GMAJenkins

From MasonicGenealogy
Jump to: navigation, search

ANDREW G. JENKINS 1891-1977

AndrewJenkins1977.jpg

Deputy Grand Master, 1956
Grand Master, 1957-1959


TERM

1957 1958 1959

NOTES

MEMORIAL

PROCEEDINGS, 1977

From Proceedings, Page 1977-193:

"Most Worshipful Andrew Grey Jenkins was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on May 4, 1891, the son of John Erving and Jeanne (Wilson) Jenkins. Educated in the Lowell schools, he was obliged to go to work early because.of the death of his father. His Scotch Irish ancestry endowed him with a capacity and desire for work. First as a druggist, then in textile manufacturing, he forged ahead steadily. Having already established himself as a Carnation Growing Specialist, he retired from manufacturing at an early age, and devoted himself to the carnation enterprise and to those manifold civic and brotherly deeds which so endeared him to all who knew him.

"In 1917 he married Lillian Estabrook, who predeceased him in August of this year. In that same year, Brother Jenkins was commissioned an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army at Plattsburg, New York and sailed for combat duty in France. During his overseas service he was severely gassed in the front line trenches and was hospitalized for a long time. For the rest of his life his health was seriously affected by conditions resulting from this experience.

"Brother Jenkins was raised in William North Lodge of Lowell on February 11, 1914 and served the Lodge as Master in 1934 and 1935. In 1947, he was appointed a Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge and in 1953 and 1954 he served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Lowell 12th Masonic District. In 1956, Brother Jenkins was appointed Deputy Grand Master and in 1957 he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. Brother Jenkins received the degrees in the Lodge of Perfection, Princes of Jerusalem, the Rose Croix and Consistory in New York in 1917, but upon his return from France he affiliated with the Scottish Rite Bodies in Lowell and Boston. From 1944 to 1946, he was Most Wise Master of Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix in Lowell and on September 24, 1974 he was created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33", Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, A.A.S.R.

"Brother Jenkins was a member of Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter, Ahesuerus Council and Pilgrim Commandery No. 9 of Lowell. In 1932, he was elected Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery No.9. In addition to membership in Aleppo Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., and Massachusetts College Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatus, he was knighted in Bay State Conclave, Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, on September 10, 1954 which he served as Puissant Sovereign in 1963 and 1964.

"Besides being an active Mason he was an active civic worker. As a member of the Highland Congregational Church in Lowell, he served as Chairman of the Finance Board and the Board of Trustees. He was the Chairman of the Finance Board of the Horne Home for the Aged, Trustee of the Merrimack River Savings Bank and Vice President of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell.

"Most Worshipful Brother Jenkins was relieved from his worldly duties on September 4, 1977 at Lowell. Memorial services were held at Christ Church United on September 8, 1977 which were attended by his many friends and Masonic associates. He is survived by two daughters with whom we share the loss of their father and our esteemed friend and brother.

Respectfully submitted,
Whitfield W. Johnson
W. Terence Stephens
Peter C. Picken
Committee

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, 1978

From CoD Proceedings 1978, p. 28:

Ill. Andrew Gray Jenkins, 33°
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 4, 1891
Died in Lowell, Massachusetts, September 4, 1977

Ill. Andrew Gray Jenkins was the son of John E. and Jeanne Wilson Jenkins and had been a life-long resident of Lowell until establishing his residence in North Tewksbury a year ago.

He was educated in the Lowell Public Schools until obliged to go to work at an early age due to the death of his father. His Scotch­Irish ancestry endowed him with a tremendous capacity for work; first as a druggist, then as an executive of the Newmarket Mfg. Company. He was also co-owner of Patten & Co., Carnation Special­ists in Tewksbury for many years. During World War I he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry at Plattsburg, N.Y. He served in combat in France where he was severely gassed and hospitalized for a long period. His indomitable determination and intestinal fortitude brought him through several physical residuals of that period.

On January 16, 1918 he married the former Lillian Estabrook who pre-deceased him by two weeks on August 17, 1977. They had two daughters Julia and Ruth, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for the Centralville Methodist Church, was a member of the finance committee and Board of Trustees of the Highland Congregational Church until that Church merged with Christ Church United a few years ago.

Active in Civic affairs most of his life, he was co-chairman of the Bicentennial Committee for the City of Lowell and served on many local boards including the Y.M.C.A. and the Horn Home for the Aged.

Widely known in banking circles he was Vice-President of the Board of Directors and member of the Investment Board of the First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Lowell for over fifty years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Merrimack River Savings Bank and the Lowell 5¢ Savings Bank.

His Masonic activities began on December 10, 1913 with his initiation into William North Lodge of Lowell, raised on February 11, 1914 and became Master of his Lodge in 1934 serving a two-year term. In 1947 he was Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge; served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1953 and 1954, and Deputy Grand Master in 1956. In 1957 he was installed as Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was re-elected in 1958 and 1959.

In the Capitular Rite he held membership in Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter, Ahasuerus Council and in Pilgrim Commandery #9, serving as Commander in 1932.

In Scottish Rite he received the degrees in the Lodge of Perfec­tion, Princes of Jerusalem, Mt. Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix and the Consistory in the New York jurisdiction in 1917 during his Army days at Plattsburg. Upon his return from France he affiliated with the Lowell and Boston Scottish Rite bodies. He was Most Wise Master of Mt. Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix from 1944 to 1946, created a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33° Honorary Member of the Supreme Council Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite on September 24, 1947.

Bro:. Jenkins held membership in the Red Cross of Constantine, Bay State Conclave #29, Massachusetts College Societas Rosicrucians in Civitatibus Foederatis, DeMolay Legion of Honor - honorary. At the time of his death he was serving on the Masonic Education and Charity Trust.

A Past President of the Lowell Masonic Association, he was a member of Vesper Country Club and the Yorick Club. An avid sportsman he was an accomplished mountain climber, golfer, fisher­man and hunter. He was one of the first person to go via the Atlantic Ocean from the Cape Cod Canal to Bar Harbor, Maine by canoe.

The Fraternity has lost a stalwart leader who stood for traditional truths and the teachings of the various Fraternal orders. We mourn his loss but cherish the memory of his virtues and the many years of service to the Fraternity he so loved. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, September 8, 1977 at Christ Church United in Lowell. Burial was private.

SPEECHES

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1955

From Proceedings, Page 1955-394:

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished Guests and Brethren:

Previous attendance at these Feasts have been happy occasions. They have been inspiring, both for the wealth of wisdom dispensed and for the evident ease of the speakers who knew what to say and how to say it. Never did even a dream of finding myself on this side of the table occur to me, and if it had, I would have realized my own inadequacy in attempting to serve you, my good friends, in this exalted position.

My debt to Masonry is a heavy one. Even though I am fully familiar with the old adage that you don't get more out of anything than you put into it, I feel I'm the exception that proves the rule. My gifts to Masonry seem so insignificant compared to the rich rewards that are mine that my feelings are those of bewilderment.

Yesterday the sincere efforts of many exceptional men have combined to make this great institution which today is entrusted to our care. We are to carefully preserve it, to guard and cherish it that tomorrow we may pass it on to those who follow. It has been bequeathed to us in health and vigor. We must not fail those to whom we in turn shall pass the torch of Masonic truth.

It would please me better to be seen and not heard. As Masonic experience can be achieved only by active participation, both you and I have an active part to play. We form friendships by being a friend. In this respect, too, we reap as we sow. I deem it important that we search for the best in others and in return, give them our best. If we truly live our Masonic way of life each day, we help to make this world better than we found it.

This high honor flatters and sobers me at the same time. I deeply appreciate the confidence that it indicates. I hope and pray that I may do my part to your satisfaction. I assure you, Most Worshipful Sir, that I shall apply myself to the high standards you exemplify and shall endeavor in every way to live up to your ideals. (Applause)

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1957

From Proceedings, Page 1957-265:

Looking Forward

At this same occasion a year ago, I spoke for a few minutes about some of the many phases of social progress that have taken place within the large number of areas where improvements in attitudes and in dealings of man to man are so important, if the brotherhood of man is to become an actuality and not just a slogan. I tried to enumerate some of the more conspicuous items, because we hear so often that we do not make progress in social relations. Even within this one year there has been more progress. Since then I believe that we may observe improvement if we are willing to consider conditions as they really are, rather than retain preconceived ideas so often in error. To some it may be a controversial matter. If we as Masons who are dedicated to work for such improvement are unable to see progress, we do condemn ourselves for having failed in our grand mission of spreading a "philosophy of living" to hungry humanity about us: hungry in the sense that men are eager for peace, for freedom from the depressing burdens of military strength, from the distrust of others; and hungry for cordial, open, friendly relations with all men.

These thoughts lead me to the discussion of an inborn characteristic in all men: looking forward. At every age, in every clime, men are continually looking forward. In the normal optimism of humanity, this forward look is anticipating something better than that now enjoyed. While we may momentarily foresee a difficult experience, as I did in preparing my remarks for this occasion, as all may do in those trying days when some important decision must be made, a knotty problem must be dealt with, an unpleasant personality clash must be faced, and so on indefinitely in the usual trials and disappointments which are a part of every life, we still look forward to something better, perhaps tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or some future tomorrow when the adverse factors in control of the situation today have been changed.

Childhood looks forward to Youth, Youth looks forward to Maturity, and so on throughout life. The younger a person is, the brighter tomorrow looks. In middle life we begin to realize that many of our hopes are dreams and that we shall never attain some of those goals that have been so enticing. But even in old age, if we have honestly done our best to follow Christian teachings, we have the grand prospect still ahead — a better tomorrow in a happier hereafter.

"Hope springs eternal in the human breast"; "while there is life there is hope"; are merely quotations depicting the universality of looking forward. Even the condemned criminal who has been sentenced to death expects a reprieve even up to the last minute. Men trapped in sunken submarines, blocked in a mine deep in the earth after an explosion, critically injured in an accident or almost hopelessly sick with disease "hope against hope" for that better tomorrow.

We look forward to many different things: graduation from school, to the next position in line at work, in the Lodge, or elsewhere, our next vacation, pay-day, a wedding, a party, or an extra hour of sleep next Sunday. Very often anticipation provides greater enjoyment than the event itself.

In many of the things we look forward to we must prepare for the improvement ourselves. To purchase a new car we must earn the money with which to pay for it; to receive a degree we must pass examinations; to join an organization we must have made good on our present position. Wishful thinking is so often only idle dreaming, but determined effort, wisely expended, is usually fruitful.

All of this is not intended to be idle gossip or filling in of time, because the speakers on whom I shall call are all able men, qualified to bring you interesting and inspiring information. I am just leading up to the thought I wish to express and to emphasize. This Masonic Fraternity, like an individual, must look forward, must recognize that conditions change, that goals are reached and new perspectives require new thinking, new effort, and intelligent labor. To follow blindly in the old ways when newer methods have been adopted has made the tomorrow of many a strong industrial unit a nightmare and not a gala day.

Radio, television, the automobile, broader social opportunities and the noon-time service clubs are often accused of having robbed Masonry of its old appeal to men as an answer to their need for social contacts. These are but the greener looking grass across the street, the mirage that lures the lost straggler, or the wish on which dreams are built. We who have been privileged to enjoy the teachings of Masonry, who have been taught the precepts of this order, who have learned of Faith, Hope and Charity, and the virtues of brotherhood, are obligated not to lose sight of the obligations that devolve upon us to spread and communicate light and instruction to those about us. Old as our beloved institution is, it looks forward to a tomorrow when its teachings and its philosophy shall be more widely spread among mankind and when the tenets of our profession shall induce men to live better and wiser lives. (Standing applause)

AT ANCON, CANAL ZONE, JANUARY 1958

From Proceedings, Page 1958-4:

If I followed my usual custom, I would at this time call upon the District Grand Master and the District Grand Wardens for their remarks. However, this time I prefer to take the time myself to talk to you a bit about how proud we in the Grand Lodge are of having these seven Lodges here on the Isthmus. We are proud of your accomplishments; we are proud of Right Worshipful George Peters Fullman, the work that he has done and the good will that he has built up here. I was interested in reading his report and the emphasis on the slight gain that was made. You are quite aware of the fact that we are not interested in numbers, but do not get the wrong impression. There is strength in numbers, and we are interested in seeing that we are getting ahead; but the principal thing we are interested in is not making more Masons, but making better Masons. For that purpose the Grand Lodge devoted a considerable amount of time each year to broadening the extent of our services such as relief, blood banks, education work, etc. The educational work, I think, is the most important and needs broadening more than anything else. Service is something that we would like to spend more time on if we had the money to do it. Perhaps some day we may be able to have an employment agency, but at the present time, it does not seem to be practical and can best be handled in the individual Lodges.

I would always like to have recommendations from the members on the Canal Zone as to what the Grand Lodge could do to help out the Lodges and Masonry here in the Zone.

I have enjoyed the ritual work tonight and understand that both of the Masters have been a bit nervous because of my presence. I don't know why they should feel like that as we are human too.

AT BALBOA, CANAL ZONE, JANUARY 1958

From Proceedings, Page 1958-7:

This is a very happy evening. 1 don't think any Grand Master can enjoy any closer relationship, friendship, and pleasure than 1 have received from the District Grand Lodge.

I think that we should be perhaps a little bit more positive in our thinking. In many of our Masonic talks we hear of tolerance; that we should be more tolerant of one another. In my mind, everybody should tolerate himself. The dictionary says that to tolerate means "To put up with, to endure, to simply go along with and not to oppose." Now that may be a good practice and I have no reason to cross words with the good old doctrine of toleration. We all know there is not now and never could be an organization more tolerant in our actions, in our thoughts, in our words, in our dealing with one another. We should never forget to be tolerant. But how easy it is for us to resort to the weak and spineless negative attitude when we should be taking a strong and definite formative attitude.

On several occasions since 1 have been here I have observed the attitude on tolerance. At the Church last Sunday I had the pleasure of listening to the Bishop deliver an address pertaining to and about Masonry, and the theme of his lesson and the lesson read by your District Grand Master was, in substance, toleration. In my mind we should have more of a definite brotherhood of mankind, a definite connection in the formation of charity, and not forget to be tolerant of one another's attitudes, their religion, or their thinking in any way, shape or form. If we are going to live up to our Masonic doctrines and our Masonic life, we should consider each and every one as a Brother. That is charity. It is the way of life that we should live with one another as Brothers, because we are the Sons of God. I think that is a very definite formative stand that is going to win this world from Communism or any other political situation that might happen during the time that brotherly love prevails, and nothing can take its place.

AT CRISTOBAL, CANAL ZONE, JANUARY 1958

From Proceedings, Page 1958-11:

As I have gone over this Canal Zone and the Panama area, the things I have seen here have more and more impressed on my mind the privilege of being a Mason. When I visited your Lodges last night in Balboa and again tonight, I saw so many men in the lodge-room, mostly of younger years. In most of our Lodges in the States our men are a little bit older. It has been explained to me that when men come to the age of retirement, they are moved out of the Canal Zone so that possibly two-thirds of the various Lodge members are not residing in the Canal Zone, but are living in the United States.

This impresses me with the importance of the privilege of being a Mason: the associations which you have with the leaders, and there are so many leaders in this community, in this Fraternity, with Christian gentlemen. In visiting the Church, the influence can be nothing else but uplifting. I notice the Pastor spoke about it last Sunday, that if it weren't for the Masons in the choir, it would be entirely a female choir.

So there is another advantage, the advantage of being with men of high moral and ethical standards. And tonight, meeting in a building such as this, in clean surroundings, in a building that has a history of accomplishments, with uplifting atmosphere, you can count yourself fortunate in being a Brother Mason. Masonry is needed in the present-day type of living. In this speed of living, men say a great many things that they do not mean, and if they gave them consideration, they would not have said. Therefore, to be associated with and to mingle with men of high standard, is to give a definite uplift to each and every one of us.

I am going to take back to the States the message that I have gleaned of the beautiful friendships that I have had down here, the warm associations that we have formed, and the beautiful thoughts and memories that I carry with me. I shall cherish all these until the next-Grand Master of Massachusetts comes down here. The privilege of associations one with another, the coming in contact with strong moral souls, and building that moral and Masonic edifice that is within our hearts. That is what we are looking for and I know that each and every one of us will re-dedicate our lives for that purpose; we cannot do it any too soon.

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1959

From Proceedings, Page 1959-375, as immediate Past Grand Master:

Most Worshipful Grand Master, our very Distinguished Guests from other jurisdictions. Officers of Grand Lodge and Brethren:

If there is any value for others, as there surely has been for me, in memories of one who has lived life joyously, who has tried to do his best, who believed in God and His goodness, and in the relative goodness of all mankind, then I am sure that you will join with me in wishing for the prosperity of the Grand Lodge which is so ably entrusted to the present Grand Officers, and I can feel assured that the retiring Grand Officers wish and pledge their allegiance, their best, that they can possibly serve the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Thank you. (Applause)

CHARTERS GRANTED

RULINGS



Grand Masters