RIGMRaSimpson
RALPH SIMPSON 1887-1962
Grand Master 1943-1944
BIOGRAPHY
From Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, 1944:
Ralph Simpson, Past Master of Union Lodge, No. 10, at Pawtucket, was elected and installed the eighty-ninth Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at the One Hundred and Fifty-third Annual Communication held at Providence, on Monday, May 17, 1943. He is the thirteenth member of Union Lodge to be thus honored.
M. W. Brother Simpson first saw Masonic Light upon initiation in Union Lodge, February 1st, 1912, and since (hat time has steadily advanced through the various degrees in the appendant Masonic Bodies A profound student of Masonic lore and traditions, he has held high office in these Bodies with dignity and impressiveness.
Born in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, February 20, 1887. the smi of Thomas and Emma (Foley) Simpson, he attended the public schools of Malvern and later, entered the Victoria Technical College at Worcester, taking the Engineering Course. After graduation, he served his apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering and has since held responsible positions in England and the United States lie was associated with the Engineering Departments of Vichers Sons & Maxin, London, and Rolls-Royce Ltd., at Derby, England. Upon coming to this country he entered the Engineering Department of the Potter & Johnston Machine Company, at Pawtucket. and is now New England Representative for the Geometric Tool Company. of New Haven, (Connecticut.
On May 27, 1915, he was married to Florence M. Duckworth of Pawtucket. He is a Communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal ('lunch, of Pawtucket. and has been a member of the Vestry of that church for many years. He served for two years as President of the Churchmen's Club of the Diocese of Rhode Island.
Brother Simpson was raised a Master Mason in Union Lodge. No. 10, on March 13, 1912. He was appointed Sentinel by Wor. Bro. William Y. Easterbrooks at the Annual Communication in November, 1913, and was elected its Worshipful Master in November, 1931.
He became a Companion of Pawtucket Royal Arch Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.. in 1913, and is now serving as King.
He was elected to membership in Pawtucket Council, No. 2, R. & S. M. in 1913, and was Knighted in Holy Sepulchre Commandery, No. 8, K. T., in 1915, and was elected Eminent Commander in September, 1939. In 1915 he became a Noble of Palestine Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S.
In the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction he received the various degrees in the Valley of Providence in 1917-18 and is now serving as Senior Warden in the Lodge of Perfection. A member of Queen Esther Chapter, No. 2, Order of Eastern Star, he served as Worthy Patron in 1921.
On April 22, 1944, he was made a Tall Cedar of Lebanon "at sight" in Mussasoit Forest, No. 112, of West Barrington.
On September 8, 1943, he was awarded the Henry Price Medal for Distinguished Service by M. W. Albert A. Schaefer, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
In Grand Lodge of Rhode Island he was appointed an Assistant Lecturer in 1932, by M. W. Brother Arthur Whitehead, and was assigned to the Fifth Masonic District. He was appointed in 1937 by M . W. Brother Chester M. Aldrich as District Deputy Grand Master of the Fourth Masonic District, and was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master on May 17, 1943. He is Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Maryland near the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.
Other affiliations of Brother Simpson include active membership in the British Empire Club; the Past Master's Association; the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Knights Templar Commanders and the Masonic Veterans of Rhode Island.
In his administration of Grand Lodge he stands shoulder to shoulder on a high plane with those noble and stalwart men who have guided the destinies of this Grand Lodge through the century and a half since its organization.
"By their works ye shall know them"
and by this token, our kindly, genial, efficient and popular Brother Simpson will long be one of our best loved and admired Grand Masters.
