MOGMHReader

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HAROLD LOCKE READER 1885-1966

HReader.jpg

Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive

Grand Master, 1937-1938

BIOGRAPHY

From Missouri Lodge of Research:

Harold Reader was born at Marblehead, Massachusetts, May 6, 1885 the son of John J. and Emma (Locke) Reader. Harold's father was a Master Mason of over 50 years.He was descended from the "Locke Family" of which the famous John Locke, the English Philosopher was of his heritage.

When Harold was eleven years of age his family moved to East St Louis, Illinois where he entered fifth grade and graduated from high school in 1903, proceeding to Washington University and Shurtleff College, IL., graduating with a Ph.D. degree. At Washington University he became a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and at Shurtleff College, he became a member of Sigma Phi Literary Society of which he was a twice president.

Harold Reader was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist Church in 1907 and served in Winstanley Baptist Church, East St Louis, Mo and became Pastor of the Webster Grove Church in 1913. On June 14, 1928, his Alma Mater, Shurtleff College, recognized his outstanding gifts and ability, and conferred on him the Degree of Doctor of Divinity.

During World War I taking a leave of absence from Webster Groves Church he entered the military and served as Chaplain of the Fifth Missouri Infantry and the famous "Joffre" Regiment of St Louis.

Brother Reader was initiated in Wellston Lodge No 613, St Louis County, February 2, 1911, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft February 16, 1911 and raised a Master Mason February 23, 1911. While Senior Warden of the Lodge he entered military service and in 1920 served as Master of the Lodge.

He was appointed DDGM of the 57th Masonic District in 1920, and appointed Grand Pursuivant in 1926, advancing to be elected Grand Master in 1937.

He was a member of the York Rite in St Louis and received his Scottish Rite degrees in Guthrie Oklahoma in 1917. He was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine serving as Sovereign in 1935 and Grand Imperial Prelate in 1933.

Most Worshipful Brother Reader passed away at St Petersburg, Florida on February 9, 1946 after an illness of several months. His body was returned to St Louis for Religious and Masonic Services. The services being held in the Webster Groves Baptist Church and Masonic Services were conducted by Grand Master A. Basey Vanlandingham.



Missouri Grand Masters