Page 128 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ E. George H. Bovingdon: 1965-1966

Most Worshipful George Hillis Bovingdon was the sixth Past Master
of St. John's Lodge No. 9 to become Grand Master of our jurisdiction.
His parents were John Sidney Bovingdon and Nellie Hillis Bovingdon,
native Pennsylvanians. His father was a member of St. John's Lodge
for a time, but he affiliated with Corinthian Lodge No. 38 in Puyallup
after moving to that city. George was born in Seattle on June 14, 1906.
He was educated in the Seattle Public Schools and graduated from
Broadway High School.

Montana State University had a special appeal for this distinguished
brother inasmuch as it was there he continued his education studying
law. In 1933, he graduated from Law School and was admitted to the
Bar in Montana during the same year. In 1934, he returned to Seattle to
practice his profession. He attained great success in his profession, and
was a recognized legal authority throughout the State.

The Masonic career of our brother began when he received the Degrees of Masonry in St. John's Lodge
th
No. 9 during the year 1946, culminating with his Raising on October 12 of that year. He immediately
indicated an active interest in the Craft and, after serving in the various offices of the Lodge, he was
elected Worshipful Master for the year 1954. The talents of this Brother were quickly recognized by those
governing the affairs of the Grand Lodge. In 1956 he was appointed as a member of the Committee on
Jurisprudence and subsequent appointments were received for three additional terms. During those four
terms, he gave wise counsel based on his mature experience in law. His efficient service, dignity, and
genial disposition won the respect of all, and he was elected Junior Grand Warden at the 1962 Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge at Tacoma. During successive years he progressed through the
various stations and, at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held in Bellingham in 1965, he
was elevated to the Office of Grand Master.

The record shows that in the Masonic year, 1965-1966, Grand Master George Hillis Bovingdon reached
the meridian height of his Masonic career, contributing a full measure of time and energy in serving the
Masonic welfare of the Jurisdiction of Washington & Alaska. It was a year of harmony and
accomplishment, twelve months of earnest endeavor to promote the interests of the Institution.

Perhaps the outstanding issue confronting Grand Master Bovingdon was the proposed revision of Masonic
practices as outlined in the address of Grand Orator John D. Blankenship delivered at the previous Annual
Communication. Immediately following installation, Most Worshipful Brother Bovingdon caused a letter
to be sent to all the constituent Lodges requesting close and earnest study and discussion of the
Blankenship oration. This engendered intense interest throughout this Jurisdiction, The result was a
volume of Lodge reports containing original but divergent ideas and suggestions. These indicated a

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