John Mechin Roberts was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on February 28, 1877. Four years later the family home was shifted to Tacoma, Washington, where he lived for 77 years.
He was educated in the Public Schools of Tacoma, and his ability with figures soon led him to a position of responsibility in thee accountant's office of the Northern Pacific Railway plant in South Tacoma, where he stayed for twelve years.
His desire for rendering service prompted him to seek Masonic Light in Clover Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., of Tacoma, and he was Initiated an Entered Apprentice November 20th, 1899, Passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft December 18th, 1899, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason January 29th, 1900.
On September 22nd, 1903, he was happily married to Ida ThedoraSolwold, and the home was blessed with a splendid family of three boys and one daughter to form a loving and happy circle.
Many fraternities have been benefited by having him as a member, but after an apprenticeship in Clover Lodge, No. 91, he was elected to serve as its Worshipful Master for the year 1912, and thereby also became a member of the Grand Lodge. His ability was soon recognized, and during the years 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1921 to 1928, inclusive, he was appointed to and served assiduously on the Finance Committee of this Grand Body. In June, 1929, he was elected to the ofiice of Junior Grand Warden, and was advanced in successive sessions to the exalted leadership as Grand Master in June, 1932.
It is well to remember that this was a time of The Great Depression. The Grand Lodge severely curtailed the fundsof the Grand Master and his office. Brother Roberts was very reluctant to assume the office both fromthe standpoint of time and finances. With the will of the Craft foremost in his heart & mind, without complaint or confiding in anyone, at great personalsacrifice he fully performed all the duties of the office. In addition to his financial acumen, his legacy to our Grand Lodge was his recommendation of the system of District Deputies of the Grand Master be reestablished – a system that has benefited Washington brethren.
He is an appreciated member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, having accepted the 32nd degree June 18th, 1920; of Keystone Chapter No. 7, Royal Arch Masons; Tacoma Council, No. 1, Royal and Select Masters; Cedar Chapter, No. 173, O. E. S., and Afifi Temple A. A. O. N. M. S.; all of Tacoma.
Brother Roberts is a deep student of municipal accounting and finances, having been the City Controller for eight years, 1916-1924, and then after a short period with the State of Washington in an accounting capacity, returned to the service of the City of Tacoma, where his knowledge and experience in municipal financing was put to great use until his retirement in 1942.
Most Worshipful Brother Joh Mechin Roberts was called to refreshment on October 22, 1968.