M.W. Wallace Simon Moyle 1919
Wallace Simon Moyle
Most Worshipful Wallace Simon Moyle, Grand Master in 1919, died Friday, September 10, 1920, as a result of a surgical operation, from which he was unable to rally.
He was born in Plymouth, England, May 19, 1867, but came to this country when four years old. He graduated from Yale University in 1891, and from Yale Law School in 1893, since which time he continuously resided in New Haven. During his college days, he took an active interest in athletics and was later a notable football coach.
He was eminently a self-made man. He worked his way through college by aid of his trade of stonecutter and with his fine tenor voice. He did much solo and Church work.
He gradually built tip an extensive and honorable law practice, was City Attorney for a time and for many years a counsel for the Connecticut Humane Society.
He was an indefatigable worker in everything he undertook. During and since the World War, he rendered great service as speaker in the various drives and in enthusiastic advocacy of true Americanization.
He was raised in Hiram Lodge No.1, December 13, 1894, and was elected Master in 1897.
In the Grand Lodge, he served as District Deputy in 1910, was appointed Grand Junior Steward in 1911, and was elected Grand Master in 1919 serving one year, during which time he was almost continuously active with official duties in accordance with his own high conception of the latter.
In 1907, he became a member of the Board of Managers of The Masonic Charity Foundation, and in 1909 was elected President, serving as such for ten years. During this period, he gave freely of his time and services and did an enormous amount of work for that institution. His legal services, alone, in the aggregate, saved the Foundation a large sum in counsel fees.
In common with the rest of the Board, he was long impressed with the fearful danger of fire entailed by the old wooden buildings at the Home. At last, he boldly exhorted the Craft to raise $150,000 to replace the old buildings with a modern fireproof structure. It is due largely to his untiring zeal that even more than the entire sum was raised. He finally had the satisfaction of Masonically dedicating as Grand Master the completed edifice, December 13, 1919.
In other branches of Masonry he was also active, being a member of all the York and Scottish Rite bodies. He was a Past Commander of New Haven Commandery, No.2, K. T. In recognition of his services in the A. A. S. R., he was, in 1917 crowned an Honorary S. G. I. G. of the 33rd degree. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
His obsequies were held in Center Church, New Haven, Sunday, September 12. After the religious service, his mortal remains were conveyed to Fairhaven Union Cemetery and lovingly consigned to their last resting place by the Grand Lodge with ancient Masonic ceremonies. Six Past Masters of Hiram Lodge No.1, served as pall bearers,
The above account together with his picture can be found in the 1921 Proceedings.
