Page 256 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Henry L. Kennan

1901-1902

Most Worshipful Brother Henry Laurens Kennan received his
summons to the Supreme Grand Lodge Above on September 17,
1928, at the age of seventy-six, after a life of faithful service, not
only to this Grand Lodge but also to his community and his
country. Born at Norwalk, Ohio, on April 11, 1852, he received
his education in Western Reserve University, at Cleveland, Ohio,
and immediately took up the study of law, in which profession he
proved himself an adept. At the early age of thirty he was elevated
to the position of Probate Judge, and served in that capacity until
1891 when he came west and was soon recognized as eminently
fitted for the position of Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Washington in and for Spokane
County, which post he held until his hearing failed and he retired in 1917.
Brother Kennan received his first three degrees in Masonry in 1884 in Mount Vernon Lodge, No.
64, of Ohio, later becoming a member of Spokane Lodge, No. 34, Spokane, Washington, in which
affiliation he remained until his death.

He was appointed Senior Grand Deacon of this Grand Lodge in 1897; became Junior Grand
Warden in 1898; Senior Grand Warden in 1899; Deputy Grand Master in 1900; and was elected
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in 1901. His long experience as a judge of the
civil courts of the land enabled him to steer clear of the many pitfalls arising in the administration
of the law, and to set forth clearly those Masonic ideals which should govern the Grand Lodge in
its deliberations. He also found a place on the Jurisprudence Committee of the Grand Lodge, which
position he held up to the time of his death.

He was also a Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., having served in that capacity
in 1914-15; and was its Grand Secretary from 1921 until he passed the portals of immortal life last
year.

In the Order of High Priesthood, he served as Grand Chaplain from 1903 to 1922, when he was
elected Grand Recorder.
An honored member of the Grand Council, he became its Grand Master in 1895, and afterward
was elected its Grand Treasurer, which position he held to the last.

Brother Kennan became a Knight Templar in 1884, passed the chairs and was elected Grand
Commander of the Grand Commandery of Washington in 1912, and in 1921 was appointed to fill
Brother Yancey C. Blalock's position as Grand Recorder, which position he held until his death.

He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1910 in Oriental Consistory,