Page 160 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Lemuel W. Sims
1953-1953

Most Worshipful Brother Lemuel (Lem) Ward Sims was born near
Fletchers, Alabama on October 18, 1895. His southern origin was
reflected in his gracious manner and his love for Southern stories.
After attending grade and high school, he enlisted in the United
States Navy, serving from 1916 to 1920, taking special courses in
ordnance, gunnery, and torpedoes at the submarine base in New
London, Connecticut. Later he was assigned to USS 0-11, prior to
his honorable discharge on January 13, 1920.

He then came to Seattle because he felt that the Northwest afforded greater opportunity than did
his native Alabama. He was first employed as night foreman and substation operator with the
Rainier Valley Street Car System, advancing to the position of electrical inspector and automatic
controllers' maintenance. He took advanced courses in electricity and electrical metering. In 1924
he joined Seattle City Light, serving there in various capacities until his retirement November 1,
1960, after 36 years of service.

His deep interest in Masonry began when he was raised in Green Lake Lodge No. 149 on May 28,
1927. He served Green Lake as Worshipful Master in 1941, filling various places and stations
following his appointment as Marshal. Since completing his term as Worshipful Master, he has
continuously served the Grand Lodge, with honor and distinction. For three terms he was Deputy
of the Grand Master, June 1942 – June 1945. He was a member of the Grand Lodge Committee
on Grievance and Appeals in 1945- 46; Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Research and
Education, 1946-47 and Grand Lecturer for two terms, 1947-48 and 1948-49.

Ever a deep student with particular interest in the esoteric work he rendered the Fraternity an
outstanding service as Grand Lecturer by segregating and compiling the rituialistic work which
was condensed into three books, as authorized by the code. This stupendous task was undertaken
under Grand Master Stewart E. Perry. He compiled and corrected a master copy of the esoteric
formula under the direction of Grand Master Delos A. Shiner the following year. The latter work
became a permanent record in the Grand Lodge archives, a tribute to the industry and assiduity of
Most Worshipful Brother Sims, whose knowledge of Masonic history and background is based on
extended study and research. His work "Masonic Courtesies" filled a long felt want and was a text
book for officers who aspired to the East, giving them wise counsel on Lodge procedure and the
duties and responsibilities of those filling the places and stations.