M.W. Frank Harvey Linsley 1963
Frank Harvey Linsley 1963
March 28, 1901 - January 1, 1986
FRANK HARVEY LINSLEY GRAND MASTER 1963
On Wednesday, January 1, 1986, Most Worshipful Brother Frank Harvey Linsley laid down the Working Tools of this immortal life, and passed on to the Celestial Lodge Above and into the eternal loving care of the Grand Master of the Universe.
Brother Linsley, a son of the late Ray and Flora (Ladd) Linsley was born in Bristol, Connecticut, on March 28, 1901. He attended Bristol Public Schools and furthered his education at Worcester Polytechnical Institute where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Brother ~Linsley a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, was a past member of the Institute of Electronic Engineers and a past Registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut.
Prior to his retirement, Brother Frank, was Transmission and Distribution Engineer for Hartford Electric Light Company. He was instrumental in developing a relay for the purpose of individually controlling the on-off cycle of public street lights.
Brother Linsley's contribution of service to his Church, Community and Masonry can be judged by the active life he led, as evidenced by the following record:
He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Thomaston, Connecticut, where he had served as Chairman of the Religious Education Committee, Chairman of the Missions Committee and Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He had also served as Chairman of the Pulpit Committee and Church Clerk. On numerous occasions while residing in Thomaston he had served as Lay Preacher.
For many years Brother Linsley had been closely connected with the Boy Scout movement, having served as District Commissioner for the Eastern Connecticut Council and as District Commissioner in Y1attuck Council. He was a Past Chairman of the Republican Town Committee of Thomaston and Past Chairman of the Salvation Army Unit in Thomaston.
Most Worshipful Brother Linsley's Masonic life began when he was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in St. Andrew's Lodge No. 6-1, A.F. & A.M., Winsted, on December 2, 1936, The following year. he was first appointed to the Office of Junior Steward and served his Lodge as Worshipful Master in 19-12. In 1947, he was appointed District Deputy for the Third Masonic District and served in that capacity for two years. Brother Linsley was commissioned in 19-18 as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Argentina near the Grand Lodge of Connecticut.
In addition to his membership in St. Andrew's Lodge :'-10. 6-1. he had held Dual membership in Union Lodge No. 96, A.F. & A.\I., of Thomaston. Brother Linsley's membership in Appendant Bodies included: Eureka-Allerton Chapter No. 22. R.A.M.; Waterbury Council No. 21, R, & S.M. Clark Commandery No. 7, K. T.: York Rite College No, 17; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Waterbury; Consistory Valley of Bridgeport; Masonic Veterans Association of Connecticut and a Past Patron of Electa Chapter No. 12, Order of the Eastern Star.
Most Worshipful Brother Linsley was appointed Grand Junior Steward in 1955 and progressed steadily through the Chairs of Grand Lodge, serving as the 117th Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A, M., of Connecticut for the year of 1963,
Brother Linsley's contributions to Freemasonry were recognized in 1966 when he was awarded the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for Distinguished Masonic Service. He received Awards from other Grand Jurisdictions: The Jeremy Cross Medal from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, the Erasmus James Phillips Medal from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, and the Order of the Purple Cross from the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.
Brother Linsley was married to the late Grace D. Bodwell of New York City.
He is survived by his two sons, Paul H. Linsley of Mason, Ohio and Kenneth R. Linsley, of South Boston, Virginia, and three grandchildren.
Most Worshipful Brother Frank died at the Woodview, South Boston, Virginia where he resided the past two years after moving from Bellingham, Massachusetts.
Calling hours and a Masonic Memorial Service were held in the Masonic Temple of Union Lodge No. 96, A.F. & A.M., Thomaston on Saturday, January 4, 1986. A Memorial Service was held Sunday afternoon January fifth at the First Congregational Church, Thomaston. Burial was in the family plot in West Cemetery, Bristol, Connecticut.
Thus passeth from this life, Most Worshipful Brother Frank Harvey Linsley, our 117th Most Worshipful Grand Master, a Brother to whol11 his Home and Family, his Church, his Community and his Masonic affiliations were ever matters of moment and responsibilities of love. He will be sorely missed and his memory will long be cherished by all his Brethren in Masonry.
