Most Worshipful Brother
Harold Randolph Carruthers, PGM
Grand Lodge of
Prince Edward Island, A.F. & A.M.;
Grand Master 1950 – 1951

Harold Randolph Carruthers was born December 28, 1908 at Montague, P. E. I., the eldest son of Annie A and the late J. W. Carruthers.

M. W. Brother Carruthers received his early education at Montague High School and later at Horton Academy of Acadia University, from which institution he matriculated in 1928. For some years he was associated with his late father in the retail drug business at Montague. In 1935 he entered the services of the Provincial Government in the Audit Department. Appointed Acting Provincial Auditor in 1939, he held that position until 1946, when he was appointed Provincial Auditor. In this important capacity, he now serves the Government of this Province.

M. W. Brother Carruthers is a member of the United Church of Canada.

On July 16, 1940, our Grand Master was united in marriage with Elinor Cook of Charlottetown.

The Masonic career of M.W. Brother Carruthers is indeed a distinguished one. He received the Entered Apprentice degree on October 8, 1930, and was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on January 5, 1931, in St. Andrews Lodge No. 13, Montague, which Lodge he served as Worshipful Master in 1938.

Exalted in Alexander Chapter No. 11, Royal Arch Masons, in May 1941, he served the various offices and was elected High Priest in 1949.

The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia having jurisdiction over Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland honoured our Grand Master by appointing him Grand Captain of the Host in 1950.

A Charter Member of Garden of the Gulf Council No. 20, Royal and Select Masters, he was elected first Thrice Illustrious Master in 1949, and in 1950 he was appointed Grand Conductor of the Council which has jurisdiction over Eastern Canada.

Knights Templer Orders were conferred upon him in Prince Edward Preceptory No. 35, and in 1949 he was elected Presiding Preceptor. Sovereign Great Priory of Canada appointed him Grand Second Standard Bearer in 1950.

Having presided in the East of the four York bodies of Masonry, M.W. Brother Carruthers was admitted a member of Eastern Canada Priory No. 19, Knights of the York Cross of Honour, and to membership in the Tabernacle of the Holy Saint John No. 12, Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. In 1950 he became eligible as a Knight York Grand Cross of Honor, one quadrant.

M.W. Brother Carruthers is a member of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection

in the Valley of Summerside and is the present Senior Grand Warden. In 1948 Keith Chapter of the Rose Croix conferred upon him the 18th degree and in May of 1949 he was elevated to the 32nd degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Nova Scotia Consistory at Halifax.

M.W. Brother Carruthers first served the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island in 1944 when he was appointed Grand Lecturer. He held various appointments in Grand Lodge until he was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1947, Senior Grand Warden in 1948 and Deputy Grand Master in 1949. In 1950 the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, recognizing his ability and zeal for Freemasonry, elected him to the highest honour within its gift, that of Grand Master.

Having acted as the Grand Representative of several Grand Sister jurisdictions, M.W. Brother Carruthers presently represents the Netherlands and Nova Scotia in this Grand jurisdiction.

Our Grand Master has held the offices of District Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Patriarch in the Independent Order of Oddfellows, in which body he still retains membership. His activities other than in Fraternal bodies include the Presidency of the Charlottetown Curling Club in 1950. He holds the rank of Captain in the supplementary reserve of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.

M.W. Brotlier Carruthers has given generously of his time and talent in many other Provincial and Community spheres of activity. Notwithstanding the many demands made upon his time, it is the sincere hope of his brethren that he will long be spared to give of his wisdom and ability to the Craft he loves so well.

From the Proceedings of the 75th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island A.F. & A. M. (1950).