From Dr. Francis J. Scully's‌
History of the Grand Encampment Chapter XXIII Biographies Of The Grand Masters (Continued) Warren La Rue Thomas Seventeenth Grand Master 1895-1898 (Continued) He was untiring in his efforts to advance the interests of the Grand Encampment. He made many official visits and developed a wide circle of acquaintances and friends throughout the nation. He felt that the great Order of Christian Knighthood had much to offer, and stated in his address at the Triennial Conclave held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1898: "Our Order has grown to gigantic proportions, and is today the object of respect and admiration of the world. The best, the purest, the noblest men of our country acknowledge fealty to this grand body, and practice the virtues that they have learned in our asylums. Our beautiful banners occupy the loftiest heights, borne and upheld by loyal and loving hands. The great truths we teach, founded as they are on the word of God, as exemplified by the life of His Blessed Son, have taken deep root in the hearts of men and will continue to grow and spread until they shall permeate the darkest spots of the earth. Mankind shall be lifted up from the thralldom of darkness and selfishness and all the baser instincts of his nature, and occupy the proud position he should as the living image of the God who made him. Then shall be the fruition of our
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hopes, then will be the mission of our Order fulfilled, then will 'the reign of Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace, the Grand Captain of our salvation, be perfect and everlasting.'" Sir Knight Thomas was a man of splendid character and sterling qualities, an earnest and honorable citizen, broadminded, affable and considerate of the rights of others. His fund of good humor and his cheery voice made him a central figure of every assembly of which he was a part.
Reuben Hedley Lloyd Eighteenth Grand Master 1898-1901 Reuben H. Lloyd was born in Ireland in 1835. As a child he came to the United States with his mother and for a time lived in the state of Ohio. In 1853 he moved to San Francisco, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was an apt student and soon became proficient in the study of law. After serving for a time as chief clerk in the office of McDougall and Sharp, he was admitted as a partner. In 1860 the firm was reorganized as Sharp and Lloyd and continued until the death of Mr. Sharp. In 1875 the firm of Lloyd and Wood was established and achieved distinction throughout the country. His professional attainments gave Sir Knight Lloyd a high position in the California Courts and among the leaders of the profession. His professional activities were so great that he never accepted positions of judicial trust or political honor. The only office he ever consented to hold was that of park commissioner, and the beautiful
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