Page 245 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Ralph C. McAllaster

1907-1908

Most Worshipful Brother Ralph Clapp McAllaster, who was
born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, August 26th, 1864, and was
educated in the Public Schools of that city and graduated at the
State Normal School in 1884. In that year he moved with his
parents to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he spent two years at
the University of Michigan. During the succeeding years until
1893, he was employed in insurance and law offices in
Michigan and Wisconsin. Returning to Ann Arbor, he was
connected with the Ann Arbor Water Company for a time, and
was city editor of the Ann Arbor Democrat for a year. In 1898
he moved to Seattle and took a position as secretary of a school-
furniture firm. Afterwards he was associated with the Trustee Company of Seattle for a time, and
then entered the fire insurance business. He also served as City of Seattle Park Commissioner for
a term.

Brother McAllaster was made a Master Mason in 1895 in Fraternity Lodge, No, 262, of Ann Arbor,
Michigan. He affiliated with Eureka Lodge, No, 20, of Seattle, in 1899, and became its Master in
1904. He was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Washington in that year, and
was regularly advanced until he was elected Grand Master in June, 1907. He served on the
Jurisprudence Committee in 1912, and as Foreign Correspondent since that year. In his home city
he was especially active in Masonic affairs, being often consulted by Masters of Lodges and others,
and he gave gladly of his experience and knowledge.

He received the Royal Arch degrees in 1904 in Oriental Chapter, No, 19, of Seattle, and became
its High Priest in 1908, He assisted in organizing University Chapter, No, 32, in 1911, and was its
first High Priest. At the time of his death, he was Grand Steward of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons of Washington.

He received the Orders of Knighthood in Seattle Commandery, No, 2, of Seattle, in 1904, and was
its Commander in 1907, and assisted in organizing University Commandery, No, 23, of Seattle, in
1922, serving as its Recorder.

He received the Royal and Select Masters' degrees in 1904, and became a 32° Scottish Rite Mason
the same year, serving as Orator. He was also Past Wise Master of Washington Chapter Knights
Rose Croix, He was a member of Doric Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; an Honorary Member
of the "Square and Compass," a student fraternity at the University of Washington, and a member
of Nile Temple, A. A. O.
N. M. S.