Page 130 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ E. Haskell Johns

1966-1967

Most Worshipful Brother Everett Haskell Johns was born to Ed and
Sarah Johns in Gorman, Texas, on April 7, 1904. Shortly
thereafter, his family moved to Walla Walla where he grew up and
completed his education.

Grand Master Johns began his Masonic Life in Chehalis, where he
then lived, by petitioning Chehalis Lodge No. 28, and was Initiated
October 27, 1943. He was Passed to the Fellowcraft Degree on
November 10, 1943, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master
Mason on December 4, 1943.

From his first entry into our wonderful organization. Brother Johns has shown an abiding interest
in Craft Masonry. His studies and understanding of the lessons and teachings of Masonry, and his
wonderful gift of expressing these ideas, have led to many requests to speak, not only on Masonic
occasions, but at many other gatherings.

Brother Johns' insurance business required him to move about the State frequently, but he finally
settled permanently in the Yakima Valley. He affiliated with Meridian Lodge No. 196, at Buena,
and became its Worshipful Master in 1953. Before that time he had the great pleasure of helping
raise his son, Richard, to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.
He served this Grand Lodge as Grand Orator for two appointments. First for Most Worshipful
Brother Robert H. Guthrie during the 1959-60 Grand Year. His faithful attention to duties and his
inspiring addresses at so many Masonic functions led to another appointment as Grand Orator by
Most Worshipful Brother Charles W. Johnson for the 1962-63 Grand Year. At the close of Grand
Lodge in 1963, he was elected and installed Junior Grand Warden. He progressed, in succession,
to the office of Grand Master, serving in that high office for the 1966-67 Grand Year. It was no
doubt a highlight of Grand Master Johns' life when Richard flew out to Seattle to act as Installing
Grand Chaplain for his father at his Installation as Grand Master of Masons in Washington and
Alaska.

Our Past Grand Master brought many honors to himself and this Grand Lodge during his tenure
as Grand Master. He was chosen to give the keynote address at the Conference of Grand Masters
in Washington, D.C. He also was chosen to place the wreath on Worshipful Brother George
Washington's Tomb during the Conference.
It was during Haskell's year as Grand Master that he organized and put into operation the Junior
Achievement Awards Program. After his tenure as Grand Master, he further served this Grand
Lodge as a member of several committees. Among those were the Jurisprudence, Finance, and