Page 137 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Albert N. Bradford

1963-1964

Most Worshipful Brother Albert Naron Bradford was born in
Texas on February 13, 1913, During the years of boyhood he
became a resident of Walla Walla, and would call that city his
home.

Early in World War II, he left his law practice, temporarily, to
serve his Country, enlisting in the Navy as an Apprentice
Seaman, he was honorably discharged with the rank of
Lieutenant after three years of service.

He was elected prosecuting attorney of Walla Walla County
twice and in 1951 Governor Arthur B. Langlie appointed him
as a Superior Court Judge. He was successively re-elected and became one of the senior and most
respected members of the Judiciary in this State.

He was elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry on February 16, 1942 in Blue Mountain Lodge
No 13, where he received the first two degrees. He was raised by courtesy in St. John's Lodge No.
9 on February 27, 1943, while awaiting assignment overseas. He served as Worshipful Master of
Blue Mountain Lodge in 1957,.
He began his career in Grand Lodge in 1956 when appointed Grand Orator by Most Worshipful
Herbert
A. Davis. At the Annual Communication held in Vancouver in 1957, his eloquent Address on
Americanism marked him for future recognition. He served as a member of the Committee on
Jurisprudence, and was elected Junior Grand Warden at the Annual Communication in Yakima in
1960. During the progression of his advancement he fulfilled the expectations of his brethren and
acquired the experience and eminence that qualified him for the exacting duties of Grand Master.
His year as Grand Master was marked by two key initiatives: First, his inauguration of "Operation
Wake- Up" stirred the lethargic, revived the moribund, and restored to active membership many
who had fallen by the wayside by reason of not having completed their degree work.

Second, our Grand Jurisdiction faced the crisis of the Good Friday earthquake that devastated
Western Alaska. Soon after his Installation, Grand Master Bradford made an eventful tour of the
northern State. He was overwhelmed by the warmth of his greeting and the sincerity of Alaskan
hospitality.
Consequently the seismic disaster became a personal responsibility as he realized so many of his
recent hosts were sorely afflicted. His first official act was to approve an immediate appropriation
of $10,000 from the Grand Lodge Relief Fund, His next step was to broadcast an appeal for funds,
including a personal letter to every Master Mason in the Jurisdiction.