Page 146 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Walter T. Higgins: 1957-1958

Most Worshipful Brother Walter T. Higgins, son of John B. and Celia
A. Higgins, was born May 20, 1899, on the family homestead at the
foot of Mt. Higgins near Oso. The family was among the first settlers,
arriving at Oso in 1888, where our brother’s father and grandfather
carved out a home in the lush forest land on the lower slopes of a
majestic, snow-capped, forest-clad mountain which was named Mt.
Higgins in honor of the grandfather.

In 1899 his parents moved to Waterville, making their home there for
a short time until they purchased a farm a short distance north of that
community. Here he spent his boyhood days attending the public
schools in that region, as well as assisting with the numerous chores
and never-ending labor connected with the successful operation of a
farm.

Completing his school work he left for Kansas City to take special courses of study to fit him for the
automotive field. With the advent of World War I, he immediately recognized his duty and enlisted in the
Armed Forces. After serving his country, he returned and settled in Everett where he was in the automotive
business. He was engaged in the wholesale automotive supply business until 1950 when he purchased an
insurance agency in Everett and by sheer business ability, perseverance, and mastery of its every detail he
soon made an outstanding success in his new field. His thorough knowledge of the insurance business led
to his selection as Vice-President of the Snohomish County Association of Insurance Agents.

Walter Higgins received his Masonic Degrees in Centennial Lodge No. 25 in 1934. His interest and
boundless enthusiasm were soon recognized by the brethren of this Lodge and after a succession of
appointments and elections he served as its Worshipful Master in 1939. His service to Masonry was
outstanding, and led to his appointment as Grand Standard Bearer in 1940, and as Deputy of the Grand
Master for District No. 8 from June 1947 to June 1948.

In addition to being Past Master of Centennial Lodge No. 25, he was a member of Royal Arch Masons,
an Honorary 33rd Degree of Scottish Rite; Nile Temple of the Shrine; Red Cross of Constantine; Everett
Chapter, No. 22, O.E.S.; Honorary member of the National Sojourners, and an Honorary member in many
Masonic Lodges in Alaska and Washington.

His business ability and wisdom being duly noted and properly evaluated, he was appointed a member of
the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home, serving in that position from June 1948 until June of 1954
when he was elected by an overwhelming majority to the office of Junior Grand Warden. He would
regularly advance each year, being elected Grand Master in June 1957.

In the office of Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Higgins displayed boundless interest and

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