Page 154 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Lemuel W. Sims: 1953-1953

Most Worshipful Brother Lemuel (Lem) Ward Sims was born near
Fletchers, Alabama on October 18, 1895. His southern origin was
reflected in his gracious manner and his love for Southern stories.
After attending grade and high school, he enlisted in the United
States Navy, serving from 1916 to 1920, taking special courses in
ordnance, gunnery, and torpedoes at the submarine base in New
London, Connecticut. Later he was assigned to USS 0-11, prior to
his honorable discharge on January 13, 1920.

He then came to Seattle because he felt that the Northwest afforded
greater opportunity than did his native Alabama. He was first
employed as night foreman and substation operator with the Rainier
Valley Street Car System, advancing to the position of electrical
inspector and automatic controllers' maintenance. He took
advanced courses in electricity and electrical metering. In 1924 he joined Seattle City Light, serving there
in various capacities until his retirement November 1, 1960, after 36 years of service.

His deep interest in Masonry began when he was raised in Green Lake Lodge No. 149 on May 28, 1927.
He served Green Lake as Worshipful Master in 1941, filling various places and stations following his
appointment as Marshal. Since completing his term as Worshipful Master, he has continuously served the
Grand Lodge, with honor and distinction. For three terms he was Deputy of the Grand Master, June 1942
– June 1945. He was a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Grievance and Appeals in 1945- 46;
Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Research and Education, 1946-47 and Grand Lecturer for two
terms, 1947-48 and 1948-49.

Ever a deep student with particular interest in the esoteric work he rendered the Fraternity an outstanding
service as Grand Lecturer by segregating and compiling the rituialistic work which was condensed into
three books, as authorized by the code. This stupendous task was undertaken under Grand Master Stewart
E. Perry. He compiled and corrected a master copy of the esoteric formula under the direction of Grand
Master Delos A. Shiner the following year. The latter work became a permanent record in the Grand
Lodge archives, a tribute to the industry and assiduity of Most Worshipful Brother Sims, whose knowledge
of Masonic history and background is based on extended study and research. His work "Masonic
Courtesies" filled a long felt want and was a text book for officers who aspired to the East, giving them
wise counsel on Lodge procedure and the duties and responsibilities of those filling the places and stations.

His outstanding record in Masonic circles brought him into the limelight at Grand Lodge. Consequently

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