Page 156 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Harold N. Nelsen: 1951-1952

Most Worshipful Brother Harold N. Nelsen was born in Prentice,
Wisconsin, on October 14, 1898. He graduated from Prentice High
School, and entered the military service in 1918. His education was
continued at the University of Wisconsin upon the completion of his
military service in World War I. His first employment was with the
Bank of Prentice, attaining the position of Assistant Cashier.

In 1922, he followed Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West young man,
go West," and arrived in Prosser in 1923 where he established the H
N Nelsen Insurance Company, a firm which was known for its
advertising slogan: "Suppose you have a fire tonight?" He built two
major buildings in downtown Prosser, and spearheaded a drive for a
new bank in Prosser. Whether it was for a hospital, a swimming pool,
a Methodist Church School building, a sylvan stage in the park, a new
Northern Pacific depot, or $70,000.00 for a new industry — Most Worshipful Brother Nelsen was calling
the signals. No wonder he had received the distinction of being awarded the Chamber of Commerce's
Outstanding Citizen Award.

His Masonic career was no less eventful than his life of public service. He was elected to Masonic
membership in Phillips Lodge No. 225 in Phillips, Wisconsin, in October of 1922. The degrees were
conferred in Seattle by Ionic Lodge No. 90; the First on March 14, 1923; the Second on April 11, 1923;
and the Third on May 11, 1923. In 1924 he dimitted from Ionic Lodge to Euclid Lodge No. 125, being
elected Junior Warden in December of that year. He served Euclid Lodge as Worshipful Master for two
terms, 1927 and 1928. From 1930 to 1943 he continued his service in Euclid Lodge as Secretary. In 1934
he was among the first appointed to the newly created position of Deputy of the Grand Master. He was
appointed to the Masonic Home Board in June of 1946, by Grand Master Gus H. Schultz and served two
years. In June 1948, he was elected Junior Grand Warden, advancing to the office of Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge in 1951.

As Grand Master he was particularly proud of the fact that during his year there was developed a list of
well over a hundred names of Brother Masons who had signified their willingness to accept speaking
engagements from any Lodge without cost except for travel expenses. It was his belief that if the Lodges
used the services of these brethren that the membership would improve themselves in Masonry and the
Lodges would thereby be greatly benefited.

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