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FRED H. RUGG 1856-1941

Grand Master of South Dakota, 1917-1918

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BIOGRAPHY

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

Fred H. Rugg was born June 2, 1856, at Sullivan New Hampshire. His education through advanced high schoo1 was obtained in the schools of Claremont, New Hampshire.

He lived for eight years m Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, where he was employed in a bank. In 1891 he moved with his family to Rapid City, South Dakota, where he engaged in the lumber and coal business. After a few years he moved to Pierre where he became active in the insurance business.

He was married February 15, 1882, to Miss Susan W. Perkins. They had two children. . He was a member of Rapid City Lodge No. 25, having been raised on November 23, 1893. He was a member of the York Rite Chapter, Council, and Commandery. He belonged to the Shrine and the Scottish Rite at Deadwood.

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1918

Immediately upon the assembling of the Grand Lodge, the American Flag was brought in by the Grand Stewards, accompanied by the flags of the Allies borne by Past Grand Masters. The flags were saluted, the members stood and united in singing one stanza of America, and then the flags were placed in the Grand East at the post of honor. This was the opening of the forty-fourth Annual Communication held at Aberdeen in 1918 and presided over by Grand Master Fred H. Rugg.

There was an air of deep national concern hanging heavy over the Meeting as Fred A. Riedek, Worshipful Master of the host lodge, indicated in his address of welcome. "On account of the great war in which our nation is engaged, many of the social features have been eliminated from our program, as this appears to be no time for great merry-making. Aberdeen Lodge No. 38 had in its country's service about seventy-five members, and we know that every lodge in the state has furnished some members who are possibly now making the supreme sacrifice for their country. We feel that money usually expended for pleasure and entertainment should at this time be used for the purpose of bringing comfort to our boys 'over there'."

The Grand Secretary, George A. Pettigrew, reported, "I take pleasure in saying that the past year has been one of the most successful in point of gain in membership since the organization of the Grand Lodge." The records showed a membership of 12,908 in 147 chartered lodges with a net gain for the year of 682 new members.

A dispensation had been issued for a new lodge at Ree Heights, a new Masonic Temple had been dedicated at Kadoka, and lodges had been constituted at Bruce, Viborg, Midland, and McLaughlin. Due to a fire, a duplicate charter was issued to Radium Lodge No. 137 at Oldham.

A telegram was receive from Herbert C. Hoover, Acting Food Administrator, asking the members of the Grand Lodge to "tighten their belts" so as to conserve on wheat, meat, sugar, and other essential food stuffs.

The Grand Trustees made a report on the case of a needy brother and upon motion they were authorized to furnish permanent relief.

The Committee on Obituary reported the loss of 141 members during the year. In this group was Past Grand Master Samuel A. Brown, for many years Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence.

George A. Pettigrew was elected Grand Master and Charles L. Brockway Grand Secretary.

LODGES

• Oakwood #182 (06/03/1917)
• Midland #183 (06/13/1917)
• Emounah #184 (06/13/1917)
• McLaughlin #185 (06/13/1917)

Grand Masters of South Dakota