Page 151 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Walter T. Higgins

1957-1958

Most Worshipful Brother Walter T. Higgins, son of John B.
and Celia A. Higgins, was born May 20, 1899, on the family
homestead at the foot of Mt. Higgins near Oso. The family was
among the first settlers, arriving at Oso in 1888, where our
brother’s father and grandfather carved out a home in the lush
forest land on the lower slopes of a majestic, snow-capped,
forest-clad mountain which was named Mt.
Higgins in honor of the grandfather.

In 1899 his parents moved to Waterville, making their home
there for a short time until they purchased a farm a short
distance north of that community. Here he spent his boyhood
days attending the public schools in that region, as well as assisting with the numerous chores and
never-ending labor connected with the successful operation of a farm.

Completing his school work he left for Kansas City to take special courses of study to fit him for
the automotive field. With the advent of World War I, he immediately recognized his duty and
enlisted in the Armed Forces. After serving his country, he returned and settled in Everett where
he was in the automotive business. He was engaged in the wholesale automotive supply business
until 1950 when he purchased an insurance agency in Everett and by sheer business ability,
perseverance, and mastery of its every detail he soon made an outstanding success in his new field.
His thorough knowledge of the insurance business led to his selection as Vice-President of the
Snohomish County Association of Insurance Agents.

Walter Higgins received his Masonic Degrees in Centennial Lodge No. 25 in 1934. His interest
and boundless enthusiasm were soon recognized by the brethren of this Lodge and after a
succession of appointments and elections he served as its Worshipful Master in 1939. His service
to Masonry was outstanding, and led to his appointment as Grand Standard Bearer in 1940, and as
Deputy of the Grand Master for District No. 8 from June 1947 to June 1948.

In addition to being Past Master of Centennial Lodge No. 25, he was a member of Royal Arch
Masons, an Honorary 33rd Degree of Scottish Rite; Nile Temple of the Shrine; Red Cross of
Constantine; Everett Chapter, No. 22, O.E.S.; Honorary member of the National Sojourners, and
an Honorary member in many Masonic Lodges in Alaska and Washington.

His business ability and wisdom being duly noted and properly evaluated, he was appointed a
member of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home, serving in that position from June 1948
until June of 1954 when he was elected by an overwhelming majority to the office of Junior Grand
Warden. He would regularly advance each year, being elected Grand Master in June 1957.