RIGMKnudsen
LEON C. KNUDSEN 1938-
Grand Master 2011-2012
Leon Charles Knudsen was born on April 5, 1938 in Wakefield, Rhode Island, the eldest child of Howard N. Knudsen and Emily T. (Hall) Knudsen. He had 2 siblings, his sister Martha who is deceased and his brother Neil who with his family resides in Charlestown. Leon attended Charlestown Elementary School, South Kingstown High School and the University of Rhode Island from which he graduated with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Leon was self-employed for a number of years before going to work at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division in the Nuclear Engineering Department. He worked on the design of reactor plant structures and shielding on 3 classes of submarines. For two classes, the Seawolf and Virginia Classes, he was involved in the design from concept through the final design drawing issue overseeing both engineers and designers during his years in supervision. He retired at the end of March 2001 after 23 years of service with 14 years in various management positions.
Leon is married to the former Helen F. McLaughlin of Providence, RI and they have 4 children, Suzan, Kathleen, John and Keith. They have 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children. Leon and Helen reside in Coventry.
Leon’s Masonic journey began when he joined Charity Lodge No. 23 at the age of 21 taking his Entered Apprentice degree on November 12, 1959, his Fellow Craft degree on December 10, 1959 and his Master Mason degree on January 7, 1960. He signed the by-laws of Charity Lodge on February 11, 1960 and is a 51-year member of the Craft. He served his lodge as Master twice, first in 1967 and again in 1992. Leon is also a member of Friendship Lodge No. 7 and is an Honorary Member of Mount Vernon Lodge No. 4 and Ionic Lodge No. 28.
Leon joined both the Scottish and York Rite bodies of Freemasonry soon after being raised a Master Mason. In the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite he is a 50-year member of the 4 bodies in the Valley of Providence. Leon is a Past Most Wise Master of Rhode Island Chapter of Rose Croix and was coroneted an Honorary 33rd Degree Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Chicago in 2006. In the York Rite, he served as High Priest of Franklin Chapter No. 7 (since merged with Unity Chapter No. 12), as Thrice Illustrious Master of Narragansett Council No. 7 Royal and Select Masters and as Eminent Commander of Narragansett Commandery No. 27. Having presided over his Blue Lodge and the 3 bodies of the York Rite made Leon eligible for election into the Knights of the York Cross of Honor. He was so honored and holds membership in Roger Williams Priory No. 48 of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor.
Leon joined the Rhode Island Shriners (formerly Palestine Temple A.A.O.N.M.S.) in 1962 and the Temple Guard Unit therein shortly thereafter. He was Captain of the Unit from 1975 through 1977. Leon was appointed to the Temple Divan in 1979 and progressed through the officer line serving as Illustrious Potentate in 1988. Upon his retirement from Electric Boat, he served the Temple as its Recorder for 10 years from 2001 through Dec. 2010. He is a member of Providence Court No. 71 Royal Order of Jesters.
Leon is a member of numerous affiliated Masonic bodies. They include Plantations Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, What Cheer York Rite College, Renaissance Council No. 49 Allied Masonic Degrees, Masonic Veterans Association, Royal Order of Scotland, Masonic Societas Rosiccuciana, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Cocumscussoc Order No. 102 Swords of Bunker Hill and the International Police Square Club. Leon is a member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.
Leon serves on the Board of Trustees of the Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust and the Abbey Frances Lawton Memorial Home Fund. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Youth Foundation.
Leon is a member of the Rice City Church.
