Frederick Gooding Alexander, Grand Master, 1892

Brother Alexander was born in Newark, New Jers, March 15, 1853, four years after his parents came to this country from England. He moved to Washington in 1862, and was educated in the public schools and Gonzaga College of this city, attending the latter institution three years. Being but a lad during the Civil War he had no military service as a combatant, but during Gen. Early's raid on the Capital City he acted as a drummer boy at Emory Hospital.

For a number of years he has been engaged in the grocery business in this city.

Brother Alexander has always been an earnest and valued member of the Fraternity, and while circumstances, over which he has had no control, have latterly caused his withdrawal from active participation in Masonic matters, he yet retains- a lively interest in all that pertains to the Order and keeps in close touch with his brethren.

Gifted with a commanding presence united with a most affable disposition, possessed of executive ability of a high order and a genius for organization, he quickly came to the front in all his Masonic bodies, fulfilled the trusts reposed in him in a most satisfactory manner, and gathered to himself a host of friends.

He was initiated in Stansbury Lodge, No. 24, of this jurisdiction March 25, 1878; passed April 22, 1878, and raised July 8, 1878. After serving as Junior and Senior Warden of his lodge in 1882 and 1883, respectively, he filled the office of Master for the years 1884, '85, '87, and '88; was S. G. Deacon in 1887; G. Marshal in 1888; J. G. Warden in 1889; S. G. Warden in 1890; D. G. Master in 1891, and Grand Master in 1892. He was elected an honorary member of M. M. Parker Lodge, No. 27, November 6, 1894.

He received the Capitular degrees in Columbia R. A. Chapter, No. 1, during November, 1879; withdrew December 17, 1890, to become a charter member of Brightwood Chapter, No. 9.

He was knighted in DeMolay Mounted Commandery May 22, 1883, and served as its Commander for 1890-91.

Brother Alexander was among the earliest members of the Fraternity to recognize the value of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as the first Patron of the first Chapter to be instituted here, Ruth Chapter, No. 1, located at Brightwood, D. C.

AHGP District of Columbia

Source: History of the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, compiled by W. Brother Kenton N. Harper, 1911.