M.W. Russell Henry Milnes 1960

Russell Henry Milnes

Brother Russell Henry Milnes was born October 21, 1911 at Manchester, NH, the son of John A. and Josephine (Waterman) Milnes. Educated in the public schools of Manchester, he went on to graduate with a B.A. degree from Bates College at Lewiston, Maine in 1934. For two years he was an employee with the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Co. and during that time was active in the Sons of Union Veterans, serving as District Department Commander.

Desiring to be of greater service in the spiritual welfare of his fellow men, he entered the Hartford Theological Seminary, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Divinity in 1941. After a year of internship in North Dakota and Washington, he accepted a call to the Pilgrim Church in Canaan where he remained for ten years. This term was interrupted by service as a Chaplain in the European Theater of Operations with the 69th and 29th Infantry Divisions in 1944-1945 during which time he attained the rank of Captain and was decorated with the Bronze Star. While a resident in Canaan, Most Worshipful Brother Milnes was president of the Litchfield County Ministers' Association, Secretary of the local Exchange Club, and became a member of the American Legion.

From 1950 until his retirement, he has served as Minister of the First Congregational Church in Bethel. The bi-centennial of the church was commemorated during that time, and a new parish house was erected to serve the needs of the church and community. While in Bethel, Brother Milnes is credited with past or present service as President of the Litchfield County Ministers Association, Chaplain of the Volunteer Fire Department, President of the Danbury Ministerial Association, a director of the Connecticut Conference of Congregational Christian Churches, and Treasurer of the Hartford Seminary Alumni Association.

Brother Milnes was raised in Washington Lodge No. 61 at Manchester, New Hampshire on St. John's Day on December 27, 1934. On February 12, 1942 he affiliated with Housatonic Lodge No. 61 at Canaan, Connecticut and was chosen Master in 1947. He was appointed District Deputy of the 2'" Masonic District in 1948, served as Grand Chaplain in 1952, and was appointed Grand Junior Steward in 1953. Advancing by regular steps he attained the Grand East as our 114th Grand Master in 1960, the third clergyman in the history of the Grand Lodge to attain that dignity. As a native son and in recognition of his accomplishments, the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire presented him with the Jeremy Ladd Cross Medal in 1961.

Among other Masonic affiliations, on January 12, 1960, he affiliated with Eureka Lodge No. 83. He served as Chaplain and was rewarded with an honorary life membership. He is a member of Eureka Chapter No. 23, Royal Arch Masons; Wooster Council No. 28, Royal and Select Masters; and Prelate of Crusader Cornmandery No. 10, Knights Templar. He was also a member of the Masonic Veteran Association of Connecticut, the Philalethes Society, and the National Sojourners.

While in the Seminary, Brother Milnes married the former Miss Vesta Roberson. This union was blessed with one daughter, Margaret, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters.

Brother Milnes joined the Celestial Lodge February 25, 2006.