A Special Notice to all our Brothers

WB Treasurer and Bro Secretary both have found some checks and monies when they were working to clear up any left over matters for the Lodge.  We have deposited all the checks and monies.  If perchance, you have previously paid for these items, please send a note to the Secretary and we will gladly return the extra moneys paid.  We do not want to have any brother think we are trying to take their funds!

Thank You Brother Alan Spreen!!

“William Henson Wallace

William H. Wallace, one of the leading men in the formation of Steilacoom Lodge, was born in Miami County, Ohio, July 17, 1811.  He moved as a child to Indiana and thence to Iowa in 1839 where he served in the Legislature and as Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1849.  At Fairfield, Iowa, he was Receiver of the public moneys until 1853 when he moved to Washington Territory, and settled in Steilacoom.  He was a lawyer of more then usual ability and an affable and dignified gentleman.

Other Masons in Steilacoom joined with Wallace in desiring a local lodge, thus eliminating the long trips to Olympia. In Jan. 1854 the petition was drawn up and presented.

Wallace served as W.M. of Steilacoom Lodge, U.D.  During that time (1854) he was a delegate to the Grand Lodge of Oregon where he served on the committee on finance.  He was the first Master of Steilacoom Lodge under Charter.

Wallace’s political activities took him away from Steilacoom for long periods of time.  Finally, he demitted in 1862, but in Nov. 1870 he again affiliated.  In December he was elected W.M. for 1871.  He was also W.M. in 1877. He was elected W.M. in 1872, but, though he was installed on St. John’s Day, he never was present at another meeting.  He became ill and died on Feb. 7, 1879.  He was buried with honor at old Ft. Steilacoom cemetery, the Grand Master, Elisha P. Ferry presiding.”

A condensed side note for you, Wallace was a Captain of the Volunteers in Pierce County during the Indians War and later promoted to Colonel.  One of the sites to come before the Advisory Board on Historical Sites was Col. Wallace’s grave at Ft. Steilacoom cemetery which is now located on the grounds of Western Washington State Hospital.  The city of Steilacoom was celebrating its’ Centennial and it was arranged to have a dedication of a memorial there on August 25, 1951.  Steilacoom Lodge participated in an impressive ceremony conducted by then W.M. Clyde V. Davidson.