MAGLJWilde

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JOHN W. WILDE 1901-1969

JohnWilde1958.jpg

Junior Grand Warden 1958

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1969-205:

Right Worshipful John William Wilde was born on November 5, 1901 in Fall River, Massachusetts, the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Wilde. He passed away accidentally at the Masonic Temple Building at Fall River, Massachusetts, on Saturday, May 10, 1969 at the age of 68 years.

Brother Wilde was educated in the public schools of Fall River and New Bedford, and from 1918 to 1921 he was employed by the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Cornpany. He was with Yates Sheet Metal Company from 1921 to 1933 and a Partner in the firm from 1933 to 1939. He served as foreman and production supervisor with Anderson Sheet Metal Company of Providence, Rhode Island from 1939 until his retirement in June, 1968.

Long active in church work, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River and Vice President of the Men's Bible Class. He also served as President of the Men's Bible Class at the First Primitive Methodist Church.

On April 15, 1927, Brother Wilde was raised a Master Mason in Mount Hope Lodge, which he served as Worshipful Master from November, 1940 to November, 1941. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Fall River Thirtieth Masonic District in 1953 and 1954 and was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts in 1958. He also served the Grand Lodge as Grand Lecturer from 1959 to 1962 and again from 1964 to 1965. He received the Henry Price Medal in 1958; and from 1966 to 1969 he was Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Idaho near the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

Brother Wilde was exalted in Fall River Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, on May 7, 1956 and served as both High Priest and Secretary. He was greeted in Fall River Council, Royal and Select Masters, on June 5, 19S6 and served as both lllustrious Master and Secretary. He was also Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Massachusetts. He was knighted in Godfrey de Bouillion Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar on June 13, 1956, which he served as Eminent Commander.

A member of St. Matthew's Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, which he served as Eminent Viceroy, he was also a Knight of the York Cross of Honor of Rhode Island. He was a member of all the Scottish Rite Bodies of Fall River, in which he held ofice and worked in the degrees.

Brother Wilde was Secretary and Treasurer of the Fall River Masonic Club, Director and Superintendent of the Fall River Masonic Temple, and Past Patron of Weetamoe Chapter No. 57, Order o{ the Eastern Star. He was also Past President of the Matrons and Patrons Association.

He contributed much of his energy to the Masonic Home at Charlton, particularly in connection with the stainless steel work in the kitchen.

He is survived by his wife, Mabel A. (Reye); two sons, Allen A. of Swansea and Bruce G. of Seekonk; a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Sowersby of Fail River; and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Mehlhorn Funeral Home, 229 Winter Street, Fall River, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 13, 1969 at 1:00 P. M.

We who have known John William Wilde and loved him, cannot let this moment pass without saying a word, not in eulogy, for he would not want that, but in grateful appreciation for his life and work. And that not for his sake, but for ours. He needs no praise from us to lift him higher in the favor of the world where he now fares. The quality of the character he took with him speaks with an eloquence beyond our poor words, and with a sincerity that cannot be questioned. But for our own sakes, in this fleeting moment, we would capture something of what he was and make it a part of ourselves.

"He walked the path the great have trod -
The great in heart, and the great in mind -
Who looked through Freemasonry to God,
And looked through God to all mankind.
Learned more than sign or word or grip,
Learned man's and God's relationship."

Respectfully submitted,
William O. Rowand
Barry S. Novek
Andrew G. Jenkins
Committee


Distinguished Brothers