Page 195 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John M. Roberts: 1932-1933

John Mechin Roberts was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on
February 28, 1877. Four years later the family home was shifted
to Tacoma, Washington, where he lived for 77 years.

He was educated in the Public Schools of Tacoma, and his ability
with figures soon led him to a position of responsibility in thee
accountant's office of the Northern Pacific Railway plant in South
Tacoma, where he stayed for twelve years.

His desire for rendering service prompted him to seek Masonic
Light in Clover Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Tacoma, and he
was Initiated an Entered Apprentice November 20th, 1899,
Passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft December 18th, 1899, and
Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason January 29th,
1900.

On September 22nd, 1903, he was happily married to Ida Thedora Solwold, and the home was blessed
with a splendid family of three boys and one daughter to form a loving and happy circle.

Many fraternities have been benefited by having him as a member, but after an apprenticeship in Clover
Lodge, No. 91, he was elected to serve as its Worshipful Master for the year 1912, and thereby also became
a member of the Grand Lodge. His ability was soon recognized, and during the years 1916, 1917, 1918,
and 1921 to 1928, inclusive, he was appointed to and served assiduously on the Finance Committee of
this Grand Body. In June, 1929, he was elected to the office of Junior Grand Warden, and was advanced
in successive sessions to the exalted leadership as Grand Master in June, 1932.

It is well to remember that this was a time of The Great Depression. The Grand Lodge severely curtailed
the funds of the Grand Master and his office. Brother Roberts was very reluctant to assume the office both
from the standpoint of time and finances. With the will of the Craft foremost in his heart & mind, without
complaint or confiding in anyone, at great personal sacrifice he fully performed all the duties of the office.
In addition to his financial acumen, his legacy to our Grand Lodge was his recommendation of the system
of District Deputies of the Grand Master be reestablished – a system that has benefited Washington
brethren.

He is an appreciated member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, having accepted the 32nd degree June 18th,
1920; of Keystone Chapter No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; Tacoma Council, No. 1, Royal and Select Masters;

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