things to pass-“put them over,” in other words.

At all events, a business man is to lead the Craft of the Bee-Hive State this year-he has other qualifications for the position, but the one named is sufficient.

As indicated above, the Grand Master of Utah is a wide awake and widely known, thorough-going, successful business man, of many interests, not all of which are listed here, owing to a certain insuperable modesty which makes it a difficult matter to get from him information concerning himself.

Brother James William Collins, M: .W: .Grand Master, is a product of Western environment and training. He is a native son of our neighboring State, Wyoming, and was born at Cheyenne, June 1st, 1884.

Horace Greely’s advice may not have had any great influence with him, but none the less he appears to have felt the pull Westward early in life, for he came to Salt Lake in June, 1894. Here he continued school work, begun in Cheyenne, until the end of the first year in High School. Beginning with the summer vacation of 1899, Brother Collins, then fifteen years of age, secured a position with Brother Russel L. Tracy, as office boy, and has been associated with him continuously since that date. In these twenty-five years he has seen this business grow from a point when the office force consisted of the proprietor, a stenographer, and an office boy, to its present position in the financial world, when forty employees are required to look after its varied interests and expanding business. During that time, too, the business was incorporated under the name of The Tracy Loan & Trust Company, and of this, the Grand Master is Vice President.

Like all busy men, he has found time for other interests. He was president of the Salt Lake Rotary Club at the time (1919) when the International Rotary Convention was held in this city. He was a member of the Board of Governors, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, 1922-1924, and is Vice President of the Associated Banks & Trust Companies. In 1918, when someone was needed who could “put over” the War Savings drive, Brother Collins was selected for that task, and made State Chairman. He is president of the Country Club, and shares with four others the distinction of being an honorary member of the University Club.

In September, 1913, Brother Collins was married to Miss Margaret Spargo, of Ogden.

The Grand Master’s Masonic record is as follows: He was initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2, F. & A. M., Salt Lake City, November 10, 1910; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft Jan. 16, 1911, and raised Jan. 30, 1911. In the following year his name appears in the roster of officers of Mt. Moriah Lodge as Junior Steward, and he continued to advance till December, 1916, when he was elected Worshipful Master.

At the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, January, 1920, he was appointed Grand Marshall; at the 50th Annual Communication, 1921, he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and was then regularly advanced till the present year, when he was the unanimous choice of the brethren as Grand Master.

He took the Scottish Rite degrees with the October class, 1911, and ten years later, almost to a day, he was elected to receive the rank and decoration of a K. C. C. H.

On March 27th, 1912, he became a member of El Kalah Temple, Mystic Shrine, and during the year 1923 he served that organization as its efficient Illustrious Potentate.

In addition to the qualifications for the high position he occupies enumerated, or indicated, above, the new Grand Master has a pleasing personality, is genial, considerate, companionable, likeable, and ready to help tote the other fellow’s load.

Such, briefly, is the story-or a very small part of it-of Utah’s Grand Master. If the year does not show a wise, vigorous, businesslike, eminently successful administration of Craft affairs in our State, then the writer of these lines will be looked for in vain among the prophets !

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1924.

PGM, James William Collins died on August 14, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1955, page 103.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1925

Those who can satisfactorily recount the life-story of another within restricted limits, avoiding on the one hand the faults of a partizan and on the other the ear-marks of an obituary, all the while keeping within hailing distance of known facts-such are of the elect, they are born, not made. Envy of the possessor of such transcendent qualities on the part of the less fortunate should have no standing in the court of last resort. All this by the way.

In the last twenty-five years (including the present year) the Grand Lodge of Utah has entrusted the direction of its affairs to eight lawyers, and to eighteen business men and members of other professions. During the same period, with a proper and justifiable degree of caution, the brethren of Utah have utilized the services of but two preachers as Grand Masters. In fact, not until forty years of varied activities and experience had shown that Grand Lodge was firmly established and in a position to weather any gale, did it choose as its leader a man of the “cloth”. This year our Grand Master is drawn from the ranks of the legal profession.

Benjamin Rogers Howell, fifty-first Grand Master (two of his predecessors served three years each) comes from a state whose gifted sons have made substantial contributions to the literature, statemanship, politics and military history of our country-Indiana. He was born at Rockville, Parke county, of that state, June 23, 1876, and is descended from a long line of old American stock. The first of the name to arrive in this country landed in 1639 at Boston, then little more than the starting-point of the winding cow-paths which long since-and with all their tortuous windings preserved-assumed the dignity of streets.

Our present Grand Master did his preparatory work in the public schools of his native town, going thence to Wabash College from which he graduated with an A. B. in 1897. He continued in his Alma Mater the year following his graduation as Fowler-Duhme Fellow in English. The next year, 1898-99 saw him at Columbia University where the year’s work brought him his Master’s degree. Upon the completion of his studies at Columbia he came to Utah and began work as instructor in English in the University of Utah, in the fall of 1899. Here he remained until 1907, in the meantime having been promoted to the position of Assistant Professor of English and Principal of the Preparatory School. Since the date just named he has practiced law in Salt Lake City.

Among connections highly prized by the Grand Master is membership in the honorary Greek letter fraternity Phi Beta Kappa. He also holds membership in Delta Tau Delta, Sons of the American Revolution, American Bar Association and the Utah Bar Association.

On June 16, 1917, Brother Howell married Miss Oatherine Margaret Richards, and to them two daughters have been born; Mary Catherine, September 9, 1918, and Jean Richards, January 11, 1922.

Grand Master Howell was initiated in Acacia Lodge U. D., May 8, 1911, Passed May 29, and Raised June 24, of the same year. From the very start he took an active interest in the work and affairs of the Lodge, and at the December election 1917, he was chosen Master of Acacia Lodge No. 17. At the close of his term of office as Master, he was elected Treasurer of the Lodge and has continued to serve in that capacity to the present time. In due time he became indentified with the other branches of Masonry as a member of Utah Chapter No.1 Royal Arch Masons, Utah Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar, Utah Council No.1 Royal and Select Masters, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and also with El Kalah Temple Mystic Shrine. At the meeting of the Supreme Council A. & A. S. Rite, S. J., October, 1923, he was elected to the rank and decoration of K. C. C. H.

In Grand Lodge Brother Howell served three years as Grand Lecturer giving most acceptable and efficient service in that position. At the Fifty-second Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, 1922, he was elected Junior Grand Warden and from that position went forward until January 21, of the present year when he was chosen Grand Master.

Such briefly is a catalogue of some of the waymarks in the life of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah. He brings to the duties of this high office a disciplined mind, a valuable experience in things Masonic, a seasoned judgment, a habit of thoroughness that permits of no slighting of details, high ideals, a personality which has won for him the confidence and esteem of the brethren, and a knowledge of conditions in the Lodges throughout the Jurisdiction such as has been possessed by few of his predecessors, and above all he appreciates the best things in literature and is a sympathetic student and lover of the great Out-of-doors.

It is hardly necessary to add that the members of the Craft in Utah are fully convinced that a high level of achievement will be reached in things Masonic during the present year.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1925.

PGM, Benjamin Rogers Howell died on August 12, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1941, page 94.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1926

Apparently the Grand Lodge of Utah was so well pleased with the business man who served as Grand Master two years ago, that the experiment was thought worth repeating. At all events, in Most Worshipful Fred Morgan Nye the Craft selected one of the strong, active, successful business men of the state as their leader for the present year, 1926. And a glance at the present line-up of Grand Lodge officers discloses the fact that further experiments are to be made, along the same line. The writer hastens to add that the foregoing is not intended as a reflection on the professional man!

The subject of this sketch comes of good old New England stock.

A forbear of his, Benjamin Nye, came to America in the staunch ship, “Abigail,” in 1635, and settled at Lynn, Mass. He is a native of Kansas-not the first from that state, by the way, to serve Utah Masons in the exalted station of Grand Master.

Brother Nye was born at Eureka, Kansas, February 13, of the Centennial Year, and so, at the date of writing these lines (February 13, 1916), has just turned the half-century mark in his career. For him, apparently, the Sunflower State was a good point to start from, and so, early in the year (April) 1891, he came west, to Ogden, which place has since been his home.

In that city, at the old “New West Academy,” he did his college preparatory work, graduating from that institution in 1895. The following two years were spent in Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin, where he completed the work of the sophomore year. The lure of a business career was too strong to be resisted, however, and in the spring of 1898 he established the F. M. Nye Co., retail clothiers, of Ogden, in which he has continued to the present time.

But the new Grand Master is too capable and energetic to permit of being restricted to a single line of endeavor. He has wide business interests, which include among others, banking, industrials and fruit farming, and he is no less active in civic affairs; no movement is launched for the betterment and building up of the city, that does not include his name among its promoters and count on, and receive, his active loyal support. In 1924 he was president of the Ogden Chamber of Commerce and of the Weber Club, and is a director of the Chamber of Commerce at the present time.

In 1903, Grand Master Nye married Miss Margaret Buchmiller, and to them four sons have been born: Ralph, now a senior in Harvard University; Robert, a student in the University of Utah, and Ira and Alan, who are in the public schools of Ogden.

His Masonic record is as follows: Initiated in Weber Lodge No. 6, September 3, 1908; passed December 10, 1908, and raised February 18, 1909. Dimitted from Weber Lodge, December 7, 1911, to become a charter member of Unity Lodge No. 18, of Ogden, taking office as Junior Deacon. Two years later, in December, 1913, he was elected Worshipful Master. He was exalted in Ogden Chapter No.2, R. A. M., in 1910. In the A. & A. S. Rite, he was made a Master of the Royal Secret May 18, 1916, and at the meeting of the Supreme Council, Washington, October, 1925, he was elected to the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

In Grand Lodge he served as Junior Grand Deacon, 1914; Grand Pursuivant 1915; Grand Marshal 1921 and 1922; Junior Grand Warden, 1923, and was then regularly advanced till his election as Grand Master, January 20, 1926.

Grand Master Nye is well known and popular throughout the jurisdiction and he takes over the duties of this responsible position with every promise of a successful administration.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1926.

PGM, Fred Morgan Nye died on October 18, 1952 in Ogden, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1953, page 99.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

For one the writer of these lines is glad that Dick the Butcher’s suggestion (in Henry VI) has not found general acceptance. In his own words Dick’s proposition was: “The first thing we do, let’s kill the lawyers.”

Such action would have deprived the Grand Lodge of Utah of the services of several very efficient and mighty fine Grand Masters,

and would have left our present Grand Master-who is of the legal fraternity-without the opportunity of taking his place alongside the best of these.

For the second time in the history of the Grand Lodge of Utah, the Grand Master is a native son. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, December 31st, 1877. His father, Dr. K. Amos . Smith-of New York stock-who was a surgeon in the army during the Civil War, was mustered out at Ft. Douglas, and practiced his profession in Salt Lake for forty-five years.

Our Grand Master, Dana Tyrrell Smith, appears to have come from a long line of professional men in which lawyers seem to have predominated. He did his school work in St. Mark’s Episcopal school and in the public schools of Salt Lake, and graduated from the University of Sewanee, Tennessee, in 1899, with the degree of L.L.B. In the same year he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Utah, and later before the U. S. District Court for Utah, and U. S. Court of Appeals, 8th and 9th Circuits. He has specialized in railroad work; was General Attorney for the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, for Utah, and while the railroads were under Federal control, he was General Attorney for that road for the State of California, with headquarters at Los Angeles. After the Government relinquished control of the railroads he became one of the attorneys of the Oregon Short Line Railroad, and he is Assistant General Attorney for that Company at the present time.

The Grand Master is married and has one child, Dana T. Smith, Jr., who is about thirteen years of age.

That our Grand Master is of gregarious instincts-and a lover of his kind-is evidenced by his numerous club and other connections, among which are the Delta Tau Delta, University Club, Masonic Club, Utah Society of Sons of the American Revolution, and of course, the Utah Bar Association. He is keenly interested in politics, admits being a Republican, and was lately reelected a member of the Salt Lake City School Board.

Grand Master Smith was initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2 F. & A. M., Salt Lake, March 19th, Passed March 26th, and Raised April 2nd, 1906. At the annual meeting of his Lodge, December 1910, he was elected Worshipful Master. When the matter of organizing Kaibab Lodge came up late in 1920, Brother Smith was named in the dispensation as Worshipful Master U. D., and later he affiliated with that Lodge. At the 52nd Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, Grand Master McGee appointed him Grand Lecturer, and at the next Annual Communication of Grand Lodge he was elected Junior Grand Warden and thereafter regularly advanced.

The Grand Master has been active in the work of Scottish Rite, he having taken the degrees at the Spring Reunion, 1911. His interest and services in this branch of Masonry were recognized by the Supreme Council at its regular Session, October 20th, 1925, when he was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour.

Grand Master Smith is likeable, energetic, a man of ideas and convictions, and his administration promises to be one of the best.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1927.

PGM, Dana Tyrrell Smith died on January 27, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1956, page 88.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1928

Our present Grand Master comes to the head of the Craft with a somewhat varied business experience. As boy and man, he has been connected with a printing office, book bindery, wire mattress company, clerk in a law office, stenographer and clerk with a coal company and later traveling sales agent for the same company, and for the last twenty-five years with a mattress and manufacturing company.

Grand Master Eberhardt was born in the Sunflower State-at Salina, December 14th, 1879. With his father’s family he left Kansas in 1891, stopped for a short time in Grand Junction, Colorado, and in September of the same year settled in Salt Lake. In due time he entered the Salt Lake High School from which he graduated with honors, in the class of 1898. Since 1903 he has been associated with his father in the Salt Lake Mattress and Manufacturing Company, a Utah Corporation doing business throughout the intermountain country, of which corporation he is Secretary and Treasurer.

In business circles he has been something of a “live wire”: active in the Chamber of Commerce, having served three years on its Board of Governors; President of the Advertising Club; Director, and later President of the Manufacturers’ Association, and a Charter Member and the first District Governor of the Kiwanis Club.

He was appointed a member of the School Board in 1921, was later elected to the Board, for a term of four years, and is now serving as Chairman of the Committee on Teachers and School Work.

Brother Eberhardt was married on April 10th, 1907, to Miss Elizabeth Chester Hard, Helena, Montana. There are five children, Katharine Elizabeth, now attending school at Evanston Hospital connected with the Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., Marion Frances, Eleanor Grace, John Frederick and James Alexander.

The Grand Master is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Salt Lake, and for a number of years he has been serving as Superintendent of the Sunday School and a member of the Official Board.

Brother Eberhardt was initiated January 24, passed February 8, and raised May 2, 1913, in Wasatch Lodge No.1.

He served the lodge as Senior Steward, Senior Deacon and Senior Warden, and was Worshipful Master in 1919. He received the Capitular degrees in Utah Chapter No. 1 in 1920, and was Knighted in Utah Commandery No.1, Knights Templar, October 6, 1921. In the A. & A. S. Rite he received the degrees in Jordan Lodge of Perfection, November 23, 1925, in James Lowe Chapter, April 7:1, 1926, and completed the work at the Fall Reunion, 1926.

In Grand Lodge he was Senior Grand Deacon, 1921 and 1922, and Grand Marshal, 1923 and 1924. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1925, and regularly advanced until the last Annual Communication, when he was elected Grand Master.

The Craft of the Jurisdiction has every reason for anticipating a most satisfactory and successful year under the leadership of Grand Master Eberhardt.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1928.

PGM, Alexander Edwin Eberhardt died on June 2, 1962 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1963, page 61.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1929

Connecticut–a State which produces hats, tobacco, and, it is alleged, a good quality of wooden nutmegs, not to speak of men-gave Utah its present Grand Master.

The forebears of our Grand Master it seems came to this country along about the middle of the 17th century, and one of them, to-gether with a half dozen companions, somewhat later tramped overland from Long Island into Connecticut and there established a settlement to which they gave the name of Danbury. His immediate ancestors, on both sides of the house, lived at Bethel (at one time a part of Danbury), and this was the home of his parents, save for a short time spent in Norwalk where he was born February 19, 1880.

The industrial opportunities offered by his native state did not appeal to our Grand Master, but mining did, and so at the suggestion of a relative-a resident of Salt Lake-he turned his steps westward in the summer of 1896, arriving in Utah in July of that year. A few months later he entered the University of Utah, taking the course in mining engineering. During the summers of this period of preparation, and after he left the University, he spent the time in the Mercur mining district.

With the discovery of placer mines in Nome, Alaska., in 1900, the lure of the gold fields proved irresistible, and he joined the long line of fortune seekers in the north country. One season there, however, was sufficient to convince him that Alaska was not the place for him and he returned to Utah, richer in experience but with fewer dollars. For the next ten years he continued in the mining business, at the end of which time, owing to the fact that his work required him to be absent from home the major portion of the time, he engaged in the machinery business and this has since been his vocation, his position now being that of Secretary and Manager of the Richmond Machinery Co.

In 1903 Brother Smith returned to Bethel, Connecticut, where he married Miss Fannie E. Durant, a former class-mate in high school. This event was followed immediately by a trip to Cuba where he examined and reported on some mining properties and then with his bride he returned to Salt Lake, which place has since been his home. Three children have come to bless and brighten our Grand Master’s home: Edward Durant, a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2, and Laura E. and Harriet F., now students in the East Side High School and Westminster College respectively.

In the summer of 1908, on the occasion of Brother Smith’s visit to his old home, Bethel, Connecticut, he expressed a desire to become a member of his father’s Lodge, Eureka No. 83 A. F. & A. M., and in due time the matter was arranged, by dispensation from the Grand Master of that Jurisdiction. This permitted the Lodge to receive his petition, ballot upon the same and confer the E. A. Degree on the same night; a week later he was given the F. C. Degree and in the following week the M. M. Degree. He affiliated with Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2, Salt Lake, October 13, 1913, and served as Master of the Lodge in 1920. He received the Scottish Rite Degrees, in the Salt Lake Bodies, January 23-25, 1919; was advanced to the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor October 18, 1927, and is at present Master of Kadosh in the Utah Consistory. He became a member, by initiation, of El Kalah Temple, Mystic Shrine, October 27, 1922.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah the Grand Master was Grand Lecturer during the years of 1924 and 25; was elected Junior Grand Warden, January 20, 1926; regularly advanced thereafter until January 16 of the present year, when he was elected Grand Master. He has been a consistent and efficient worker in the field Masonic, and his natural aptitude for, and abiding interest in the work of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry have given him an enviable position in the Bodies, as is evidenced by the exceptionally heavy load that he carries at the Reunions.

Brother Smith has other contacts which tell not only of the sort of man he is, in relation to his kind, but also of forces and influences which have contributed to his preparation for the duties and responsibilities of the position he now occupies as head of the Craft in this Jurisdiction. He is a member of the Utah Society of Engineers, Sons of the American Revolution, the Chamber of Commerce, the Alta Club, and is a past President of the Salt Lake Rotary Club, and, under pressure he will sometimes admit (though this information is not for the public), that he plays golf!

The foregoing paragraphs indicate somewhat of the training, experience and affiliations of our Grand Master. In addition, he is alert, active, business-like, genial and likeable and stands high in the community. If one may not safely predicate a progressive, successful administration upon such an equipment, then this scribe will permanently abandon the Tripod, and confine himself to the less venturesome task of recording only the events of the fleeting yesterdays.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1929.

PGM, Arthur Edward Smith died on March 3, 1957 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1958, page 107.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1930

For the third time in its history the Grand Lodge of Utah has for its leader a native son of the Bee Hive State. Brothers W. J. Lynch, 1902, and Dana T. Smith, 1927, share this distinction with our present Grand Master.

Charles Francis Barrett was born at Fort Douglas, Utah, March 19, 1873. After following the fortunes of the army-with which his father was connected-for about seven years, he returned to this State and Utah has since been his home, save for intervals of a year or two (between the ages of 22 and 30) when he was engaged in construction work in connection with hydraulic power enterprises and water-works systems.

He was educated in the public schools and the Brigham Young University at Provo. He studied law in the offices of Saxey and Edwards and was admitted to practice in the First District Court of the Territory of Utah in 1895. With the passing of his father in the year just named, he assumed the care of the family, and engaged in construction work as indicated in a previous paragraph. He was made supervisor of water-works for the D. & R. G. Railway, April 1st, 1904, with headquarters in Salt Lake. When the Commission form of government was adopted in Salt Lake, January 1st, 1912, he became superintendent of the city’s water-works, in which position he continued until March 15, 1918, when he resigned to enter the Hathaway Agency, Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. Six years later, January 1st, 1922, he became manager of this agency, and has continued in that position to the present time.

The Grand Master married Miss Myrtle Budge, of American Falls, Idaho, June 6th, 1920. To them two sons-one of which was taken by death at an early age-and a daughter, Lois, were born. Maurice, the oldest was made a Mason some years ago by the Grand Master, and is a member of his father’s Lodge, Acacia Lodge No. 17.

Brother Barrett was initiated an Entered Apprentice, in Weber Lodge No.6, October 10th; passed November 26th, and raised December 3rd, 1903. He dimitted December 7, 1911, and affiliated with Acacia Lodge No. 17, April 6th, 1912. His name appears in the Roster of Officers in his Lodge as Junior Steward in 1914, and he was regularly advanced and was elected Worshipful Master in December, 1918.

In Grand Lodge he was appointed Grand Marshal in 1927, elected Junior Grand Warden in 1928, Senior Grand Warden in 1929 and Grand Master in January of the present year, our Deputy Grand Master, R.W., J. Walter Ellingson having left the Jurisdiction.

He is a member of Salt Lake Chapter No.5, R.A.M.; was made a Master of the Royal Secret, A. & A. S. Rite with the spring class, May 1916, and has taken an active part in the degree work of the Bodies. He has presided in James Lowe Chapter Rose Croix and SaIt Lake Council of Kadosh, and at the present time he is Prelate in Utah Consistory.

He was elected Knight Commander Court of Honor, October 18th, 1921, and on October 25, 1929, he was coroneted an Inspector General Honorary.

Brother Barrett was initiated in El Kalah Temple, Mystic Shrine, October 18, 1916, served as Captain of the Guard, 1924 and has been regularly advanced, at the present time being Chief Rabban.

With a varied and extensive experience in the business world, years of activity in Masonry, possession of mental equipment and of those qualities of character which fit one for large responsibilities. the Craft of the Jurisdiction are assured of another successful administration of the affairs of the Fraternity under the leadership of Grand Master Barrett.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1930.

PGM, Charles Francis Barrett died on February 12, 1957 in Whitter, California. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1958, page 102.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1931

For the second year in succession the Grand Lodge of Utah has entrusted its interests and leadership to a life insurance man. So far as known to the present writer there is nothing peculiarly significant, or ulterior, connected with this fact.

The account of his early days furnished by our Grand Master is to the effect that he was born in Colorado Springs, in the Centennial State, February 7, 1888. When he was six years of age his parents moved into the Cripple Creek mining district at the height of the boom, taking up residence in Victor. The Grand Master characterizes this district as “wild and wooly” at that time. Our impression of Victor, after the lapse of thirty years, is that if one should park a car on any of its streets with the expectation of finding it in the same place, it would be necessary to supplement the brakes with substantial blocking at the rear wheels.

The Grand Master attended high school in Victor, and then, in 1907, removed to Canon City where he remained for a year. (It is our understanding that this was purely voluntary on his part!) The next year was spent in Salida, Colorado, and in 1909 he came to Salt Lake City and this city has since been his home.

Soon after arriving in Utah he established connections with the City Health Department and continued in that position until our entry into the Great War, when he resigned at the time being Chief Inspector to take service with Uncle Sam. The next twelve months were spent in this country, followed by seven months in France. Upon his return to Salt Lake in 1919 he entered the life insurance business with the Mutual Life Insurance Co., of New York, and at the present time is Agency Organizer.

In the meantime, however, while still at Camp Cook, on December 24, 1917, he married Miss Diana Gustaveson, in Chicago.

The Grand Master was initiated in Acacia Lodge No. 17, June 12, 1912, passed January 18, 1913, and raised February 8, 1913.

In the Lodge named he served as Senior Steward, and as Junior Deacon for a few months, when he entered the army as noted elsewhere.

Returning to Salt Lake in 1919 he was appointed Senior Deacon in Acacia Lodge and in the year following assisted in the organization of Kaibab Lodge, U. D., in which he was named Senior Warden. When this Lodge was constituted, March 29, 1921, he was installed Worshipful Master.

In the Grand Lodge of Utah he was appointed Grand Lecturer by Grand Master Fred M. Nye and continued in this position for three years. At the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, January 23, 1929, Brother Hunt was elected Junior Grand Warden, advanced to the station of Deputy Grand Master a year later and on January 21st of the present year was elected Grand Master.

In Scottish Rite of Freemasonry he was made a Master of the Royal Secret, May 27, 1915, and is a Past Wise Master of James Lowe Chapter Rose Croix.

On Oct. 20th, 1915, the Grand Master became a member of El Kalah Temple, Mystic Shrine; for three years was Captain of the Patrol and at present is Chief Rabban in the official line up.

Grand Master Hunt is a member of the Forest Dale Golf Club and admits that he is fond of golf. Neither of these facts, however, tells anything as to the quality of his game. Weare loth to question him on this point for fear of becoming confused by his fluent use of such cryptic terms as, “hole in one,” “below par,” etc.

Such in briefest (catalogue) form is a summary of certain matters of general interest in the career of our present Grand Master.

Being a good salesman, as perforce an insurance man must be, if he “arrives”-Grand Master Hunt ought to give the Craft of this Jurisdiction a successful, business-like administration.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1932.

PGM, Burt H. Hunt died on February 12, 1957 in Whittier, California. Utah grand Lodge Proceedings 1958, page 102.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1932

At the End of twenty-one years the Grand Lodge of Utah has again entrusted its interests to the capable hands of a member of the medical profession.

Our present Grand Master was born-but this event and other early day experiences are better told in his own words. He reports:

“Arrived in Woodbury, N. J., October 9, 1877, and staid with the family through various moves and Baptist churches in Michigan, Indiana, to Peoria, Illinois.”

From the same authentic source we have a summary of the principal events of the years given to preparation for his profession, after this fashion:

“Off to Chicago for the Baccalaureate, 1900. To Rush Medical College 1904, and on interne service in Cook County Hospital (Chicago), completed in 1906.

During the Salad days a member of the Greek letter society, Alpha Delta Phi, and then Nu Sigma Nu in the medical schools.”

In 1907 Grand Master Kirtley came to Salt Lake (“as a locum tenens,” adopting his own language), and with the exception of certain postgraduate journeys, and a sojourn in the Sorbonne (Paris) in 1919, he has lived here since that date.

On November 11th, 1908, he married Adelaide Eugenie, daughter of the late George T. Odell, formerly a prominent business man and member of the Fraternity in this city. To them two daughters were born, one of whom is at present a student of Mills College, California.

With ability to do things and possessed of abounding energy, good health and spirits, the Grand Master has permitted himself to be drafted for service outside of his profession. Building, operative as well as speculative, has appealed to him. In this connection he served on the committee which put up the fine Medical Arts Building in this city, and during the years of preparation for, and the erection of, our New Masonic Temple, he was a member of the Building Committee and was the efficient secretary of that committee.

During the Great War he was a Major in the A. E. F. and is now Commander of the General Hospital No. 61, of the Reserves, with the rank of Colonel.

Socially, Grand Master Kirtley is a member of the University Club-of which he was President in 1922-and at present he holds membership in the Rotary and Alta Clubs. There is also a rumor that he is a golfer.

Professionally, he is a member of the Staff of St. Mark’s Hospital, and of various technical societies, including the State Medical Association-of which he was President in 1930-and a Fellow of the American Medical Association and of the American College of Surgeons.

A bare catalogue of the Grand Master’s Masonic affiliations and activities follow:

Symbolic Degrees: Initiated in Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2 January 11th, 1911; Master in 1918. In January, 1930, elected Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Utah, and regularly advanced, becoming Grand Master January 20, 1932.

Capitular Degrees: Exalted in Utah Chapter No.1, R. A. M., June 19, 1912; affiliated with Salt Lake Chapter No.5 in 1913; elected High Priest in 1914, and in 1915 became Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, serving two terms.

Cryptic Degrees: Greeted November 26,1912, in Utah Council No.1, R. S. M., served as Illustrious Master in 1924, and was elected Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council in May, 1930.

Order of Knighthood-Knighted April 10, 1913, in Utah Commandery No.1, K. T., was Eminent Commander in 1923, and advanced to the office of Grand Generalissimo in May, 1931.

Scottish Rite-Became a Master of the Royal Secret in Utah Consistory November 24, 1926.

Order of High Priesthood-Became a member of this Order January 6, 1914, and was M. E. President of the Grand Council of High Priesthood in 1916.

Mystic Shrine-Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine April 15, 1914, in EI Kalah Temple, Salt Lake City, and was Illustrious Potentate in 1926.

Red Cross of Constantine-He was admitted a charter member of St. Bernard Conclave No. 25, April 4, 1914, and served as Sovereign of this Conclave during 1920.

Verily, training and experience unmistakably indicate that our Grand Master is fully equipped for this particular job.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1932.

PGM, Howard Pendleton Kirtley died on May 5, 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings 1950, page 89.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1933

Grand Masters of Utah seem to have manifested a strong predilection for the Hawkeye State when selecting a birthplace! Just how many of the sons of Iowa have sought this land of the “honey-bee” (“Deseret”) and had many Masonic honors conferred on them only a search of records can disclose, but the number is a considerable one. To this line of distinguished Craftsmen another has been added in the person of our present Grand Master, Most Worshipful Norman Rodney Vote.

Brother Vote was born at Fairfield, Iowa, January 16th, 1887, and eight years later, with his parents, took up his residence at Denver, Colorado. There he attended the public schools and at the age of nineteen he graduated from the West Side High School. He has more than intimated that in those days infants were not allowed at large in high schools.

Following his school days our Grand Master was employed by various railroad companies, in traffic work until the outbreak of the World War. In the meantime he removed to Salt Lake City, in 1906, and in 1917 he enlisted in the National Guard, attended a camp for non-commissioned officers in July of the year named and was mustered into the United States Army in August. After a period in the training camp for Field Artillery Officers at Camp Kearney, California, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery, at Camp Jackson, June 1st, 1918, South Carolina, and First Lieutenant at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, on the 28th of October following. He was discharged from the service March 22nd, 1919.

Following is Grand Master Vote’s Masonic Record:

He was initiated in Wasatch Lodge No.1, Salt Lake City, October 17th, 1913, passed November 7th of the same year, and Raised January 2nd, 1914.

In the Lodge he was elected Junior Warden, December 8th, 1918, and served in that station until May of the following year when his military duties interrupted further Masonic activity!

Upon his return to Salt Lake in 1919 he dimitted from Wasatch Lodge No.1 in December to assist in the formation of Progress Lodge, U. D., of which he was appointed Senior Warden, and in due time he became the first Master of this Lodge under Charter. At the conclusion of his service as Worshipful Master he was elected Trustee of his Lodge and is still serving in that capacity.

In Grand Lodge Brother Vote served two years as Grand Pursuivant (1926-1927) and two years as Grand Marshal (1928-1929) and at the 59th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge he was elected Junior Grand Warden and was regularly advanced to his present position as Grand Master.

In the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry he received the degrees at the Fall Reunion, 1920, and was elected Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection at the February meeting of that Body in 1928, and at the present time is Preceptor in Utah Consistory.

At the Spring Ceremonial of EI Kalah Temple of the Mystic Shrine on March 22, 1921, he was created a Noble of that organization.

In Denver, on June 12th, 1907, our Grand Master married Miss Margaret Roberts.

During the past ten years Brother Vote has been connected with the United Stores Company, a subsidiary of the United States Smelting, Refining and Mining Company, as Purchasing Agent for a portion of the time and at present as Manager of that Company. This he reports as his occupation, but in the same connection he states that his diversion is golf! In view of our wide acquaintanceship with business men who are acknowledged devotees of this game, we are unwilling to affirm that the words “occupation” and “diversion’ are in their proper places.

However this may be, Grand Master Vote is a good “mixer,’ an experienced business man, a wise counselor in things Masonic and every way likeable-a pretty good equipment for a Grand Master of Utah.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1933.

PGM, Norman Rodney Vote died on August 29, 1960 in Los Angeles, California. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1961, page 66.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1934

Just why Iowa permits so much good Grand Master material to escape to other jurisdictions is puzzling, to the. present writer, at least. It may be the part of wisdom, however, to refrain from discussing this point, in view of a possible “embargo” that may be declared against further exports by the Fraternity of the “Hawkeye” State-to Utah’s great loss.

The sixtieth Grand Master of this Jurisdiction, Most Worshipful John William Stoner, first saw the light of day on a farm in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, July 7, 1887, the second son in a family of ten children. The first ten years of his life was spent in the southwestern part of that state and in the southeastern corner of Nebraska. Then, in 1897 the family moved to Lead, South Dakota, where the head of the family engaged in mining and the future Grand Master did his preparatory work in the public schools, and at the age of eighteen he entered the State School of Mines at Rapid City, South Dakota, graduating from that institution five years later with the degree of B. S. in Mining Engineering. It should be said in passing that one of the five years mentioned was devoted to the very prosaic task of replenishing the exchequer to make possible the completion of the work in the School of Mines.

Following graduation came service with the Homestake Mining Company at Lead, with the Cumberland Mining Company at Maiden, Montana, as assayer and chemist, and then seven years as an employee of the city of Lead, as City Auditor and Clerk of the Municipal Court, City Assessor, and City Engineer.

On October 1st, 1918, Brother Stoner came to Park City and accepted a position with the Judge Mining and Smelting Company which later consolidated with the Park Utah Consolidated Mines Company. These companies he served as Chief Engineer, Chief Geologist, and Superintendent of Mines. His present position is that of Secretary of the company named with an office in Salt Lake City.

On July 16, 1910, our Grand Master was married to Louise Dorothy Marceau, at Deadwood, South Dakota. Two sons and two daughters have blessed this union.

Only the barest outline of Brother Stoner’s Masonic record can be given here. He was initiated in Golden Star Lodge No.9, A. F. & A. M. of Lead, South Dakota, June 6, 1918; passed July 18, and raised September 5, 1918. He affiliated with Uintah Lodge No.7, Park City, November 7, 1919, and served that Lodge as Master in 1922, and later as Trustee and Deputy Grand Lecturer.

He received the Chapter degrees in Ontario Chapter No.3, R. A. M., September 19, 1923, and was its High Priest in 1929. On the 13th of May, 1929, he became a member of the Order of the High Priesthood, and at the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., Utah in June, 1933, he was appointed Grand Captain of the Host.

He was greeted as a Select Master in Utah Council No.1, R. & S. M., Salt Lake City, October 26, 1928.

The Templar Degrees he received in Malta Commandery No.3, Park City, October 20, 1927; was Eminent Commander in 1931. He was appointed Grand Sentinel in the Grand Commandery of Utah, in May, 19W3.

On the 4th of September he became a member of St. Bernard Conclave, No. 25, Red Cross of Constantine.

In November, 1930, Brother Stoner received the degrees from the Fourth to the Fourteenth in Jordan Lodge of Perfection A. & A. S. Rite, Salt Lake City.

He is also a member of Mountain Chapter No.2, O. E. S., Park City, and in 1925 was Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter, O. E. S., of Utah.

In Grand Lodge our Grand Master first appeared in the Grand Lodge line as Grand Sword Bearer, serving in that position in 1929 and 1930. At the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, January 21, 1931, he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and thereafter was regularly advanced, becoming Grand Master January 17, 1934.

Something of a Masonic record, that. If such service in the Fraternity, and Concordant and allied organizations, together with his professional and business experience have not laid a foundation for a successful administration of the affairs of Grand Lodge, then we shall demand a “New Deal,” with another alphabetical commission to administer it.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1934.

PGM, John William Stoner died on September 233, 1961 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1962, page 81.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1935

It appears that the Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado has made certain greatly appreciated contributions to the masonic well-being of Utah.

Back in the early seventies the Grand Master of Colorado authorized the formation of the third Lodge in this city, and later the Grand Lodge of that state chartered this Lodge, thereby paving the way for the organization of the Grand Lodge of Utah.

Much later the Centennial State gave us one of her sons, who is now our Grand Master.

Brother Dee Damon Stockman was born at Silverton, Colorado, October 31, 1887, the second of three sons of Martin G. and Emma B. Stockman. When our Grand Master was ten years of age the family came to Salt Lake and this city has been his home since that date.

Following his graduation from high school, he spent a year in the University of Utah and then entered the Dental School of Northwestern University, from which institution he was graduated in 1910. He has practiced his profession in this city since the completion of his studies.

Among other connections and activities to his credit, our Grand Master is a member of the Psi Omega Fraternity (Dental); he has served as president of the Salt Lake County, and Utah State Dental Associations, and at the present time he is a member of the Salt Lake City School Board.

Twenty years ago, September 11, 1915, Brother Stockman was married to Miss Mildred Elizabeth Tuttle. To them three daughters have been born: Dorothy, Ruth and Louise.

He was initiated in Acacia Lodge, U. D., July 8th, passed July 29th, and raised, August 19th, 1911, and is a charter member of that Lodge.

He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the Fourth to the Thirty-second, in April, 1921, and has been active in the work of this Rite. He is Past Commander of the Salt Lake Council of Kadosh, and at the present time is Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection. On October 20th, 1931, he was advanced to the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, by the Supreme Council.

In the Grand Lodge he served as Grand Lecturer for the years 1929-30 and 31. At the 60th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, January 21, 1931, he was elected Junior Grand Warden but declined this honor as he desired to complete certain work he had undertaken as Grand Lecturer-something unique in the history of the Grand Lodge of Utah, and by no means common at the election of officers in other Jurisdictions. At the 61st Annual Communication of Grand Lodge in the following year, he was again elected to the station in the South, and has been regularly advanced to his present position.

Concerning his qualifications for the duties of Grand Master, Brother Stockman furnished the following statement:

“Knows little, does little, says little-but with the assured support of the Grand Secretary and other officers, past and present, this may not become evident to the Craft in general!”

In order that the Brethren of this Jurisdiction may not be taken unawares, or left in doubt as to what may be expected from their Grand Master, we are passing on to them this bit of unadorned, veracious information!

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1935.

PGM, Dee Damon Stockman died on December 1, 1958 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1959, page 67.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1937

Our present Grand Master is a son of Albion. He was born in Egremont, Cheshire, England, July 24, 1889, and was educated in the public schools and Junior College of his native land. He came to this country in the fall of 1907. Some years later he returned to England for a trip, and as he relates the incident:

“I did my level best to secure passage back to New York on the Titanic, but as accommodations were limited on its maiden voyage I came back one week ahead, and learned of its sinking after my arrival.”

Due to this seemingly insignificant circumstance Brother Titley’s name, in place of that of another’s, is at the top of this page.

Arrived in New York he proceeded at once to Portland, Oregon, where he remained until 1915, when he came to Ogden, and that city has since been his home, except for the period of the Great War. He served in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces from November, 1917, to June, 1919; went to France and saw active service with the 7th Canadian Infantry-“Not wounded, but gassed a little,” he reports.

Our Grand Master is manager of the David Eccles Building, Ogden; Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the Oregon Lumber Company, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Mount Hood Railroad Company.

On August 27, 1924, Brother Titley was married to Gladys Barbour, formerly of New Sharon, Iowa, who died March 2, 1936.

The Grand Master was initiated in Unity Lodge No. 18, Ogden, May 12, 1917, passed May 30, 1917, and raised June 27, 1917. He was Master of his Lodge in 1926.

In Grand Lodge he was appointed Senior Grand Steward in 1927, Junior Grand Deacon in 1928, and in January, 1935, he was elected Senior Grand Warden from the floor, regularly advanced, and elected Grand Master, January 20, 1937.

In the York Rite Bodies he holds membership in Ogden Chapter No.2, R. A. M. and was High Priest of that Chapter in 1931; in the Grand Council of Anointed High Priests of Utah; in the Ogden Council No.3, R. & S. M., and in EI Monte Commandery No.2, K. T.

In Scottish Rite he received the degrees from the 4th to the 14th in Jordan Lodge of Perfection, Salt Lake, with the class of April, 1927, and was made a Master of the Royal Secret, 32nd degree in Utah Consistory, a year later. On October 22, 1933, he was advanced to the rank and decoration of K. C. C. H. by the Supreme Council, S. J.

On March 22, 1921, Brother Titley was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in EI Kalah Temple, Salt Lake, and now holds the office of High Priest and Prophet in that organization.

Some of the other interests and activities which have engaged the thought and attention of the Grand Master are: the Ogden Masonic Board of Relief, of which he claims the parentage and now serves as a Director; the Ogden Fraternal Home Association which owns the Masonic Temple in that city, and of which he is also a Director; former chairman of the Ogden Council Order De Molay, and he is now a member of the Board of Governors of the Mobile Unit of the Hospital for Crippled Children, Salt Lake City.

Among hobbies, the Grand Master names trout fishing, and he cautiously admits that he “plays a little golf.”

From the foregoing brief record of facts the conclusion appears to be justified that the Grand Master is a man of such diversified interests and experiences as to insure the equipment necessary for a successful administration of the affairs of the Craft of this Jurisdiction.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1937.

PGM, Joseph Granville Tetley died on November 4, 1963 in Encinitas, California. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1964, page 90.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1938

Our Grand Master is a Lawyer-he likes to have things clearly stated and in order. So, following are some of the stakes that have marked the trail over which he has come, thus far:

Born: In Canon City, Colorado, May 26, 1888, the second son of Judge Charles E. and Lida B. Waldo.

Educated: High School, Canon City, Graduating in 1904; next three years learning the drug business; then entered the Law School at the University of Colorado, from which he graduated in 1910 with the degree of L. L. B.

Practice in Law: Worked in his father’s law office, Canon City, for over a year, then came to Provo, Utah, in December of 1911, entered the legal department of the old Telluride Power Company. When this property was sold to the Utah Power and Light Company in September, 1912, he decided to remain with the Nunn’s interests and was transferred to Boise, Idaho, as counsel for the Beaver River Power Company, now the Telluride Power Company. When the Idaho system was sold to the Idaho Power Company, in October, 1915, he returned to Salt Lake City, and since that time he has been in charge of the legal affairs of all the Nunn’s interests, including the Telluride Power Company, and engaged in the general practice of law. He was admitted to the bar in Colorado in 1910, in Utah in 1912, in Idaho in 1913, and to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, in 1916.

Business Connections: Secretary and Director of the Telluride Power Company, Utah Fire Clay Company, Telluride Motor Company, Big Springs Power Company, and Columbia Industrial Loan Company, and director of the Utah Lake Irrigation Company, and Goshen Valley Irrigation Company.

Other Activities: He is chairman of the Trustees of Deep Springs (California) who direct the school for boys established by L. L. Nunn to continue the educational work he established at Olmsted (Utah); a member and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Westminster College, Salt Lake City; a member and one of the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake; a member of the Executive Board of the Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Utah Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Marriage: On December 31, 1912, he married Katherine McKenzie, in Canon City, Colorado, and has four children, John F., Charles E., Katherine, and Harold R., Jr.

College Fraternities: Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Delta Phi (legal). Clubs: University Club and Bonneville Knife and Fork Club, both of Salt Lake City.

Masonic Record:

Blue Lodge: The Grand Master was initiated March 11, 1922, passed May 1, 1922, and raised, May 20, 1922, in Acacia Lodge No. 17, of Salt Lake City. He was Master of his lodge in 1928.

Grand Lodge: In Grand Lodge he served as Grand Lecturer, 1934 and 1935; was elected Senior Grand Warden January 22, 1936, and regularly advanced and was elected Grand Master September 27, 1938.

Scottish Rite: Received the degrees from the 4th to the 32nd, inclusive, with the fall class of 1925; Commander of the Salt Lake Council of Kadosh 1931-1932, and preceptor Utah Consistory 1937-1938. On October 22, 1935, he was advanced to the rank and decoration of K.C.C.H.

York Rite: The Grand Master holds membership in Utah Chapter No.1, R. A. M., of which he was High Priest in 1937; in the Grand Council of Anointed Priests of Utah; in Utah Council No.1, R. & S. M.; and Utah Commandery No.1, K. T., Salt Lake.

Shrine: Brother Waldo was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in El Kalah Temple, in the spring of 1926, and is now Marshal in that organization.

The present writer had it in mind to close this long list of dates, facts, and figures with a brief paragraph which would represent our appraisal of the Grand Master. But he submitted a statement very different from the one we had intended to use and he knows Harold Russell Waldo far better than we do, so here is what he has to say on the subject:

“I can’t make a speech or remember names but hope to get by on the strength of the fine group of officers serving with me and the momentum of the splendid administration of my predecessors.”

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1938.

PGM, Harold Russell Waldo died on September 13, 1977 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1978, page 47.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

© 1934-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Bio updated September 10, 1946 – George Winters, Grand Historian

Digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 1946.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1939

Our 65th Grand Master is a real Scotchman. He was born in Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland, May 8, 1875. His father was a coal miner-as his forebears had been for generations-and our Grand Master, the firstborn of a family of thirteen, soon after he had reached the age of twelve years (the laws of Scotland at that time did not permit anyone under that age to work in a mine) was taken into the mine by his father and taught the art of coal mining. This was the beginning of a varied experience in the production of coal which extended from the position of helper to his father to that of executive.

It seems that the coal mining laws of that period permitted a man upon reaching the age of sixteen to go out for himself, and as other boys were coming along in the family it was necessary that young William should procure diggings for himself so that his father could begin the training of these younger brothers.

Ambitious to secure an education, during those early years he attended night schools until he had obtained the equivalent of a high school training, and then having gained a knowledge of the practical side of mining he decided to supplement this with the theoretical and for this purpose he entered a technical school. In this work he appears to have been eminently successful leading his classes two years in succession, and in 1893 following an examination held in the George Watson College, Edinburg, he was given a first class mine manager’s certificate and later in the same year he was awarded a First Advance certificate in the Science and Art of Mining. In 1894 he was made Under Manager in one of the mines owned by the largest producers of coal and iron in the United kingdom.

On May 1st, 1907, our Grand Master left his native land and two weeks later he arrived in Dawson, New Mexico, with a slim purse “* * * and with a steadfast resolution to earn an honest living and give full value for money received,” he tells us. Day wages in Dawson at that time were 29Â½ cents per hour, ten hours a day, with no extra pay for overtime or Sundays, we are told.

We cannot follow in detail the experience of our Grand Master from that time to the present. It must suffice to say that in Dawson it included that of gas inspector in mine number 2 and mine foreman in the same mine. Coming to Utah in 1910 he was employed by the Utah Fuel Company at its Sunnyside No.2 mine as gas inspector and then as mine foreman in the same mine; transferred to Castle Gate as underground inspector, then made Superintendent of operations in that place, and in 1919, upon the death of General Superintendent J. S. Thompson, he was appointed to fill the vacancy and placed in charge of all of the properties of the Utah Fuel Company in Utah. This position he held until late in 1926 when he decided to give up the coal mining business.

It was during this period that he was elected (in 1924) president of the Rocky Mountain Mining Institute, the district of which in-cluded New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, with a few members from Idaho and Montana. He was also a member of the Price Rotary and Helper Kiwanis Clubs, and in 1926 he served as president of the Price Chamber of Commerce. In the same year he formed a family corporation of Littlejohn Theaters Company, Incorporated doing business in Price and later in Helper. This is his business at the present time.

The Grand Master was made a Mason in St. Matthews Kilwinning Lodge No. 549, A. F. & A. M., Dreghorn, Ayrshire, Scotland, March 19, 1907; transferred, to become a charter member of Vermejo Lodge No. 136, A. F. & A. M., Dawson, New Mexico in 1908, and to Carbon Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M. of Price, Utah, September 2, 1911. He was elected Master of this Lodge December 14, 1918, and from 1928 to 1938 he served as its Treasurer.

In Grand Lodge he was appointed Junior Grand Deacon in 1935, and in the following year elected Junior Grand Warden and regularly advanced, becoming Grand Master September 26, 1939.

In the York, or American Rite, he received the Royal Arch Degree in Price Chapter No.6 R. A. M., Price, Utah, December 9, 1916, and was elected High Priest December 22, 1933. He was Knighted in Charles Fred Jennings Commandery No.6, K. T., Price, Utah, in 1929.

He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the bodies of that Rite, Salt Lake City, with the Spring Class of 1922. This class was known as the Scottish Class he tells us, not because of his presence in it, but in honor of the three Scotchmen: David Reed, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland; Joseph Inglis, and John Forrest who came to this country to testify in the Thomson Masonic Fraud. Case.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in EI Kalah Temple, Salt Lake, October 27, 1922. He is also a member of Naomi Chapter No. 13, O. E. S., of Price, Utah, in which he was Patron in 1935.

Our Grand Master is an ardent lover of the principles of Freemasonry, and of the writings of “Bobby” Burns-their birthplaces were only ten miles apart-and holds and believes with that immortal Poet:

“Then let us pray that come it may
As come it will for a’ that
That man to man the world o’er
Will brithers be for a’ that.”

In 1899, at Dreghorn, Scotland, Grand Master Littlejohn was married to Mary Lindsay. To this union six children were born: Janet S., William A., (deceased), Alex L., Jean C., James C., and Robert L. This wife and mother died in 1919 and three years later he married Elsie Hass Tanner, a widow and mother of two children, Naida E. and Malcolm T. These children were legally adopted by the Grand Master.

The Grand Master states that he is not” … strong on speech making.” The present writer has had a brother-in-law and a son-in-law, both born in Scotland and, speaking advisedly, he is of the opinion that tongue-tied Scotchmen are exceedingly rare.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings,1939.

PGM, William Littlejohn died on June 14, 1944 in Price, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1945, page 127.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

© 1934-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 1940, Updated October 23, 1948

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1940

The present Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah is a native of Denmark. Brought to this country by his widowed mother at the age of two years, when he reached his majority he was advised by legal counsel that he was entitled to vote. and he acted on that advice. But he was not satisfied with this situation and decided to take out naturalization papers. This he did many years ago and recently, when mentioning the matter to the present writer he said, with no little pride in voice and bearing: “I an American citizen!” Pity it is that so many, born to that great privilege, esteem it so lightly!

Brother Nelson was born in Copenhagen. June 2, 1872. Upon arrival in Utah the family went first to Bear River City, shortly afterward they moved to Clifton , Idaho where, on a small farm our Grand Master spent his early boyhood. During that period he attended a country school as opportunity offered which was not very often, he states, for he had to work to help support the family.

At the age of sixteen he entered the employ of a construction contractor who was building a railroad grade in the Salmon River Country and he continued with him for two years. and then came to Ogden, where he was employed by F. J. Keisel as yard man, and coachman for the family. In this position, as he puts the matter, he “worked all day and went to Smith’s Business College at night.” After four years in this double capacity his employer sent him to Pocatello, Idaho, with a set of books for the Remington Brokerage Company, of which he (Keisel) was the principal owner. About a year later he was transferred to Salt Lake City, to the B. K. Block and Company of which Keisel was the principal stockholder.

Although there were changes in the name and personnel of this Company the Grand Master continued in its service for more than twenty-five years,

Early in 1917 he was joined by Mr. George Anson~an employee of same Company~in the purchase of the S. B. Clark Produce Company’s business, changed the name to Nelson~Anson Company Inc., and since the death of his partner a few years ago, he has been President and owner of Company.

On September 16. 1897. Brother Nelson married Annie Barr, of Ogden and to them one daughter, Nell Margaret was born.

The Grand Master’s Masonic Record gives unmistakable evidence of his interest and activity in the Fraternity.

He was made a Mason in Kaibab Lodge No. 25 F. & A. M., Salt Lake City. on June 28, 1921, and served his Lodge as Worshipful Master during 1928.

In Grand Lodge he served as Junior Grand Steward and Grand Marshal~ in the last named position for three years~and on January 20, 1937 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and thereafter regularly advanced till September 24. 1940, when he was elected Grand Master.

He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Salt Lake Chapter No.5, Royal Arch Masons, October 7, 1926 and served that Chapter as High Priest in 1930. He affiliated with Utah Chapter No.1, R.A.M. of Salt Lake City, May 4, 1932, when Salt Lake Chapter No.5 surrendered its charter in order to effect consolidation with Utah Chapter No. 1.

In the Grand Chapter, after having served in several appointive places, in June 1935, he was elected Grand Scribe and in June 1938, he was chosen Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, R.A.M., of Utah.

He received the degrees of Royal and Select Master in Utah Council No.1 R. & S. M., of Salt Lake City, November 18, 1925; served the Council as Illustrious Master in 1934, and Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1939.

In the Commandery, KT., he received the Order of the Temple in Victory Commandery No.4 KT., Salt Lake City. March 11. 1926; affiliated with Utah Commandery No. 1. KT. in March 1930, when Victory Commandery surrendered its charter in order to effect consolidation with Utah Commandery No.1. He was Eminent Commander in 1931.

He had held appointive offices in the Grand Commandery of Utah. and in May, 1940, he was elected Eminent Grand Junior Warden.

The degrees from the 4th to the 32nd in Scottish Rite were conferred on him in November, 1922, and in October 1931 he was elected to the rank and dignity of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, and six years later~ 1937 ~ he was further honored by the Supreme Council by being elected Sovereign Grand Inspector General. 33 Honorary, and Honorary Member or the Supreme Council. and coroneted October 18, 1937.

In the Red Cross of Constantine he waS installed as a Knight Companion in this Order in St. Bernard Conclave No. 25, R. C. of c., Salt Lake City, September 4, 1931; served as Most Puissiant Sovereign from December 1936 until this Conclave surrendered its charter, August 1. 1938; appointed M. P. Sovereign of Bonneville Conclave U.O. when it was instituted August 29, 1938.

He was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in EI Kalah Temple, Salt Lake City, March 23, 1923, and was elected Illustrious Potentate, in January of the current year (1940).

Brother Nelson is also a Past Patron of Lynds Chapter No. 1 O.E.S. These various honors which have come to our Grand Master show conclusively that he is no “drone in the hive” but real worker in the field Masonic. Recently he stated that, “Until I was made a Mason my greatest school was the ‘school of hard knocks.”’ All who know the Grand Master and are informed on the splendid work that he has done for the Fraternity are agreed that the school of experience has done a fine job for him~and for us.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1940.

PGM Thorwald John Nelson died on January 8, 1956 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1956, page 104.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., March, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1941 and 1942

The Sixty-seventh Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah, Brother Harold A. Linke, is a New Yorker by birth, born in New York City, April 23, 1881. He was educated in the schools of Mount Vernon, N. Y., and in New York University. He is a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, and holds a Professional Engineer’s License in Utah, and is a member of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers.

While still in the East he was connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad on location of the New York Connecting Railroads and Hell Gate Bridge, and branch lines into coal fields of Pennsylvania. Also engaged in building race tracks; sewerage and water systems and other engineering works. Then followed a varied experience in mining operations in the West Indies, Florida, Michigan, Old Mexico, Vermont, Kentucky, Nevada, California, Idaho and Utah.

His exit from Mexico was a hurried one and far from being pleasant-he managed, however to keep ahead at ” … an uncomfortably slight distance of a band of Yaquis during the revolutionary period.”

During the World War the Grand Master was in charge of construction of a town for civilian employees at Mare Island Navy Yard.

His experience in northern Mexico–referred to in another paragraph-did not deter him from “trying it again” in that Republic, but this time he went well down toward the border of Central America, to Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo, near which place he built a mining plant in 1921.

For nearly twenty years now he has been with the Utah Copper Company at the Arthur Plant in charge of construction work with a large force of men under his supervision.

In 1918 Brother Linke was married to Christina Fraser, at Twin Falls, Idaho. To them one son was born, Harold A., Jr., who was graduated from the University of Utah in 1941, civil engineer, now a lieutenant in the Field Artillery at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The Grand Master was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Calumet Lodge No. 171, F. & A. M., Calumet, Michigan, December 20, 1915, and received the remaining degrees (courtesy work) in Rural Lodge No. 29, Rochester, Vermont, in July, 1916. Ten years later he affiliated with Christopher Diehl Lodge No. 19, Garfield, Utah, and served that Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1932.

In Grand Lodge he was successively Grand Orator, Grand Pursuivant, Junior and Senior Grand Deacon and at the Annual Communication of 1938 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and regularly advanced until September 23, 1941, when he was chosen Grand Master.

From 1933 to September, 1941 he was the efficient Secretary of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Instruction, which means that he carried the heavy part of the load in the preparation and distribution of papers, and in an extensive correspondence.

In Capitular Masonry he received the degrees in Utah Chapter No.1, R. A. M. in 1917 and in the same year the Order of the Temple in Utah Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar. A year later the Cryptic degrees were received in Utah Council No.1 R. & S. M. of Salt Lake City.

He is a member of Utah Consistory A. & A. S. Rite of Salt Lake City, having completed the work at the Fall (November) Reunion, 1941. He is also a member of Adah Chapter No. 15, O. E. S. of Garfield and an honorary member of Salt Lake Chapter No. 114 National Sojourners.

The Grand Master is congenial and likeable; in action practical, with a major tendency to plan operations well in advance of the time when the starting-point is reached, and “They say,” he is fine man to work under. The Masons of this Jurisdiction can look forward with confidence to a progressive and successful administration of affairs during the sixteen months in which he will lead the Craft of Utah

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1941

PGM, Harold Adolph Linke died on March 29, 1961 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Grand Lodge Proceedings 1962, Page 53B

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1943

Our present Grand Master comes from the “Corn Huskers'” State. He was born at Beatrice, Nebraska, July 25, 1887. His educa-tion was obtained in the public and high schools of the city named, and the University of Nebraska, at Lincoln, Nebraska, from which institution he was graduated in 1909 with the degree of A. B. and two years later he received the degree of LLB from the University.

No social fraternity while in college, he reports, but he belonged to Phi Beta Kappa (Honorary scholarship), Phi Alpha Tau and Delta Sigma Rho (Debating honorary) and Delta Sigma Rho (honorary journalism) fraternities, and Innocents (Senior society).

During his three years in law school, and for two years after graduation, he engaged in newspaper work, on the Lincoln Daily Star, and the Salt Lake Herald-Republican, and for the Associated Press, commencing the practice of law at Provo, February 15, 1914. He left Provo for Ogden, March 1st, 1915, where he has since practiced his profession.

In 1920 Brother Dobbs was elected District Attorney, and served four years; appointed City Attorney and served through the years 1930-1933, inclusive. Active politically, he was nominated for Attorney General by the Democratic Party in 1920 “and was defeated with the rest of the boys that Harding-year.” He has been chairman of the First Congressional district for many years, a member of the State committee many years and is now Democratic National Committeeman from Utah.

Some of the other interests and activities of our Grand Master are represented by service on the Sesquicentennial Commission; president of the Utah Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and of the University Club of Ogden, and a director of the Ogden Golf and Country Club; was Weber County Chairman of the Four Minute Men in 1917-18, and for one year director of the Ogden Rodeo.

He was married in 1915 to Beatrice Longtin, of Beatrice, Nebraska.

They have three children: Merle Louise Young, of Ogden, Beatrice Deirdre Charters, of Great Neck, Long Island, and Hugh Emery Dobbs, now in the United States Army and at present stationed in Alaska, and one grandchild, Beatrice Margaret Young.

The Grand Master was made a Mason in Lancaster Lodge No. 54, Lincoln, Nebr., in 1910 and dimitted to Weber Lodge No.6, Ogden, October 4, 1917, and was Master of his Lodge in 1935. In Grand Lodge he served as Grand Marshal under Grand Masters Joseph G. Titley and Harold R. Waldo, January 20, 1937 to September 26, 1939, when he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and regularly advanced thereafter, and elected Grand Master, January 26, 1943. He holds membership in the York Rite Bodies of Ogden, and is King in Ogden Chapter No.2 R. A. M. In the Salt Lake Scottish Rite Bodies he is Junior Warden in Jordan Lodge of Perfection and Prior in Utah Consistory. On October 19, 1937, he was elected to receive the rank and decoration of K. C. C. H. by the Supreme Council A. & A. S. Rite of Freemasonry, S. J. He is also a member of EI Kalah Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and is an honorary member of Salt Lake Chapter No. 114 National Sojourners.

He admits that he “practices law for a living and loses his profits in mining,” as many another has done who has gone that way before him.

And finally, he is included in “Who’s Who in America,” in the volume of 1942-’43.

In mid-life, with a fine scholastic training, supplemented by a varied practical experience, with a gift for making acquaintances and friends, our Grand Master takes up the duties of this high position fully equipped for a successful administration of the affairs of the Craft in this Jurisdiction.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1943.

PGM Stuart P. Dobbs died on August, 30, 1955 in Ogden, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings 1956, Page 101.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1944

Our Grand Master this year is a native Utahan. Of the sixty-eight Grand Masters who preceded him, only three were born in Utah. They were William J. Lynch, Dana T. Smith and Charles F. Barrett.

Brother Bjorklund was born in Salt Lake City, October 22, 1888, the only son of Samuel and Emma Bjorklund. He has three sisters, however.

He received his education in the schools of Salt Lake City. On September 12, 1917, he married Miss Rena Rigby and they have two daughters, Elaine and Lucille.

As a young man he entered the employ of the United States fidelity and Guaranty Company and has now been with that comany for thirty-two years, succeeding to the position of District Manager for the States of Utah and Idaho sixteen years ago.

He received his Master Mason degree in Argenta Lodge No.3, May 20, 1922, and served as its Master during the year 1932. In Grand Lodge he served as Senior Grand Deacon in 1936, as Grand Pursuivant in 1937, as Grand Marshal in 1939, was elected Junior Grand Warden. in 1940, and continued through each of the elective offices until January 25, 1944, when he was elected Grand Master.

He has also been a faithful and efficient worker in the Scottish Rite Bodies. He received the degrees in April, 1926, was Wise Master of James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix in 1936; Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection in 1943, and on December 18, 1943, was vested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

In the American Rite of Freemasonry he received the Capitular degrees in Utah Chapter R. A. M., February 22, 1943; the Criptic de-grees in Utah Council R. & S. M., March 20, 1943; and the Orders of Knighthood in Utah Commandery, K. T., March 31, 1943.

He became a member of El Kalah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., March 31, 1930, and is an Honorary member of the National Sojourners, Salt Lake Chapter No. 114 and Heros of ’76.

In addition to his many Masonic activities, he is also affiliated with he Kiwanis Club; the Chamber of Commerce; Bonneville Knife and fork Club and the Surety and Casualty Underwriters Association.

There is much more that might be said with propriety about our Grand Master. Those who have known him intimately and have worked with him throughout the years have learned to appreciate his worth and his accomplishments. He talks little and works much ,and by his work, accomplishes that which he sets out to do.

His many years of experience in the business World; his varied and numerous activities in Masonic work; his desire to do things worth while and his most genial nature, have qualified him, we are certain, to fulfill the duties of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Utah in a manner that will meet the approbation of all.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1944.

PGM Eric A. Byorkland died July 23, 1979 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1980, page 35.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1946

The Seventy-first Grand Master of the M: .W: .Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah during its seventy-fifth year and one of the very few Grand Masters who were born in the State of Utah.

He was born at Fillmore, the first capital of the State, January 23, 1887, where he lived as a boy, attended the elementary and high school and later the University of Utah. He taught in the public schools in Sevier and Emery Counties for four years and during the year 1912 was admitted to practice law. He is a member of the Utah and American Bar Associations.

His principal vocation, however, in addition to the vast amount of time he devotes to Freemasonry, is that of managing his business of public accounting. His clientele extends over a large part of the Intermountain country and the Pacific Coast.

He was elected Auditor of the State of Utah in 1912, in which position he served four years. Shortly thereafter he entered the mili-tary service in World War I, serving with the rank of Major in the Construction Division of the Army. In 1919, he became a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Accountants. He has served on many Committees of the Institute, including the Nominating Committee, Board of Examiners, Committee on Accounting Procedure and the Executive Committee. In 1939 he was elected Vice President of the Institute.

He is past president of the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the Utah State Bar of Examiners.

Indicative of the prominence attained and the value placed on his professional ability, he was called to Washington, D. C., during 1940, to serve in an advisory capacity to General Hartman, Chief of the Construction Division of the Army, in organizing the auditing and accounting branch of the Construction Division.

As a member of the Masonic Fraternity he has also received recognition and many honors, all of which were rightfully due because of his untiring efforts in the interest of Masonry and his desire and ability to do things worth while.

He became a member of Acacia Lodge No. 17 at Salt Lake City by initiation, receiving the Master’s degree January 16, 1922, and served his Lodge as Master during the year 1929.

He received the Thirty-second degree, Master of the Royal Secret, in Utah Consistory November 23, 1923, was advanced to the rank and decoration of the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour October 22, 1935, and invested with the Thirty-third degree, Inspectors General Honorary, October 24, 1941, and in 1943 was appointed by the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction, as one of the Grand Stewards for a term of two years. He served as Venerable Master of Jordan Lodge of Perfection during the year 1940.

He was Exalted to the degree of Royal Arch November 13, 1929, in Salt Lake Chapter and became a member of Utah Chapter No.1 at the time of the consolidation of these Chapters, May 4, 1932.

He was greeted in Utah Council No.1, R. & S. Masters November 22,1930, Knighted in Utah Commandery No.1, K. T., March 13, 1930, and installed a Knight Companion in Bonneville Conclave No. 25, Red Cross of Constantine, February 4, 1939. He is now the Sitting Viceroy of that Conclave.

He became a member by initiation in EL Kalah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., March 28, 1924, served as Illustrious Potentate during the year 1939, and has since been elected each year as a Representative of the Imperial Council. He is now Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Intermountain Unit, Shriners’ Hospitals for Crippled Children.

He was President of the Salt Lake Chapter No. 114 of the National Sojourners during the year 1944 .

At the conclusion of his term as Grand Master he will have served as a Grand Lodge Officer for seven years and four months, in the following order:

September 26, 1939 Installed Grand Orator
September 24, 1940 Installed Grand Marshal
September 23, 1941 Installed Grand Marshal
January 26, 1943 Installed Junior Grand Warden
January 25, 1944 Installed Senior Grand Warden
January 23, 1945 Installed Deputy Grand Master
January 29, 1946 Installed Grand Master

Brother Kelly’s record is an open book and all who are familiar with it doubt not that he will serve Masonry as Grand Master in a most exemplary and efficient manner as he has always done in the past.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1946.

PGM, Lincoln Grant Kelly died on July 8, 1968, in Chicago, Ill. while attending the Annual Session of the Imperial Council of the Shrine. Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1947

The Grand Lodge, F & A. M. of Utah again has a Grand Master who was born in Utah and whose profession, the practice of Law, is very similar to that of his predecessor.

Brother Cline was born in Salt Lake City May 8, 1903, the youngest of a family of six children. His early education was attained in the schools of Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. He graduated from the Los Angeles High School in 1921. He later took up the study of Law in Los Angeles and graduated from Law School in 1929.

He was admitted to practice Law in the State of California in 1929, but shortly thereafter moved to Milford where he has since practiced his profession, in addition to devoting much time to the Banking business and other interests throughout the State.

He is a member of the Utah, California and American Bar Associations.

In 1934. he married Miss Loretta Murdock and they have two charming daughters, Ruth and Harriet. Many of the officers of Grand Lodge and others who have accompanied the Grand Masters on recent visitations in the Western part of the State, have met the family and enjoyed the gracious hospitality of Mrs. Cline and her family.

Brother Cline became a member of Albert Pike Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M. at Milford by initiation, having received the Master Mason Degree April 11, 1930, under rather unique circumstances. He has three older brothers, all of whom are active in Masonic work and two of whom, Sam and Albert, are Past Masters of Albert Pike Lodge. They acted as Master and Senior Warden in conferring the Master Mason Degree on him. He served his Lodge as Master during two terms, the years 1933 and 1941.

He received the Scottish Rite work during April, 1934, and was elected to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor by the Supreme Council October 21, 1941, the Investiture having been at Salt Lake City, February 17, 1942.

He was Exalted to the Degree of Royal Arch October 10, 1936, in Franklin Chapter at Cedar City and on October 1, 1941, dimitted from Franklin Chapter and affiliated with Utah Chapter No.1 at Salt Lake City. He was greeted in Utah Council No.1 May 15, 1942.

He became a member of El Kalah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. by initiation October 26, 1935.

At the conclusion of his term as Grand Master he will have served eight years and four months as a Grand Lodge Officer, in the following order:

Jan. 16, 1935 Grand Orator
Jan. 22, 1936 do
Sep. 23, 1940 do
Sep. 23, 1941 Senior Grand Deacon – 16 Months
Jan. 25, 1944 Junior Grand Warden
Jan. 25, 1945 Senior Grand Warden
Jan. 29, 1946 Deputy Grand Master
Jan. 28, 1947 Grand Master

Brother Cline is well known throughout the State of Utah, as well as other Western States and has made many friends, particularly among those of his profession and the Masonic Fraternity. He will, without doubt, assume and accomplish the duties to which he has been assigned in a manner that will bring much credit to himself and honor to the Fraternity.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1947.

PGM, Harold Cline died on July 1, 1962 in Milford, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1964, page 69.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1948

Our Grand Master for the year 1948 came to Utah from the Northwest. He was born at Colfax, Washington, August 8, 1894, where his parents lived for many years. His school work was all done at Colfax. Shortly after graduating from the Colfax High School he entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad Company at Colfax, later being transferred to Pocatello, Idaho, and subsequently to Salt Lake City. He was in the employ of that company from July, 1912, to April, 1932, except during the period of July, 1917, to November, 1919, when he was in the United States Military Service, twenty months of which was with the A. E. F. in France.

During the year 1934 he entered the employ of the American Smelting and Refining Company in the Salt Lake City Traffic De-partment. He has received a number of promotions and is now District Traffic Manager for the states of Utah, Colorado, Idaho and Montana.

He is a member of The Transportation Club of Salt Lake City, The Traffic Club of Denver, Colorado, the Codd French Post No. 41 of the American Legion at Colfax, Washington, and the Alta Club of Salt Lake City.

On July 17, 1933, he married Emily Clark. Mrs. Skaife has long been an ardent worker in the ladies organizations. She is a member of Mizpah Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Price Assembly No. 86, Social Order of the Beauceant and Past Queen of Lybia Temple No. 32, Daughters of the Nile.

Brother Skaife is a member of Progress Lodge No. 22 of Salt Lake City. He received the Master Mason degree in that Lodge June 4, 1921-served his Lodge as Master during the year 193O-was elected Secretary of his Lodge in December, 1931, and has continued that work to the present. He also served his Lodge as Deputy Grand Lecturer during the years 1931 to 1943.

In the American (York) Rite of Freemasonry he has done much: In Salt Lake Chapter No.5, R. A. M. (Now Utah Chapter No.1) he was Exalted November 30, 1921, and served as High Priest during the year 1931. In Utah Council No.1, R. & S. M., he was Greeted January 31, 1922, and served as Master during the year 1935. In Victory Commandery No.4, K. T. (Now Utah Commandery No.1) he was Knighted November 12, 1925, and served as Commander during the year 1933. In the Grand Commandery, K. T., he served as Grand Commander during the year 1943-44.

He is a member of the Grand Council, Holy Order of High Priesthood-the Red Cross of Constantine and an Honorary member of Malta Commandery No.3 at Park City. An Honorary member of Salt Lake Chapter No. 114 of the National Sojourners and Honorary member of the Salt Lake Camp of the Heroes of ’76.

In Scottish Rite he has also been one of the faithful and efficient workers. He received the degrees from the fourth to thirty-second inclusive, April 24-26, 1923, served as Wise Master of James Lowe Chapter Rose Croix during the year 1932-33, as Commander of Salt Lake Council of Kadosh during the year 1939-40, as Master of Kadosh of Utah Consistory during the year 1947-48 and is now Assistant Expert in Jordan Lodge of Perfection.

He was elected on October 19, 1943, by the Supreme Council to be Invested Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. This Ceremony was conducted December 18, 1943, at Salt Lake City.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in EL Kalah Temple November 28,1927.

In the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, he will have served six years as an Officer when he has completed his year as Grand Master, namely:

Grand Marshal appointed 1943
Grand Lecturer appointed 1944
Junior Grand Warden elected 1945
Senior Grand Warden elected 1946
Deputy Grand Master elected 1947
Grand Master elected 1948

Brother Skaife’s training and experience in his profession, together with the many years he has devoted to the welfare of Masonry in its many branches, has prepared him to fill the high office in which he is now placed and we doubt not that he will serve Masonry with proficiency and zeal throughout the year.

E. R. G.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1948.

PGM, Ortis Clifford Skaife died on June 22, 1954 in Colfax, Washington. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1955, page 107.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1949

Brother Newell Beeman Dayton, the seventy-fourth Grand Master of the M:.W:.Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, was born in Salt Lake City June 28, 1900, where he has made his home throughout his entire life.

He received his education in the elementary and high schools of Salt Lake City and the University of Pennsylvania from which he graduated in 1922. He is a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and Friars Senior Society.

On January 15, 1923, he married Miss Margaret Emma Brown and they have two charming daughters, Margaret and Joan.

During the year 1923 he entered the employ of the Tracy Loan and Trust Company, now the Tracy-Collins Trust Company and has continued with that Company to the present. He is now Vice President and Director.

In civic affairs he has been very active. He served as a member of the Board of Education of Salt Lake City; President of the Sons of the American Revolution; President of the Salt Lake Rotary Club; Officer and Director of the Alta Club; Officer and Director of the Salt Lake Country Club and Officer and Director of the Salt Lake Community Chest.

He became a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2, F. & A. M. by initiation April 4, 1927 and was installed Worshipful Master of that Lodge December 18, 1933.

He became a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Utah Consistory, in the Fifty-first Reunion of April 16-19, 1928; was ad-vanced to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor October 19, 1937; invested with the Thirty-third degree, Inspectors General Honorary, October 19, 1943 and elected Commander of Salt Lake Council of Kadosh June 17, 1943.

In the American (York) Rite of Freemasonry he was Exalted to the degree of Royal Arch October 13, 1943 in Salt Lake Chapter; Greeted October 6, 1943 in Utah Council No. 1 and Knighted March 29,1944 in Utah Commandery No.1, K. T.

He was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in EI Kalah Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. March 21, 1930 and elected Illustrious Potentate of El Kalah Temple January 13, 1943. He has served as a Representative of the Imperial Council of the Shrine and as Treasurer of the Intermountain Unit of the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children during the past six years.

In Grand Lodge he served on the War Service Committee during the years 1943 to 1945, inclusive and was Chairman of that Committee during the year 1945.

At the conclusion of his term as Grand Master he will have served seven years as a Grand Lodge Officer, in the following order:

January 26,1943 Grand Chaplain
January 25, 1944 Grand Chaplain
January 23, 1945 Grand Chaplain
January 29, 1946 Junior Grand Warden
January 28, 1947 Senior Grand Warden
January 27, 1948 Deputy Grand Master
January 25,1949 Grand Master

With these many achievements in both Civil and Masonic affairs, we are assured that he is well qualified and will perform the duties of Grand Master in a manner that will receive the approbation of all concerned.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1949.

PGM, Newell Beeman Dayton died on Feb. 22, 1987 in Tucson, Arizona.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1945

As the Grand Lodge of Utah was organized January 16, 1872, it is now in its seventy-fourth year. During that period four Grand Masters served an aggregate of eight years, therefore our present Grand Master is the seventieth to occupy that exalted position. The Grand Masters who served longer than the customary one year are Brothers Phil H. Emerson, two years; Parley L. Williams, three years; Joseph G. Titley, twenty months, and Harold A. Linke, sixteen months.

Brother Rowe was born at Placerville, California, August 21, 1882. At the age of nine he went to Butte, Montana, with his parents, where he attended elementary school and business college. During August, 1898, he moved to Provo and entered the employ of the Telluride Power Company. He has continued in the service of that company, and its successor, the Utah Power and Light Company, to the present. During the past sixteen years he has been Superintendent of the company at Eureka, having charge of the business in the Tintic district, including a number of towns in Juab and Utah Counties.

He married Miss Henrietta B. Henroid January 5, 1905, and they have one son and one daughter. The son, Brother Gus Francis Rowe, also a member of the Craft, is manager of one of the larger drug stores in Salt Lake City, and the daughter, Jean, is the wife of Lieut. Melvin T. Briggs, now serving in the United States Navy.

He received his Master Mason degree in Tintic Lodge No.9, at Eureka, November 26, 1907, and served as Master during the year 1913. In December, 1927, he was elected Secretary of Tintic Lodge No.9, and is still serving in that position;

He received the Scottish Rite degrees from the 4th to 32nd during November, 1943, and became a member of El Kalah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., April 19, 1944.

In Grand Lodge, after serving in several appointive offices, was elected Junior Grand Warden September 23, 1941; Senior Grand Warden January 26, 1943; Deputy Grand Master January 25, 1944, and Most Worshipful Grand Master January 23, 1945.

Brother Rowe has also been very active in other Fraternal and Civic organizations. These activities include the office of Exalted Ruler of the Tintic Lodge of Elks, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of Utah Elks, President of the Eureka Kiwanis Club for two years, Director of the Associated Civic Clubs of Southern Utah, Manager and Treasurer of the Eureka City Parks Commission and others.

During his many years of residence in Utah he has made a host of friends. Many years of active service in the Lodge and in Grand Lodge, combined with his genial and kindly disposition, and most of all, his desire to do things and do them well, qualify him to serve as Grand Master efficiently and wisely.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1945.

PGM, John Francis Rowe died on September 1, 1957 in Provo, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1958 page 83.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1950

Brother John Stark, the seventy-fifth Grand Master of the M:.W:.Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, was born November 18, 1892, at Sullivan, Indiana, where he received his early education and training. He attended the Indiana State Normal School during the school years 1912-13 and 1916-17 and later graduated from the University of Utah.

Brother Stark came to Utah the first time in 1914 and served as Principal of the school at Green River, Utah. He later returned to his home State to continue his education which was temporarily interrupted by World War 1. Immedately following the declaration of war, April 6, 1917, he volunteered his services and was commissioned an officer in the United States Army during September, 1918, and was honorably discharged from the service September I, 1919.

He married Miss Jeanette Jones at Chicago, Illinois, during 1919 and they have one daughter, now Mrs. B. C. Moncla, and one son, John Reid Stark.

He has engaged in educational work during the greater part of his life, first at Green River, Utah, and later at Ogden, Utah. He is now and has been for a number of years, Principal of the Central High School at Ogden.

In addition to his school work he has been very active in civic matters and other useful avocations. He is a member of the Ogden Rotary Club; a Director of the Ogden Community Chest; a Director of the Ogden Fraternal Home Association and a Charter member of the Ogden DeMolay Advisory Council, having served on that Board from 1924 to 1936 and in 1942-43.

He received the Master Mason degree in Orient Lodge No. 15, F. & A. M. at Green River, Utah, December 20, 1915, during the time he was Principal of the Green River school. He dimitted from Orient Lodge No. 15 and affiliated with George Washington Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M. at Ogden, April 7, 1923, and served as Master of George Washington Lodge during the Masonic year July 1, 1940, to June 30, 1941.

He received the Scottish Rite degrees in Army Consistory at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, March 24, 1918, while in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He dimitted from Army Consistory and affiliated with the Scottish Rite Bodies of Utah, January 16, 1941, and was advanced to the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor by the Supreme Council, October 21, 1947.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S., in Murat Temple, at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1918 and transferred his membership to EI Kalah Temple, Salt Lake City, April 19, 1944.

At the conclusion of his term as Grand Master he will have served eight years and four months as an Officer of Grand Lodge, in the following order:

Sept. 23, 1941 to Jan. 29, 1946 Grand Orator
Jan. 29, 1946 to Jan. 28, 1947 Grand Chaplain
Jan. 28, 1947 to Jan. 27, 1948 Junior Grand Warden
Jan. 27, 1948 to Jan. 25, 1949 Senior Grand Warden
Jan. 25, 1949 to Jan. 24, 1950 Deputy Grand Master
Jan. 24, 1950 to Jan. 23, 1951 Grand Master

Brother Stark has rendered excellent service to the Fraternity during the six and one-half years that he served as an officer of George Washington Lodge No. 24 and more than seven subsequent years as an officer of the Grand Lodge. This, together with the many years of experience in educational work, is ample evidence of his ability and willingness to guide the destinies of Grand Lodge during the coming year in a manner suitable to all.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1950.

PGM, John Stark died on November 15, 1960 at Ogden, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1960, page 39.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1951

Brother William Arthur Carter, our Seventy-sixth Grand Master of the M: .W: .Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, was born February 24, 1889, at Bismark, Hot Springs County, Arkansas, a son of James W. and Carrie L. Carter.

He received his education at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he attended the grammar and high schools and at Ouochita College, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

He and Miss Glennie Moore, also of Arkadelphia. were married August 17, 1915, and shortly after their marriage moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he was associated with the Grand Trunk Railway Company and Postum Cereal Company for two years.

On June 1, 1917, he joined The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company as a Life Underwriter at Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was transferred by that company to Salt Lake City in December, 1917, to take the position of Office Manager which he occupied until September 21, 1921, when he was advanced to the position of General Agent. He continued in that position until June 1, 1938. when he relinquished managerial duties on advice of his physician, on account of a heart impairment. He is still associated with that company, however, with the title of Associate General Agent.

Mrs. Carter passed away February 13, 1928, in Salt Lake City and two years later, May 31, 1930, Brother Carter and Miss Kathryn C. Cummings of Salt Lake City were married.

Since coming to Salt Lake City he has been very active in civic affairs. He is a member and Past President of the Salt Lake City Kiwanis Club; a member of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce and for three years served on the Board of Governors of that organization; Past President of the Salt Lake Country Club; member and Past President of the Bonneville Knife and Fork Club; past Board member and Chairman of the Budget Committee of the Salt Lake City Community Chest; Past President of the Family Service Society; also, active member and Past President of the Salt Lake City Underwriters’ Association.

Brother Carter became a Master Mason November 28, 1913, in Arkadelphia Lodge No. 381 of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. and on October G, 1922, affiliated with Argenta Lodge No.3 of Salt Lake City and was installed as Worshipful Master of that lodge in December, 1941.

He received the degrees from the 4th to 32nd in the Scottish Rite Bodies of Utah at the Fiftieth Reunion held November 21, 22 and 23, 1927, and was honored with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, December 12,1947. He was elected by the Supreme Council to that honor October 16, 1945, but illness prevented him from participating in the Investiture made on the other six members on January 10, 1946.

In the American (York) Rite of Freemasonry he was Exalted November 7. 1923, in Salt Lake Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. Salt Lake Chapter No.5 and Utah Chapter No.1 were consolidated by mutual agreement in 1933 and Brother Carter served Utah Chapter No.1 as High Priest during the Masonic year 1946-47; he was Greeted March 30, 1940, in Utah Council No.1, Royal and Select Masters; Knighted March 31, 1943, in Utah Commandery No.1, Knights Temple and on May 27, 1950, was Installed Knight Companion in Bonneville Conclave No. 25, Red Cross of Constantine.

He was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, A.A.O.N.M.S., in EI Kalah Temple on October 24, 1928, and is now serving that body as Oriental Guide.

He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Intermountain Unit. Shriners’ Hospitals for Crippled Children.

Brother Carter having had thirty-five years experience in the business world, seventeen of which were in an executive position of importance and responsibility and more particularly because of his many years of activity in and devotion to Masonry, we believe him to be well qualified and will perform the duties of Grand Master during the coming year in a manner acceptable to all.

When he has concluded his term of office as M:.W:.Grand Master he will have served eight years as a Grand Lodge Officer, in the following order:

January 25, 1944 Grand Marshal
January 23, 1945 Grand Marshal
January 29, 1946 Grand Marshal
January 28, 1947 Grand Marshal
January 27, 1948 Junior Grand Warden
January 25, 1949 Senior Grand Warden
January 24, 1950 Deputy Grand Master
January 23, 1951 M:.W:.Grand Master

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1951

PGM, William Arthur Carter died on November 10, 1962 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1963, page 68.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1952

Brother John Elliott Clark, the Seventy-seventh Grand Master of the M:.W:.Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, was born near Angola, Indiana on February 2:3, 1881, a son of John and Frances Elliott Clark.

His father having died very young, his mother took up the work of Supervisor of music, first in the public schools of Monmouth, Illinois and later at Ottumwa, Iowa. John attended country school until he was about eleven years of age, graduated from High School at Ottumwa in June 1899 and from Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa in June l!)04, with the degree of Ph. B.

Following his graduation at Drake he joined his mother in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and became associated with the Gas Company there. Two years later he was transferred to Salt Lake City as Sales Manager of the Utah Gas and Coke Company, where he has made his home most of the time since.

On March 8, 1911, he and Miss Stella M. Fabian were married. They have two sons, Robert Elliott Clark and John Fabian Clark, both members of the Masonic Fraternity.

In 1911 he was appointed Intermountain Distributor for the Victor Talking Machine Company and was Secretary-Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain Packing Corporation from 1933 until 1945, when the Company was sold.

In 1946, together with his son John, they organized the Clark Company for the retail sale of appliances, radio, records and television located at State Street and Second South, Salt Lake City. That is still his business.

He became a member of Wasatch Lodge No.1, F. & A. M. of Salt Lake City by initiation, having received the Master Mason degree on June 24, 1922. He was elected Worshipful Master of his Lodge on December 6, 1929, and served during the calendar year of 1930.

He became a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Utah in the November, 1923 Class and served as Master of Kadosh, Utah Consistory, during the year 1943. He was honored with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor on January 10, 1946.

He was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. in EI Kalah Temple on October 24, 1928.

When he has concluded his term of office as M:.W:.Grand Master he will have served nine years as a Grand Lodge Officer, in the following order:

January 25, 1944 Grand Pursuivant
January 23, 1945 Grand Pursuivant
January 29, 1946 Grand Standard Bearer
January 28, 1947 Grand Chaplain
January 27, 1948 Grand Marshal
January 25, 1949 Junior Grand Warden
January 24, 1950 Senior Grand Warden
January 23, 1951 Deputy Grand Master
January 29, 1952 M. W. Grand Master

Brother Clark has had many years of valuable experience in the business world, much of which has been in the management of his own affairs. He has also had many years of valuable experience in serving in official capacity in the several branches of Freemasonry. He is a devoted and efficient worker at any and all times.

He is, therefore, well qualified to serve at the head of the M:. W:. Grand Lodge F. &. A. M. of Utah and we doubt not that he will discharge the duties of that office with fidelity.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings 1952

PGM, John Elliott Clark died on August 6, 1967 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1968, page 66

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1953

Brother Ferdinand Erickson, our Seventy-eighth Grand Master, was born at Monroe, Utah, on November 8, 1894, a son of Fernando and Catherine Erickson.

He received his elementary education in the public schools at Monroe and his high school work at the Brigham Young High School at Provo. He then entered the University of Utah where he continued his school work until April 7, 1917, when war was declared on Ger-many.

He served in the United States Army from April 7, 1917 until May of 1919, seventeen months of which were in Europe with the l68th Infantry of the Rainbow Division and was promoted from a Private to a Captain while in Europe.

Upon his discharge from the Army he returned to Monroe and taught in the local High School for one year. He then entered Georgetown University at Washington, D. C., and began the study of Law. While attending Law School he taught at the Technical High School at Washington, D. C. After one year at Georgetown he entered George Washington University from which he received his L. L. B. degree in 1924. While at George Washington University he was Magister of the John Marshall’s Inn of Phi Delta Phi, an International Law Fraternity. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta at the University of Utah.

After being admitted to the Bar in the District of Columbia, in 1924, he returned to Monroe, where he has made his home since birth, except while away attending school; serving in the Army and the four years while serving as County Attorney.

He and Miss Pearl S. Sevey of Richfield were married on September 4, 1921. They have two sons, Richard S. Erickson, a member of Hiram Lodge No. 12 of Richfield and Rodney Erickson, seventeen years of age.

He was elected County Attorney of Sevier County, Utah, in November 1924 and served in that office four years. He was elected District Attorney in 1944 and again in 1948, in which position he served from January 1, 1945 to November 15, 1950, when he resigned and was appointed Juvenile Judge of the Fourth Juvenile District of the State of Utah, a position he still occupies. In addition to his Law practice and Judicial work, he is engaged in the sheep and ranching business.

He was the first President of the Lions Club at Richfield and the first President of the Knife and Fork Club of Southern Utah. He has been active in the American Legion, having served as Past Commander, District Commander, First Vice Commander of the Department of Utah and as Judge Advocate of such Department for a number of years. He commanded Battery “E” of the 222nd Field Artillery, Utah National Guard from 1930 to 1934 and the Home Guard during the Second World War.

Brother Erickson received the Master Mason degree in Hiram Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M. of Richfield on September 16, 1925 and served as Master of his Lodge during the year 1942; received the Scottish Rite degrees 4th to 32nd, April 24 to 27, 1950, in the Utah Bodies and was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. in EI Kalah Temple on November 15, 1950.

When he has completed his term of office as M. .W:.Grand Master, he will have served seven years as an officer of the M:.W:. Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, in the following order:

January 28, 1947 Senior Grand Steward
January 27, 1948 Senior Grand Deacon
January 25, 1949 Grand Orator
January 24, 1950 Junior Grand Warden
January 23, 1951 Senior Grand Warden
January 29, 1952 Deputy Grand Master
January 26, 1953 M.W. Grand Master

Being possessed with a keen analytical mind; a personality that has won for him a host of friends; his yeam of valued experience in his profession, together with a Will to do all things well that are worth doing at all, appear to be ample evidence that he will serve this Grand Lodge throughout the coming Masonic year with efficiency and fidelity.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1953.

PGM, Ferinand Erickson died on June 9, 1980 at Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1981, page 51.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1954

Brother Elliott Willard Evans, our seventy-ninth Grand Master of the M:.W:.Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, was born July 28, 1907, in Minden, Kearney County, Nebraska, and came to Utah when a small boy with his parents, where he has made his home practically all of his life.

He received his education in the schools of Salt Lake City and Granite Districts, graduating from the Jordan High School and from the University of Utah Law School in 1930.

He is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honorary scholastic society.

On October 6, 1933, he and Miss Aline Johnson of Salt Lake City were married at Berkeley, California. They have three children, Claudia Ann, Susan Jane and Elliott Willard, Jr.

He was admitted to practice law in Utah on June 11, 1930, and has been actively engaged in that profession to the present. He was City Attorney for the City of Bingham Canyon for several years prior to 1937 and Chief Deputy County Attorney of Salt Lake County for two years, 1937 and 1938.

He has also been active in the affairs of the Utah State Bar Association. He was Commissioner for the Third District for a term of three years, June, 1950, to June, 1953, and President for a term of one year, June 1952, to June, 1953. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the American Judicature Society.

He served two terms as President of the Bingham Canyon Junior Chamber of Commerce and one term as National Director from Utah of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.

He was for several years a member and served one term as President of the Bingham Canyon Lions Club and is now a member of the Salt Lake City Lions Club.

He is a member and Past President of the University Club of Salt Lake City.

Brother Evans received the Master Mason degree on February 9, 1932, in Canyon Lodge No. 13 at Bingham Canyon and served as Worshipful Master of that Lodge during the year 1938.

He was Exalted on October 13, 1943, in Utah Chapter No.1, R. A. M.; Greeted on March 1, 1944, in Utah Council No.1, R. & S. M,; and Knighted on April 15, 1944, in Utah Commandery No.1, Knights Templar.

He was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. in EI Kalah Temple on November 11, 1944.

He received the degrees in the Scottish Rite Bodies of Utah from the 4th to 18th in Class No. 92 of November, 1948, and from the 19th to the 32nd in Class No. 93 of April, 1949.

When he has concluded his term of office as Grand Master of the M:.W:.Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, he will have served nine consecutive years as a Grand Lodge officer, in the following order:

January 29, 1946 Grand Sword Bearer
January 28, 1947 Grand Orator
January 27, 1948 Grand Orator
January 25, 1949 Grand Chaplain
January 24, 1950 Grand Marshal
January 23, 1951 Junior Grand Warden
January 29, 1952 Senior Grand Warden
January 27, 1953 Deputy Grand Master
January 26, 1954 Grand Master

Brother Evans has had many years of valuable experience in his profession and in the business world. This experience, together with his natural ability, his genial personality, his desire to do well all things worth while, qualifies him to conduct the business of the M: .W:.Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah during the Masonic year in a manner that will, we are certain, receive the approbation of all Masons wheresoever disbursed.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings 1954.

PGM, Elliott Willard Evans died on August 4, 1978 at Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1979, page 72.

© 1962-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Bio updated October 5, 1975 – George Winters, Grand Historian

Photograph digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1955

Brother Roy Waldron Robinson, the eightieth Grand Master of the M W. .Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah, is one of the very few Grand Masters who were natives of the State.

He was born in Salt Lake City on May 27, 1901. His parents were Latimer P. and Elizabeth Robinson, who came to Utah from Toronto, Canada, and his father was one of the early druggists of the State of Utah.

Most of his school work was done in Salt Lake City. After completing his elementary work he entered Salt Lake City East High School, from which he graduated in 1919; he received the Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Utah in 1923; the Doctor of Medicine degree at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925 and served his Hospital Internship at the Missouri Baptist Hospital.. He affiliated with the Phi Beta Pi Medical Fraternity.

He began his professional career in 1926; at Kenilworth, Utah, where he has since continuously been Industrial Physician and Surgeon for the Independent Coal and Coke Company.

He and Miss Marion Nottage of Salt Lake City were married on October 6, 1925. They have two daughters, Mrs. Barbara Garrigues, a graduate of Stanford University, now making her home at Bishop, California; and Patricia Robinson, a student at Carbon High School. He has a sister, Miss Dorothy G. Robinson, in the teaching profession at Salt Lake City; and a brother, Dr. Frank H. Robinson, of Chula Vista, California.

He is Past President of Carbon County Medical Society; a member of the Utah State Medical Association and American Academy of General Practice. He is Past President of the Castle Valley Knife and Fork Club; Past President of the Carbon County Country Club and a member of the University Club of Salt Lake City. He is a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Salt Lake City and has served as Senior Warden of the Episcopal Mission in Kenilworth.

Brother Robinson has for many years been very active in most all branches of Utah Masonry. He received the Master Mason degree in Joppa Lodge No. 26 on July 3, 1928 and served his Lodge as Master during the year 1933; he received the degrees in Price Chapter No. 6, R. A. M.; in Solomon Council No. 4, R. & S. M. and the Charles Fred Jennings Commandery No.6, Knights Templar during the year 1931. He was elected to the office of High Priest in 1938; Illustrious Master in 1952 and Eminent Commander in 1937. During the current year he IS serving as Right Eminent Scribe in the Grand Chapter and Grand Generalissimo in the Grand Commandery. On June 30, 1952, he was elected to the Order of the High Priesthood; on June 9, 1953, was elected to the York Cross of Honour in Utah Priory; on June 10, 1953, was elected to the order of Thrice Illustrious Master and on June 26, 1953, was elected a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, Bonneville Conclave No. 25.

In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees fourth to thirty-second in the Utah Bodies on April 25, 26, 27 and 28, 1949; was elected Knight Commander of the Court of Honour on October 20, 1953 and received the Investiture on February 13, 1954.

He was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. in El Kalah Temple on April 3, 1937.

When he has completed his work as Grand Master he will have served eight years as an officer of Grand Lodge, starting as Junior Deacon in January, 1947, and completing his year as M: .W: .Grand Master on January 24, 1956.

During the many years of active service in the Fraternity in all of its branches, Brother Robinson has acquired many warm, personal friends who are sincerely happy to see him attain the top rung of the ladder of Utah Masonry and the Fraternity may well be assured of a successful administration during the year just ahead.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings 1956

PGM, Roy Waldron Robinson died June 15, 1983 in Price, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1984, page72.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1957

Brother Behle was born March 16, 1907 in Salt Lake City, where he has made his home continuously, except during the time he was studying at Stanford University and in the service of his country during World War II.

He received his education in the Salt Lake City elementary and high schools, and Stanford University, concluding his school work at the University of Utah Law School.

He was united in marriage with Miss Grace Young Clayton on August 27, 1934. Mrs. Behle is a descendant of two pioneer Utah fami-lies whose grandfathers were Masons. They have two daughters, Marilyn and Marcia, both of whom are active in Job’s Daughters. Marilyn is now at Knox College.

He was admitted to the Bar in 1931 and soon thereafter began the practice of Law which he continued for approximately nine years, when he went into service with the Army in World War II, in which he continued four years.

Since reaching his majority he has been very active in civic affairs. Before going into the Army his valued services were recognized in being awarded the Junior Chamber of Commerce medal for outstanding work as Chairman of the Red Cross, Officer of the Community Chest, Leader in Boy Scout work, President of the Salt Lake County Bar Association and other enterprises.

His services were likewise recognized while serving with the Allied War Crimes Commission and at the Nurnberg War Crime Trials. He received official decorations from the Governments of United States and Czechoslovakia. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Judge Advocate’s Corps in March, 1945; while in the United Kingdom and later served in Germany, France, Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. He is still active in the Armed Services with the rank of Colonel.

Upon being released from active Army duty in July of 1946, he resumed the practice of Law as a member of the firm of Dickson, Ellis, Parsons and McCrea. He also engaged in many civic activities, including the Chairmanship of the Salt Lake Civil Service Commission; Vice President of the Utah Public School Survey Commission, member of the Supreme Court Rules Commission, President of the Utah Society, Sons of the American Revolution; member of the American Bar Association; Utah State Bar and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

HIS MASONIC RECORD

Brother Behle was a Charter member of the first Chapter of the Order of DeMolay in Utah and is a member of the Honorary Legion of Honor of DeMolay. He received the Master Mason degree in Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2 of Salt Lake City March 27, 1933 and was Worshipful Master of his Lodge during the year 1939.

On March 24, 1939 he received the Capitular degrees in Utah Chapter No.1, R. A. M. and the Cryptic degrees in Utah Council No. 1, R. & S. Masters at the Royal Arch Festival of March 30, 1940. He served as High Priest of Utah Chapter in 1948 and as Illustrious Master of Utah Council in 1949 and is a member of the Order of the Silver Trowel. In addition to two years service, 1949-1951, as General Director of the work of the Chapter, Council and Commandery, he is a member of the General Grand Chapter Committee on Royal Arch Advancement and Fraternal Correspondence.

While in Military service he received the Illustrious Order of Red Cross and the Order of Malta October 27, 1943 and the Order of the Temple on November 6, 1943 in Utah Commandery No.1 of Salt Lake City and is at present Junior Warden of Utah Commandery.

On November 9, 1946 he became a member of EI Kalah Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. and is a member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

He received the Scottis’h Rite degrees in Jordan Lodge of Perfection and James Lowe Chapter of Rose Croix April 24 and 25, 1939 and in Salt Lake Council of Kadosh and Utah Consistory April 24, 1941. He was elected Knight Commander of the Court of Honor on October 20, 1953 and received the Investiture on February 13, 1954.

When Brother Behle has completed his term as Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah he will have served nine years as an officer in the following order:

January 25, 1949 Grand Standard Bearer
January 24, 1950 Grand Orator
January 23, 1951 Grand Orator
January 29, 1952 Grand Chaplain
January 27, 1953 Grand Orator
January 26, 1954 Junior Grand Warden
January 25, 1955 Senior Grand Warden
January 24, 1956 Deputy Grand Master
January 29, 1957 M. W. Grand Master

Brother Behle’s world of experience in civic affairs, the practice of his profession, in both civil and military lines and in Masonry in its many departments, together with his natural ability, has placed him in an enviable position to fill the office of Grand Master in a most commendable manner.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1957.

PGM, Calvin A. Behle died on September 29, 1999 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 2000, page 106.

© 1962-2023 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah – All Rights Reserved.
Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Photograph digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1959

Charles Leander Prisk, our eighty-fourth Grand Master, was born in Park City, Utah, February 14, 1905, a son of Charles Thomas and Nelly Perry Prisk.

He was graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City in 1923, and from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Graduate Pharmacist Degree in 1929.

On June 11, 1930 he married Martha H. Culp, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Culp, both well known in Utah Masonic circles. Mrs. Prisk has served as Matron of her Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and is now serving as Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star. For the past nineteen years she has served as Organist for the First Methodist Church.

The Prisks have two sons, Earl and Glenn. Both are Past Master Councilors of the Salt Lake Chapter Order DeMolay and both are Knights of the Court of Chevaliers. They are members of Kaibab Lodge No. 25 and of the York Rite Bodies in Salt Lake City.

At the present time our Grand Master is co-owner and general manager of the Prescription Pharmacy and the Medical Arts Pharmacy.

Brother Prisk has taken an active part in his profession having been appointed to the State Board of Pharmacy by former Governor J. Bracken Lee in 1950 for a five-year term and reappointed by Governor Clyde for a similar period in 1955. He was President of the State Board of Pharmacy in 1955. He is Past President of the Utah Pharmaceutical Association and Past Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Drug Conference. At present he is a member of the Utah Professional Council.

He is presently a member of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Salt Lake Kiwanis Club and a member of the Advisory Council Salt Lake School of Nursing.

Our Grand Master has been a life long Methodist and has attended the First Methodist Church for the last thirty-eight years. He has worked through all the Youth Groups, has held offices on the Official Board, and is a member of the Choir.

Brother Prisk has long been active in all branches of Masonry. He was a charter member of DeMolay of the Salt Lake Chapter and served as Master Councilor in 1926. He was elected to receive the DeMolay Legion of Honor March 7, 1047, served on the DeMolay Council since 1940, and was Deputy member of the International Supreme Council 1954-1957. He received the DeMolay Cross of Honor April 1956.

He received the three degrees of Masonry in Kaibab Lodge No. 25, F. & A.M. in Salt Lake City in 1930 and was Worshipful Master in 1939.

He was Exalted in Utah Chapter No.1, R.A.M., Feb. 17, 1934, and served as High Priest in 1946. He served as M.E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Utah 1955-1956. He received the Order of High Priesthood Feb. 25, 1946.

Brother Prisk joined Utah Council No.1, R. & S.M., May 2, 1934 and was Illustrious Master in 1943. He made regular advancements in the Grand Council and was elected Illustrious Grand Master in 1943. In 1953 he was Master of the Thrice Illustrious Master Degree, a group he joined as charter member.

He was Knighted in Utah Commandery No.1, K.T. April 5, 1934, later was Eminent Commander, and is now R.E. Grand Com-mander of the Grand Commandery. He is also an Honorary member of the Grand Commandery, K.T., of Arizona.

Brother Prisk now holds four Quadrants in Knights of the York Cross of Honour, one of the few in the United States who does, and the only Utah Member. He was Eminent Prior of that Body in 1957.

He was elected to Bonneville Conclave No.25, Red Cross of Constantine, in 1948 and Viceroy in 1958.

He received the Scottish Rite degrees from the 4th to 32nd in Salt Lake City with the Fall Class of 1948. He was vice president of his class and has taken ritualistic parts in the various degrees.

He joined EI Kalah Temple of the Shrine in 1944 and is Past President of the Chanters. Since joining the Chanters he has been the representative for the Uniformed Units on the Activities Committee.

He is Past Worthy Patron of Mizpah Chapter No.5, Order of Eastern Star and Past Watchman of the Shepards of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.

In Grand Lodge he has held the following offices:

Appointed Senior Grand Deacon, 1951
Appointed Grand Orator, 1952
Appointed Grand Chaplain, 1953
Appointed Grand Marshal, 1954
Reappointed Grand Marshal, 1955
Elected Junior Grand Warden, 1956
Elected Senior Grand Warden, 1957
Elected Deputy Grand Master, l958
Elected Grand Master, 1959

From the foregoing record we know that Masonry has been a good part of our Grand Master’s life. The offices held over the years indicate that many, many hours have been spent in the service of the Order he is so devoted to and believes in.

He has had valuable experience in the commercial and professional world and has found time to contribute to church and civic duties as well. When he accepts an assignment of office he accepts all the responsibilities that go with it. We know we can look forward with confidence that our Grand Master will receive the applause of his Brethren when his term of office expires.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1959.

PGM, Charles Leander Prisk died on July 4, 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1987, page 101.

Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1960

J. Parker Coombs, Jr. was elected and installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah on January 24, 1961. He is the eighty-sixth Grand Master of the Grand Jurisdiction of Utah.

He is a mative of Utah, born in Whiterocks, Uintah County, on October 2, 1903, a son of Robert Lee and Nancy Forsythe Marimon.

Brother Marimon received his elementary education in Whiterocks, Utah and Grand Junction, Colorado. He attended Claremont High School in Claremont, California, for two years and completed his high school education at the Westminster Collegiate Institute of Salt Lake City. He received his college training at Pomona College, Claremont, California, where he received his B. A. degree in June of 1929.

On December 3, 1930, Miss Florence Phillips became Brother Marimon’s bride and they have two children. J. Parker Coombs, III is employed by the U. S. Navy as a Physical Engineer and lives in Pasadena, California. His daughter, Nancy Forsythe Johnson, lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is a, clinical psychologist. She and her husband are both receiving their Ph. D. degrees from the University of North Carolina in June of 1961. Nancy is a Past Honored Queen of Bethel No. 6, Order of Job’s Daughters and a member of Duveromy Chapter 17, O.E.S.

Mrs. Florence Marimon is a Past Matron of the same Chapter of the O.E.S. and has served the Grand Chapter in two capacities. In 1946 she was Grand Esther and in 1950 Grand Marshal. For five years Mrs. Marimon has been Guardian of Bethel No. 6, International Order of Job’s Daughters. She is an able and willing helper in all of Brother Marimon’s undertakings and their interests parallel in things Masonic.

Our Grand Master is a business man. For twenty-four years he was the owner and operator of the Whiterocks Trading Post, a general merchandise establishment on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. During fourteen of those years he served as Postmaster for the community. He was active in community and county affairs and served Uintah County as a School Board member for seven years. He also served on War Price and Ration Board for Uintah County. He was one of the builders of the Uintah Power & Light Company of Roosevelt, Utah. He helped to put that company on a sound basis when it came his turn to take over where his father left off. He is now the President of the Board for the Uintah Power & Light Company.

Brother Marimon is also business manager for Wasatch Academy, a four year boarding high school, which is owned and operated by the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Wasatch Academy is located in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant.

Brother Marimon petitioned Basin Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M. then located at Myton, Utah, in February of 1926. He received the Master Mason degree August 30, 1926. Whiterocks is some thirty miles from Myton and in 1926; the road between the two cities was all dirt and rocks. All trips to the Lodge Hall were by Model T Ford. Such trips were most interesting and often fraught with unexpected and trying experiences. Some involved deep mud; some rocks; and some the Model T; when the weather was good. Bad weather was another problem.

Thus began a long and active service in his Lodge. He served as Worshipful Master in 1938, then as Deputy Grand Lecturer and later as Secretary.

He received the York Rite Degrees in Price, Utah, and is still a member of Charles Fred Jennings Commandery, No.6, K.T. He dimitted from Price Chapter, R. A. M. at Price, to become a charter member of Kings Peak Chapter No.9, at Roosevelt and is a Past High Priest of that Chapter. He is a life member of the Grand Council, A.H.P. of Utah. He is also a member of Utah Council No.1, R. & S. M. He joined El Kalah Temple of the Shrine, April 10, 1954.

Brother Marimon now holds dual membership, a member of Damascus Lodge No. 10, Provo, and Basin Lodge No. 20, now at Roosevelt.

He has been active in the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a life member of Duveromy Chapter No. 17, and was Patron in 1940. He was Grand Patron, O.E.S. of Utah in 1950. He has been, and still is, interested in Masonic Youth. At the present time he is Guardian Treasurer for the Bethel of Job’s Daughters at Mt. Pleasant, Utah.

Brother Marimon received his first appointment to Grand Lodge in 1949 when Newell B. Dayton, then Grand Master, appointed him Junior Grand Steward. He has served continuously in the appointive offices until his election to Junior Grand Warden in 1958. Successive steps followed until his election to the office of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah.

In the prime of life, with a splendid scholastic training, practical business experience, for a given gift of making friends out of acquaintances and for his interest in the young people of today, we believe he is fully equipped for office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah.

Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1961.

PGM, J. Parker Coombs died on March 28, 1968 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Utah Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1969, page 61.

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Electronically Transcribed as written without corrections to grammar or spelling by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M., February, 2005.

Photograph Photograph digitized by Aaron E. Saathoff, P.M, restored by George F. Winters, Grand Historian August 2013.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Utah 1961

Robert Lee Marimon, Jr. was elected and installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Utah on January 24, 1961. He is the eighty-sixth Grand Master of the Grand Jurisdiction of Utah.

He is a mative of Utah, born in Whiterocks, Uintah County, on October 2, 1903, a son of Robert Lee and Nancy Forsythe Marimon.

Brother Marimon received his elementary education in Whiterocks, Utah and Grand Junction, Colorado. He attended Claremont High School in Claremont, California, for two years and completed his high school education at the Westminster Collegiate Institute of Salt Lake City. He received his college training at Pomona College, Claremont, California, where he received his B. A. degree in June of 1929.

On December 3, 1930, Miss Florence Phillips became Brother Marimon’s bride and they have two children. Robert Lee Marimon, III is employed by the U. S. Navy as a Physical Engineer and lives in Pasadena, California. His daughter, Nancy Forsythe Johnson, lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is a, clinical psychologist. She and her husband are both receiving their Ph. D. degrees from the University of North Carolina in June of 1961. Nancy is a Past Honored Queen of Bethel No. 6, Order of Job’s Daughters and a member of Duveromy Chapter 17, O.E.S.