Sidney Albert Verinder

Was born in London, England, on April 5, 1891. Was educated at St. Johns School in London and at Whitgift School in Croydon. This school was founded at the end of the 16th Century by John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury. Came to the United States in 1909, was employed by Railroads in North Dakota and Council Bluffs, Iowa, from 1909 to June, 1917, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the United States, England and France during World War I and was discharged in January, 1919. Was employed by the American Railway Express in New York City from 1919 to 1922, when he became employed by Vacuum Oil Company, and came to Dallas, Texas, where he was employed by the Magnolia Petroleum Company until his retirement in April, 1956.

Was married to Miss Olive J. Diefendorf on October 16, 1919, at Fairmount, Kansas. They have two sons, Albert Edward and Robert Eugene, and four grandchildren. He is a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas.

Raised a Master Mason in Bluff City Lodge No. 71, A.F. & A.M., Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 28, 1916. Affiliated with A. C. Garrett Lodge No. 1216, Dallas, Texas, on March 8, 1934. He is a member of the Texas Lodge of Research.

Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in A. C. Garrett Chapter No. 420, R.A.M., on March 17, 1934. Was High Priest in 1941-42. District Deputy Grand High Priest, 1944. Grand Royal Arch Captain, 1950. Member of the Committee on Work, 1950-57. Member of the Order of High Priesthood of Texas. Grand Representative of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Queensland, near the Grand Chapter of Texas. Was elected Grand Scribe in 1957, and after advancing through the usual stations, he was elected and installed M:E:Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas on December 6, 1960, and presided at the Annual Convocation in December, 1961.

Greeted a Select Master in Dallas Council No. 18, R. & S.M., on May 2, 1934. Was Thrice Illustrious Mater in 1947-48. Holds dual membership in A. C. Garrett Council No. 382. Member of the Committee on Work, 1950-1957; Grand Visitor, 1955. Grand Representative of the Grand Council of England and Wales, near the Grand Council of Texas. Has received the Order of the Silver Trowel. Degree Master of the Super Excellent Master’s Degree in Dallas.

Dubbed and created a Knight Templar in Dallas Commandery No. 6, K. T., on October 30, 1943. Was Eminent Commander in 1952. Has served on the Drill Team for nine years.

Past Preceptor and Present Registrar of Our Redeemer Tabernacle No. IX, H. R. A. K. T. P., Dallas.

32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of the Dallas Bodies.

Member of Hella Shrine Temple, Dallas.

Past Patron of A. C. Garrett Chapter No. 774, Order of the Eastern Star.