RIGMAckley
WILLIAM N. ACKLEY 1843-
Picture from History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, by Henry W. Rugg.
Grand Master 1887-1888
BIOGRAPHY
From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 349:
This brother was born at East Haddam, Conn., on the Connecticut River, some fifty or more years ago. He passed through the public schools of his native town and fitted for college under a private tutor.
He graduated at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., in 1863, receiving the degree of A. M., three years later in course. He pursued a three years' course in Theology at Berkeley Divinity School, Middletown, Ct, graduating in 1866. He was ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church in June, 1866, and to the priesthood one year later. Immediately upon his ordination he took charge of St. Alban's Church, Danielsonville, Ct., remaining four years. Then he removed to Trinity Church, Newtown, Ct, remaining there three years.
In December, 1873, he was called to St. Mark's Church, Warren, R. I., holding the rectorship of this parish fifteen years. In 1889 he became rector of St. Peters-by-the-Sea, Narragansett Pier.
His Masonic career may be summarized as follows : He was initiated into Freemasonry in Hiram Lodge, No. 18, Newtown, Conn., February 21, 1872, and in due course advanced to the Master's degree and membership in the Lodge. He signed the By-Laws, March 13, 1872. He took the Chapter Degrees in Hiram Chapter in the same town, in the autumn of 1873.
On taking up residence in Warren, R. I., he became a member of Washington Lodge, No. 3, and an honorary member of Temple Chapter. Afterwards he became an active member.
He took Council Degrees in Webb Council, Warren, in June, 1875. For several years he was High Priest of Temple Chapter and also Thrice Illustrious Master of Webb Council. For two years he was Wor. Master of Washington Lodge, No. 3, in Warren. He was Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island in 1878 and 1879. He was Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Cryptic Rite in 1883 and 1884. He served as one of the District Deputies of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island for several years. He was appointed Deputy Grand Master in 1886 and served one year.
At the annual communication of Grand Lodge, May 16, 1887, he was elected Grand Master, and in 1888 he was re-elected to the same important office. His administration of the duties belonging to the office of Grand Master showed much of ability on his part, united with an unwavering purpose to promote the prosperity of Masonic Lodges in all parts of the jurisdiction and to strengthen the ties of fraternal regard and co-operation.
Bro. Ackley was knighted in St. John's Commandery, No. 1, Providence, May 2, 1887, and he continues to hold membership in that organization. In presenting the record of one still active in matters of Masonic interest, as in the duties of his profession, and along the lines of educational movements, where he has shown special fitness for responsible service, no attempt is made to set forth the value of the work done. It will stand and justify itself as the years go by. Nor would the present writer attempt any careful delineation of the elements which combine in the attractive personality of the subject of this brief biographical notice. It may suffice to affirm the fact that he represents alike Christian worth and Masonic virtues and thus draws to himself the confidence and esteem of many friends.
