RIGMCarpenter
STEPHEN E. CARPENTER 1949-
Grand Master 1988-1989
BIOGRAPHY
Stephen E. Carpenter was elected and installed the One Hundred Thirty Third Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations at its One Hundred and Ninety Seventh Annual Communication held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Cranston, Rhode Island, on May 16, 1988.
Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter was born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 21, 1949, the son of Roberta (Dixon) and the late Linn M. Carpenter, stepson of Richard A. French. He was educated in St. Dunstan School, Hingham High School, Hingham, MA, University of Minnesota, and New England Institute of Anatomy and Funeral Service.
Upon graduation he entered the family business Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home of Providence and West Warwick, beginning the fourth generation active in the business. He is presently a partner with his uncle, William Carpenter.
Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter is also a fourth generation Mason. His Great Grandfather the Rev. Hugh W. Carpenter was a member of Overseas and Thomas Smith Webb Lodges and Grand Lodge Chaplain. His Grandfather, Linn M. Carpenter, was a Past Master of Thomas Smith Webb Lodge, and Past Potentate of Palestine Temple, and his father, uncle and stepfather are members of Thomas Smith Webb Lodge No. 43.
Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter has two children, Lindsay Marie, age 10, and Sean Andrew, age 8.
Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter is a member of Thomas Smith Webb Lodge No. 43 of Cranston, and was elected its 50th Master on October 30, 1976. He was appointed as the Seventh District Deputy Grand Master in 1978, by Most Worshipful A. Sheffield Reynolds, and served in all the seven Districts. In May, 1985 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and served through his election as Grand Master. Brother Carpenter has been assisted by Worshipful Brother Chester E. Wilkinson from What Cheer Lodge No. 21 as his Master of Ceremonies, who at the Annual was installed the Right Worshipful Grand Marshal.
Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter, belongs to Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, Cranston. He was chairman of the Providence Rotary Camp for Handicapped Children for ten years and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Rotary in 1987. He is an Honorary Member of What Cheer Lodge No. 21 and Nathanael Greene Lodge No. 45. He belongs to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Providence and is currently the first Lt. Commander of the Consistory. His other Masonic Affiliation are: Harmony Royal Arch Chapter; Doric Council; St. Johns Commandery; Red Cross of Constantine, Plantations Conclave; Gaspee Order, Sword of Bunker Hill; Marhaba Shrine Club, Palestine Shrine; and Knights of Mecca, Palestine Shrine; an active member of Palestine Shrine Clown Unit, North East Clown Association; and Providence No.71 Royal Order of Jesters.
During his term as Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Carpenter was inducted into the Legion of Honor by the Order of DeMolay; made a Prophet at Sight at Shedad Grotto, Brockton, MA, by the Grand Monarch of North America; appointed as Outer Guard in Palestine Shrine, Cranston; elected as Commander in Chief of the Consistory, Scottish Rite Valley of Providence; received the Henry Price Medal from Most Worshipful Albert T. Ames, Grand Master of Massachusetts and received the Paul Harris Award from Providence Rotary for community work in charity and with crippled children.
