Our Distinguished Members
Acknowledgments
The compilation of information of our distinguished members is derived from the the same book, One Hundred Years With Marin Lodge No. 191 F. & A. M. published by the lodge's historical committee that in 1868. We wish to acknowledge the members of this committee. Please refer to our history page for the members of the committee.
Marin Lodge No. 191 takes pride in the achievement of many of its members, particularly in the three Grand Masters who came from its ranks, Most Worshipful Brothers Frank Marion Angellotti, George Frederick Rodden and Stanley Meeker Cazneaux.
Marin Lodge has had many hard working members who have served diligently and in many cases the lodge has called on some for continuing service, such as our Past Master William P. Murray who served as Treasurer for fifty years from 1913 through 1963; Brother George G. Vanderlip, our Secretary for forty-one years; Dr. John Jefferson Canoles, Chaplain for thirty-one years; our then present Secretary, Past Master Warren H. Williams who served us for twenty-four years; and P.M. Clinton T. Duffy who has won wide acclaim in Prison Institutional work over the years.
BROTHER WILLIAM N. ANDERSON,PAST MASTER
Brother William N. Anderson, first Master of Marin Lodge, was born in New York City on November to move to Sacramento to eng in general merchandising. In late 1850, he moved to Santa Cruz to engage in farming, but turned to butchering in 1856, in Watsonville. He opened a meat market in San Francisco in 1861, and moved his operation to San Rafael in 1868, where he also served as Postmaster for nine years.
It is not known where Brother Anderson was made an a member of Occidental Lodge No. 22 for a period of six years prior to his assisting in the organization of Marin Lodge. He died on December 22, 1907, a member of our lodge.
BROTHER FRANK MARION ANGELLOTTI,PAST GRAND MASTER
Past Grand Master Angellotti was born in San Rafael on September 4, 1861. He attended the local public schools, graduated from Hastinin 1882, at the age of twenty-one, was admitted to the bar. This was the beginning of his colorful public career, as in 1885, he became District Attorney of Marin County, in which capacity he served until 1890, when he was elected Superior Court Judge, holding that office until his election as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California in 1902, for a term of twelve years. In 1914, he rose still higher - - to the office of Chief Justice, from which he resigned in 1921, to become general counsel for the Western Pacific Railroad Company.
Brother Angellotti was raised in Marin Lodge on February 3, 1886. The following year he was elected Senior Warden from the floor, and, in 1888, became Worshipful Master and sat in that chair until the completion of the year 1890.
California Grand Lodge elected him Junior Grand Warden in 1895, in recognition of his service on its Committee on Grievances since 1888. He progressed regularly through the chairs and was elected Grand Master in 1898. In 1899, he was appointed to the Committee of Jurisprudence, serving as its chairman from 1903, until his death, May 23, 1932.
In his eulogy, Past Grand Master Dana R. Weller described Brother Angellotti as possessing about all of the great attributes that could be possessed by one man. But, the most important was that he was a "real fellow" through and through. "Notwithstanding all (In honor which came to him and which he so richly deserved, he never lost the human touch.")
BROTHER GEORGE FREDERICK RODDEN, D.D.S., PAST GRAND MASTER
George Frederick Rodden was born at Montezuma, Tuolumne County, California on December 24, 1867. After attending grammar school and high school in San Francisco, he earned the distinction of being the youngest graduate in the history of the University of California. He completed his studies in 1887, at the age of nineteen, which prevented him from receiving his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery until he reached his twenty-first birthday.
Brother Rodden was raised in Marin Lodge on October 19, 1898. While serving as Worshipful Master of Marin Lodge in 1903, he was appointed Grand Marshal and served two years in that station. He served as Inspector from 1904 to 1917, when he was elected Junior Grand Warden. Concurrently he served on the Committee on Returns in 1905, and, from 1914 to 1917, as Chairman of the Finance Committee, as well as a member of the Committee on Policy and General Purposes. In 1920, he was elected Grand Master. He continued as a member of the Committee on Policy and General Purposes until his death on March 8, 1934. The Grand Lodge Officers of the jurisdiction of the State of California conducted his Masonic Funeral Services on March 10, 1934.
Dr. Rodden conducted his practice of dentistry in San Francisco and was a daily commuter from his home in San Rafael. He was one of the organizers and members of "The Ferry Boat Coaching Club", where many of our candidates and officers learned their work while traveling to and from work.
Brother Rodden was elected San Rafael City Councilman in April 1915. In 1919, he was elected and served two terms as the Mayor of San Rafael. He was also one of the original members of the Marin Junior College Board and served on the board for eight years.
BROTHER WILLIAM PAUL MURRAY, PAST MASTER
William Paul Murray was born in San Rafael, California, on September 15, 1883, the youngest of the five children of Adam and Euphemia Murray. He attended the San Rafael public schools and Healds’ Business College in San Francisco.
Starting out in the business world in 1901, as an office boy for The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States in San Francisco, Will Murray soon found the banking field to be more attractive and in 1904, became a teller at the Humboldt Savings Bank in San Francisco. On October 21, 1911, he accepted the position of cashier at the Bank of San Rafael and in 1923, became Vice-President of the Bank of San Rafael and the First National Bank. He later became President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of both banks, retiring in 1961, after 50 years of service. During his banking career, William P. Murray served as President of the California Bankers Association and Director of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. On September 14, 1916, William Paul Murray and Lillian E. Quandt of San Francisco were united in marriage. Three sons and thirteen grand children have given the Murrays much pleasure. Brother Murray enjoyed a long and distinguished Masonic career. Immediately upon reaching his twenty-first birthday he petitioned Marin Lodge, where his brother, George Murray, had served as Master in 1902. He was initiated October 19, 1904, passed November 2, 1904, and raised November 30, 1904. He served Marin Lodge as Master in 1911, and as Treasurer from 1913 to 1963. Highlights of his career were his several returns to the ritual work to raise his sons in Marin Lodge and to install his son, Donald F. Murray as Master in 1962. On January 5, 1963, Marin Lodge presented Past Master William P. Murray with a plaque of appreciation for services rendered during 50 years as Treasurer. He was a 50 year member of Marin Chapter No. 102, Royal Arch Masons and California Commandery Knights Templar No. 1. He was also a member of Islam Temple Shrine of San Francisco. It has often been said that when a job is to be done a busy man does it best. Past Master William P. Murray served his community and his banking profession all of his adult life and continued in many of these fields, even in retirement. He was an ordained Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in San Rafael and after 20 years of active service as a Trustee of The San Francisco Theological Seminary he served as Honorary Trustee. He was a charter member of Marin Council Boy Scouts of America, serving as treasurer for 47 years and held the Silver Beaver Award of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a past treasurer of the Marin Art & Garden Center and of the Marin Community Chest. He was a charter member and past president of the Rotary Club of San Rafael and a charter member and Treasurer of the Marin County Historical Society. He served his native city of San Rafael as a Park Commissioner for 20 years. He held memberships in the Marin Yacht Club, Marin Rod and Gun Club and was a 50-year member of I.D.E.S. At the time of his sudden death on February 26, 1968, he was the oldest living Past Master of Marin Lodge. Past Master Murray admonished many young men with his favorite quotation "Give to the world the best that you have and the best shall come back to you." Marin Lodge is fortunate to have received the best from Brother William Murray and trusts that the best came back to him. We shall cherish in our hearts the memory of his many years of service and devotion to Masonry.
BROTHER GEORGE GORE VANDERLIP, D. D. S.
Brother Vanderlip was the faithful and dedicated secretary of Marin Lodge No. 191 for forty 'one years and at the time of his passing was the second oldest Secretary in years of service in the Grand Jurisdiction of California. He was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on February 19, 1869, and in the year 1874, his family moved to the Napa Valley and he received his schooling in St. Helena. His father, being a dentist, it followed that he continued the profession of dentistry, and started his practice in 1884. It was about 1895, that Dr. Vanderlip came to San Rafael. He received his Third Degree in Marin Lodge No. 191 on September 19, 1900. In 1901, he was appointed Junior Steward of the Lodge and in 1902, he was elected Secretary, which office he held until his passing on May 27, 1944. Marin Lodge No. 191 conducted his funeral services on May 31, 1944. Dr. Vanderlip became the Patron of San Rafael Chapter No. 215, Order of Eastern Star in 1908, and served as the Associate Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star in the State of California in 1911. While he was busy with his dental practice, Dr. Vanderlip found time to be interested in civic affairs. He first ran for City Councilman of the City of San Rafael in 1927, and in a field of five, he recorded the highest vote. He was reelected in 1931, and served until 1935. Being that the Doctor was interested in hunting and fishing it was only natural that he served for some years as the secretary of the Marin Rod and Gun Club. On his fortieth year as Secretary, Dr. Vanderlip in a letter to the Lodge expressed a glowing tribute to the Past Masters under whom he had served as Secretary. He thanked the Lodge for their many years of confidence and wasqmos for the many fine friendships established through the years.
BROTHER (DR.) JOHN JEFFERSON CANOLES
Brother John Jefferson Canoles was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended grade school there before moving to Oregon where he attended Philomath Academy and the University of Oregon. Before entering the university he married Miss Violet Stolle, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1967. The Canoles came to the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, where Brother Canoles continued his preparation for the ministry. The Presbyterian Church in Sausalito was his first assignment, but in order to make use of a scholarship given to him he was granted a leave of absence to study at the University of Edinburgh. Shortly after his return to Sausalito he was called to the First Presbyterian Church in San Rafael where he served as pastor for thirty-one years. In 1934, a trip around the world gave the Canoles an opportunity to visit the Holy Lands. In 1935, Brother Canoles received his Doctorate from Lewis and Clark College. On numerous occasions Brother Canoles was forced to hurry from a Lodge gathering in order to participate in a wedding ceremony, and after 54 years in the ministry, including several years as a student minister, he performed that happy ceremony as associate pastor of the Novato Presbyterian Church. Brother Canoles was raised in Lebanon Lodge No. 44 at Lebanon, Oregon, on May 13, 1919. He affiliated with Marin Lodge No. 191 on December 11, 1929, was appointed Chaplain of the Lodge in 1930, and served in that capacity for 31 years. On December 14, 1960, Marin Lodge presented Brother Canoles with a Certificate of Recognition of Faithful Service to the Lodge.
We add, "Well done thou good and faithful servant . . ."
BROTHER WARREN HENRY WILLIAMS, PAST MASTER
Warren Henry Williams was born in San Rafael and attended the public schools there. During his high school days baseball occupied much of his time but during the summer and Christmas vacation periods he began his life's career with the United States Post Office. Even though he later became a permanent employee of the Postal Department he continued to follow his favorite sport as a semi-professional ball player. Brother Williams was married in 1933, to Miss Geraldine Jones and they established their home in San Rafael. A daughter, Sandra Ascher, also lived in San Rafael with her husband and three children. On June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Brother Williams to the position of Postmaster of San Rafael, in which capacity he served until his retirement on December 30, 1966, after 41 years of service in the Post Office Department. Brother Williams served as Master Councilor of Marin Chapter of De Molay in 1925. He was raised in Marin Lodge No. 191 on August 15, 1928, and served as Worshipful Master in 1938. He served as High Priest of Marin Chapter No. 102 R.A.M. in 1943 and as Worthy Patron, San Rafael Chapter No. 215, O.E.S. in 1941. Our Secretary was also active in Civic and Service Club affairs serving as Secretary of the 1968 Marin County Grand Jury and as a member of the Board of Directors of the San Rafael Kiwanis Club. He was appointed Secretary of Marin Lodge in 1944, and served continuously until his death. There can be no doubt that the service of such a true and faithful Secretary as Brother Williams greatly contributed to the fine heritage and reputation that Marin Lodge so proudly presents to succeeding generations.
BROTHER STANLEY M. CAZNEAUX, PAST GRAND MASTER
Photo of Most Worshipful Roberts, Grand Master of Masons in California and Brother Stanley Cazneaux, then Worshipful Master of Marin Lodge in 1976.
Brother Stanley M. Cazneaux served as the 126th Grand Master of Masons in California. Born August 2, 1933 in San Rafael, California, Brother Cazneaux was educated in Marin county public schools and attended the College of Marin in Kentfield.
He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, from 1953 – 1957 and was on the Admiral’s staff at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1955, he married the former Gloria Parcell. They have three children. He was a long time member of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Corte Madera and a member of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Past Grand Master Cazneaux was an executive with Pacific Bell for 31 years, retiring in 1988. His last position was district manager of construction and engineering for the East Bay. His executive and administrative experiences included personnel, budget, results and training development/delivery, and teaching a Bell Laboratories in New Jersey in 1972. He was a recognized expert in capital budgefunding and provided consulting services to Pacific Telesis International and Raychem Corporation.
Past Grand Master Cazneaux was raised in 1968 in Marin Lodge No. 191 in San Rafael, and progressed through the officer line until his installation as Master in 1976. He was a member of the Marin Lodge Temple board from 1973-1976, President of the 114th Masonic District Officers Association in 1976 and Master of Mt. Jackson Lodge No. 295 in 1993 and 1994.
His service with the Grand Lodge of California included membership on the Lodge Resource and Development committee and five years as the Chairman of the Wardens Leadership Retreats Committee. He was a trustee on the California Masonic Memorial Temple Board, presiding as president from 1983-1987, and on the Masonic Homes Board, presiding as president from 1999 – 2001. In 1977-78, he served as Junior Grand Deacon for Grand Master Donald B. McCaw. He was installed as Grand Master of Masons of California on October 16th, 1991.
Past Grand Master Cazneaux was a member of Scottish Rite, the York Rite and Asiya Temple of the Shrine. He belonged to several other appendant and concordant bodies, and served as associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel. No.48 in San Rafael, International Order of Jobs’ Daughter, from 1968-1975. His civic associations included the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Goodwill Industries of Santa Clara County and membership in the Linfield Oaks Association in Menlo Park and many other civic organizations.*
*biography crafted by Past Grand Master Steven R. Doan and presented at the memorial service of Most Worshipful Cazneaux, PGM.
