HENRY W KNOX
Henry Knox was born in 1750 in Boston, Massachusetts. Following the death of his father, he found a job in a book store, a position that allowed him to acquire a considerable part of his education. He read much of Plutarch and learned of ancient heroes, of military tactics and strategy, and became adept in military science.
He was prominent in the colonial miiitia and tried to keep the Boston citizenry and British soldiers from the clash known as the Boston Massacre. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Knox joined the army and fought at Bunker Hill. He planned defenses and fortifications for the army, winning the affection and esteem of George Washington. He was appointed Brigadier General and Chief of Artillery; becoming a Major General in 1782. He became Commander in Chief of the Army in 1783 and SecretaryofWarin 1785.
Henry W. Knox was one of that glorious company of heroes whose genius guided the American people from a condition of colonial independence to one of national sovereignty.
WILLIAM D. STEPHENS
Wifliam D. Stephens was good man, a concerned citizen, an active civic leader, and a family man who was interested in the welfare of his neighbors, his brethren, and of mankind!
Brother William Stephens was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Southern California Lodge No. 278 (now Arcadia San Gabriel Lodge No. 278) in 1891. He became active in the York Rite Bodies and as the 19th Century ended he became, in 1900, the Commander of Los Angeles Commandery No. 9. The Twentieth Century began and, in 1904, he became High Priest of Signet Chapter No. 57. This was also the year William D. Stephen became the 16th Potentate of the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple in Los Angeles. In 1906, the Illustrious William D. Stephens, having been elevated to the 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite, became Sovereign Grand Inspector General in the Los Angeles Scottish Rite. Not to be outdone, the Brethren of the York Rite elected him as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of California.
Having toiled in the fields of Freemasonry for nearly three decades, he found his niche in politics. He was the Mayor of Los Angeles, a United States Congressman, and finally was the Governor of the State of California 1917-1923.
The 25 charter members of William D. Stephens Lodge chose a most deserving Mason to honor.