M.W. Arthur Canfield Wheeler 1902

Arthur Canfield Wheeler

Born August 26, 1856, at Norwalk, Connecticut Died October 5, 1941

A faithful and able, loyal and devoted Mason. He devoted his life to the eternal principles of our Order and left an example and inspiration by which all young Masons might benefit.

Brother Wheeler's entire life was spent in Norwalk. After a public school education he engaged in the hat manufacturing business until 1919. Since that time he conducted his own Braid and Novelty Company, giving it personal direction to within a few days of his death.

His career as an elected servant of the people was outstanding and included the office of Mayor, member and Chairman of the Board of Education, Chairman of the Republican City Convention, and Bank Director. In his Church he was vestryman and almost to his last breath a booster of the Everyman's Bible Class.

Starting his career in Masonry in St. John's Lodge, No.6, in 1884, he was elected to his first office, that of Worshipful Master in 1894. This required a dispensation from the Grand Master, because he never had held office, to say nothing of being a Warden. Serving as District Deputy for Fairfield County, he became Grand Senior Steward in 1896 and Grand Master in 1902. The Board of Managers of our Home had the benefit of his services for several years and since the creation of the office he was a Custodian of the Work.

III other bodies he served as High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M., and Eminent Commander of Clinton Commandery, No.3, K. T. In 1917 he was honored with the election as Grand Commander. He had been a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies and Shrine in Bridgeport and took great pride in holding the position of Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of England near the Grand Lodge of Connecticut.

A kindly and lively humor, unfailing courage in the face of life's adversities, a purpose that looked always to the future and never brooded over the wounds of the past, a faith in his God and his fellowman that shown as a great light upon all who knew him characterized our Brother, who though no longer present among us in the flesh, lives in our hearts and memories.