Page 101 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Toby Johnsen

1979-1980

Most Worshipful Brother Toby Johnsen was born May 5, 1920 in
Trondheim, Norway. During his years in Norway he held
responsible positions in the Young Peoples' Political Association
and the Boy Scouts of Norway. He was one of Norway's
outstanding sportsmen in both summer and winter sports often
representing his country in competition. He attended Oslo Marine
Engineering College where he received his degree in Marine
Engineering.

During World War II he was in the Intelligence Division of the
Norwegian Air Force. He served his country faithfully and worked diligently for the freedom of
Norway. In 1943 he would make his way to the United States and served in the Merchant Marine
until 1946 and, again, during the Korean War.

In Seattle he met Miss Betty Jane Thomas, it was fate and true love as they married in Seattle
September 26. 1952 as this union lasted the rest of his earthly life. Betty's mother, Mrs. Carrie M.
Thomas, had strong Masonic ties through her family in Pennsylvania. In particular, Chauncey M.
Depew, an orator and Speaker of the United States Congress for many years, and a dedicated
Mason. She believed strongly in the Masonic Fraternity and was one of the influences in Toby
becoming a Mason.

Brother Johnsen received the Degrees of Masonry in Occidental Lodge No. 72 in Ballard, being
raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 24, 1958, serving as Master of his lodge in
1963. In 1974 he affiliated as a Dual Member in Warren G. Harding Lodge No. 260 Poulsbo. He
held numerous appointments in Grand Lodge: Grand Marshal in 1967-1968 and again in 1973-
1974; Senior Grand Deacon in 1968-1969; Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 4 from
1970-1972; Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Research and Education 1974-1975, and as a
member of the Committee on DeMolay in 1975-1976. In June, 1976, Brother Johnsen was elected
Junior Grand Warden in Seattle. He would advance to the Oriental Chair in June 1979.

In his Grand Master’s address to Grand Lodge in June of 1980 he said in part: “You have heard
me speak many times about the beauty and sincerity of this great country. It has been a land of
dreams and hope for many millions of immigrants, of whom I was one. I came to the United States
from Norway as a young man, speaking with an Irish and Scottish brogue, who had lost everything
I loved and cherished because of the brutality of war. I, too, was filled with dreams and aspirations
which were fulfilled in 1948 when I became an American citizen. Only in this great country of the
United States can a dream become a reality. You wonder why so many people would love to come
to America? Only here can a dream and a reality walk hand in hand.”