Today October 27th is the 151 birthday of Teddy Roosevelt. I thought we would take a minute together to honor Master Mason Theodore Roosevelt.But first here is a short list of his accomplishments that commemorates TRs legacy.
As Colonel of the Rough Riders during the Spanish American war he led the charge at the battle of San Juan. Earning himself the Medal of Honor.
In 1901 when President McKinley was assassinated Roosevelt became President at age of 42. Making him the youngest President in history.
Environmental hero-Conservationist He preserved 230 million acres creating National parks and Forests, wildlife refuges and bird sanctuaries.
Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in 1906 for negotiating for Peace in the Russo-Japanese War.
This is the petition that Brother T.Roosevelt completed to join his home town lodge Matinecock #806 in New york The year dated is 1901, he declared his occupation as Governor. This was just weeks before President McKinley was assassinated.Theodore Roosevelt, said in 1902"One of the things that attracted me so greatly to Masonry...was that it really did live up to what we, as a government, are pledged upon to--of treating each man on his merits as a man.
The following is an excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt's obituary. His obituary further validated his love and commitment to Freemasonry.
"Colonel Roosevelt was a member of the local lodge of Masons,and never failed to keep up his interest in it. He made a habit for many years of visiting Masonic lodges wherever he went,as a member of the Oyster Bay lodge,and returning ,to tell his brother Masons of his visits. He found Masonic lodges when he was in Africa at the Nairobi, and in South America he found a lodge on the Asuncion River. The Masons here knew from Colonel Roosvelt of the doings of Masonic lodges in all parts of the world......
The Masonic lodge that Brother TR loved and called home is Matinecock #806. The Lodge is still an active lodge. Click here if you have a few minutes. They have a very interesting page on TRs Masonic Life.FYI
Theodore Roosvelt didnt mind being called Theodore. He prefered TR. He loved the name Colonel (refering to his rank in the Army) He despised the name Teddy.
