Being a Mason Brings Biographical Pay Dirt

On researching Private Maurice Arthur Searle his involvement as a Mason helped land some quality biographical information. Often when researching the soldiers of the 18th Battalion they are lost to history. Sometimes this is not the case. This is one of those times.

Private Searle survived the war and became involved in Freemasonry. He became a Grand Z. Thus, his position warrants a biography in the Proceedings of 1957 and it records, in some detail, the life of this soldier. It is reproduced below with attendant images.

Biographical information for Maurice Arthur Searle from “Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada Ninety-Ninth Annual Convocation:

Born – Croydon, England, 6 November, 1898, came to Canada as a boy in 1911.

Parents – William and Kate Searle.

Religion – Member of Eglinton United Church, Toronto.

War Record –

Enlisted at the age of 16 1/2 years, December 1915, soin after he went to France with the 18th Battalion, 2nd Canadian Division, 25th of May, 1917, he was wounded at Merricourt on the Lens Front, and was invalided in France for some time. Later he saw action in several capacities and remained in France until December 1918. On New Year’s eve, 1918-19 he returned to England. He returned to Canada, and received his discharge at the Exhibition Grounds, Toronto.

Business –

After he was discharged from the army he took advantage of the educational courses provided by the Department of Soldiers Re-establishment. Later he was posted to the accounting department of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission. In 1924 he became assistant supervisor in the Pension Claims Branch. September, 1930, saw another chance in the Pensions Department of Canada, and our Grand Z was appointed Pensions Advocate with the Department of Pensions and National Health. The 1st of September, 1939, saw another change for him by being appointed District Pensions Advocate, a position he still maintains (to quote from The Veterans’ Advocate, a monthly magazine) “and files admirably.” In 1953 the Ontario government honoured him by appointing him a Commissioner of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission of Ontario.

MASONIC RECORD

Initiated, Passed, and Raised in Alpha Lodge, No. 384, G.R.C., A.F. & A.M., in 1922, became Worshipful Master in 1938, elected D.D.G.M., Toronto District D, 1950 – 51. Received Honorary Rank as P.M. in Ulster Lodge No. 537, G.R.C. and Remembrance Lodge No 586, G.R.C., Toronto. Exalted in the St. Patrick Chapter No. 145, G.R.C., in 1926 became First Principal, 1942, elected Grand Superintendent 1948, elected to Grand Chapter Executive Executive Committee 1951 – 5, elected Grand J. 1955 – 6, and Grand First Principal, April 25, 1957. he has served Grand Chapter in many ways and at the present time is the representative of the Grand Chapter of Delaware, near the Grand Chapter of Canada. He served Royal Arch Masonry in the Toronto District’s Principal’s Association and was elected President. Past Thrice III. Master of Adoniram Council No. 2, Royal and Select Masters of Ontario, and Past Grand Inspector General; Past Commander Noah Royal Ark Mariners of Ontario, he is a member of Geoffrey de St. Aldemar Preceptory No. 2 Knights Templars, a Kt. Comp. of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders.

Other activities: Our Grand Z. in his younger days was one of Canada’s well known soccer football players and was highly rated. Now his chief recreation is golf, being a member of the Islington Golf Club.

F.J.J.