Page 200 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Arthur W. Davis: 1929-1930

Most Worshipful Brother Arthur William Davis was born in Maynard,
Iowa on November 16, 1873, and received his education in the Public
School and at Upper Iowa University at Fayette, receiving a Bachelor
of Science Degree in 1893.
He taught school for several years and later became Superintendent of
Schools at Pocahontas, Iowa. It was during these years that he became
interested in law. He studied at night and later enrolled at the
University of Iowa, from which he graduated, and was admitted to the
bar.

Along with his brother, Walter, a law partnership was formed though
dissolved several years later when he and another brother, Irving,
formed a partnership, which was the nucleus of the later firm of Davis,
Heil & Davis.

He was a prominent member of his profession, having been a member
of the State Bar of Law Examiners, and for many years was a member of the Uniform Law Commission,
having taken an active part in the deliberations of the American Bar Association.

He sought and was brought to Masonic Light in Symbol Lodge, No. 432, in Fonda, Iowa, receiving the
Sublime Degree on November 18, 1896, and served as Worshipful Master 1903-1904. He affiliated with
Spokane Lodge, No. 34, in 1906, and was its Worshipful Master in 1925.

Always deeply interested in Masonic Research and Education, he reasoned that the way to develop an
interest in the Study of the History, Philosophy and Symbolism of Masonry was to develop the talent
within the Lodge itself, rather than by inviting in outside speakers. He instituted such a program in his
own Lodge and during his year as Master, every officer – elected and appointed – delivered a talk on some
Masonic subject. This practice continued for seventeen years.
He first became identified with Grand Lodge in 1915, and attended nearly every Annual Communication.
In 1924 he was appointed Grand Orator by Most Worshipful Brother Robert McCroskey, and at the 1925
Communication delivered an oration which received favorable comment from many Grand Jurisdictions.

He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1926 and by successive steps became Grand Master of Masons
in Washington in 1929. During his year as Grand Master he sponsored a program of self-education, similar
to that which was carried out in his own Lodge. He also systematized the work of the Masonic Home
Committee, arousing a greater interest in the practical application of Masonic Truths.

At the time of his death he was Foreign Correspondent of this Grand Jurisdiction. Our Most Worshipful
Brother Davis was active in other endeavors. As a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, he

P a ge | 199