Page 223 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John Gifford

1921-1922

Born on March 8, 1857, in the then frontier state of Wisconsin,
Most Worshipful John Gifford grew to manhood, surrounded
by all those elements that build courage, honesty and virtue.

Along with his wife, Edith, he crossed the plains in a covered
wagon to Walla Walla. For several years they farmed in
different places in Eastern Washington—later he engaged in
the grocery business in Spokane and at one time was President
of the Grocers' Association of Spokane. He served as
probation officer and purchasing agent for the city of Spokane
for a number of years. In 1920 he was elected County Clerk
of Spokane County, was re-elected in 1922 and was serving in
that capacity when God took him.

Brother Gifford was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason in Spokane Lodge No. 34, on June
20, 1899; passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason on August 1st of the same year; and two
weeks later was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

From the outset, the principles and teachings of Masonry made a deep impression upon him and
inspired in him that zeal to spread its light which intensified as the years passed by. He very quickly
became identified with the work of the Lodge, passed through the various offices and was elected
its Worshipful Master, serving in that capacity during the year 1906.

His zeal, earnestness and service in the Lodge of his membership attracted the attention of the
Grand Lodge of Washington and those same qualities made certain his advancement in that
organization. He was appointed Deputy Grand Lecturer by Grand Master David S. Prescott in June
1911, serving in that capacity until June 1914, when he was appointed Grand Lecturer by Grand
Master William J. Sutton, serving as such until June 1917.

In all probability, his greatest service to Masonry was rendered in this work, in the course of which
he visited the constituent Lodges of the state, instructing the officers in their work, interpreting the
ritual and inculcating the teachings of Masonry in his kindly, gentle way. Through this work, he
knew as many men in the State of Washington, probably, as any other man, and he had no enemies
among them all. He strove constantly for a purpose, and that purpose was spreading the principles
and ideals of Masonry.

He was elected Junior Grand Warden in June 1918, and in due course of succession, was elected
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in June 1921.During his term as Grand Master,
he laid the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple of North Hill Lodge No. 210, of Spokane; of the