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LAWRENCE J. LARSON 1906-1978

Grand Master of South Dakota, 1973-1974

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BIOGRAPHY

From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 219:

Lawrence J. Larson was born in Stanley, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, August 4, 1906. He is a graduate of Chippewa Falls High School, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and the Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University.

On June 18, 1930, he was married to Miss Millicent Foster. They have two sons Robert and David. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church.

His career has been in the banking field, his last position being with the National Bank of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. He retired in 1971.

He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in Chippewa Falls Lodge No. 176, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, on February 20, 1928. He affiliated with Unity Lodge No. 130, Sioux Falls, on July 2, 1954. Brother Larson has been active in York Rite Masonry, first in Wisconsin and later in South Dakota. He is a member of Sioux Falls Chapter No. 2, Cyrene Commandery No. 2, and Alpha Council No. 1, all of Sioux Falls. In 1954 he was elected Honorary Past Grand High Priest by Chippewa Chapter No. 46, Chippewa, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Sioux Falls Consistory, serving as W1se Master of Rose Croix in 1965-1967. He is a member of El Riad Shrine Temple in Sioux Falls and the Order of the Eastern Star. At the Grand Masters' Conference in Washington, D.C., in February of 1974, he was chairman of the committee in charge of laying the wreath at George Washington's Tomb where he delivered the following tribute.

We are here today to pay tribute to a great and distinguished Master Mason, George Washington, first Worshipful Master of Alexandria­ Washington Lodge No. 22 and the first President of the United States.

His reknown as a capable surveyor, an outstanding soldier, a successful farmer, an astute businessman, and as a great statesman has been recorded in history books throughout the world.

This new nation, now approaching its bicentennial anniversary, was Divinely blessed by the life of this great and humble man who neither sought nor accepted power but was always true to his belief in the sovereignty of the people.

Freemasons honor Washington as a Brother of unfaltering faith in God and revere him for his intense respect and love for his fellowmen.

The brightest light which shines from the memory of Washington to illuminate the Masonic heart can be compressed into a single paragraph.

Washington was reverent before his God. Washington loved his Freemasonry. Washington drew inspiration from the Ancient Craft and in turn gave to it of his influence, his talents, and his reputation.

Taking his pages from history, pages revealing the heart and mind of this great and humble man dedicated to high purpose; let us, in our time, carry into our lives the inspiration of his i1lustrious image, to live obediently before God, practicing brotherly-love and service to our fellow-men according to the philosophy and teachings of Freemasonry.

In tribute to his memory, this wreath is placed at George Washington's Tomb in behalf of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association and the Masons of the United States of America.

1974

The 100th Annual Communication was held in Sioux Falls in June 1974, with Grand Master Larson presiding.

For his year he had laid down and carried out a challenging program of work under the title, "Freemasonry-A Force For Good." This he divided into three parts, first, to search out and use the talents within the fraternity; secondly, to improve communications between our brothers; and, thirdly, to promote unity between the blue lodge and other bodies of Masonry. He said in part, "The message of Freemasonry is still loud and clear for all the world to hear, but the great difficulty today is that too many aren't listening. How well are we, within this great fraternity, listening to the message? And how well are we communicating it to others? Ours is a very complex fraternity, consisting of many bodies, all of whom are serving the Craft in many areas of need. All of the many Orders under the canopy of Freemasonry encourage and inspire men to be better than themselves; better than they were. Let us always bear in mind that these Orders, no matter what greatness they may attain, receive their strength from our great Masonic Brotherhood."

To further implement his program, he sent a monthly letter starting in September to the constituent lodges explaining workings of the appendant bodies that are sheltered under the "canopy of Freemasonry."

He reported that he was giving an altar Bible to the Grand Lodge with a special section reserved for the addition of special events that would take place during the Centennial year.

Reports showed that Pollock Lodge No. 190 had been consolidated with Comet Lodge No. 216 at Mound City, effective March 1, 1974. A new Masonic Temple had been dedicated on May 21 1974 for Diana Lodge No. 69, Artesian.

The Grand Treasurer-Secretary, Brother John S. Rowe, reported that the membership stood at 15,684, with the loss of 409 members during the year. The total number of chartered lodges was at 155. He reported further that the Temporary Charity Fund had a balance of $60,107.84 and the Permanent Charity Fund a balance of $679,739.83.

One hundred sixty-seven 50-year medals, twenty-five 60-year palms, and one 70-year palm, along with two Distinguished Service Awards had been presented during the year according to the report of the Board of General Activities.

In his final remarks, Grand Master Larson thanked all who had been so helpful during his year. He asked for full cooperation with the incoming Grand Master and the officers who would serve during the forthcoming Centennial year.

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