James Roy
Marr
William H.
Searing
Clifford L.
Evans
Rupert Eicholzer
Edward W.
Hartley
James Clark
Charles E. Boughner
Willis Talbott
These Knights returned to
The Priory has exhibited a
steady pattern of growth from its initial charter membership of eight (8)
members to its present membership of approximately one hundred
thirty-three. This growth is
representative of the
interest and dedication to the York Rite existing in the York Rite Bodies of Washington. Membership in the Knights of the York Cross
of Honor and in Evergreen State Priory is a personal goal aspired to by most of
the active York Rite Masons in
Many of the items and
furnishings of Evergreen State Priory, currently in use, have been donated by
members of the Priory and most were presented to the Priory in appreciation of
the honor the donors received from serving as Eminent Prior. The altar candleholders and snuffers were
given by Eminent Knight Frank Wilson and his wife Lucy. Frank served as Eminent Prior in 1983 during his 60th
year in masonry and after he had served as Grand Commander of the Grand
Commandery of Washington. These items
were replaced by the Priory in 1989 with battery powered candles and these were
subsequently replaced in 2002 with electric candles. The ballot box was made and given to the
Priory by Eminent Knight Ceil M. Ward who served as Prior in 1965. Em. Knight Ward also served as Grand High Priest, Grand
Illustrious Master and Grand Commander of the Washington York Rite. The Volume of the Sacred Law which is in use
was donated by Knight Evans. The Square
and Compasses were donated by Eminent Knight John Delano who was Eminent Prior
in 1972. The Altar Cloth which is
currently in use was given to the Priory by Most Eminent Knight Robert P.
Monroe and
* Lodge Apron given by Em.
Knight Robert Johnston (Em Prior 1982)
* Chapter Apron given by Em.
Knight Hiram Coburn (Em Prior 1988)
* Council Apron given by Em.
Knight Harry B Warnick (Em
Prior 1979)
The honor of presiding over
Evergreen Priory as Eminent Prior has been bestowed upon some of the most
devoted and ardent members of the fraternity in Washington State. That it is considered a singular honor is
illustrated by the Masonic accomplishments of those who have been accorded the
honor. Of the fifty-six men who have
presided over the Priory more than two
thirds of them have been members of the
Knights of the York Grand Cross of Honor and the others have serve the Grand
York Rite Bodies of Washington in many different capacities. Of those who are members of the Knight’s of
the York Grand Cross of Honor almost half have presided over two or more of the
Grand York Rite Bodies of Washington and four have presided over three. These members have a total of fifty-one years
serving as presiding officer of the Grand York Rite Bodies of Washington with
half of those years as presiding over the Grand Council. Two members of Evergreen State Priory have
served the Convent General as Grand Master General and one served as Grand
Registrar General. Many Eminent Knights
of Evergreen Priory have served as members of various Convent General Committees
including Eminent Knight Victor C. Slough, Eminent Prior in 1990 and Past Grand
Illustrious Master of Washington, who served on the By-Laws Committee.
Most Eminent Knight Robert P.
Monroe served as Eminent Prior of Evergreen State Priory in 1963 and then after
going through the progressive line presided over the annual sessions of the
Convent General in
As Evergreen State Priory moves
forward into the twenty-first century the membership and leaders stand ready to
perpetuate the ideals and traditions established by those who have brought the
Priory to this point in its existence.
The dedication and foresight exhibited by those eight Knights, who were
instrumental in chartering the Priory, continue to guide us as we carry on to
the future.
Submitted By,
J. Rex
Hartsfield
Eminent Prior
2003-2004