Eugene D. Thomas Grand Master 1935 Gene Thomas grew up the hard way. His day was a day of labor, from sunrise to sunset, and in those days of labor with his hands, he laid the foundation of his success in later years. As a young man he would come to Atlanta, from Douglas County, with a load of produce or wood to sell, often to procure the necessities of life but more often to purchase books for the study of his chosen profession, the law. Born at Chapel Hill in Douglas County, July 13, 1881, the son of Beverly D. Thomas and Eula (Dennis) Thomas, he, in early years determined to enter the law profession and applied himself to much self study. His only formal education was at the local Douglas County elementary and high schools. Even so, at the tender age of 19, he passed the bar examination and began his practice in Atlanta. He was first associated with James A. Anderson and later united with the firm of Felder and Roundtree. Fourteen years after his admission to the bar, the Municipal Court of Atlanta was established and Brother Thomas became the first Chief Judge. Upon the death of Judge Pendelton, in 1923, he was elected to succeed him as Judge of the Superior Court in Fulton County. He continued to sit on the bench for many years until his retirement, following which he enjoyed many happy days on his farm in old Milton County watching mother nature blossom forth his crops and a multitude of flowers. During his days on the bench, he stood high in the esteem of his brethern of the Bar Association and enjoyed the friendship of all who came within the circle of his acquaintance and influence. Brother Thomas married Miss Maude Baker on August 14,1900, the same year as his admission to the bar. There were six fine children from this union, who were; Elizabeth, Jackson Daniel, Clifford Eugene, Katherine, Carolyn Lou, and Tenson Baker. Next to his home was his church. A devoted member and officer of the Druid Hills Baptist Church for many years, he performed his duties with zeal and fidelity. Often after a long day in court he would visit his pastor, Dr.Louie Newton, and discuss the problems confronted in his official duties, and together seek divine guidance in the solution. Brother Thomas was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Battle Hill Lodge #523 , Atlanta, in 1914. Ten years later he served his brethern as Worshipful Master. In 1928, he was appointed to the Grand Lodge line as Second Grand Steward, and in 1935, his brethern were fully aware of his ability to be their Grand Master and so elected him to serve. His Labors and his deeds spoke for themselves. He emphasized that sense of loyalty to his country, to his neighbor, and to his family, which should be the aim of every Mason. In the higher degrees, Brother Thomas was held in high esteem. He served as High Priest of Mount Hereb Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Illustrious Master of Euclid Council, Royal and Select Masters; Commander of the Atlanta Commandery, Knights Templar; High Priest of the 5th district, Royal Arch Masons; a member of the Atlanta Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons; and received honorary degree of KCCH. He was also Worshipful Master of Fifth Masonic District; Chairman of Advisory Council, Atlanta Chapter Order of DeMolay; President of Masters, Wardens, and Secretaries Association of Atlanta; and Custodian of Work, Fifth Masonic District. In 1936, he installed his son, Clifford E. Thomas, as Worshipful Master of Hill Lodge. He was a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, having served as Georgia State Councillor. He was nationally acclaimed for his fine work while serving as Councillor of the Order. It was the 26th of April, 1939, that Brother Eugene Thomas was called to reside in his eternal home in the Heavens. His body was laid to rest in West View Cemetary, Atlanta, with his Fraternal Brothers conducting the grave side services in solemn form. His passing left a vacant place in the hearts of Masons and Grand Lodge, but his influence will live on and on and create a desire to travel his pathways of helpfulness, of devotion to duty, and in expression of love and charity toward all mankind. In the words of Edgar Neely, written a few days after his passing: Man, born of flesh, knows days so very few, when reckoned by the great eternity, yet in this transitory life is due his brothers, all a great fraternity, so he embraced within his ample heart, true love of man, as Gods own counterpart.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:08:52 +0000
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