Page 214 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John Gifford: 1921-1922

Born on March 8, 1857, in the then frontier state of
Wisconsin, Most Worshipful John Gifford grew to
manhood, surrounded by all those elements that build
courage, honesty and virtue.
Along with his wife, Edith, he crossed the plains in a
covered wagon to Walla Walla. For several years they
farmed in different places in Eastern Washington—later he
engaged in the grocery business in Spokane and at one time
was President of the Grocers' Association of Spokane. He
served as probation officer and purchasing agent for the
city of Spokane for a number of years. In 1920 he was
elected County Clerk of Spokane County, was re-elected in
1922 and was serving in that capacity when God took him.

Brother Gifford was initiated as an Entered Apprentice
Mason in Spokane Lodge No. 34, on June 20, 1899; passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason on
August 1st of the same year; and two weeks later was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

From the outset, the principles and teachings of Masonry made a deep impression upon him and inspired
in him that zeal to spread its light which intensified as the years passed by. He very quickly became
identified with the work of the Lodge, passed through the various offices and was elected its Worshipful
Master, serving in that capacity during the year 1906.

His zeal, earnestness and service in the Lodge of his membership attracted the attention of the Grand
Lodge of Washington and those same qualities made certain his advancement in that organization. He was
appointed Deputy Grand Lecturer by Grand Master David S. Prescott in June 1911, serving in that capacity
until June 1914, when he was appointed Grand Lecturer by Grand Master William J. Sutton, serving as
such until June 1917.
In all probability, his greatest service to Masonry was rendered in this work, in the course of which he
visited the constituent Lodges of the state, instructing the officers in their work, interpreting the ritual and
inculcating the teachings of Masonry in his kindly, gentle way. Through this work, he knew as many men
in the State of Washington, probably, as any other man, and he had no enemies among them all. He strove
constantly for a purpose, and that purpose was spreading the principles and ideals of Masonry.

He was elected Junior Grand Warden in June 1918, and in due course of succession, was elected Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in June 1921.During his term as Grand Master, he laid the
cornerstone of the Masonic Temple of North Hill Lodge No. 210, of Spokane; of the Masonic Hall of
Hiram Lodge No. 21, of Colfax; of the Masonic Temple of Port Angeles Lodge No. 69, at Port Angeles;

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