RIGMSeixas
MOSES SEIXAS 1743-1809
Grand Master 1802-1808
BIOGRAPHY
From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 276:
This brother was widely and favorably known among Masons, and his Masonic zeal was evinced in many ways and on frequent occasions. He was foremost among those who established the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, being at that time W. Master of St. John's Lodge in Newport, and the Chairman of a Committee representing that Lodge, which Committee, acting in conjunction with a similar Committee appointed by St. John's Lodge, Providence, formulated a plan for constituting the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. Because of his representative position, and his ability, he was called upon to preside at the constituting of Grand Lodge, 1791, and, as installing officer, he inducted Christopher Champlin into his position as Grand Master, and the other designated Grand Officers into their respective places.
In the year 1800 Moses Seixas was chosen Deputy Grand Master, which office he held for two years. In 1802 he was elected Grand Master, continuing to hold the office by annual re-elections until 1809. His administration of Grand Lodge affairs during this long term of seven years was very much to his credit. It was at this period, and somewhat by the efforts of this zealous Craftsman, that Freemasonry made rapid progress in Rhode Island and became more systematized in the expression of its principles and purposes. Bro. Seixas was active and proficient in all departments of Freemasonry, as recognized at his time, and had been advanced to foremost place ii> the Scottish Rite. His greatest interest, however, centred in the Blue Lodge. His name and memory will long endure because of his ardent support of the Masonic institution and the conspicuous services rendered by him in its behalf. It will be remembered to his credit, also, that he was a reputable and honored citizen. For the last fourteen years of his life he held the position of Cashier in the Bank of Rhode Island, Christopher Champlin being the President of the same institution. Bro. Seixas died at his residence in Washington Square, Newport, Nov. 29, 1809, aged sixty-six years. His body was laid to rest in the Jewish cemetery of that city, and the burial place marked by a monument, which states the fact of his connection with the Masonic Fraternity and of his having held the office of Grand Master.
