Walter Millard Fleming Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Walter Millard Fleming passes away in 1913.

Walter Millard Fleming was an American surgeon and one of the founders of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Fleming was born on June 13th, 1838 in Portland, Maine. He graduated from a medical school in Albany, New York in 1862 before practicing medicine.

Fleming served during the American Civil War as a surgeon. After the war he moved to Rochester, New York where he opened a medical practice. He moved his practice to New York City where he became a prominent physician and surgeon.

Prior to moving to New York City, Fleming joined Rochester Lodge No. 660 in Rochester, New York. It is believed he also took some of the Scottish Rite degrees in Rochester before finishing his Scottish Rite journey in New York City.

Once in New York City, Fleming, along with many other local masons ate lunch regularly at Knickerbocker Cottage. Fleming along with William Florence and other masons became a notable group of jovial masons who often sat on the second floor. The group often spoke about making a new masonic organization which was more focused on fellowship and fun.

Florence, who was an actor, was became a star and began touring in Europe, Northern African countries and the middle east. In France he was invited to a party held by an Arabian diplomat. After watching a very festive play, which was something of a comedy, everyone present was admitted into a "secret society." Florence took copious notes about the play after seeing two more times on his journeys. He returned back to New York where he presented Fleming with all of the information he had gathered.

Fleming took the information from Florence and turned it into the ritual which became the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.). There has been much debate over the years as to why Fleming chose the name he did. The most common and possibly the most logical explanation is the initials are an anagram of A MASON, which is a requirement for joining the organization.

Fleming passed away on December 8th, 1913.

Fleming was also a 33° Scottish Rite Mason.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.