San
Francisco County
Biographies
ALEXANDER
GURDON ABELL
In the life and career of the Grand Secretary
of the Grand Lodge of California, which position he has held for 33 years, is a
striking illustration of devotion and efficient service seldom seen in any
society or country.
Brother Abell
is a native of New York, well-preserved, 70 years of age, has a vigorous,
elastic step, and capability in the active duties of
life that has been polished by a life’s work in Masonry. He has held various
offices of trust and responsibility, among which are United States Consul to
the Sandwich Islands, and State Senator from San Francisco.
Mr. Abell
was made a Mason in Federal Lodge, No. 1, Washington City, D. C., on the 11th
day of May, 1852; was exalted to the Royal Arch in Columbian Chapter, No. 15, Washington
City, May 16, 1852; received the orders of Knighthood in Washington Encampment,
No. 1, in the same city, June 16, 1852; and was made an Inspector General of
the 33d degree in the Supreme Council for the Sothern Jurisdiction of the
United States, in the city of Charleston, S. C., in 1868. In 1855 he was
elected Master of California Lodge, No. 1, and filled the position for two
years. He served California Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No. 5, one year as
its High Priest; for eight years was Commander of California Commandery, No. 1, of Knights Templar; was Grand High
Priest of the Grand Chapter one year; Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of
California during the year 1861; and is at present an Honorary Inspector
General of the 33d degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. To his
untiring energy and perseverance the Masonic fraternity owe the existence of
their magnificent Temple in San Francisco. He has been President and General
Manager of the Masonic Hall Association ever since its organization in 1859.
Transcribed By: Cecelia M. Setty.
Source: “Illustrated Fraternal Directory Including
Educational Institutions on the Pacific Coast”, Page 111, Publ.
Bancroft Co., San Francisco. Cal. 1889.
© 2012 Cecelia
M. Setty.
San Francisco County Biographies