M.W. James McCormick 1881-1882
James McCormick
Uncle Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born in Flushing, N. Y., March 29, 1831. In 1849 he moved to Suffield, thence to Manchester, and finally settled in Windsor, where he resided continuously after 1860. Beginning as a cigar manufacturer, he soon became widely known as a tobacco expert.
He was made a Mason in Manchester Lodge, No. 73, in 1853, and was its Master in 1855, serving two years. His attendance at the Annuals of the Grand Lodge was continuous for fifty-eight years, up to and including 1916. His absence in 1917 was caused by the illness and subsequent death of a member of his family.
On the revival, U. D., of Washington Lodge, No. 70, in 1865, he was its first Master, serving six years. In 1880 he began a further service of four years and in 1887 two years more. In the meantime, he was in nearly continuous service in some official station, and later, up to the time of his death, was an almost constant attendant on the communications of his Lodge.
His official service in Grand Lodge began in 1876 when he was elected Grand Junior Deacon. He was regularly advanced and served as Grand Master in 1881 and 1882. From 1885 to 1888 he served as Chairman of, and after 1888 as sole member of, the Committee on By-Laws. He also served continuously on the Jurisprudence Committee from 1890 to the time of his death. As President of the Hartford County Past Masters' Association he presided in 1912 and 1913.
In Grand Chapter, R. A. M., he served as Grand High Priest in 1885 and 1886. He also served for several years as President of the Order of High Priesthood. On the death of R. W. Brother Joseph K. Wheeler in 1894, he became Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., and Grand Recorder of the Grand Council, R. & S. M., holding both offices up to the time of his death.
In every capacity, his service was characteristic of the man sturdy, faithful and efficient. It is a source of satisfaction that, notwithstanding the slight physical infirmities incident to his advanced age, his mental faculties continued alert and unimpaired to the end.
In religion, he was long a devout member and lay reader of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, Windsor, and in his life otherwise was one of the pillars of his Church. For years, up to his decease; he was its Senior Warden.
In politics, he steadfastly refused to accept office, but always took a lively interest in civic, state, and national affairs and never neglected to vote according to his honest convictions. At one time he was first lieutenant of a company in the old State Militia.
His death occurred June 24, 1917, after a brief illness. In attendance at the funeral were officers and representatives of the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and Grand Council. His mortal remains were lovingly committed to their last earthly resting place by Washington Lodge, No. 70, a remarkably large number of brethren of that Lodge participating. Worshipful Albert H. Chamberlain, Past Master, officiated as Master. Brother McCormick's Mother Lodge, Manchester, No. 73, was represented by a delegation.
His picture appears in the Proceedings of 1883 and 1918.
