MAGLEDillenback
Contents
EMIL U. DILLENBACK 1892-1962
Deputy Grand Master, 1953
MEMORIAL
From Proceedings, Page 1962-166:
In the passing of R.W. Emil Uhlein Dillenback, there came to a close a notable career in Freemasonry in Massachusetts. R.W. Brother Dillenback was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 23, 1892, and died in Springfield, Massachusetts, on June 7. 1962. His father was R.W. Hiram F. Dillenback, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1922. His mother was Mildred Alden Kincaid Dillenback, a direct descendant of Mayflower passenger, John Alden.
Our Brother was educated at Classical High School in Providence, and at Phillips Andover Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. He was athletic by nature, and at one time contemplated going into professional baseball. However, he entered Boston University and was graduated from its Medical School as a Doctor o{ Medicine in 1914. In his medical career, Dr. Dillenback was Pathologist at the Wesson Memorial Hospital in Springfield, and attending surgeon at the same hospital from 1921 to 1941. He was a Major in the Medical Corps of the United States Army during the First World War; otherwise he engaged in the practice of general surgery in Springfield up until the time of his death. He was at one time President of the Caduceus Club of that City.
His Masonic career was long and distinguished. He was raised in Hampden Lodge, Springfield, in 1913, and Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1923. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Springfield 18th District in 1930 and 1931, and Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1953. He received the Henry Price Medal in 1953. He was Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota from 1936 to 1958, and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey from 1958 until the time of his death. He was member-at-large of the Board of Masonic Relief, and a member of the standing committee of the Board. He was of inestimable value to the Board as Medical Consultant of applicants for residence in the Masonic Home and the Masonic Hospital.
R.W. Brother Dillenback was interested and active in the collateral Bodies and appendant orders. He was a member of Morning Star Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and of Springfield Commandery, No. 6, Knights Templar, in the York Rite. He was particularly active in the Red Cross of Constantine. At the time of his death, he was Grand Chancellor of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine.
In the Scottish Rite he was a member of Evening Star Lodge of Perfection, and Past Thrice Potent Master; Massasoit Council, Princes of Jerusalem, and Past Sovereign Prince; Springfield Council of Rose Croix, and Past Most Wise Master of Connecticut Valley Consistory, and Past Commander-in-Chief. He was coroneted an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33rd degree, in 1943 and was erected an Active Member in 1953. At the time of his death, he was Deputy for Massachusetts.
Right Worshipful Brother Dillenback brought to the craft an eager, questing spirit, an unquenchable enthusiasm, a flair for perfection and an untiring devotion. He was an assiduous student, constantly seeking for more light, for further knowledge both of the history and significance of Freemasonry. It is seldom we find one so filled with enthusiasm for Freemasonry in all of its activities. He was a perfectionist in ritual. He brought an unusually exact and retentive memory, and rare histrionic ability to the service of the Craft, and it was a privilege to come under the spell of his exemplification of the degrees. With it all, he brought a dedication to Freemasonry that is as precious as it is rare, and because of which he has placed us all in his debt. May eternal light be his portion forever, and may we all emulate his devotion to the Craft.
Fraternally submitted,
THomas S. Roy
Leon H. Hutchins
Miles M. Hapgood, Jr.
Committee
SPEECHES
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1952
From Proceedings, Page 1952-347:
Most Worshipful Grand Master, distinguished Brethren, and my Brethren all:
I have to keep pinching myself to convince myself that this is true. I am deeply appreciative, Most Worshipful Sir, for the honor you have conferred upon me, and I only hope, as time goes on, that I may in a small way merit your confidence.
I was sitting in the Grand Master’s office the other day and he was laying out a few things that were coming along, and he said that if the Grand Master were out of the state, the Deputy became Grand Master. It makes me think of a baseball story. I am a Red Sox rooter, but this is about the Yankees of some years ago, when they had the famous “Murderers’ Row.” They had a young outfielder named Merrill Hoag. He never became famous in baseball except that he was known to have the smallest feet in professional baseball. When these Bronx Bombers were winning day after day, he sat on the bench and fussed and fumed. He sat next to Manager McCarthy and said, “For goodness sake, what do you keep me on the team for?”
McCarthy said, “Well, if he gets hurt, you take Ruth’s place.” Hoag looked down and said, “What a job I would have to fill his shoes!” (Laughter)
Seriously, Most Worshipful, I am very humble in assuming this office. I will do the best that is in me. I am reminded of these words although I can not think of the author: “I can not do everything, but I can do something. What I can do I ought to do, and what I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.” That, Most Worshipful Sir, is my sentiment. I pledge you the best that is in me in every way, and I will try to answer every request and summons you may make upon me. May I quote a few lines I saw on a Christmas card. “Whatever you wish, I wish for you. Whatever you plan, I hope you do. Whatever you do, I hope success will fill your life with happiness.” Thank you. (Applause)
