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MASONIC BIOGRAPHIES
FAMOUS FREEMASONS
GRAND MASTERS
MEMORIAL
Eli Harrison, Sr.
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER, 1878-1881
[Eli Harrison, Sr.]
1824 - September 19, 1907
Eli Harrison, Senior, was a mural painter by trade and, like Brother Amor de Cosmos, came to British Columbia by way of the Mormon Settlements and Salt Lake City. "Senior" came from a well-to-do family at Hurdsfield, Cheshire, England, where he was born in 1824. In his teens he joined the army, but not liking the discipline bought himself out, went on a trip to India, then to Italy as an art student and learned mural painting, became a friend of the great Italian Patriot, Garibaldi, and for a time lived with him in exile. When Garibaldi came to power, he wished to have Harrison with him to honour him with an Italian title, but Harrison refused and in 1850 went with his wife to Macon, Georgia, and later to Arkansas, and finally to Salt Lake City.
Eli Harrison, Sr., was elected Grand Master four times, but on the fourth election he declined office. The third cornerstone laid by Grand Lodge was that of the Masonic Temple at Victoria, at a Special Communication on July 22, 1878, with MW Brother Eli Harrison, GM, presiding.
His son Eli Harrison, Jr.—the youngest mason initiated in this jurisdiction—served as Grand Secretary from 1877 to 1879.
Initiated : Victoria Lodge No. 1085 ER
Charter member : British Columbia Lodge No. 1187 ER
Worshipful Master, 1870
Dimitted : April 6, 1871
Affiliated : Quadra Lodge, UD SR

Grand Lodge History. p. 133

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