Russell was first appointed to the Clandestine Commission for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington in 1959 and served faithfully in this role for more than a decade. He attacked bogus organizations and handled racial conflicts with that familiar athletic tenacity. In
in the Horace G. McKerron Class of 1953 after being appointed Deputy for the Orient of Washington in 1952. He served in this capacity through 1965 and extended the Orient with the charter of Cascadian Consistory #75, Valley of Tacoma in 1962. He was elected Grand Minister of State for the United
1963, he orchestrated the litigation strategy defeating claims of legitimacy in a court of law by the Most Worshipful Universal Grand Lodge AF&AM of Washington and the Most Worshipful John A. Bell Grand Lodge of Washington. The courts charged that they misled the public with false claims to legitimate lineages. A similar tactic was utilized in a joint effort with the Grand Lodge of Washington to extinguish bogus forces. Their efforts concluded successfully in 1969 further clarifying the etymology and true relationship of the words "Ancient Free and Accepted Masons," "Free and Accepted Masons," "Masonic
Supreme Council in 1965 and served as the very first Deputy for the Orient of Japan after the charter of Keystone Consistory #85, Valley of Okinawa, in 1971. He was succeeded by Sublime Prince Dale Willis (Overseer) on May 26, 1972 just prior to his elevation to the Office of Lieutenant Grand Commander in 1973. After Sovereign Grand Commander Frank M. Summers declined nomination for re-election to the Office of Sovereign Grand Commander in 1977, Illustrious Gideon earned election to the Office of Sovereign Grand Commander in 1977 and served through 1985.
Lodge," "Masons," "Freemasons," "Scottish Rite Masons," and the initials "A.F. & A.M.," or "F. & A.M." For his labors, he was styled an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1968. Past Grand Master Gideon was also a stellar Scottish Rite Mason. A member of Prince Hall Consistory #67, Valley of Seattle, he was coronated
The 14 th Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious Gideon’s efforts to combat bogus Masonry that began in the 1950s extended through his term of leadership. He remained a steadfast advocate for legitimacy in Freemasonry as well as a leader who worked to ensure clarity within the relationships between the Scottish Rite and other
43
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator