Evening star., 1917-04-07

Henry Kedglie Simpson. one of the
most prominent Masons in the District
of Columbia, died at his residence, 1907
East Capitol street. this morning
shortly after s O'clock. following an
illness of eight weeks, which began
with pneumonia and developed heart
trouble, the immediate cause of his
death. His funeral will take place at
o'clock Tuesday afternoonSfrom the
Metropolitan Presbyterian Church, at
4th and Il streets southeast, of which
he had been srlemb ber from its founda-
ton and was a member of Its board of
elders. He is survived by his wife,
The Templar services will be per-
formed under the auspices of the Grand
Commandery of knights Templar of
the District at the church, and the
burial service of the Blue Lodge will
be performed by the Grand Lodge. of
Masons of the District at the grave, in
Oak Hill cemetery.
Mr.. Simpson. who was a Mason of the
thirty-second degree. Knight Commander
of the Court of Honor, in the Ancient
rare distinction of having been elected
grand high priest of the Grand Chapter
of Royal Arch MaSons of the District In
1905. grand master of Masons of the
District of Columbia In 1909. and grand
commander of the Grand Commandery of
Knights Templar of the District in 1913
a triple honor of which but two living
Masons in the District. Harrison Ding
man and Dr. George c. Ober. can boast.
Other Masonic Associations
He was also member of the Royal
Order of Scotland. of the Convention of
Anointed High Priests OF the Masonic
Veteran Association Of the District, of
Almas Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of
Kallipolis Grotto, Yelled PROPHETS; and
9f Temple Chapter. No. 13. Order of ~
Lebanon Lodge. No. Z, f. A A. NJ, in
which he was made, a Mason October, s.
1876; past high priest Of Eureka Royal
Arch Chapter. No. Z. of which he became
a member March "a, 1882, and a past
commander OF Washington Commandery,
No. !. Knights TeHpiaf, ifs-whieh he was
knighted July IS, 1882. He received the
cryptic degrees of Masonry in Washing
ters. February 16. 1903. - :.
When the Grand. CcIn ma ndery of.
Knights Templar was, organized in the
District. January IA, 1895, he was hon
ored with election as it's grand prelate.
Upon the death of Past Grand Master
James A. Sample. last year. he was ap-
pointed grand treasurer of the Grand
Lodge of Masons by then Grand Master
William W. Jermane. and this appoint
Fment was confrrn ed blythe Grand Lodge
at Its annual communication following
by a unanimous vote. He held the Of
fice at the time of his death.
Active in Business Life.
Besides his distinction in Freema-
scnry, Mr.. Simpson was also a promi-
nent figure in the business world of
Washington. He resigned govern
ment position in the Treasury Depart
ment which he had held since 1878 to
accept the position of secretary Of the
Peoples Fire Insurance Company,
serving in that capacity until the COM
pany was reinsured by the Royal Fire
Insurance Company of ENGLAND He
was secretary of the Eastern Building
and Loan Association. treasurer of the
National Capital Investment Company,
member of the Washington Board of
Trade and the secretary of the board
OF directors of the Eastern Dispensary
and Casualty Hospital since 1889.
He was one of the original members
of the National Rifles since its organi-
cation, in 1880; one of its board Of
directors; its secretary for several
years. and its treasurer until 1908 He
participated actively in the company,s
drill contests In Its palmy days He was
also for many years vice president of
the Masonic Mutual Life Association.
Mr.. Simpson from his youth up was
closely identified with religious and
charitable work. He was superin-
tendent of the Sunday School of the
Metropolitan Presbyterian Church for
several years, and also held the offices
of trustee and deacon
BY his friends and business associates
Mr., Simpson was regarded as an up
right and highly esteemed citizen, who
had made the principles Of Free
masonry an embodiment OF his daily
life. Both IN Masonic bodies and in
public life he was noted as a gifted
speaker, his addresses blending nathos
and humor with pointed anecdote and
instruction. No man in the District is
said TO have been more highly honored
and esteemed in Masonry than he, and
withal his home life is described as
exemplary and finished in. its charac-
teristics.