Page 247 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Henry L. Kennan: 1901-1902

Most Worshipful Brother Henry Laurens Kennan received his
summons to the Supreme Grand Lodge Above on September
17, 1928, at the age of seventy-six, after a life of faithful
service, not only to this Grand Lodge but also to his community
and his country. Born at Norwalk, Ohio, on April 11, 1852, he
received his education in Western Reserve University, at
Cleveland, Ohio, and immediately took up the study of law, in
which profession he proved himself an adept. At the early age
of thirty he was elevated to the position of Probate Judge, and
served in that capacity until 1891 when he came west and was
soon recognized as eminently fitted for the position of Judge of
the Superior Court of the State of Washington in and for
Spokane County, which post he held until his hearing failed and
he retired in 1917.

Brother Kennan received his first three degrees in Masonry in
1884 in Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 64, of Ohio, later becoming a member of Spokane Lodge, No. 34,
Spokane, Washington, in which affiliation he remained until his death.

He was appointed Senior Grand Deacon of this Grand Lodge in 1897; became Junior Grand Warden in
1898; Senior Grand Warden in 1899; Deputy Grand Master in 1900; and was elected Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Washington in 1901. His long experience as a judge of the civil courts of the land enabled
him to steer clear of the many pitfalls arising in the administration of the law, and to set forth clearly those
Masonic ideals which should govern the Grand Lodge in its deliberations. He also found a place on the
Jurisprudence Committee of the Grand Lodge, which position he held up to the time of his death.

He was also a Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., having served in that capacity in
1914-15; and was its Grand Secretary from 1921 until he passed the portals of immortal life last year.
In the Order of High Priesthood, he served as Grand Chaplain from 1903 to 1922, when he was elected
Grand Recorder.

An honored member of the Grand Council, he became its Grand Master in 1895, and afterward was elected
its Grand Treasurer, which position he held to the last.

Brother Kennan became a Knight Templar in 1884, passed the chairs and was elected Grand Commander
of the Grand Commandery of Washington in 1912, and in 1921 was appointed to fill Brother Yancey C.
Blalock's position as Grand Recorder, which position he held until his death.
He received the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1910 in Oriental Consistory, No. 2,

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