Loomis Baldrey is Born

Today in Masonic History Loomis Baldrey is born in 1882.

Loomis Baldrey was an American lawyer and Grand Master.

Baldrey was born in Camden, New Jersey on May 19, 1882. He received his early education in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Fulton, New York. He graduated High School in Syracuse, New York in 1900. He went on to graduate from the Classical School of Syracuse in 1901. He received a Bachelor of Philosophy from Syracuse University in 1904, and a Bachelor of Laws from Syracuse Law College in 1906.

In 1908 Baldrey moved to Bellingham, Washington and established himself a legal practice there. He was Secretary of the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce from 1909 to 1911. Later in life served as its President for two terms from 1950 and 1951. In 1918 he became Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney, serving until 1923. In 1931 he was elected the President of the Washington State Prosecuting Attorneys' Association.

Baldrey passed away on August 8th, 1954.

Baldrey had an extensive masonic career spanning the country. He was raised in Hiram Lodge No. 144 in Fulton, New York. After moving to Bellingham he affiliated with Whatcom Lodge No. 151. He served as the Worshipful Master of the Whatcom lodge in 1920. In 1936, he became a charter member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, where he also served as Worshipful Master. He was also a charter member of Pierre B. Cornwall Lodge No. 283. He was made an honorary member of several lodges including Bellingham Bay Lodge No. 44 and Fairhaven Lodge No. 73 in Washington State, as well as Tanana Lodge No. 162 in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the bodies of York Rite, the Order of Amaranth and Grotto. He was also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction and was a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour and he was coronated a 33° mason.

In 1934, Baldrey became the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington, serving a one year term. Baldrey also played a part in adopting the District Deputy System in the Grand Lodge of Washington, it is unclear if this occurred during his term as Grand Master or sometime afterward.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.