Page 203 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John M. Roberts

1932-1933

John Mechin Roberts was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on
February 28, 1877. Four years later the family home was
shifted to Tacoma, Washington, where he lived for 77 years.

He was educated in the Public Schools of Tacoma, and his
ability with figures soon led him to a position of responsibility
in thee accountant's office of the Northern Pacific Railway
plant in South Tacoma, where he stayed for twelve years.

His desire for rendering service prompted him to seek Masonic
Light in Clover Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Tacoma, and he
was Initiated an Entered Apprentice November 20th, 1899, Passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft
December 18th, 1899, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason January 29th, 1900.

On September 22nd, 1903, he was happily married to Ida Thedora Solwold, and the home was
blessed with a splendid family of three boys and one daughter to form a loving and happy circle.

Many fraternities have been benefited by having him as a member, but after an apprenticeship in
Clover Lodge, No. 91, he was elected to serve as its Worshipful Master for the year 1912, and
thereby also became a member of the Grand Lodge. His ability was soon recognized, and during
the years 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1921 to 1928, inclusive, he was appointed to and served
assiduously on the Finance Committee of this Grand Body. In June, 1929, he was elected to the
ofiice of Junior Grand Warden, and was advanced in successive sessions to the exalted leadership
as Grand Master in June, 1932.

It is well to remember that this was a time of The Great Depression. The Grand Lodge severely
curtailed the funds of the Grand Master and his office. Brother Roberts was very reluctant to
assume the office both from the standpoint of time and finances. With the will of the Craft foremost
in his heart & mind, without complaint or confiding in anyone, at great personal sacrifice he fully
performed all the duties of the office. In addition to his financial acumen, his legacy to our Grand
Lodge was his recommendation of the system of District Deputies of the Grand Master be
reestablished – a system that has benefited Washington brethren.

He is an appreciated member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, having accepted the 32nd degree June
18th, 1920; of Keystone Chapter No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; Tacoma Council, No. 1, Royal and