Page 162 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Harold N. Nelsen

1951-1952

Most Worshipful Brother Harold N. Nelsen was born in
Prentice, Wisconsin, on October 14, 1898. He graduated from
Prentice High School, and entered the military service in 1918.
His education was continued at the University of Wisconsin
upon the completion of his military service in World War I.
His first employment was with the Bank of Prentice, attaining
the position of Assistant Cashier.

In 1922, he followed Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West
young man, go West," and arrived in Prosser in 1923 where he
established the H N Nelsen Insurance Company, a firm which
was known for its advertising slogan: "Suppose you have a fire tonight?" He built two major
buildings in downtown Prosser, and spearheaded a drive for a new bank in Prosser. Whether it was
for a hospital, a swimming pool, a Methodist Church School building, a sylvan stage in the park,
a new Northern Pacific depot, or
$70,000.00 for a new industry — Most Worshipful Brother Nelsen was calling the signals. No
wonder he had received the distinction of being awarded the Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding
Citizen Award.

His Masonic career was no less eventful than his life of public service. He was elected to Masonic
membership in Phillips Lodge No. 225 in Phillips, Wisconsin, in October of 1922. The degrees
were conferred in Seattle by Ionic Lodge No. 90; the First on March 14, 1923; the Second on April
11, 1923; and the Third on May 11, 1923. In 1924 he dimitted from Ionic Lodge to Euclid Lodge
No. 125, being elected Junior Warden in December of that year. He served Euclid Lodge as
Worshipful Master for two terms, 1927 and 1928. From 1930 to 1943 he continued his service in
Euclid Lodge as Secretary. In 1934 he was among the first appointed to the newly created position
of Deputy of the Grand Master. He was appointed to the Masonic Home Board in June of 1946,
by Grand Master Gus H. Schultz and served two years. In June 1948, he was elected Junior Grand
Warden, advancing to the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1951.

As Grand Master he was particularly proud of the fact that during his year there was developed a
list of well over a hundred names of Brother Masons who had signified their willingness to accept
speaking engagements from any Lodge without cost except for travel expenses. It was his belief
that if the Lodges used the services of these brethren that the membership would improve
themselves in Masonry and the Lodges would thereby be greatly benefited.