Page 201 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John I. Preissner

1933-1934

Most Worshipful John I. Preissner was born in Bloomfield,
Wisconsin on June 28, 1887. He came with his parents to
Snohomish County in 1898, where he attended and graduated
from high school. He then entered Washington State College
and graduated in 1912 with a degree in Mining Engineering.

After graduation he followed his profession in the mines of
Idaho until 1914. The following nine years he was engaged
in his profession in British Columbia, making a distinct
success in his chosen work. In December 1923, the family
came to Yakima, where he left his profession and went into
partnership with Frank Stubbs in the Stubbs Fruit & Storage
Company of Yakima.

Our good Brother was made a Master Mason in Mt. Adams Lodge No. 227, in 1925. Recognizing
his worth, his brethren made him Junior Deacon in 1926. Moving rapidly forward, he served as
Worshipful Master in 1928. In June 1930, he was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden
by our Grand Lodge, serving the successive chairs in successive years and being elected as Most
Worshipful Grand Master in June 1933.

In October 1944 following the passing of the Grand Secretary M⸫W⸫ Horace W Tyler, then
Grand Master Ford Q Elvidge called upon our Most Worshipful Brother to accept the vacated
office. In his necrology M⸫W⸫ Brother Elvidge said this of M⸫W⸫ Brother Preissner:
“Of all the things I did or did not do during my term as Grand Master, that which gave me the most
pride and satisfaction was my appointment of Brother Preissner as Grand Secretary. He dedicated
himself to his task. Twice he refused to accept increases in salary. His work was exemplary and
his service was without criticism. By reason of his experience and background, and his tenderness,
kindness and patience, he endeared himself to all Secretaries in the Jurisdiction, as well as to the
brethren generally. When he retired in 1960, he was elected Grand Secretary Emeritus.”

Following his tenure as Grand Secretary, our Most Worshipful Brother was appointed to serve on
the Finance Committee.

Beyond the Blue Lodge, M⸫W⸫ Brother Preisner was a Past Worthy Grand Patron of the Eastern
Star. He was a 33° Inspector General, Honorary, of the Yakima Bodies of the Scottish Rite,
Southern Jurisdiction of America. He was a member of all of the York Rite Bodies in Yakima, a
Past Sovereign of St. Alban Chapter of the Red Cross of Constantine, a member of the Royal Order
of Scotland and a Noble of Afifi Temple of the Shrine of North America. He received international