RIGMJencks
KENNETH WHITMORE JENCKS 1921-2018
Grand Master 1976-1977
BIOGRAPHY
Kenneth Whitmore Jencks of Lafayette Lodge No. 19, F. & A. M. of Cumberland was elected and installed the One Hundred and Twenty First Most Worshipful Grand Master or the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in The Stale o| Rhode island and Providence Plantations at the One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Annual Communication held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Providence, Rhode Island on May 17, 1976.
Most Worshipful Brother Jencks was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on October 27, 1921. He attended public schools in that city. He enlisted in the Armed Forces during World War II and served with the Eighth Air Force stationed in England.
Most Worshipful Brother Jencks' Masonic career began when he received a clear ballot to take the degrees of Freemasonry in Morning Star Lodge No. 13, Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He signed the by-laws of that Lodge in June of 1946 and two years later was appointed in line and served as Marshal, Inside Sentinel and Junior steward until the press of business caused him to Withdraw from active participation in Morning Star Lodge No. 13. Moving to North Cumberland and noting that many of his neighbors were members of the Craft, he assisted and became a moving force in the founding and establishment of Lafayette Lodge No. 19, serving as its third Master in 1962-63.
He also acted as co-chairman of the building committee of Lafayette Lodge and with the combined efforts of the Brethren of that Lodge caused the erection of its beautiful temple. Much of the work being done by his own brethren enabled Lafayette Lodge No. 19 to dedicate its building free and clear of liens or mortgages.
He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh Masonic District in May of 1967 by Most Worshipful Brother Robert W. Markham, Jr.. and the following years was appointed to similar positions in other districts. On May 21, 1973 he was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden; Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden on May 20, 1974 and Deputy Grand Master on May 19, 1975.
At present he is the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Ireland near the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.
He holds membership in the four bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, valley of Providence and is the Senior Warden of Rhode Island Chapter of Rose Croix. He is also a member of Palestine Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. and a member of the Knights of Mecca of that temple: a past Patron of Woonsocket Chapter No. 5, Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Veteran's Association of Rhode Island.
He is an Honorary Member of Harmony Lodge No. 9, St. Paul's Lodge No 14 and Hammatt Lodge of Revere. Massachusetts.
