M.W. George Allen Kies 1897
George Allen Kies
Senior in year of service in the Grand East although not in age, Most Worshipful Brother Kies answered his last roll call on February 5, 1936. He went as he would have wished, suddenly and without a lingering illness.
His report concerning the recognition of foreign Grand Bodies he had made to the assembled Grand Lodge and he had walked home as was his custom. Just as he reached his door he suffered a heart attack and died almost instantly.
Born in Norwich, May 4, 1854, he was educated in the public schools and Norwich Free Academy. He early showed marked musical ability and after receiving local instruction was sent to Boston to study. Later two years were spent in Germany studying the organ and music theory. Returning to Norwich in 1874 he began a long career as Church organist. This work, his successful teaching of music and his interest in many musical organizations brought him into such prominence that a well known critic declared him to be the foremost organist in the Country.
His career in Masonry began when he was raised in St. James’ Lodge No. 23, November 22, 1877, becoming Master in 1885 and 1886. In Franklin Chapter No.4, R. A. M., he was Exalted September 14, 1880 and served as High Priest in 1892. His Cryptic degrees followed, November 5, 1880, in Franklin Council No.3, R. & S. M., and here also he assumed the leadership as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1888 and 1889. Concluding his York Rite in Columbia Commandery No.4, K. T., December 10, 1880. Brother Kies was Eminent Commander in 1899 and 1900. All the Scottish Rite degrees including the Consistory were received by him in the local bodies and his brethren elected him as the head of the Lodge of Perfection and of the Princes of Jerusalem.
No one was more surprised than he when he learned that he had been appointed District Deputy for New London County. His Service was for the years 1891 and 1892 and led to his becoming Grand Master in 1897.
Other honors conferred upon him were those of Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Connecticut, R. A. M., in 1908, and M03t Puissant Grand Master of the Grand Council of Connecticut in 1890.
As Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, a position which brought him national as well as statewide prominence, he served from 1913 to 1929 and then became Grand Secretary Emeritus. This office, together with that of Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., to which he was elected in 1917, he held until the present year. As the writer of the Correspondence Report since 1913 he has had a wide acquaintance with the national Masonic leaders. In this work he established a reputation for the clarity of his knowledge of Masonic law, for independence of thought as well as fearlessness in the expression of opinion. His reviews were greatly enjoyed because of their originality of expression.
