MOGMPMcBride
PRIESTLY H. McBRIDE 1796-1869
Grand Master, 1839-1844
BIOGRAPHY
From Biographies of Past Grand Masters, 1821-1901, by the Grand Lodge of Missouri:
Most Worshipful Brother Priestly H. McBride made his first appearance in the Grand Lodge at the Annual Communication, October, 1838, as a representative of Paris Union Lodge No. 19, Paris, Mo., as a proxy therefor. It is now absolutely impossible to determine, as no known record is in existence; however, he evidently made his presence felt, as the old records and only reference says that he was appointed Deputy Secretary: At the Annual Communication of 1839, Brother McBride was elected Grand Master, succeeding Brother Carnegy, who had served three years. Brother McBride was re-elected Grand Master in 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, serving five terms; one year longer than any of his predecessors. He was succeeded by Brother J. W. S. Mitchell.
It is with regret that nothing in old histories make any reference to the early life or Masonic affiliations of our distinguished brother, no data obtainable disclosing date of his birth or birthplace. His death occurred at Boonville, Mo., May 21, 1869, at the age of 73 years. Brother McBride was a lawyer by profession and evidently became famous, as he was elevated to the Supreme Court of Missouri and presided with distinguished ability.
The Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Missouri evidently realized his eminent qualifications and ability, as he was taken from the floor — never having served in any official position in that Body — and elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 1854. At the time of his death, May 21, 1869, he held membership in Twilight Lodge No. 114, Columbia, Missouri, and in Columbia R. A. Chapter No. 17. Twilight Lodge No. 114 performed solemn and appropriate service in laying his remains to rest in his silent home. He is reported in the Grand Lodge proceedings as a Knight Templar, but his Commandery is not stated.
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
Born in Kentucky in 1796 and educated near the City of Harrodsburg.
He was a prominent lawyer and served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri. He was appointed by Governor Miller as Secretary of State (1829). For the greater part of his life he was a resident of Paris Missouri in Monroe County, Mo.
Member of Paris Union Lodge No 19 and first appeared at an annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in October 1838. At the time of his death he was a member of Twilight Lodge No 114, Columbia Missouri.
He was a curator of the Missouri College in Lexington and a member of the committee charged with the erection of the building.
McBride died May 21, 1869. A monument to his memory stands at the western edge of the City of Columbia, near that of former President of the University.
- Find a Grave page (includes lengthy biography)
