BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Thomas M. Askren: 1931-1932
Most Worshipful Brother Thomas Merle Askren was born on
the 27th day of April, 1883, and spent his boyhood days in
Mount Ayr, Iowa. After graduating from high school he taught
a rural school for one year before moving to Norman,
Oklahoma, where he resided for some eighteen months. In
1902 he moved to Tacoma and spent his freshman year in
Whitworth College. The following two years he was employed
as an accountant and bookkeeper by the Carbon Coal Company
in Carbonado, Washington, where he earned sufficient funds to
complete his education. He then entered the University of
Washington and graduated from the Law School in 1908.
During his Senior year he served as President of the Associated
Students of the University of Washington.
He was admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of
Washington in 1908, and practiced before both the Federal and
State courts, including the United States Supreme Court. His clear, analytical mind, his thorough
knowledge of the law, his sincerity, and his exceptional ability to express himself, made him one of the
State's leading lawyers and trial attorneys. He was most kind, gentle and courteous; yet no lawyer
championed the cause of his client with more fervor or vigor than he, or with greater success. He was one
of the few members of the profession who practiced law not merely for remuneration.
More than half of each day was devoted to the problems and troubles of his brother Masons, the poor and
the needy, all of whom he considered entitled to and worthy of his service and very best efforts. He
represented the finest qualities that characterize a high-class lawyer.
He was made a Master Mason in Cascade Lodge No. 61, of Cascade, Washington, on the 22nd day of
April, 1905. He dimitted on the 7th day of February, 1906, and affiliated with Arcana Lodge No. 87, on
the 12th day of March, 1906, from which Lodge he dimitted in 1921 to Lafayette Lodge No. 241, of which
Lodge he became charter member No. 2, and its second Worshipful Master. He was appointed to the
Committee on Jurisprudence at the Annual Communication in June 1923, and was reappointed at each
Annual Session until he was installed as Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge on June 21, 1928. He
was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in June of 1931. During the years that he
was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee, he served as the legal adviser for the Masonic Home
Building Committee.
He received the degrees of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1908 in Seattle; and for an honorable
and successful service in that body he was, in 1913, honored by being elected as Wise Master of
Washington Chapter of Rose Croix; and, in 1920, Commander-in-Chief of Lawson Consistory. In 1915
he was designated Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, and on January 31st, 1920, coroneted 33°
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by the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
He was elected to membership in Seattle Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., and Adoniram Council, No. 17, in the
year 1928, and in 1932 was knighted in Seattle Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar.
He was initiated with the first class of Nile Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine on December 2nd, 1908, and became Illustrious Potentate of Nile Temple in 1926.
As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star he served as Worthy Patron of Radiant Chapter in Seattle in
1928.
Our Most Worshipful Brother was called to refreshment on January 31, 1934.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ William C. Bates: 1930-1931
Most Worshipful Brother William C Bates was born in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, on October 20, 1885. His elementary schooling
was received partly in Toronto, and thanks to a family relocation
finished in Chicago, Illinois. After another move he graduated
from Vancouver High School in Washington. He would then
attend the University of Washington, where he graduated from
the University with a Bachelor of Laws.
Our Brother’s path to light began when he petitioned University
Lodge No. 141 for the degrees of Masonry. He was raised to the
Sublime Degree of Master Mason in the spring of 1910. In the
fall of that same year he dimitted to Mt. Hood Lodge No. 32 in
Vancouver where he had started his law practice. He would later
receive an honorary membership in Washington Lodge No. 4.
Brother Bates served Mt. Hood Lodge as Worshipful Master in
the year 1914, as Treasurer in 1918, and then as Secretary until 1928. His first attendance at our Annual
Communication was in 1913; and he holds the most enviable record of 50 years of perfect attendance to
our Grand Lodge Communications. In the following ten years he only missed a few because of illness.
He was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in 1914, and after that held many positions on various
committees. In the year 1928, due to the death of the Junior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Brother
Roy S. Hayward, Brother Bates was elected to the office of Senior Grand Warden. In regular order he was
elected to the office of Grand Master for the year 1930-1931. Without doubt at his installation one of the
greatest pleasures was the fact that his father, Brother Phillip Bates, at the time a 43 year member of Orient
Lodge No. 339 in the Province of Ontario, Canada – could be present to see his son installed.
At the close of his year as Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Bates shared these words: "We may
never reach the perfection taught at our altars but the Brethren are always striving to do so. All is well."
For a period of 42 years following his term as Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Bates traveled that
pathway he had chosen, "The pathway of Masonry" ever encouraging, teaching and promoting the good
will, understanding and fellowship of our Great Fraternity. And when the Kind Messenger escorted him
to that Celestial Lodge above presided over by the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe, I am sure our
beloved Brother William Bates would again report: "All is still well with Masonry'.'
His long and useful life closed with his being called to that Celestial Lodge above on September 21, 1973.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Arthur W. Davis: 1929-1930
Most Worshipful Brother Arthur William Davis was born in Maynard,
Iowa on November 16, 1873, and received his education in the Public
School and at Upper Iowa University at Fayette, receiving a Bachelor
of Science Degree in 1893.
He taught school for several years and later became Superintendent of
Schools at Pocahontas, Iowa. It was during these years that he became
interested in law. He studied at night and later enrolled at the
University of Iowa, from which he graduated, and was admitted to the
bar.
Along with his brother, Walter, a law partnership was formed though
dissolved several years later when he and another brother, Irving,
formed a partnership, which was the nucleus of the later firm of Davis,
Heil & Davis.
He was a prominent member of his profession, having been a member
of the State Bar of Law Examiners, and for many years was a member of the Uniform Law Commission,
having taken an active part in the deliberations of the American Bar Association.
He sought and was brought to Masonic Light in Symbol Lodge, No. 432, in Fonda, Iowa, receiving the
Sublime Degree on November 18, 1896, and served as Worshipful Master 1903-1904. He affiliated with
Spokane Lodge, No. 34, in 1906, and was its Worshipful Master in 1925.
Always deeply interested in Masonic Research and Education, he reasoned that the way to develop an
interest in the Study of the History, Philosophy and Symbolism of Masonry was to develop the talent
within the Lodge itself, rather than by inviting in outside speakers. He instituted such a program in his
own Lodge and during his year as Master, every officer – elected and appointed – delivered a talk on some
Masonic subject. This practice continued for seventeen years.
He first became identified with Grand Lodge in 1915, and attended nearly every Annual Communication.
In 1924 he was appointed Grand Orator by Most Worshipful Brother Robert McCroskey, and at the 1925
Communication delivered an oration which received favorable comment from many Grand Jurisdictions.
He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1926 and by successive steps became Grand Master of Masons
in Washington in 1929. During his year as Grand Master he sponsored a program of self-education, similar
to that which was carried out in his own Lodge. He also systematized the work of the Masonic Home
Committee, arousing a greater interest in the practical application of Masonic Truths.
At the time of his death he was Foreign Correspondent of this Grand Jurisdiction. Our Most Worshipful
Brother Davis was active in other endeavors. As a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, he
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was a Past Preceptor of Kadosh, and in 1923 received the Rank and Decoration of a Knight Commander
of the Court of Honor. In November 1927, he was Coroneted a 33rd Inspector General Honorary. He also
served for many years as Deputy to Brother William McCrea, Sovereign Grand Inspector General. He was
a member of El Katif Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; also a Past Patron of Alcyone Chapter, No.
97, and a Past Grand Patron, Order of the Eastern Star.
His life was devoted to unostentatious service, especially to Youth. He was a Past President of the Board
of Directors of School District No. 81, he also served for many years as a member of the Board of Regents
of Washington State College, and was a Past President. At the time of his passing he was a member of the
Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.
Most Worshipful Brother Arthur William Davis was called to refreshment on June 20, 1945.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John E. Fowler: 1928-1929
John Ernest Fowler was born at Marietta, Ohio, of Quaker
parentage, on May 20, 1879. He was educated in the public
schools of Chillicothe, Ohio, and graduated from Rayen School
of Youngstown, Ohio, having specialized in mechanics. After
graduation, he was employed in Chicago, Illinois, until 1901,
as a machinist and draftsman. He would returned to Chillicothe
and serve as Deputy County Auditor until 1904, when he came
West and entered the retail lumber business with his father at
Seattle. In 1906, he came to Aberdeen where he engaged in the
lumber industry in Grays Harbor.
He always took an active interest in civic matters and in those
various things that contributed to the welfare of the community
in which he lived. While there was no deviation in his loyalty
to Ancient Craft Masonry he belonged to other orders. He enjoyed his membership in the Elks at Aberdeen
and took great interest in the Masters and Wardens Club and Grays Harbor Past Masters Association. He
held membership in the Chapter and Council in the York Rite at Aberdeen, and he was enrolled in the
Grays Harbor Scottish Rite Bodies. He was a Past Patron of the local Chapter of the Eastern Star, and his
own Lodge made him a life member and an honorary member, and the Sister Lodge at Aberdeen, Concord
Lodge, No. 273, likewise honored itself in making him an honorary member thereof.
Our Past Grand Master was raised in Scioto Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M., at Chillicothe, Ohio, January 21st,
1903. He affiliated with Aberdeen Lodge, No. 52, F. & A. M. in Aberdeen on March 9th, 1909. He served
this Lodge in many capacities and was its Worshipful Master in 1916, and he delighted in his further
service as Secretary in the years 1920-1922. His contact with Grand Lodge began in 1913 and thereafter
his attendance was regular. He was early at Masonic labor as a member of the Charity Committee in 1917
and acted as Grand Marshal in 1917-1918. His principal contribution prior to his elevation was as member
and chairman of the Board of Custodians in which he was prominent from 1921-1925. It was he who was
responsible for the members of this committee visiting every Lodge within his district and reporting the
condition and problems of each one, at no cost to the Grand Lodge,
He was elected Junior Grand Warden in the year 1925, was regularly advanced and served this jurisdiction
as its Grand Master in the year 1928-1929.
As Grand Master and as one of the trustees of the Masonic Home, the groundwork he laid for the Masonic
and yet business-like handling of the affairs of this Charity were well remembered and frequently praised
by those Grand Masters who were fortunate to follow immediately in his footsteps and to have his counsel
and his guidance.
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Though prominent in the lumber industry in Grays Harbor for a long period of time, he devoted his later
years to the general insurance business. In route to his office, Most Worshipful John Ernest Fowler was
struck by an automobile, and the injuries therefrom resulted in his death on November 17th, 1936.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Robert A. Wilson: 1927-1928
Robert Adamson Wilson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Free and Accepted Masons of Washington from June 1927 to
June 1928, was born in Leith, Scotland on March 13, 1882. His
early education was secured in the public schools of the city of
his birth and was finished at George Geriot's in Edinburgh. He
came to the United States in October 1904, locating at Passaic,
New Jersey. Two years later, along with his family, he would
make his way to Boston, Massachusetts; then to Minneapolis,
Minnesota, where he was employed by Swift & Company.
Our Brother came to the State of Washington on December 13,
1909, locating at Spokane. During his early years in Spokane,
Wilson followed his profession as a public accountant. In
January of 1915, he was appointed Treasurer of the City of
Spokane and served in that capacity until January 1924, when he resigned to become secretary of School
District No. 81. He would serve in this position for 18 years, until he moved to employment with Spokane
County in 1942 as Deputy Clerk. He was appointed to fill a vacancy as Clerk, and elected to the office in
1946. He would serve the citizens of Spokane County in that capacity until his death on August 2, 1951.
Our Most Worshipful Brother was raised in Ark Lodge No. 176, A. F. & A. M., of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, on September 5th, 1909. Following his relocation to Spokane, he affiliated with Oriental
Lodge No. 74. He served his lodge as its Worshipful Master in 1915. Among his other Masonic activities,
Most Worshipful Brother Wilson served as Worthy Patron of Electa Chapter No. 20, Order of Eastern
Star, in 1919; and for two years was Venerable Master of Albert G. Mackey Lodge of Perfection. In 1919,
the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States recognized and
regarded his services by electing him to receive the honor of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.
He would be coroneted as a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary in November 1927.
Wilson's first appointment in Grand Lodge was as a Custodian of the Work, serving on that Board for 7
years, 4 years of which he its Chairman. In June, 1924, he was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand
Lodge, advancing each year Robert A. Wilson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of Washington advancing each year thereafter in regular succession until his election and
installation as Grand Master in June 1927.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Walter F. Meier: 1926-1927
Walter Frederick Meier, the sixty-fourth Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, was
born on a farm near Lincoln, Nebraska, on September 12, 1879.
While in his "teens" he was initiated in the mysteries of farming,
which increased his ability and enthusiasm in his pursuit of a
liberal education – the basis of his successful social, fraternal
and professional career. Inheriting, through a long and
distinguished ancestry, a robust constitution and energetic
ambition, Brother Meier utilized every opportunity in preparing
himself for the journey of life.
In 1903, immediately after his graduation from the University
of Nebraska, he moved to the Evergreen State, where, after two
years of service as an instructor in the high schools of South
Bend and Spokane, he became actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law in Spokane until
the fall of 1909, when relocated to Seattle. He would enter the semi-political arena in 1915 serving King
County and the State as Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. From 1916 - 1918, he would serve as First
Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Seattle; following which he was twice elected as
Corporation Counsel for the City of Seattle without opposition. In 1926, he was elected a member of the
Freeholders' Committee to revise the city charter and served as its chairman.
Our distinguished Past Grand Master, initiated in University Lodge No. 141 on February 5, 1912; serving
as Master of that Lodge in 1916. He was appointed Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Canada
for the Province of Ontario near our Grand Lodge in 1921; was Junior Grand Warden of our Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge in 1923; and was elected its Grand Master on June 15, 1926. He served as a
member of the Jurisprudence Committee in 1927, 1928, 1937 and 1938; and on the Committee on
Grievance and Appeals in 1928, 1931, then as its chairman from 1929 through 1934. He was chairman of
the Committee on Masonic Research and Education in 1935, when he was appointed and served as Grand
Foreign Correspondent until appointed our Grand Historian in 1938, in which capacity he served until his
demise on July 19, 1940.
Our Most Worshipful Brother also served as Excellent High Priest of University Chapter, 32, Royal Arch
Masons in 1929; Illustrious Master of Adoniram Council, No. 17, Royal and Select Masters in 1925; Most
Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Washington, Royal and Select Masters, in 1935; and
was elected an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Oregon and also General Grand
Captain of the Guard of the General Grand Council in 1939. He was a member of University Prophets of
the Enchanted Realm, Angora Grotto in 1928; Illustrious Potentate of Nile Temple, Ancient Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine of North America in 1925. He was Wise Master of Washington Chapter Rose Croix
and Commander in Chief of Washington (formerly Lawson) Consistory both at Seattle, and was coroneted
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33° in 1925 at special session at Portland, Oregon, of the Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. He was a member of
University Chapter, No. 83, Seattle, Order of the Eastern Star; and was Worthy Grand Patron in 1922. In
1928 he was Grand Royal Patron, Order of Amaranth. In 1931 he was elected to receive and received
DeMolay Cross of Honor.
Most Worshipful Brother Meier was a prolific writer. A partial record of his authorship on Masonic
subjects includes 52 approved weekly articles on Symbolic Masonry; in another year 52 similar treatises
on Capitular Masonry; and still for a third year, 52 similar writings about Cryptic Masonry, all in the
Masonic Tribune; 60 by-line article in each monthly issue of New Age Magazine, the publication of the
Supreme Council of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of
the United States.
Work, work, always thorough, relentless work was his preference, driving his readers to important truths
and profound thoughts. There was no trifling, no platitude, no coaxing of interest or currying of favor in
his authorship; nothing of the superficial and never descent from his normal high plane of contemplation
on any subject. For the large volume of Masonic work, including addresses, and published articles. Brother
Meier easily holds the championship. His capacity for the accomplishment of manifold activities has
proved the wonder and admiration of all his Brethren.
During his final illness he dictated under the heading "Personal Notes on the Life of Walter F. Meier,"
discussion of his own life. He concluded the fifty-five typed pages of context, which he dated June 14,
1940, with this terse statement:
"These notes have been made during a period of illness of a serious character, and are sketchy in many
respects. However, they reflect, to a degree at least, something of my activities in life—a life that has been
rich in experience. I have led an active life, and I have endeavored to make it as useful as possible. I have,
perhaps, neglected the play side of life more than I ought. I might have been able to maintain my health
longer had I given more time to recreation, but I have been happy in being busy, and active at all times,
and I can't say I regret that phase of my life. The thing that I regret most is that I have been unable to do
more."
From his first attendance at this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in Tacoma on June 13, 1916, until the
close of its annual communication in 1939, no one ever doubted that Most Worshipful Brother Walter
Frederick Meier brought and applied that virile, dependable worth that always characterizes a truly great
man, unafraid of whatever path he may tread. At the 1940 Annual Communication the Craft no doubt
missed the radiant, dynamic personality they had grown to count upon as a positive force for guidance in
Masonic deliberations. Probably the most enduring memory of the 1940 Annual Communication was the
presentation of Most Worshipful Brother Meier’s Grand Historian report delivered by his son, Ronald W.
Meier – who, himself, would follow in his father’s footsteps some 15 years later.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Morton Gregory: 1925-1926
Morton Gregory of Tacoma was chosen as the next grand
Master. He was born June 1, 1875 at Livingston Springs,
Iowa . He received a broad education and he was awarded
his B.A. Degree from Columbia Normal School at
Columbia, Montana and Ph.B. and M.A. degrees Drake
University at Des Moines, Iowa. He came to Walla Walla
in 1905 and later he removed to Tacoma where he engaged
in business.
He was called upon to set up and direct the safety standards
at the Rainier Ordinance Base near Tacoma during WWII,
and he retained that post until he retired in 1955 at age 80,
still vigorous and alert. He was made a Mason in North Star
Lodge, No. 447, at Esterville, Iowa, in 1900. He affiliated
with Blue Mountain Lodge, No. 13, at Walla Walla in 905,
and he became a charter member of Destiny Lodge, No. 13
at Tacoma in 1913. He served as Master of the latter in 1916. He served as Master of the latter in 1916.
He has been a Mason for 58 years and a Past Grand Master for 32 years, longer than any other Living
man except George R. Malcom, who was elected Grand Master in 1915, and so in 10 years up on
Brother Gregory have been chiefly devoted to Masonry.
He is a Masonic scholar and speaker of reputation. He has held many posts in Grand Lodge, and it is
interesting to note that he was chairman of the Committee on Masonic Research and Education in 1919-
21, and that after the lapse of 38 years he was reappointed to that post in 1957, and immediately began
strenuous work on the job.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ R. C. McCroskey: 1924-1925
Past Grand Master Robert C. McCroskey, a scion of one of
Washington's most distinguished families, was born in
Hollister, California, on February 4, 1885, and came with his
parents to this state when three years of age, locating at
Garfield. He received his education in the grade and high
schools of his home town, and in the State College, at
Pullman, from which latter institution he graduated in 1906.
After two years spent at St. Maries, Idaho, during which time
he had charge of the affairs of the St. Maries Land Company,
he returned to Garfield.
Possessing a combination of rare ability and a liberal
scientific education, Brother McCroskey was eminently
successful in the operation of his large farm of 720 acres in
the rich grain belt of Whitman County. In addition to general
farming, he had a hobby for breeding and exhibiting Clydesdale horses. No stock show in the Pacific
Northwest was complete without "Bob "McCroskey's Clydesdales," which never failed as prize winners.
For many years he pursued farming and stock raising, and, later, became interested in the life insurance
business and built up a comfortable estate in that field.
On January 25, 1911, he married Miss Eleanor Wesco, of Portland, Oregon. They had one son, Robert C.
McCroskey, Jr. Both wife and son were deeply interested in Brother McCroskey's ambitions, and their
home was always open to the brethren.
Brother McCroskey received the Masonic degrees in Anchor Lodge, No. 88, Garfield, having been
initiated November 5, 1906, passed November 19, 1906, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master
Mason December 3, 1906. He was Worshipful Master of his Lodge in 1914 and 1915. His first attendance
at our annual communications was in 1914, when he represented his Lodge, and he has not missed a
communication since that time. He was appointed Grand Standard Bearer in 1915, and has served as a
member of the Committee on Grievance and Appeals, Board of Custodians, and Committee on Finance.
The Grand Lodge showed its appreciation of his faithful service by electing him Junior Grand Warden in
1921, and advancing him in regular order through the other stations, making him Grand Master in 1924.
After a successful administration, which won universal confidence and respect, he retired in 1925, and
was made a member of the Committee on Jurisprudence.
Outside of the Blue Lodge, our Brother was a member of Colfax Chapter No. 28, Royal Arch Masons;
Colfax Commandery No. 15, Knights Templar; El Katif Temple of the Shrine; Eureka Chapter No. 92, O.
E. S., and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was an officer at the time of his death in Cascade Chapter
of the Rose Croix, and in 1941 was honored with the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.
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Most Worshipful Brother Robert C. McCroskey stepped from our midst into the Larger Life on March
30th, 1943.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Tom W. Holman: 1924-1925
By EDWARD F. TY Assistant Grand Secretary
Past Grand Master Tom Wooster Holman was the
youngest man in the history of the Grand Lodge of
Washington to be honored with the leadership of the
Craft. He was born at Rushville, Indiana, on the 7th day
of Ma y, 1885, but spent the larger part of his boyhood
days in Seattle. After attending the grade and high
schools of Seattle, he removed to Chicago where he was
graduated from the Hyde Park High School and the
Soper School of Oratory, and received the degree of L.
L. B. in the College of Law at the University of Illinois
in the year 1906.
Bro. Holman married Grace Ewing, also a graduate of the
University of Illinois, and is the father of two daughters,
Grace Elizabeth, aged 10 years , and Harriet Alma, aged
8 years. He was admitted to practice of law in Illinois in
1906, practiced in Chicago until the fall of 1908, when he removed to Seattle and was admitted to
practice in Washington in October of that year. He remained in Seattle until July, 1910, when he removed
to Jefferson County, where in 1916 he was elect ed prosecuting attorney of that county for two terms,
serving until January, 1921. From January until March, 1921, he acted as special prosecutor for
Whatcom County, Washington, in charge of that county's grand jury proceedings. In April, 1922, he
was appointed assistant attorney general of the state, in which capacity he is still serving, having closed
his practice at Port Towns- end and removed to Olympia, where he now resides with his family.
On the 8th of April, 1908, Tom petitioned Blaney Lodge, No. 271, A. F. & A. Masons, of Chicago,
Illinois, for the degrees of Masonry. He was elected to receive the degrees on the 13th day of May of the
th
same year, initiated the same day, passed on the 20 of that month, and raised at the celebration of the
Lodge's Fiftieth Anniversary, June 3, 1908. He affiliated with Jefferson Lodge, No. 107, F . & A. Masons,
at Hadlock, Washington, May 20th, 1911, and served it in the chairs as Junior Warden, Senior Warden
and Worshipful Master; his term as Master ending in December, 1915. In 1919, Grand Master Thomas
E. Skaggs appointed him Grand Orator, and his oration on "First Things First" at the Annual
Communication in 1920, following the warm friendships established during his previous five years' of
attendance at the Grand Lodge sessions, won for him the honor of being elected Junior Grand Warden.
He was advanced a station each succeeding year, and elected and installed Grand Master in June, 1923.
Brother Holman is also a member of Port Townsend Chapter, No. 14, Royal Arch Masons; Townsend
Council, No. 9, Royal and Select Masters; Townsend Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar; and Nile
Temple, A. A. 0 . N. M. S. He is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon and the Phi Delta Phi
(Honorary Law) Fraternities, University of Illinois; Port Townsend Lodge, No. 317, B. P. 0. of Elks, being
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a Past Exalted Ruler of this Lodge; the Washington State and the American Bar Associations, and the
Arctic Club of Seattle.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ James McCormack: 1922-1923
In the years 1922-1923 James McCormack served as Grand
Master of Masons in the State of Washington. He was born in
Longford, Ireland, on March 29th, 1862; and was educated in
the Protestant Episcopal School in Longford, Later he was
graduated from the Erasmus Smith School of the same place.
In September 1879, he entered the dry-goods store of George
Duncan & Sons, Lisburn, Ireland, as an apprentice. After
serving his apprenticeship of five years, he entered the employ
of the Bank Building Department store in Belfast, Ireland.
Leaving there and coming to New York City in 1887, he
entered the department store of Simpson, Crawford &
Simpson, New York; but the lure of the West caught him in
1889, and on September 22nd of that year he arrived in Tacoma, where he made his home and followed
his chosen occupation—that of merchandising. He was the president of the McCormack Brothers
Department Store, one of the large going concerns of the Pacific Coast. In the management of that heavy
and growing business he was assisted by his three sons, who were officers of the company, being,
respectively, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the corporation. Each of the young men received
the Degrees of Masonry in State Lodge No. 68, with the father acting as Master.
Brother McCormack, himself, received his degrees in Union Star Lodge No, 198, F. & A. M., in
Newtonards, Ireland; his petition having been acted upon July 4th, 1885; and he was entered July 7th;
passed, August 11th; raised, September 12th of that year. On coming to New York, he immediately
affiliated with Henry Clay Lodge No. 177, which he served as Senior Deacon prior to his coming West.
On settling in Tacoma, he became a charter member of State Lodge No. 68, serving as Worshipful Master
in 1900.
Brother McCormack’s Masonic resume includes serving as High Priest of Keystone Chapter No, 37, R,
A. M., of Tacoma, and Principal Sojourner of the Grand Chapter of Washington. He was Illustrious Master
of Tacoma Council, No. 1 R. & S. M., and Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Washington. In
addition, he was Generalissimo of Ivanhoe Commandery No 4, Knights Templar,
He had also been an active worker in the Scottish Rite Bodies and had been honored with the grade of
Knight Commander, Court of Honor. In the Order of the Eastern Star, he was Patron of Vida Chapter No.
35, and Grand Patron of the Order for Washington.
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He was a member of Afifi Temple, A, A, O, N. M. S,; of the Grotto; of the White Shrine, and of the
Amaranth. He has always been an active worker in the Masonic circles and gave of his time most liberally.
He helped in promoting the building of the original Masonic Temple in Tacoma; was one of the first
Trustees; and for thirteen years, either as Trustee or as President of the Board, his business training helped
to make the enterprise a financial success.
He entered Grand Lodge in 1898 and has been in regular attendance at its Annual Communications since
that year, serving in some capacity or other on various committees wherever he was assigned to work for
which he was specially fitted. He received his first appointment as Junior Grand Deacon from Most
Worshipful Brother Charles D, Atkins, in 1902. He served on the Finance Committee for several years.
He was appointed Grand Orator by Most Worshipful Brother Frank N. McCandless, in 1912; was elected
as Junior Grand Warden in Seattle in 1919 and continued to advance until he was elected to the office of
Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1922.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John Gifford: 1921-1922
Born on March 8, 1857, in the then frontier state of
Wisconsin, Most Worshipful John Gifford grew to
manhood, surrounded by all those elements that build
courage, honesty and virtue.
Along with his wife, Edith, he crossed the plains in a
covered wagon to Walla Walla. For several years they
farmed in different places in Eastern Washington—later he
engaged in the grocery business in Spokane and at one time
was President of the Grocers' Association of Spokane. He
served as probation officer and purchasing agent for the
city of Spokane for a number of years. In 1920 he was
elected County Clerk of Spokane County, was re-elected in
1922 and was serving in that capacity when God took him.
Brother Gifford was initiated as an Entered Apprentice
Mason in Spokane Lodge No. 34, on June 20, 1899; passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason on
August 1st of the same year; and two weeks later was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
From the outset, the principles and teachings of Masonry made a deep impression upon him and inspired
in him that zeal to spread its light which intensified as the years passed by. He very quickly became
identified with the work of the Lodge, passed through the various offices and was elected its Worshipful
Master, serving in that capacity during the year 1906.
His zeal, earnestness and service in the Lodge of his membership attracted the attention of the Grand
Lodge of Washington and those same qualities made certain his advancement in that organization. He was
appointed Deputy Grand Lecturer by Grand Master David S. Prescott in June 1911, serving in that capacity
until June 1914, when he was appointed Grand Lecturer by Grand Master William J. Sutton, serving as
such until June 1917.
In all probability, his greatest service to Masonry was rendered in this work, in the course of which he
visited the constituent Lodges of the state, instructing the officers in their work, interpreting the ritual and
inculcating the teachings of Masonry in his kindly, gentle way. Through this work, he knew as many men
in the State of Washington, probably, as any other man, and he had no enemies among them all. He strove
constantly for a purpose, and that purpose was spreading the principles and ideals of Masonry.
He was elected Junior Grand Warden in June 1918, and in due course of succession, was elected Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in June 1921.During his term as Grand Master, he laid the
cornerstone of the Masonic Temple of North Hill Lodge No. 210, of Spokane; of the Masonic Hall of
Hiram Lodge No. 21, of Colfax; of the Masonic Temple of Port Angeles Lodge No. 69, at Port Angeles;
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of the Scottish Rite Temple at Hoquiam; of the Roosevelt School at Tacoma; of the Masonic Temple at
Roslyn; of the Union Congregational Church at Granite Falls; of the Masonic Temple of Green Lake
Lodge, No. 149, at Seattle; of Temple Beth Israel at Tacoma; of the High School Building at Toledo,
Lewis County; of the High School Building at Toppenish; a church at Kennewick; of the High School
Building at Naches; and of the Masonic Temple at Okanogan.
During that same period he constituted the following Lodges: Robert Burns Lodge, No. 243, at Alderwood
Manor; Joseph Warren Lodge, No. 235, at Tacoma; Hunters Lodge, No. 236, at Hunters; Maritime Lodge,
No. 239, at Seattle; Daniel Bagley Lodge, No. 238, at Seattle; Ridgefield Lodge, No. 237, at Ridgefield;
Queen Anne Lodge, No. 242, at Seattle; Coulee Lodge, No. 233, at Coulee City; Lafayette Lodge, No.
241, at Seattle; Methow Valley Lodge, No. 240, at Twisp; and York Lodge, No. 234, at Spokane.
He also granted dispensations for the following new Lodges: For a new Lodge at Des Moines, to be known
as Des Moines Lodge; for a new Lodge at Spokane to be known as Manito Lodge; for a new Lodge at
Seattle, to be known as Friendship Lodge; for a new Lodge at Burien, to be known as South Gate Lodge;
for a Lodge at Richmond Highlands, to be known as Richmond Lodge; for a Lodge at Millwood, to be
known as Concordia Lodge; for a new Lodge at Camp Lewis, to be known as Henry A. Greene Lodge;
for a new Lodge at Seattle, to be known as George Washington Lodge; and for a Lodge at Connell, to be
known as Connell Lodge. His was indeed a busy year.
On May 22, 1926, in Spokane, Most Worshipful Brother John Gifford drew aside the "sable curtain" and
with "faith and confidence" turned his eyes on the "opening scenes of eternity."
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ James H. Begg: 1920-1921
Most Worshipful Brother James Howarth Begg, the fifty-
eighth brother to occupy the exalted station of Grand Master
in this Grand Jurisdiction, was a native of Scotland, born
October 8, 1865. While still a young man, he decided to cast
his lot in the New World, and in the late '88 or the early '89
came to Victoria, B. C, where he lived three and a half years.
He then came to the city of Tacoma, where, in 1892, he
declared his intention of becoming a citizen of the United
States. Though honoring the land of his birth, he paid due
respect and obedience and loyal devotion to the land of his
choice and adoption. He would relocate to Seattle where he
made his home for the rest of his life.
He was an accomplished draftsman and he found employment with the engineering service of public utility
concerns and later in public employment in the office of the County Assessor of King County. Interesting
as it is to mention these incidents of his civic life, it was in his labors in the quarries of Freemasonry that
he found his chief delight, and for it he literally gave up all else and made it the great purpose of his life.
James Howarth Begg knocked at the door of St. John's Lodge No. 9, and was initiated as an Entered
Apprentice Mason, August 27, 1898; passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft Mason, September 10, 1898;
and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, September 24, 1898. He served as its Worshipful
Master during the year 1903.
From the first, he seemed to be inspired with a desire to make his mark among his brethren. Who knows
but that he received that inspiration from his association with such illustrious brethren as Past Grand
Masters John Arthur, Daniel Bagley, James R. Hayden, Joseph M. Taylor, and William H. White, all of
whom then bore membership in St. John's
But he was not content alone to have served his Mother Lodge in official capacity. He desired, and was
destined, to be something more of a builder. In less than a year after he had surrendered the gavel to his
successor, he had gathered about him twenty-eight brethren who joined him in a petition for a dispensation
to form a new Lodge in the University District of Seattle. On October 20, 1904, the then Grand Master,
Most Worshipful Brother Edwin H. Van Patten, granted this request, and University Lodge, U. D., now
No. 141, came into existence, with James H. Begg as its first Worshipful Master.
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Our good brother began his Grand Lodge service at the Grand Communication held in Seattle in 1903.
Most Worshipful John Arthur was pleased to appoint him a member of a special committee for the
consideration of the Standard Work of Washington and the Grand Lodge Lecturer System. In 1905, he
acted as Senior Grand Deacon, and from this time forward he participated in an official capacity at every
succeeding Grand Lodge Communication. At the close of the 1905 Grand Communication he was
appointed one of the Custodians of the Work, to which position he was reappointed the next eight years.
Then in 1914, and again at the next two succeeding communications of the Grand Lodge, he was appointed
Deputy Grand Lecturer.
In 1917 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and was regularly advanced until his election in 1920 as
Most Worshipful Grand Master. His year as Grand Master was a particularly busy one, and the Grand
Lodge Communication over which he presided in 1921, in Spokane, was an important one. He reported
that he had visited eight of our Lodges in Alaska. He had attended the annual meeting of The George
Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, in Alexandria, VA. He had granted dispensations
for the formation of thirteen new Lodges. As showing his desire to perpetuate the names of men who had
rendered distinguished services to Freemasonry, the names of four of these Lodges were Joseph Warren,
Daniel Bagley, Lafayette and Robert Burns, respectively.
Our Grand Master had not been at all well, and he might appropriately have given that as an excuse for
not continuing actively in Masonic work, at the conclusion of his year as Grand Master, but it was not his
will to do so. On the contrary, he accepted the appointment as Grand Lecturer tendered him by his
successor. When he reported at the next communication of the Grand Lodge, he stated what everyone
knew to be a fact: "I have willfully disobeyed the urgent injunction of the Grand Master to take further
rest and not to endanger my life by excessive exertion." At this same communication he was appointed a
member of the Committee on Grievance and Appeals. At the succeeding communication he served as a
member of the Committee on Obituaries. Then he was appointed, at the close of the 1924 communication,
as a member of the Committee on Masonic Research and Education, and he commenced what was to be
his final service to the Craft. At each succeeding communication he was continued in that capacity, having
served during the past five years as the Executive Secretary of this committee.
What M⸫W⸫ Brother Begg said relative to Masonic Research and Education in his message as Grand
Master in 1921 shows his appreciation of the importance of that subject: “This Grand Lodge has taken a
wise step in providing for a more extensive system of Masonic research and; education than was deemed
necessary in its earlier years. I trust this step will be followed and quickened from year to year, until we
can honestly boast that we have in this Grand Jurisdiction as well instructed a Craft as can be found in the
entire United States. To carry out this worthy purpose, it will be necessary to increase the facilities thus
far provided, for the necessity is growing space. We are taking into our Masonic body an immense number
of worthy young men, and to them we owe the duty of furnishing all possible means for their education
in our mysteries and in the mission and philosophy of our great universal institution. You have already
manifested so clear a conception of this paramount duty that there is no need to do more than barely
mention it in this message."
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The insight into his views upon this subject given by this passage was amplified by his subsequent work
on the committee having it in special charge, and I am sure his efforts along this line have produced a
lasting influence upon the members of our Institution in this Jurisdiction.
Our Most Worshipful Brother’s service extended beyond the Blue Lodge. He served as High Priest of
Seattle Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Masons; Illustrious Master of Seattle Council, No. 6, Royal and Select
Masters; and Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Washington; Wise Master of
Washington Chapter of Rose Croix, and Commander-in-Chief of Lawson (now Washington) Consistory,
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was elected to receive the rights and honors of a
Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, October 21, 1919, and was coroneted an Inspector General
Honorary of the Thirty-third Degree February 16, 1924.
Most Worship James Howarth Begg was called form labor on June 18, 1932. These words were written
in tribute as an obituary:
"When a man has given virtually all the years of his adult life to the service of a single worthy cause, his
name deserves all the reverence that can be paid to it; his memory must be forever enshrined in the hearts
of his friends. It matters not that he may have attained neither to riches nor to such public honors as fall
within the grasp of men whose diversified efforts cover a more general scope. To have established a fixed
course in life, a course of service to others, and to have held it to the last,is a record worthy of enduring
and grateful remembrance.
James Howarth Begg leaves such a record. In early manhood he became a Mason. The ancient landmarks
of the Craft and its ritualistic nobility made instant appeal to his fine mind and sensibilities; he adopted its
principles as rules for his personal guidance; he became at once the student and in time an outstanding
exemplar of its philosophy. He lived, acted, worked and talked accordingly. For many years and to the
time of his passing away, he was recognized as the Pacific Northwest's foremost authority on Masonic
history, law and morals.
Free of all prejudice, broadly tolerant of beliefs and opinions running contrary to his own, he lived simply,
gently, usefully. His helpful admonition, his wise counsel, available to all within his reach, have smoothed
the pathway for many. He was a scholar who ever felt his studies to be unfinished, and so kept on. Even
with illness gradually mastering a naturally frail physique, his work, of special value to the order of which
he was an ornament, was no less well done. Masonry will miss him sorely; and in his death all Seattle
suffers the loss of a citizen of the best type, high-minded, diligent in duty, faithful to the end.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Thomas E. Skaggs: 1919-1920
Thomas Edward Skaggs was born in Chandlerville, Illinois
th
on January 29 1876, the son of Thomas Andrew and
Amanda (Montgomery) Skaggs. In 1889, the family moved
to the town of Snohomish, Washington. Here, young
Thomas completed his education in the public schools and
went on to study law with a local attorney.
He was admitted to the bar in 1897 and quickly discovered
that the studious and analytical side of legal work appealed
to him more than the litigious and controversial aspects.
Consequently, he became an expert in land titles and
devoted much of his career to that area of law. He became
Deputy County Treasurer of Snohomish County and then his
interest in the law of legal titles led to his association with
the title abstract business in Everett.
In 1913, he became a member of the State Tax Commission and later a member of the State Board of
Control. Following his government service, he returned to the title business in Everett and was appointed
Postmaster in 1934. He held this position until the time of his death.
Most Worshipful Brother Skaggs was raised a Master Mason in Centennial Lodge #25 in 1900 and served
two terms as its Worshipful Master in 1908 and 1909. His Grand Lodge service began that same year when
he was appointed Junior Grand Steward. Following this, he served on several Grand Lodge Committees for
the next five years. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1916 and served as Grand Master for the 1919-
1920 Masonic year.
M W Brother Skaggs term as Grand Master was a period of much growth for the Grand Lodge. He granted
dispensations for six new lodges and the jurisdiction experienced a gain of over 3000 members. At his
1920 Grand Lodge session, the jurisdiction appropriated
$2500 for the construction of the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Also, following a detailed
analysis by M⸫W⸫ Brother Skaggs, the Grand Lodge voted to withdraw from the Masonic Service
Association of the United States which had been formed the prior year in 1919. It was feared that this
group would require the Grand Lodge to surrender too many of its otherwise sovereign powers and that its
cost would be prohibitive to the membership.
Most Worshipful Brother Skaggs passed to the celestial Lodge on May 31, 1943.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Alonzo Emerson: 1918-1919
Most Worshipful Brother Alonzo Emery Emerson was born
at Stetson, Maine, on the 28th day of February, 1868, of a
pioneer family. His father was Cyrus Whitter Emerson, a
native of that State. His mother was Hannah Hammond, a
sister of Joseph Hammond, founder of Hammond, Indiana.
Brother Emerson attended grade school in the Mount
Pleasant School District, Stetson Township, from 1874 to
1883, Commercial High School in Goodwin High School
District from 1883 to 1885 and studied a Scientific Course at
Stetson Academy, Maine, from 1885 to 1887, graduating at
a later date.
He was employed on his father's farm at Stetson from 1887
to 1889. In 1890 he worked as a fireman in Watertown,
Massachusetts, for the H. & W. Paper Company. After working for a time as a clerk in the C.
E. Hammond General Store he engaged in farming. In 1896 he was employed for a time by the General
Electric Company at Lynn, Massachusetts.
He came to Cle Elum, Washington, in 1896, where he prospected for minerals until 1900. Then he worked
as a clerk in the T. M. Jones General Store, remaining there until 1902. From 1903 to 1907 he was
employed by the Kittitas County Commissioners as Clerk of the Court. In 1908 he was employed in the
County Engineer's Office; and in 1909 to 1922 he operated his own grocery business in Ellensburg. He
would be appointed Postmaster, a position he held until 1936. His record in this trust was one of honor,
integrity, and faithfulness. From 1936 until 1942 he was self-employed as a Mine and Industrial Financing
Broker. Shortly thereafter he went into semi-retirement.
On December 25, 1900, he was married to Miss Cordia Jeanette Stafford, daughter of Theran Stafford,
pioneer of a Cle Elum family. Mrs. Emerson passed away in 1947. Two daughters were born from this
union—Helen Emerson Snowden and Alice Emerson Oddens.
Past Grand Master Emerson was made a Master Mason in Pacific Lodge, No. 64, at Exeter, Maine, being
initiated August 16, 1894; passed August 22, 1894; and raised to the Sublime Degree October 17, 1894.
He dimitted February 24, 1904, to the newly formed Lodge at Cle Elum, thus becoming a charter member.
On April 8, 1907, he dimitted from Cle Elum Lodge to become a member of Ellensburg Lodge, No. 39,
on May 22, 1907, and served as its Worshipful Master in1911. He held his membership in Ellensburg
Lodge until his death, the Lodge honoring him with a Fifty-Year Certificate and pin on April 20, 1949.
In the Grand Lodge he was elected Junior Grand Warden in June of 1915. Each year thereafter, he was
regularly advanced in line and in June of 1918, was elected and installed to the exalted position of Most
P a g e | 223
Worshipful Grand Master.
The Supreme Grand Master, Creator of Light, Life and Knowledge saw fit in His great wisdom to grant
to our Most Worshipful Brother a long and useful life, calling him from labor on November 28, 1950. He
lived to the advanced age of 82 years, always contented to obey his God, to cherish the circle of his family,
to serve his community and to labor with his fellow man. Quiet in nature, lovable in character and
understanding in judgment, he was honored and respected as a man of sterling qualities by his many
friends and brethren.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ George Lawler: 1917-1918
Most Worshipful Brother George Lawler was born in
Carlinville, Illinois on July 28, 1861. His life’s journey
brought him to Tacoma in 1888. He would be initiated in
Tacoma Lodge, No. 22 on July 14, 1889; Passed as a
Fellowcraft on December 8, 1889; and Raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason on February 16, 1900. He would be
elected to serve as Worshipful Master of Tacoma Lodge, No.
22, in 1906.
At the Sixtieth Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, held
in Seattle, June, 1917, his brethren bestowed upon him the
highest honor within the power of Free and Accepted Masons
to confer upon a brother Mason. During the succeeding twelve
months he faithfully and conscientiously served this Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge as Most Worshipful Grand Master.
A wartime Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Lawler was mindful of the need to conserve and
preserve. These words from his Address to the Brethren best speak his feelings: “As your Grand Master,
I call on you. Masters, Wardens and Past Masters, and through you to every individual Mason, to do all
in your power to help win this contest for the Associated Western Powers—those valiant champions of
the right. Eat little, busy yourselves constantly in doing the thing closest at hand, and thus work hard and
long. Give generously. Uphold the hands and policies of our government enthusiastically, not only because
it is a duty, but also because it is a great privilege and a distinct honor to be living and having the chance
to be part of this struggle.”
While most of his time, outside of his family and business, was devoted to his Lodge and to the affairs of
this Grand Lodge, he was not unmindful of the ethical, social, and moral value of other fraternal
organizations, especially such as those having Masonic affiliation as a prerequisite for membership. He
was a member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Shrine, the Eastern Star and the Amaranth. At
various times he took an active part in all of them.
We are inspired by the knowledge that all that the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe requires of any
man is that he make the best use of the tools with which he has been endowed. Most Worshipful Brother
George Lawler would lay down those tools on December 22, 1948
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ George Malcolm: 1916-1917
Most Worshipful George Reno Malcolm was born on
November 15, 1877, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to James and
Laura (Reeves) Malcolm. He came to the Walla Walla Valley
in 1900, and would submit his petition to receive the Degrees
of Masonry the following year. He was Raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason on December 16, 1901 in Blue
Mountain Lodge No. 13.
Upon being raised as a Master Mason, our good brother
became intimately acquainted with several Past Grand Masters
of this Grand Jurisdiction: Yancey C. Blalock, William H.
Upton, Stephen J. Chadwick, and others who lived in the area.
There can be no doubt that his association with these scholarly
Masons had a tremendous influence in the early stages of his
Masonic work. The Masonic activities of these brothers
undoubtedly deeply inspired George and instilled in him the tenets of a dedicated Mason.
Grand Master Ralph C. McAllaster recognized the potential of this dedicated Mason and appointed him
Grand Marshal for the year 1907. The following year he served as Master of Blue Mountain Lodge No.
13. In 1912 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden in 1913, and Deputy Grand Master
in 1914. At his request, because of poor health, he was not elevated to the East until 1916 at Tacoma. Our
Most Worshipful Brother presided over the Grand Lodge session of 1917.
Most Worshipful Brother Malcolm was not satisfied with just joining an organization; he seemed to have
a compelling desire to be active. This distinguished Mason exemplified Masonry every day and in every
way. The registers of both Blue Mountain Lodge No. 13 and Walla Walla Lodge No. 7 show that George
Reno Malcolm was extremely faithful in his attendance. There are periods of years when he did not miss
a single meeting of either Lodge. In his later years, his health interfered in maintaining this splendid record.
Our Most Worshipful Brother was a perfectionist in his ritualistic work and he demanded that others make
a reasonable effort to meet his standards. He knew his work and proved it by obtaining a three-year
Certificate of Proficiency, If a person was having difficulty performing in an acceptable manner, he would
be the first to volunteer help with the problem. When he finished helping, you were ready.
He received recognition for 50 years of service to the Symbolic Lodge, in all York Rite bodies, Scottish
Rite, and Eastern Star, He was the first Mason in this state to receive the Distinguished Service Medal
from the General Grand Chapter of the United States of Royal Arch Masons. He also received the Knight
York Cross of Honor, an honor only bestowed upon those who have led chapters of all four York Rite
bodies. He was an honorary life member of Anchorage Lodge No, 221 and Seward Lodge No. 219, both
of Alaska. He was an Honorary Past Master of Walla Walla Lodge No. 7.
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Most Worshipful George Reno Malcolm was called from labor on January 29, 1967. When the members
of his Lodge accompanied his remains to the grave, the active pallbearers consisted of three Past Masters
of Blue Mountain Lodge No. 13 and three Past Masters of Walla Walla Lodge No. 7.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Robert L. Sebastian: 1915-1916
Little is known about the general life history of our brother
who would serve as our 53rd Grand Master. Most
Worshipful Robert Lee Sebastian was born in Virginia on
December 5, 1861. It has been said that he did not seem to
think of his life of interest to others, though he always took
a lively interest in the joys and sorrows of his friends and
brothers.
We do know that he came to Tatoosh Island in the U.S.
Signal Service in 1883. Robert Lee Sebastian was a Deputy
Collector of Customs for the Port of Grays Harbor. In that
capacity he would make many decisions that invoked the ire
of the lawless, and many threats were made against his life.
In one particular situation, he arrested a ship laden with rifles
and ammunition which had been designated for Mexico, and held it against all comers.
He petitioned Centralia Lodge No. 63 in 1902. Later in 1910, he affiliated with then Aberdeen Lodge No.
52 which became Grays Harbor Lodge No. 52, serving as Worshipful Master in 1912. Three years later
the Craft thought enough of his abilities to advance him to the rank and station of Grand Master.
Most Worshipful Brother Robert Lee Sebastian departed this mortal coil on December 14, 1918.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ William J. Sutton: 1914-1915
Most Worshipful Brother William James Sutton was born
in Lapeer County, Michigan on September 29, 1865 and
graduated from the Michigan State Normal School in
Fenton in 1886. After his graduation, he moved to Cheney,
Washington where he was instrumental in setting up the
Cheney School District in 1887 as well as the State Normal
School (now Eastern Washington University) at Cheney in
1889. Sutton served as the first vice-principal of the Normal
School, and was then the principal starting in January 1892.
The Normal School, which started as the Benjamin P.
Cheney Academy in 1882, served as public school for the
city of Cheney until the establishment of the Public School
in 1887. In 1889, with the statehood of Washington, the
Academy was offered to the State of Washington as the
State Normal School.
After resigning from the State Normal School in February 1897, he married Nellie Hutchinson, the former
principal of the Training School at the Normal School and he purchased a farm on the western edge of
town.
Our Brother would be brought to Masonic Light on March 3, 1890, in Temple Lodge, No. 42, a man of
sincere heart, and honest conviction, and generous impulse. By these qualities he rose among his brethren
and gained distinction wheresoever he went, until rising step by step in his own Lodge and community he
stood in 1914, as Grand Master of Masons in Washington and a citizen distinguished in the political life
of his state.
Sutton was first elected to the Washington State Senate in 1913, where he pushed through an appropriation
of $300,000 to the Normal School over the veto of Governor Ernest Lister. The appropriation was used to
replace the administration building lost in the 1912 fire with what would become the prominent Showalter
Hall on the campus of Eastern Washington University. Other accomplishments as a politician include
saving the State College from being demoted to a trade school.
After retiring from the Senate in 1932, he continued to farm and act as a prominent citizen of Cheney until
his death on December 22, 1940. His legacy endures on the campus of Eastern Washington University.
Sutton Hall was completed in 1923 and was the first men's dormitory on campus. In the 1970s, Sutton
Hall was used as a residence for armed services veterans, many of whom had recently returned from the
conflict in Vietnam. Around 1978 it ceased operation as a dormitory and a few years later the interior was
dismantled and removed in anticipation of remodeling that was completed in 2001. Sutton Hall is now
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used as an office building on the campus, housing Admissions, Financial Aid & Scholarships, the
Registrar's office, Veteran's Services, and Academic Advising.
The Red Barn, originally called Sutton Barn, was part of the Sutton farmstead where Sutton raised horses
together with his wife Nellie. The barn had originally been built by William Bigham in 1884 for Nellie's
father. The farm site was later purchased by Eastern Washington University in 1969. In 1974, classes in
sustainability began there, where students learned organic gardening, spinning and weaving, dyeing, direct
current electricity, wind power, natural medicines, history of the American west, quilt making, food
preservation, bee keeping, healthy diet or edible wild plants. A course in wind power built a wind generator
behind the barn, and on July 4, 1976, an American flag hung over the front of the building, which was
lighted up with wind power. The present Cheney Recycling Center also got its start at the Red Barn. In
1979, the barn was renovated and assumed its current use, housing the campus police and safety offices
as well as parking services.
To many men it is given to work well in a single field. To Most Worshipful Brother William James Sutton,
it was given to do well in many. As director of an infant teacher's training school, he left his mark on, and
gave his inspiration to, many who later shaped both the youth of the state and the institution which was to
train it. As a legislator, his influence is written in much more of the code and the traditional policy of this
State. As a Mason, he shaped the course of Temple Lodge and held it ever true to the principles of the
Craft. As a leader and councilor, he guided the Grand Lodge in the way of justice and of truth. His record,
in truly Masonic fashion, is written in his works.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Asa H. Hankerson: 1913-1914
Asa Herbert Hankerson, a Seattle businessman, was picked
as next Grand Master. He was born January 7, 1873 at La
Crosse, Wisconsin attended the University of Michigan, and
came West to Tacoma in 1891. He entered the rental
insurance business in Seattle the next year, and in 1906
started a grain brokerage business that became extensive and
prosperous. He served with the Federal Food Administration
and was a captain in the Washington National Guard during
WWI and was an official with the Office of Price
Administration during World War II.
He was raised in Arcana Lodge, No. 87 in Seattle in 1894 and
was its Master in 1903. His brokerage business took him to
San Francisco about 25 years before his death there on
November 14, 1956 at age 83. However, he was always a
faithful attendant on Grand Lodge as long as his health permitted his annual trip to Washington State.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Frank N. McCandless: 1912-1913
Frank Newman McCandless, a Tacoma real estate dealer, was
elected as the fiftieth Grand Master. He was born September
28, 1866 at Blairsville, Pennsylvania and he came to
Ellensburg in 1890, where he entered the real estate field. He
transferred his business to Tacoma and became active in civic
affairs there, especially in the fields of good roads and
irrigation.
He was raised in Ellensburg Lodge, No. 39 in 1891, and was
its Master in 1900-02. He dimitted to Tacoma Lodge, No .22
in 1906. After his service as Grand Master he continued to be
active in Grand Lodge and in Masonry although he was
seriously crippled by arthritis for the last 15 years of his life.
He died in Tacoma November 30, 1949 at age 83.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ David S. Prescott: 1911-1912
David Sanborn Prescott was born in St. Anthony,
Minnesota on January 11, 1859, his parents being Nathan
M. and Rozilla M. (Haley) Prescott. He acquired his early
education in the public schools of Minnesota and afterward
attended Carleton College at Northfield, Minnesota.
Feeling it incumbent to make for himself a place in the
business world, in the spring of 1881 he went to Glendive,
Montana, where he owned & operated a drug store,
remaining there until March, 1887. At that date he visited
Spokane and was so impressed with the possibilities of the
country and its future prospects that he returned to
Glendive, disposed of his store and in October, 1887,
moved his family to the Inland Empire. He would open a
drug store which he conducted successfully for a time until
his connection with political interests demanded his efforts
in other fields.
From the first he took an active part in the work of the Republican Party and was soon appointed Chief
Clerk in the County Auditor's office. The value of his service won substantial recognition, when, in 1892,
he was elected County Treasurer, filling the office during the two succeeding years. He then returned to
business life, becoming secretary of the Ross Park Electric Railway Company, operating the first electric
line on the Pacific coast and one of the earliest in the country. After severing his connection with the Ross
Park Electric Company he entered the real estate field with his brother, Fred L. Prescott, forming Prescott
Brothers Real Estate, until he sold out to his brother in February of 1911
Prescott did not confine his attention, however, solely to commercial interests and business projects which
promise only individual return, but was likewise active in fields where public progress was concerned. He
had been honored with the presidency of the civil service commission of Spokane. He was secretary of
the board of trustees of the Young Men's Christian Association and took a very active part in promoting
its welfare and growth.
David Sanborn Prescott was made a Master Mason in Glendive (Montana) Lodge No. 31 on June 9, 1887.
He would demit to Spokane No. 34 in the winter of 1887. In August 1889, Worshipful Master W.W.
Witherspoon, would appointment Brother Prescott as Secretary. He would hold this post for seven years,
and would be elected master of Spokane No. 34 in 1899. He would also hold memberships Spokane
Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M., of which he is past high priest; Spokane Council, No. 4, R. & S. M.; Cataract
Commandery, No. 3, K. T.; Oriental Consistory, No. 2, A. A. S. R.; and El Katif Temple of the Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine.
His active work in the Grand Lodge began in 1903 when he was appointed Grand Lecturer. Together with
P a g e | 233
Brother Royal A Gove, he was authorized to revise and perfect our monitor and standard work. It is said
that this collaboration gave our jurisdiction that was comparable to that of any other Grand Jurisdiction.
David Sanborn Prescott was elected Grand Master in 1919.
Our Worshipful Brother was called to rest on May 26, 1929. The night before his passing he attended a
Masonic meeting, and he had promised to deliver an address to the members of his own Lodge on the
subject of Masonry & Citizenship. Fortunately, a copy of this address was found in the pocket of his coat,
and his words were read to his Lodge on the promised date.
P a g e | 234
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Jeremiah Neterer: 1910-1911
Jeremiah Neterer was born January 22, 1862 near Goshen,
Indiana. He graduated from Northern Indiana Law School
(now Valparaiso Law School) in 1885. He moved to
Bellingham to practice his profession in 1890. From 1890
to 1913 he operated a private law practice. In 1893 he was
elected city attorney for the City of Bellingham and served
as a judge for the Whatcom County Superior Court from
1901-1913. During this time, Judge Neterer organized the
juvenile court in Whatcom County and set aside Saturdays
for conferences with youth and their parents.
In 1913, Woodrow Wilson appointed Justice Neterer to the
bench of the United States District Court for the Western
District of Washington. He served in that capacity until his
mandatory retirement on May 31, 1933.
Justice Neterer was quite active in civic and religious affairs. He was chairman of the State Democratic
Convention in 1898 and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1912. He served on the
boards of several educational institutions including Bellingham Normal School (now Western Washington
University) and Whitman College.
In May 1887, he married Sarah E. Becker. This union was blessed with four children. His first wife died
in 1936 and several years later he married Linda J. George who survived him.
st
Most Worshipful Brother Neterer was made a Mason in Bellingham Bay Lodge #144 on March 21 1889
and served as its Worshipful Master in 1905. At the same time, he became an active participant in the
Grand Lodge. He was appointed Grand Orator in 1905 and elected Junior Grand Warden in 1907.
M⸫ W⸫ Brother Neterer was called unexpectedly to the celestial Lodge on February 2, 1943 while on
special assignment for the U. S. District Court. He was buried in Seattle.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ William R. Baker: 1909-1910
M⸫W⸫ Brother Baker was born in Hastings, Minnesota, on
August 20, 1876. In 1887 he moved with his parents to St.
Paul, Minnesota, completing his education in St. Paul High
School. In 1895 he moved to San Jose, California, and
worked in the fruit raising business.
In 1897 he moved to Colville, Washington, where he resided
the remainder of his life. He was married in 1902 to Miss
Selma L. Cranney, daughter of Thomas Cranney who was
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in
1874. Together they raised a family consisting of two sons.
He was involved in the mercantile business for twelve years
and served as the town’s postmaster from 1900 to 1909. On
January 1, 1909, he sold his mercantile business and entered
the banking business in the capacity of cashier.
Brother Baker was made a Master Mason in Colville Lodge No. 50, in 1898 and served as Master of his
Lodge in 1901. His first appointment in Grand Lodge was in June of 1901 where he was appointed
chairman of the Committee on Representative Expenses. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1906
and followed the line to Grand Master in 1909.
He was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Colville Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M., and served his
Chapter as High Priest; was a Past Patron of Colville Chapter, No. 57, O. E. S. and Past Grand Patron of
nd
the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of Washington. He also was a Knight Templar, a 32 Degree member of the
Scottish Rite and a member of El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Spokane, Washington.
P a g e | 236
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Royal A. Gove: 1908-1909
M⸫W⸫ Royal Amenzo Gove was born at Strafford, Vermont, June
th
9 , 1856. The early days of his life saw him moving Wisconsin, then
to Minnesota where he remained until 1881. His educational years
saw him alternately teaching school and studying medicine. He
would graduate in that profession at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1878. From
1881 to 1890 he practiced medicine at Millville, Minnesota,
eventually finding his way to Tacoma.
th
His Masonic history shows great zeal: He was raised May 16 , 1882,
in Elgin Lodge, No. 115, Elgin, MN. He received the Royal Arch
and Council degrees, the 32d degree of the Scottish Rite, and was a
Shriner. In Tacoma his affiliation had been with Evergreen Lodge,
No. 51, except during a short residence at Enumclaw, where he
organized and was first Master of Crescent Lodge, No. 109. On his
return to Tacoma and Evergreen Lodge, he was again made Master of that Lodge in 1901, having
previously held that position for two terms in 1897-98.
He began attending the Annual Communication in 1893 and was immediately pressed into service on the
Committee on Obituaries. In 1899 he was made Representative of the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory
near this Grand Lodge and was also the Grand Representative of Utah. He was acting Grand Orator in
1901 and served as Custodian of the Work from 1900 to 1905. It was in this capacity that he rendered his
most valuable work for the Grand Lodge. At the request of then Grand Master, M⸫W⸫ Charles Atkins,
he along with then Grand Lecturer David Prescott undertook the revision of the esoteric work and
sacrificed much valuable time and hard labor. Their efforts made greater progress toward uniformity in
the Standard Work than in all the years before.
Our good Brother was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1905 and would be elevated to the rank & station
of Grand Master in 1908 – following in the footsteps of his father, M⸫W⸫ Royal Hatch Gove, Grand
Master of Masons in Minnesota in 1886.
The thoroughness and earnestness of his work in Grand Lodge was typical of his character; and the same
zeal has been displayed in local Masonic work, as well as in the practice of his profession. The first
Masonic school held in the State of Washington was convened and conducted for several years by him at
Tacoma; and the excellence of the work of the Lodges in that community was due in no small part to him,
while it inspired brethren of other communities to follow in his footsteps.
P a g e | 237
In his profession he has ministered to the ills of mankind from Minnesota to China; but at Tacoma has his
chief work been done. He is a member and past president of the Pierce County Medical Society; a member
also of the State Medical Association and of the American Medical Association.
Most Worshipful Brother Gove had never taken kindly to the profession of politics; notwithstanding, he
served two terms in the City Council of Tacoma, where he showed the same stirring disposition as in other
walks of life.
Most Worshipful Royal Amenzo Gove was called from Labor on this earthly sphere to a higher place in
the Lodge on High on January 21, 1920. Perhaps now greater tribute could be made than Most Worshipful
Thomas Skaggs granting dispensation on February 28, 1920, for a lodge in Tacoma to be known a Royal
A Gove Lodge.
P a g e | 238
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Ralph C. McAllaster: 1907-1908
Most Worshipful Brother Ralph Clapp McAllaster, who was
born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, August 26th, 1864, and was
educated in the Public Schools of that city and graduated at
the State Normal School in 1884. In that year he moved with
his parents to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he spent two years
at the University of Michigan. During the succeeding years
until 1893, he was employed in insurance and law offices in
Michigan and Wisconsin. Returning to Ann Arbor, he was
connected with the Ann Arbor Water Company for a time,
and was city editor of the Ann Arbor Democrat for a year. In
1898 he moved to Seattle and took a position as secretary of
a school-furniture firm. Afterwards he was associated with
the Trustee Company of Seattle for a time, and then entered
the fire insurance business. He also served as City of Seattle
Park Commissioner for a term.
Brother McAllaster was made a Master Mason in 1895 in Fraternity Lodge, No, 262, of Ann Arbor,
Michigan. He affiliated with Eureka Lodge, No, 20, of Seattle, in 1899, and became its Master in 1904.
He was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Washington in that year, and was regularly
advanced until he was elected Grand Master in June, 1907. He served on the Jurisprudence Committee in
1912, and as Foreign Correspondent since that year. In his home city he was especially active in Masonic
affairs, being often consulted by Masters of Lodges and others, and he gave gladly of his experience and
knowledge.
He received the Royal Arch degrees in 1904 in Oriental Chapter, No, 19, of Seattle, and became its High
Priest in 1908, He assisted in organizing University Chapter, No, 32, in 1911, and was its first High Priest.
At the time of his death, he was Grand Steward of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Washington.
He received the Orders of Knighthood in Seattle Commandery, No, 2, of Seattle, in 1904, and was its
Commander in 1907, and assisted in organizing University Commandery, No, 23, of Seattle, in 1922,
serving as its Recorder.
He received the Royal and Select Masters' degrees in 1904, and became a 32° Scottish Rite Mason the
same year, serving as Orator. He was also Past Wise Master of Washington Chapter Knights Rose Croix,
He was a member of Doric Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; an Honorary Member of the "Square and
Compass," a student fraternity at the University of Washington, and a member of Nile Temple, A. A. O.
N. M. S.
On the evening of December 23, 1924, our brother was suddenly called from labor to refreshment after an
P a g e | 239
illness of a few days. Up to a few moments of his passing, he was busily engaged in his editorial for the
Masonic Tribune (of which he was editor for more than two years) and other Masonic duties which so
fully occupied his time and which lay so close to his heart. Especially was this true of the work of the
Committee on Masonic Research and Education, of which Committee he was a member and Secretary.
He was an enthusiastic, devoted and untiring worker. Only a few hours before his death, he talked with
the Executive Secretary of the Committee over the telephone regarding the future of the work of this
Committee.
Thus was closed a life of service and devotion given freely and unselfishly to humanity, a life nobly lived
and sublimely closed.
P a g e | 240
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Edward F. Waggoner: 1906-1907
Most Worshipful Brother Edward Franklin Waggoner was
born in Lostant, Illinois, February, 15, 1870, and acquired his
early education in the public schools there. He was afterward
sent to Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, and when he had put
aside his textbooks he became a clerk in a store there. The next
step in his business career brought him into close connection
with the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company as
traveling salesman and collector, in which capacity he traveled
for them in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. He displayed
notable ability in all branches of the harvesting machinery
business, thereby winning the position of general agent and
manager of the company's business in Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, Montana and a part of Wyoming.
In 1908 the International Harvester Company was formed, taking over the McCormick Harvesting
Machine Company and Mr. Waggoner was continued in charge of the business until October 15, 1906,
when he resigned to enter upon an independent business venture, organizing the Union Fuel & Ice
Company, of which he served as its president. The company was established as a wholesale and retail
business. The business grew steadily and substantially from its inception and became one of the important
and prosperous commercial undertakings of Spokane, doing a business of nearly a half million dollars in
1911.
Edward Franklin Waggoner was made a Mason in Spokane Lodge No. 34, serving as its Master is 1901.
Waggoner was trustee and secretary of the Masonic Temple Association and it was he who as the Master
of Spokane Lodge No. 34, F. & A. M., conceived the project of erecting a Masonic Temple in Spokane
and assisted in the formation of the association which erected the temple. He acted as secretary of the
board of trustees and as chairman of its finance committee from the outset until the temple was completed,
and his work in this connection received warm commendation. The association was formed in 1901;
ground for the temple was broken by President and Brother Theodore Roosevelt on the 26th day of May,
1908; the cornerstone was laid October 6, 1904; and the building was dedicated June 14, 1906. The date
of dedication was of some significance as it was M⸫W⸫ B Waggoner who presided over that ceremony
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as his first act as newly elected Grand Master of Masons in Washington at the 49 Annual Communication.
Most Worshipful Brother Waggoner was married to the former Nellie McKibben. In the social circles of
Spokane they were well known and the hospitality of the best homes was cordially extended them. His
P a g e | 241
business interests brought him a wide acquaintance in the northwest, and throughout Masonry he become
even more widely known, standing as a prominent representative of the order which has ever inculcated
principles of high and honorable manhood and promoted good citizenship.
Most Worshipful Brother Edward Franklin Waggoner was removed from this sphere of earthly existence
to that of the great hereafter on May 26, 1920.
P a g e | 242
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Abraham L. Miller: 1905-1906
Abraham Lincoln Miller was born March 29, 1863 in Grand
Mound WA and lived there with his parents until 1873 when
they moved to Klickitat County. After receiving a "good,
common school education," he attended Pacific University at
Forest Grove, and afterwards studied law and was admitted to
practice in 1886. He was elected and served one term as mayor
of the City of Goldendale.
In 1888 and 1890, Miller was elected prosecuting attorney for
the counties of Klickitat, Skamania and Clark, and due to the
preponderance of workload he moved to Vancouver in 1889.
After serving one term he was reelected for a second term as
Clark County prosecuting attorney, and then in 1892 was the
Republican candidate for superior court judge. He would not
be elected, however, the death of Superior Court Judge Elmer
Wiswall made it necessary to take steps to find a successor for the vacant position.
The attorneys of Vancouver, without regard to political affiliation, joined in petitioning Governor McGraw
to appoint Miller to the bench. Miller received an almost unanimous endorsement of the members of the
bar of the district. Just 31 years of age, Miller was the youngest person to ever hold the post of Clark
County Superior Court Judge. Miller was appointed on August 27, 1894 and remained in office for ten
years.
Judge Miller was active in his law practice after leaving the bench and argued before the United States
Supreme Court. He also associated with the prosecuting attorney's office and successfully prosecuted a
celebrated case, State v. Maude Johnson, against a woman accused of defrauding the Northern Pacific
Railway with hundreds of false injury claims all over the country.
Abraham Lincoln Miller was made a Mason in Mt Hood Lodge No. 32 in Vancouver. He would serve as
its Master in 1889-1890. He would be elected Grand Master of our jurisdiction in 1905. Beyond the Blue
Lodge, M⸫W⸫ B Miller served as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 1908
and 1909. The Order of Eastern Star also claimed him as he was its Grand Patron in 1902.
The Honorable & Most Worshipful Abraham Lincoln Miller would be called to the Celestial Lodge above
on November 15, 1927.
P a g e | 243
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Edwin H. Van Patten: 1904-1905
Most Worshipful Brother Edwin Hugh Van Patten was born
March 8, 1855, near Springfield, Illinois He acquired his early
education there as a public school student and afterward attended
Lincoln University, which conferred upon him the degree of
Bachelor of Philosophy in 1879 and that of Master of Philosophy
in the spring of 1883, the latter coming to him from his alma
mater as a well-earned honor.
In 1880, then a young man of twenty-five years, he accompanied
his parents on their move westward to Oregon and took up his
abode upon a claim in Sherman County. It was his desire,
however, to enter upon a professional career. He had previously
engaged in teaching school in Illinois' but regarded this merely
as an initial step to other professional labor, and in 1881 he
returned to his native state to become a student in Rush Medical
College in Chicago, from which he was graduated in February 1883, with valedictorian honors as a
member of a class of two hundred. He then returned to the northwest and located for practice in Dayton,
where he remained for thirty-four years, occupying one office through practically the entire period.
Possessing a most- progressive spirit, he kept abreast with the latest thought, research, and discoveries of
the science of medicine, has one of the best equipped offices in the northwest and one of the most complete
medical libraries. In 1888 he went to New York, where he pursued an "extended post- graduate course,
specializing in the study of diseases of the eye and ear. It was Dr. Van Patten who performed the first
successful laparotomy operation and the first successful hysterectomy operation in Columbia County.
Dr. Van Patten gave his political allegiance to the Democratic Party, and in 1889 was a candidate on its
ticket for the office of State Senator and again in 1905. On both occasions he was defeated by a small
majority in a strongly Republican district, although he ran far ahead of the regular party vote. He served
for six years as a member of the school board of Dayton and soon after his arrival in Columbia County
was elected county coroner, which position he occupied for many years.
Edwin Van Patten was made a Mason in Chatham Lodge No. 523 in Chatham IL in 1877. He was a charter
member of Dayton Lodge (then numbered) No. 53, and served as its Master in 1891 – the same year he
would be appointed Grand Orator. He would be reappointed to that office the following year. It is said
that the addresses that he gave demonstrated his belief in the philosophy of our institution and his keen
loyalty to its principles. Van Patten would be elevated to the rank & station of Grand Master in 1904.
Most Worshipful Brother Van Patten’s record of service extended beyond the Blue Lodge. Made a Royal
Arch Mason in 1894, he would be elected Grand Commander in 1917, and Grand High Priest in 1919. He
P a g e | 244
also became a member of the Order of Eastern Star in 1884, and would be elected Worthy Grand Patron
in 1892. His wife, Julia, would be elected Worthy Grand Matron 1908.
Most Worshipful Brother Edwin Hugh Van Patten was called to rest on November 25, 1942.
P a g e | 245
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Charles D. Atkins: 1903-1904
Charles Duncan Atkins , for years a Tacoma official and our Grand
Lecturer, was elected as our new leader. He was born May 7, 1865 at
Yorkville, Illinois. He came to Tacoma in 1891 and was later elected
Commissioner of Public Works of that City. He was one of the best-
known Masons in the state due to his close connections with the
Lodges during the 15 years he served as Grand Lecturer.
His weight as an instructor in the Standard Work is still expanding
under the influence of the many Lodge officers who sat at his feet. He
was made a Mason in Livingston, Montana in 1890. He was the first
Master of Clover Lodge in Tacoma in 1892 and was its secretary from
1905 to 1913. He died February 1, 1940 in Pasadena, California where
he had gone for his failing health.
P a g e | 246
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John Arthur: 1902-1903
Most Worshipful Brother John Arthur was a native of
Ireland, born near Ennis in County Clare on June 20, 1849.
He began his travel to that undiscovered country from whose
borne no traveler returns on December 23, 1926.
Brother Arthur's early education was acquired in his native
land and in England largely under the instruction of private
tutors. It was one of his youthful ambitions to follow a
literary life but reversed family fortune denied him the
privilege of pursuing a course in higher education. He was a
life-long student, and by his industry and energy became a
profound scholar. His career illustrated in the best manner
the maxim—energia est genius. He possessed a versatile
mind, read much, thought much, and wrote much and well
on various topics.
In the field of literature and general history he had no superior. He was a linguist of more than ordinary
ability. He knew the literature of Erse and Gaelic tongues. He understood the French and German
languages. He was well versed in the ancient classics. He understood and used the English language with
a high degree of excellence. His keen eye and great literary acumen enabled him at once to detect an error
in any piece of English composition that came to his attention. So great was his literary ability that the
Author's Club of London elected him a member honoris causa, an honor conferred on few Americans.
In 1861, when twelve years old, he came to the United States and made his home in Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, where he continued his studies which had been well founded in the schools of England.
His first employment in Pennsylvania was as bookkeeper and store clerk for a railroad contractor.
Afterwards he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company on the Philadelphia and Erie
Line, and was soon promoted to a position of trust and responsibility.
Deciding upon the legal profession, he studied law in Erie, Pennsylvania, under the preceptorship of Hon.
John P. Vincent, ex-presiding Judge of the Erie Judicial District. Being an apt student, he made rapid
progress in the study of law and in due course was admitted to the Bar.
Desiring a higher education, he went to Washington, District of Columbia, and entered the Law School of
the Columbian University and completed the regular and post-graduate courses of two years each.
Upon his graduation in the latter course, as Master of Law, he was awarded the first prize of the school in
competition for producing the best thesis upon a legal subject. The prize was delivered to him in the
presence of the President of the United States, with his Cabinet and the Judges of the Supreme Court. The
P a g e | 247
presentation was made by the Solicitor General on behalf of the Attorney General, who complimented
Mr. Arthur for his able and scholarly production and shortly afterwards moved that Mr. Arthur be admitted
to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, which was an unusual mark of favor.
He entered upon the practice of law in the City of Washington, and was immediately successful. In 1883
he was offered the Attorneyship for the Tacoma Land Company, which he accepted and moved to that
city.
In April 1887, he came to Seattle, where he resided until his death. He conducted an extensive practice in
land litigation, to which branch of the law he gave particular attention. He also had a general practice in
the Superior Courts of King and Pierce Counties. As a lawyer. Brother Arthur was held in high esteem by
the members of both Bench and Bar. In recognition of his high legal ability and attainment, in 1883 he was
elected Secretary of the Seattle Bar Association and Vice President of the State Bar Association. In addition
to the duties of his profession, he engaged in many civic functions. At one time he was an active member
of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
When steps were taken to relocate the University of Washington to the present Campus, Brother Arthur
was appointed President of the University Land and Building Commissioners, and went to Washington
City in the interests of the University, and through his instrumentality the landed interests of the old
University were placed on a solid basis and made available to that Institution.
Brother Arthur did not accumulate great riches, but he possessed a far better heritage—that of a well-
spent life laboring in the cause of humanity. He was modest, kind-hearted and charitable. He always had
a smile upon his face for all who met him—a friendly hand-shake accompanied with the greeting, "God
bless you." He was ever ready to divide whatever he possessed among the unfortunate and distressed. He
was never known to turn away those who appealed to him in need, without rendering assistance when in his
power to do so. In rendering assistance he practiced the true Masonic spirit in rendering individual aid.
He was known to conduct cases at law through the courts at his own expense for poor clients, for which
he would take no fee.
Most Worshipful Brother Arthur's Masonic career was a notable one. He was made a Mason in St. John's
Lodge. No. 9, in Seattle, in 1889. He thoroughly learned the principles of Ancient Craft Masonry, to which
he gave his best allegiance during the remainder of his life. He was a Royal Arch Mason, member of Seattle
Chapter, No. 3; a Knight Templar, member of Seattle Commandery, No. 2; and Thirty-second Degree
Scottish Rite Mason, member of Lawson Consistory. He was Past Potentate and life member of Afifi
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Tacoma.
In regular course of promotion he was elected and installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Washington in June 1902.
The most important and interesting event of Brother Arthur's administration was the celebration of the
50th Anniversary of the introduction of Masonry into the Commonwealth of Washington, in a special
th
th
communication of Grand Lodge held in Olympia. December 11 and 12 of 1902. During the two days no
business was transacted except addresses by nine Past Grand Masters – Most Worshipful Brothers Thomas
Reed, Joseph Kuhn, Louis Ziegler, Nathan Porter, Edward Hare, Archibald Frater, William Upton, Joseph
Taylor – and Grand Master Arthur. It is said that our Most Worshipful Brother presided in his happy,
P a g e | 248
dignified way; and the addresses delivered contained much valuable Masonic information. No doubt an
event for the ages.
Among the many valuable literary productions of Brother Arthur, the following pertained to Freemasonry:
Masonry the Friend of Intellectual Liberty, Relation of the Master to the Lodge, The Mission of Masonry,
Wealth, Poverty and Happiness. These articles are of the highest grade of literary excellence, and are
printed in Volume Three of Brownell's "Gems from the Quarry."
Most Worshipful Brother John Arthur was one of the most generous, most kind-hearted, most charitable,
and most noble of men that ever lived in the tide of time.
P a g e | 249
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