M.W. Morris Benham Payne 1938
Morris Benham Payne
Most Worshipful Brother Morris Benham Payne was born in Waterford, Connecticut on January 19, 1885, the son of Charles W. and Ellen Gillen Payne. He died on January 31, 1961.
He received his education in the public schools of New London and Montville. At an early age, he engaged in civil engineering and architecture. For several years he was with the United States Engineering Department, followed by a highly successful private practice as an architect and civil engineer.
His firm drew plans for many public and private buildings, including armories arid structures for the United States Government.
Most Worshipful Brother Payne's military career began in 1902 as a private in the Connecticut National Guard. His promotion was steady and in July 1916, with the rank of Major, he was mustered into Federal service.
At the outbreak of World War I he went to France with the 56th Regiment Coast Artillery -and saw heavy action against the enemy in the Oise-Aisne, Aisne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne offensives. He was gassed and wounded in these engagements, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Following World War I his military service continued, and on December 10, 1924 he became a Major General -and held command of the 43rd Division until February 24, 1941. On November 1, 1941 he was placed on the inactive list and, in 1950 was retired with the rank of Lieutenant General, having completed nearly a half century of service.
In the political world, Most Worshipful Brother Payne served his City as a member of the Common Council, on several Boards and Commissions, and as a Representative in the General Assembly of Connecticut. He was a State Senator in the 1937 Session.
Most Worshipful Brother Payne was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Union Lodge No. 31, New London, on December 13, 1912, and served his lodge as Worshipful Master in 1918. He was a member of Union Chapter No.7, R.A.M.; Cushing Council No.4, R. & S.M.; Palestine Commandery No.6, K.T., of which he was Commmander in 1937; and of Connecticut Consistory, A.A.S.R., Valley of Norwich.
Elected Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut in 1938, he served with distinction and was awarded the Pierpont Edwards Medal.
His Masonic affiliations included Sphinx Bedouin Shrine Club and Sphinx Temple of which he was a Past Potentate. He was also a Past Patron of Fidelity Chapter No. 54, O.E.S.; Past Royal Patron of Jessamine Court, Order of the Amaranth; and Bethany Shrine, White Shrine of Jerusalem.
His qualities of leadership were recognized by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Sojourners, Masonic Club of New London, The Thames Club, The Army and Navy Club of Washington, D.C., and the Veterans of World War 1. For many years he gave generously of his time and means to the Order of DeMolay and the Order of Rainbow for Girls.
On October 14, 1909, he married Jennie Nash of New London. One Son was born to them, now Colonel Harry N. Payne of Washington, D.C. He married his second wife, Mary Rogers Collins, on January 23, 1960.
Masonic Memorial Services were conducted by his lodge, Union No. 31, of New London, on Thursday evening, February second. Funeral services were held Friday, February third, at the First Baptist Church, New London, where many of his friends and brethren had gathered to pay their final respects. The Grand Lodge of Connecticut was represented at both services.
Most Worshipful Brother Morris Benham Payne served his Country, his State and City, and Masonry in positions of honor and trust, and befitting a soldier, was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
J.H.M.
