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GEORGE FRANKLIN WESTOVER 1901-1979

Grand Master of South Dakota, 1961-1962

BIOGRAPHY

From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 194:

"Boss" Westover, as he is affectionately known, was born at Blunt, South Dakota, November 9, 1901. After completing the eighth grade in Blunt, he graduated from high school in Pierre. He then attended Northern State Teachers College at Aberdeen.

On August 4, 1928, he was married to Alta May March. They have three children, two daughters and one son. He has been a very active member of the Methodist Church over the years.

After engaging in several work endeavors, he became a part owner of Merrill-Schaaf Lumber Company in Pierre. He is now retired and lives near Rapid City.

He was made a Mason in Pierre Lodge No. 27, Pierre, South Dakota on October 11, 1926. He was exalted in Pierre Chapter No. 22, Royal Arch Masons. He is the recipient of the first General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Award presented in South Dakota. He was Knighted in Capital City Commandery No. 21 and served as Grand Commander m 1947. He is a member of Temple Council No. 7, in Pierre. He belongs to Oriental Con­sistory No. 1, Yankton, Yelduz Shrine in Aberdeen, and Capital City Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Brother Westover has been very active in York Rite Masonry where he has received many honors.

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1962

The eighty-eighth Annual Communication was opened in due form by Grand Master Westover and his corps of Officers at Yankton in 1962. The following report was made by the Board of Trustees and approved by the Grand Lodge:

It has been the custom in the past to allow full time employees of the Grand Lodge, including the Grand Secretary and other personnel in the Grand Lodge office, to divide their time between the Masonic orders and by reason thereof the full benefit of the work of such of­ficers and employees has not been used in promoting and building our lodges; now, therefore, We declare it is the policy of the Grand Lodge, A.F. and A.M. of South Dakota, that the Grand Secretary, his assistant, and all permanent full-time employees of the Grand Lodge shall devote their full time to the business affairs, programs, and promotions of Masonry in the constituent lodges of the Grand Lodge, A.F. and A.M. of South Dakota.

In accordance with the wishes of the Grand Lodge and under the direction of the Grand Master, the Board of General Activities had solicited the lodges for contributions to the Elvin F. Strain Foreign Travel Fund. !he use of the Fund was restricted to foreign travel but as Brother Strain would probably_not be able to travel due to illness, it was decided to turn the Fund over to him. The Board reported a total of $1,753.50 in the Fund.

Masonic Temples had been deicated at Bridgewater, Irene and Isabel. Whitewood Lodge No. 144 found it could not continue as a lodge and had voted to give up its charter.

Past Grand Master John S. Rowe, assistant Grand Secretary, was elected Grand Secretary and Brother Elvin Strain was elected Grand Secretary Emeritus.

A move looking toward the establishment of a Masonic home in Aberdeen was presented by Past Grand Master George D. Wells. Brother V. W. Burke of Aberdeen had made a generous offer of land and cash for the project. After discussion the incoming Grand Master was asked to appoint a committee to study the offer and report at the next Annual Communication.

Grand Masters of South Dakota