Page 233 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ William R. Baker: 1909-1910

M⸫W⸫ Brother Baker was born in Hastings, Minnesota, on
August 20, 1876. In 1887 he moved with his parents to St.
Paul, Minnesota, completing his education in St. Paul High
School. In 1895 he moved to San Jose, California, and
worked in the fruit raising business.

In 1897 he moved to Colville, Washington, where he resided
the remainder of his life. He was married in 1902 to Miss
Selma L. Cranney, daughter of Thomas Cranney who was
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington in
1874. Together they raised a family consisting of two sons.
He was involved in the mercantile business for twelve years
and served as the town’s postmaster from 1900 to 1909. On
January 1, 1909, he sold his mercantile business and entered
the banking business in the capacity of cashier.

Brother Baker was made a Master Mason in Colville Lodge No. 50, in 1898 and served as Master of his
Lodge in 1901. His first appointment in Grand Lodge was in June of 1901 where he was appointed
chairman of the Committee on Representative Expenses. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1906
and followed the line to Grand Master in 1909.

He was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Colville Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M., and served his
Chapter as High Priest; was a Past Patron of Colville Chapter, No. 57, O. E. S. and Past Grand Patron of
the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of Washington. He also was a Knight Templar, a 32 Degree member of the
nd
Scottish Rite and a member of El Katif Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Spokane, Washington.

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