Page 132 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ George H. Bovingdon

1965-1966

Most Worshipful George Hillis Bovingdon was the sixth Past
Master of St. John's Lodge No. 9 to become Grand Master of our
jurisdiction. His parents were John Sidney Bovingdon and Nellie
Hillis Bovingdon, native Pennsylvanians. His father was a
member of St. John's Lodge for a time, but he affiliated with
Corinthian Lodge No. 38 in Puyallup after moving to that city.
George was born in Seattle on June 14, 1906. He was educated
in the Seattle Public Schools and graduated from Broadway High
School.
Montana State University had a special appeal for this
distinguished brother inasmuch as it was there he continued his education studying law. In 1933,
he graduated from Law School and was admitted to the Bar in Montana during the same year. In
1934, he returned to Seattle to practice his profession. He attained great success in his profession,
and was a recognized legal authority throughout the State.

The Masonic career of our brother began when he received the Degrees of Masonry in St. John's
Lodge No. 9 during the year 1946, culminating with his Raising on October 12 of that year. He
th
immediately indicated an active interest in the Craft and, after serving in the various offices of the
Lodge, he was elected Worshipful Master for the year 1954. The talents of this Brother were
quickly recognized by those governing the affairs of the Grand Lodge. In 1956 he was appointed
as a member of the Committee on Jurisprudence and subsequent appointments were received for
three additional terms. During those four terms, he gave wise counsel based on his mature
experience in law. His efficient service, dignity, and genial disposition won the respect of all, and
he was elected Junior Grand Warden at the 1962 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge at
Tacoma. During successive years he progressed through the various stations and, at the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge held in Bellingham in 1965, he was elevated to the Office of
Grand Master.

The record shows that in the Masonic year, 1965-1966, Grand Master George Hillis Bovingdon
reached the meridian height of his Masonic career, contributing a full measure of time and energy
in serving the Masonic welfare of the Jurisdiction of Washington & Alaska. It was a year of
harmony and accomplishment, twelve months of earnest endeavor to promote the interests of the
Institution.
Perhaps the outstanding issue confronting Grand Master Bovingdon was the proposed revision of
Masonic practices as outlined in the address of Grand Orator John D. Blankenship delivered at the
previous Annual Communication. Immediately following installation, Most Worshipful Brother
Bovingdon caused a letter to be sent to all the constituent Lodges requesting close and earnest