Page 160 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Henry C. Heal: 1949-1950

Most Worshipful Brother Henry (Harry) Charles Heal was born on April
16, 1880, in Fareham, Hampshire County, England. His formal education,
although somewhat limited, included business training, and he was
employed in various capacities by several business establishments. In
1901, at the age of 21, he journeyed to Red Bluff, California, where he
was employed in a dry goods store owned by an uncle. Not liking the
climate of California, at the suggestion of his mother, he ventured north,
and while visiting another uncle in Seattle, accepted a position in the Fair
Department Store in Bellingham. He worked first as a clerk, then in the
office and bookkeeping departments, subsequently becoming Secretary-
Treasurer of the business.

He would attract the attention of Mr. E. W. Purdy, President of the First National Bank, who in 1907
offered him a position. Feeling that the banking field offered greater opportunities for advancement, he
accepted, working first as Collection Teller, then advancing through different positions to Cashier, Trust
Officer, and Director. When this bank became part of the Seattle-First National system in 1939, he became
Vice-President, Manager and Trust Officer of the Bellingham Branch, a position that he held until his
retirement at the end of 1948. He served continuously in the bank for over forty-one years.

In civic activities, Most Worshipful Brother Heal was Treasurer of the American Red Cross, Whatcom
County Chapter, from 1920 to 1947, when he was made an honorary member of the Board, and an
honorary member of the American Red Cross, in recognition of his years of faithful service a Trustee and
Treasurer of St. Luke's General Hospital, Bellingham, for thirty years Chairman of the Whatcom County
War Finance Committee, directing every War Bond Drive during World War II. Member of Bellingham
Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1945-1946. For one term a Director of the National Credit
Men's Association. A member and officer of several clubs, the Hobby Club, the Twentieth Century, and
the Bellingham Civic Music Association. A long-time member of the Bellingham Rotary Club, and in
1933, its President. He served as Governor of District 151 of this organization in 1952. A life member of
the Bellingham Elks Lodge, serving as Treasurer for a number of years.

Throughout his residence in Bellingham, Most Worshipful Brother Heal was a member of St. Paul's
Episcopal Church, serving as church treasurer, vestryman, Junior Warden and Senior Warden,
respectively. He was a lay reader of that denomination.

He was an acknowledged authority on ancient, modern, and religious history; a gifted artist in pastels,
oils, and water colors, and an accomplished musician.
His Masonic record was almost as long as his record of public service. He was initiated, passed, and raised
in Whatcom Lodge No. 151, in 1908. He served one year as Lodge Secretary and was then elected Junior

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