Page 126 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ E. Haskell Johns: 1966-1967

Most Worshipful Brother Everett Haskell Johns was born to Ed and
Sarah Johns in Gorman, Texas, on April 7, 1904. Shortly thereafter,
his family moved to Walla Walla where he grew up and completed
his education.

Grand Master Johns began his Masonic Life in Chehalis, where he
then lived, by petitioning Chehalis Lodge No. 28, and was Initiated
October 27, 1943. He was Passed to the Fellowcraft Degree on
November 10, 1943 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master
Mason on December 4, 1943.
From his first entry into our wonderful organization. Brother Johns
has shown an abiding interest in Craft Masonry. His studies and
understanding of the lessons and teachings of Masonry, and his
wonderful gift of expressing these ideas, have led to many requests to
speak, not only on Masonic occasions, but at many other gatherings.

Brother Johns' insurance business required him to move about the State frequently, but he finally settled
permanently in the Yakima Valley. He affiliated with Meridian Lodge No. 196, at Buena, and became its
Worshipful Master in 1953. Before that time he had the great pleasure of helping raise his son, Richard,
to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.

He served this Grand Lodge as Grand Orator for two appointments. First for Most Worshipful Brother
Robert H. Guthrie during the 1959-60 Grand Year. His faithful attention to duties and his inspiring
addresses at so many Masonic functions led to another appointment as Grand Orator by Most Worshipful
Brother Charles W. Johnson for the 1962-63 Grand Year. At the close of Grand Lodge in 1963, he was
elected and installed Junior Grand Warden. He progressed, in succession, to the office of Grand Master,
serving in that high office for the 1966-67 Grand Year. It was no doubt a highlight of Grand Master Johns'
life when Richard flew out to Seattle to act as Installing Grand Chaplain for his father at his Installation
as Grand Master of Masons in Washington and Alaska.

Our Past Grand Master brought many honors to himself and this Grand Lodge during his tenure as Grand
Master. He was chosen to give the keynote address at the Conference of Grand Masters in Washington,
D.C. He also was chosen to place the wreath on Worshipful Brother George Washington's Tomb during
the Conference.

It was during Haskell's year as Grand Master that he organized and put into operation the Junior
Achievement Awards Program. After his tenure as Grand Master, he further served this Grand Lodge as
a member of several committees. Among those were the Jurisprudence, Finance, and Grievances &
Appeals Committees.

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