RIGMKenyon

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GEORGE H. KENYON 1842-

Grand Master 1889-1891

BIOGRAPHY

From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 351:

It was in the fitness of things that this brother should have been Grand Master of the Craft during the year, 1891, when the One Hundredth Anniversary of the organization of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was celebrated with elaborate and instructive services. Having held the office of Grand Master for two years immediately preceding centennial year, his experience, his acquaintance with the Craft throughout the jurisdiction, and his ability and zeal, gave him special qualifications in the way of suggesting and guiding the desired arrangements for a successful celebration. As Grand Master of Masons in Rhode Island at an epoch so fraught with interest, the subject of this biographical notice has special claims to the grateful remembrance of his brethren.

George H. Kenyon was born in Providence a half century or more ago. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, supplemented by several terms of attendance at the Friends School, Providence, the school at that time being under the charge of Joseph and Gertrude Cartland.

The subject of this sketch entered Brown University in 1860 and graduated therefrom in 1864. While in college, the Civil War was in progress, appealing powerfully to the patriotic sentiments of the whole country, and in 1862, responsive to the President's call for additional soldiers, he enlisted, and, with a goodly number of other students of the University, marched to the front. He was mustered into the Tenth Rhode Island Regiment for three months' service, which he faithfully performed, and then returned to his books and studies, graduating in 1864. It was at an hour when it was felt that an emergency was at hand, and when the call for additional troops was very urgent, that young Kenyon, with many of his fellow students, enlisted. Although their service was of brief duration and not fraught with especial peril, they yet showed the commendable spirit, which should be remembered to their credit and to that of the University.

Before his graduation the subject of this sketch had begun the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Capron and Perry, who were at that time classed among the leading physicians of Providence. Soon after graduating from Brown he entered the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, at Burlington, from which institution, after two years of earnest application, he graduated with his well earned diploma.

He commenced practice as a physician, in Providence, in 1866, and since that time has devoted himself to the duties of his profession. By his well attested skill he has acquired an. extensive practice and a well merited reputation for professional ability. His quick discernment, good sense, close application, ready sympathy with the sick and suffering, no less than his excellent training and acquisitions, contribute to his faithful discharge of the onerous duties of a physician in general practice.

Dr. Kenyon is a member of the "Providence Medical Association," "The Rhode Island Medical Society," and "The American Medical Association." He has been President of the first named organization, and is at the time of this writing, the Treasurer of the " Rhode Island Medical Society." For several years he held the position of Surgeon in the " United Train of Artillery," Providence, and since 1883 he has filled the important position of Assistant Surgeon General of Rhode Island.

He was made a Mason in 1875, in Rising Sun Lodge, No. 30, of East Providence, with which body his membership still continues. He was called to fill official positions in the Lodge almost from the time that he became a member. He rapidly advanced from one office to another until he was elected Wor. Master. His advance in other departments of the Masonic organization was rapid, and within a comparatively brief period he had taken the degrees of the Chapter, the Cryptic Rite, the Commandery, and the Scottish Rite.

Entering the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island in 1881, he was soon called to fill important official positions; he was elected Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, and, in May, 1889, was elected Grand Master, holding the last named highest office for the period of three years—including the centennial year of the Grand Lodge. The general favor with which he was regarded by the Craft of the jurisdiction, before the period of his being chosen Grand Master, was augmented by his wise and prudent management of Masonic interests during the three years of his administration while he held that office.

In Capitular Masonry he also gained rapid preferment. He has been at the head of Providence Royal Arch Chapter, and rendered service for two years as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island.

His Templar affiliation is with Calvary Commandery, of Providence, of which body he was Eminent Commander in 1884-5. He holds the office of Grand Lecturer of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island ; and in the discharge of its duties, as in other lines of expression, he makes evident his interest in Templary and contributes to advance the usefulness of the Order.

In the Scottish Rite he has acquired deserved prominence ; he is well versed in that branch of Freemasonry and familiar with the esoteric work. He holds the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Rhode Island Consistory. In 1889 he received the 33d and highest degree from the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction.

The brother of whom this brief account is given is still in the prime of a vigorous manhood, devoted to his profession, active in many lines of related interest and service, and justly regarded as a good citizen, a stedfast friend, and a worthy and true Mason.


Rhode Island People