Page 129 - PGM Compendium

revived interest in the Craft and also increased Lodge attendance. The self-appraisal was a tonic that
stimulated concern for the welfare of the Order. The Grand Master commented as follows:

"While it cannot be truthfully said that the effort to obtain a close study of the Blankenship oration was a
complete success, it was fruitful; it resulted in many instances of serious thought being given to our
purposes and our effectiveness, by thoughtful Masons, It is my prediction that, while this work has not
been as universally hailed as it was entitled to be, its presence in our archives is a good thing and
succeeding generations will read what was said to us on the occasion of its delivery and realize that we
were thinking at that time about our problems."

Another phase of the Bovingdon term of office emphasized neatness and dispatch. The Grand Master was
unfavorably impressed by the poor condition and appearance of some Masonic buildings. They did not
reflect prosperity or good housekeeping. He therefore issued an appeal for correction of this condition,
asking that photographs of each Masonic meeting place be submitted to the end that Masonry might
present a well-kept outward appearance to the world at large.

This desire for orderliness combined with the Grand Master's courteous dignity reflected his training in
St. John's Lodge No. 9. In this first Seattle Masonic body, the solemnity and precision of the early days
are carefully preserved as a permanent landmark. To these praiseworthy qualities, Most Worshipful
Brother Bovingdon added decorum in the various groups, brevity in procedure, and a meticulous
observance of method and order. Consequently, the constituent Lodges were given an illustration of how
to conduct meetings with dispatch and efficiency. This was particularly evidenced at the Annual
Communication by the masterful manner in which he handled all issues and motions, controversial or
otherwise. Ever courteous and gracious, he demonstrated his ability as a leader, thoroughly versed in
Masonic procedure and a Grand Master par excellence. His rulings were firm but fair, promoting peace
and harmony.

One of the notable accomplishments of the year was bringing to fruition plans for the new infirmary at the
Masonic Home, an improvement that was sorely needed. Ground was broken for this new facility on June
15, 1965, with Most Worshipful Bovingdon wielding the shovel — the same shovel used in 1925 to break
ground for the Masonic Home of Washington.

As Grand Master, he received many invitations to speak at various functions, including, among others,
the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons, held in Washington, D.C., and The Masonic Service
Association of the United States. The privilege of addressing these distinguished groups of Masonic
leaders is an honor which comes to very few Grand Masters. On a more local matter, he received and
accepted an invitation to speak to the members of the Knights of Columbus of Spokane. He was well
received.

This Past Grand Master possessed a native dignity which should not be misinterpreted for he is a man of
generous impulses, a warm personality with a genuine love for his fellow man. He was easily approachable
and, during his Masonic experience, learned that the Brotherhood of Man is not an idle phrase. As Grand
Master he expressed appreciation of the privilege of meeting and learning to know on intimate terms a
greater number of the members of the Fraternity than he could have otherwise.
Most Worshipful Brother George Hillis Bovingdon was called from labor on March 11, 1988.

P a ge | 128