Page 193 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John I. Preissner: 1933-1934

Most Worshipful John I. Preissner was born in Bloomfield,
Wisconsin on June 28, 1887. He came with his parents to
Snohomish County in 1898, where he attended and graduated
from high school. He then entered Washington State College
and graduated in 1912 with a degree in Mining Engineering.

After graduation he followed his profession in the mines of
Idaho until 1914. The following nine years he was engaged in
his profession in British Columbia, making a distinct success
in his chosen work. In December 1923, the family came to
Yakima, where he left his profession and went into partnership
with Frank Stubbs in the Stubbs Fruit & Storage Company of
Yakima.

Our good Brother was made a Master Mason in Mt. Adams
Lodge No. 227, in 1925. Recognizing his worth, his brethren
made him Junior Deacon in 1926. Moving rapidly forward, he
served as Worshipful Master in 1928. In June 1930, he was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden
by our Grand Lodge, serving the successive chairs in successive years and being elected as Most
Worshipful Grand Master in June 1933.
In October 1944 following the passing of the Grand Secretary M⸫W⸫ Horace W Tyler, then Grand Master
Ford Q Elvidge called upon our Most Worshipful Brother to accept the vacated office. In his necrology
M⸫W⸫ Brother Elvidge said this of M⸫W⸫ Brother Preissner:

“Of all the things I did or did not do during my term as Grand Master, that which gave me the most pride
and satisfaction was my appointment of Brother Preissner as Grand Secretary. He dedicated himself to his
task. Twice he refused to accept increases in salary. His work was exemplary and his service was without
criticism. By reason of his experience and background, and his tenderness, kindness and patience, he
endeared himself to all Secretaries in the Jurisdiction, as well as to the brethren generally. When he retired
in 1960, he was elected Grand Secretary Emeritus.”

Following his tenure as Grand Secretary, our Most Worshipful Brother was appointed to serve on the
Finance Committee.

Beyond the Blue Lodge, M⸫W⸫ Brother Preisner was a Past Worthy Grand Patron of the Eastern Star.
He was a 33° Inspector General, Honorary, of the Yakima Bodies of the Scottish Rite, Southern
Jurisdiction of America. He was a member of all of the York Rite Bodies in Yakima, a Past Sovereign of
St. Alban Chapter of the Red Cross of Constantine, a member of the Royal Order of Scotland and a Noble
of Afifi Temple of the Shrine of North America. He received international recognition by being elected

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