MOGMBLee

From MasonicGenealogy
Jump to: navigation, search

BERT SIDNEY LEE 1871-1953

BLee.jpg

Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive

Grand Master, 1922-1923

BIOGRAPHY

From Missouri Lodge of Research:

Bert S. Lee was born in Marshfield, Mo., October 30, 1871, Our distinguished Brother comes from a long line of American patriots and citizens among whom were Thomas Lee, once President of the Virginia Council and the first native governor of the State, Richard Henry Lee, a famous orator and statesman and strong factor in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Lightfoot Lee, signer of the Declaration and great Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Brother Lee received his education in the public schools and Drury College. at the age of nineteen he engaged in the railroad tie business and under the name of Hobart-Lee Tie Company built up a large and extensive business. He was also President of the Springfield Grocer Company and President of the Springfield Warehouse and Transfer Company.

He was married December 27, 1893 to Miss Mabelle Ida Kingsweiler and were the parents of four sons and one daughter.

Brother Lee was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Sparta Lodge No 296, Sparta Mo., March 31, 1893 and later transferred his membership to Gate of the Temple Lodge No 422, Springfield and served as its Master in 1900 and 1907. He served as DDGL from 1901 to 1912 in which year he was appointed Grand Pursuivant in the Grand Lodge of Missouri and elected and installed Grand Master in October 1922.

Bert Lee received the degrees of the Royal Arch in Vincil Chapter No 110, September 24, 1897 and served as High Priest in 1901 and 1908. He was electee Grand Master of the First Veil in April 1010 and elected Grand High Priest in 1921.

He received the degree of the of Cryptic Masonry in Zebud Countil No 25, Springfield, Mo., May 17, 1904 and served as Master in 1906 and 1907. While attending the General Grand Council in September 1921 he was elected General Grand Steward and eventually elected General Grand Master

Brother Lee was a member of St John's Commandery NO 20 receiving the Orders November 4, 1897 serving as Commander in 1902 and being elected Grand Commander in 1911.

He was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine receiving the Orders in St Andrew's Conclave No 11, Joplin Missouri and was a charter member of St Christopher Conclave No 56, Springfield, Mo., serving as Sovereign in 1918.

Brother Lee served as President of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial Association and while serving as Vice President of the Association in 1923 officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of that structure in Alexandria.

Grand Master Lee passed to his eternal reward on March 6, 1957, after a long illness in Mercy Hospital at Springfield. Funeral services were held March 9, 1957 in St Paul Methodist Church and he was laid to rest in Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield, Mo.


Missouri Grand Masters