THE FIRST 100 YEARS
OF
SACRAMENTO LODGE No.40
JAMES LAWRENCE ENGLISH
James Lawrence English, an original
petitioner of Sacramento Lodge, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 5, 1813.
Prior to his coming to Sacramento, his Masonic Blue Lodge membership was held
in Relief Lodge No. 105 of Georgetown, Pettis County, Mo. The dates of his
initiation, passing and raising are unknown to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, but
we are informed that he was Secretary of Relief Lodge No. 105, now
non-existent, during the year 1850. On February 7, 1853, he dimitted
from Relief Lodge and in July 1853 being a resident of Sacramento, California,
he assisted in organizing Sacramento Lodge of California. He served as Master
of the Lodge for three consecutive years, 1853, 1854, and 1855. A lawyer by
profession, shortly after his arrival in Sacramento, he became associated with
Col. Philip Leget Edwards (also an original
petitioner of Sacramento Lodge) in the law firm of Edwards and English. On
April 2, 1855 he was elected Mayor of Sacramento through no efforts of his own,
he being absent from the city at the time. Much against his inclinations, he
was persuaded to serve for one year. Having had the office thrust upon
him, he whole-heartedly met the call to public service and his administration
was one of unusual prosperity for the city. His service to the State started on
Feb. 13, 1857, with his appointment by Gov. Neely Johnson to the office of
State Treasurer, succeeding Henry Bates who resigned. Bro. English was elected
to the office at the following general election in Sept. to complete the
unexpired term ending in Jan. 1858. Records show frequent mention of him as
nominee for Governor. Great distinction was conferred when he was elected
"from the floor" to the exalted office of Most Worshipful Grand
Master of Masons of the State of California. This rare Masonic event marked the
morning session of Sat., May 18, 1861, during the twelfth annual communication
of Grand Lodge held at Sacramento. He served as Grand Master from May 1861 to
May 1862. He also served as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons and as Grand
Commander of Knights Templar. Brother English passed away in Sacramento on May
29, 1889 at the age of 76. On instruction of Grand Master Morris Estee of Napa (former member of Sacramento Lodge No. 40),
Past Grand Master Edmund Clement Atkinson (Past Master of Sacramento Lodge No.
40) convened Grand Lodge in Sacramento for the purpose of conducting the
funeral services of Brother English.
Transcribed by
Sally Kaleta.
Proofread by Betty Vickroy.
© 2007 Sally Kaleta.