M.W. Frank Lester Wilder 1922

Frank Lester Wilder

We pay profound and loving tribute to the memory of our Senior Past Grand Master, Frank Lester Wilder, who died March 24, 1965. Born August 13, 1878 in Buffalo, New York, he came with his family to Bridgeport in the year 1899. He attended Yale Law School, and after graduation in 1902, entered into the practice of law in Bridgeport, continuing to be active until his death. He held public office as Representative and as State Senator in the General Assembly. He served as Judge of the City Court of Bridgeport and as Acting Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. The members of the Bridgeport Bar honored him by election as President in 1939. His activities outside his profession centered in politics, his church, the Boy's Club of Bridgeport and Masonry. For many years he was a vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church, and was President of the Boy's Club for seven terms, remaining a Director until his death. Many other activities claimed his time and services in the community, and he was known for his affability, wise counsel and ever present wit.

In 1907 he married Ethel Wilson of Bridgeport, who predeceased him, and to them were born a son, Francis M. Wilder, and two daughters, Mrs. Milton W. Plotkin and Mrs. Hampton G. Silcox, III, who survive, and he left four grandchildren and a niece and nephew. The Masonic Memorial Service was performed by Corinthian Lodge #104 of Bridgeport on March 26, 1965 and his funeral services were conducted at Saint John's Episcopal Church, Bridgeport, on March 27, 1965, with large delegations attending from all Masonic bodies. Interment followed in Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport.

His Masonic career began when he was raised in Corinthian Lodge #104 of Bridgeport on May 12, 1903. He was Master of his lodge in 1908 and then served as District Deputy of the First Masonic District from 1910 to 1914, when he was appointed to the Grand Lodge line and became Grand Master in 1922. He was awarded, for distinguished Masonic service, the Pierpont Edwards Medal in bronze in 1940 and then in silver for eminent Masonic service in 1951.

He belonged to all the co-ordinate Masonic bodies, but among them Templary claimed his greatest interest, serving as Commander of Hamilton Commandery #5 K.T. in 1921, and as Right Eminent Grand Commander of Connecticut in 1936. He was coroneted an honorary member 330 of the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction of the Ancient, Accepted Scottish Rite of New York City in September 1952. He also enjoyed membership in Saint Andrew's Conclave of Hartford of the Red Cross of Constantine, and in the Twilight Club of Bridgeport.

His deepest satisfaction came from his service to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut. He served as a member from 1929 until 1946, when he became Vice-President and as President from 1950 to his death. During his term, tremendous changes took place, not only in the size and extent of buildings at the Masonic Home, but in the type of care given to the members. He presided at a meeting of the Board of Managers only ten days before his passing.

To cover all phases of the activities of this remarkable man would require extensive space and time. As was said editorially in his home town newspaper "Beyond respect for his many personal and public accomplishments in this community, there was always a marked affection for the 'Judge'. Cheerful and courteous, he was friendly to

meet, and generally he offered an anecdote that brought joy to his listeners. He was an interesting, distinguished man who played a fine part in the life and accomplishment of Bridgeport."

We shall all sincerely miss him.
C.O.L.