Page 98 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Toby Johnsen: 1979-1980

Most Worshipful Brother Toby Johnsen was born May 5, 1920
in Trondheim, Norway. During his years in Norway he held
responsible positions in the Young Peoples' Political
Association and the Boy Scouts of Norway. He was one of
Norway's outstanding sportsmen in both summer and winter
sports often representing his country in competition. He
attended Oslo Marine Engineering College where he received
his degree in Marine Engineering.

During World War II he was in the Intelligence Division of
the Norwegian Air Force. He served his country faithfully and
worked diligently for the freedom of Norway. In 1943 he
would make his way to the United States and served in the
Merchant Marine until 1946 and, again, during the Korean
War.

In Seattle he met Miss Betty Jane Thomas, it was fate and true
love as they married in Seattle September 26. 1952 as this union lasted the rest of his earthly life. Betty's
mother, Mrs. Carrie M. Thomas, had strong Masonic ties through her family in Pennsylvania. In particular,
Chauncey M. Depew, an orator and Speaker of the United States Congress for many years, and a dedicated
Mason. She believed strongly in the Masonic Fraternity and was one of the influences in Toby becoming
a Mason.

Brother Johnsen received the Degrees of Masonry in Occidental Lodge No. 72 in Ballard, being raised to
the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 24, 1958, serving as Master of his lodge in 1963. In 1974
he affiliated as a Dual Member in Warren G. Harding Lodge No. 260 Poulsbo. He held numerous
appointments in Grand Lodge: Grand Marshal in 1967-1968 and again in 1973-1974; Senior Grand
Deacon in 1968-1969; Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 4 from 1970-1972; Chairman of the
Committee on Masonic Research and Education 1974-1975, and as a member of the Committee on
DeMolay in 1975-1976. In June, 1976, Brother Johnsen was elected Junior Grand Warden in Seattle. He
would advance to the Oriental Chair in June 1979.

In his Grand Master’s address to Grand Lodge in June of 1980 he said in part: “You have heard me speak
many times about the beauty and sincerity of this great country. It has been a land of dreams and hope for
many millions of immigrants, of whom I was one. I came to the United States from Norway as a young
man, speaking with an Irish and Scottish brogue, who had lost everything I loved and cherished because
of the brutality of war. I, too, was filled with dreams and aspirations which were fulfilled in 1948 when I
became an American citizen. Only in this great country of the United States can a dream become a reality.
You wonder why so many people would love to come to America? Only here can a dream and a reality

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