RIGMCurtis
ALTON TILLINGHAST CURTIS 1908-2003
Grand Master 1955-1956
BIOGRAPHY
Alton Tillinghast Curtis, of Jenks Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M.. of Pawtucket, R. I., was elected and installed the one hundredth Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations at the One Hundred and sixty-fourth Annual Communication held in Providence on Monday, May 16, 5955, A. D. 1955.
M. W. Brother Curtis was born in Lincoln, Rhode Island, on October 8, 1908, son of George T. and Olive (Birchell) Curtis.
He was educated in the public schools of Central Falls, Rhode Island, graduating from Central Falls High School in 1925. He later took a course given under the auspices of the American Institute of Banking.
He started his business career with D. GolT 4 Son, of Pawtueket, R. I., and then became associated with the Lorraine Manufacturing Company, of Pawtueket. He was employed for seventeen and one-half years by the Industrial Trust Company, Pawtucket Branch, and was Assistant Treasurer of the Pawtucket Institution for Savings until May 1, 1950, at which time, after approximately thirty years in the banking field, he left the bank to venture out into the business of tires, automotive accessories, retreading and electrical appliances. He is half owner of the Main Tire, Inc., located in East Greenwich, R. I.
On April 4, 1931, he was married to Althea Sweetland, and the union has been blessed with two children,— a son, Kenneth, and a daughter Priscilla.
Brother Curtis is a member of the Woodlawn Baptist Church, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
M. W. Brother Curtis' Masonic record began on November 18, 1929 when he was initiated in Jenks Lodge, No. 24, Pawtucket, and on May 19, 1930 he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. He was elected Worshipful Master of his lodge on January 7, 1948.
He was appointed Grand Lecturer on May 19, 1917 by M. W. Brother James B. Littlefield; appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifth District on May 16, 1949 by M. W. Howard B. Rice, and the following years was appointed to a similar position in other districts. On May 19, 1952 he was elected R. W. Junior Grand Warden: R. W. Senior Grand Warden on May 18. 1953; and R. W. Deputy Grand Master on May 17, 1954.
He holds membership in the four bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Providence. He also holds membership in Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, London, England.
He is at present Treasurer of Jenks Lodge, No. 24, of Pawtucket, and has served as President of the Charles E. Lawton Memorial Masonic Home, of Central Falls, R. I., for the past five years.
He war made an Honorary Member of Roosevelt Lodge No. 12, of Providence, on October 27, 1955; an Honorary Member of Massasoit Forest No. 112, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, on November 21, 1955; an Honorary Member of Narragansett Bay Chapter No. 14. National Sojourners on November 22, 1965; an Honorary Member of Redwood Lodge No. 35, of Providence, on January 9, 1956. and a life member and Prophet at Sight of Moslem Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R. on March 31. 1966.
At the Annual Session of The International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay held in Reno, Nevada, on March 9, 1956, he was designated to receive the Honorary Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay.
