Source: Internet notes; and The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford, by John Robert Greene.

In his acceptance speech as our 38th President, Gerald R. Ford, Jr., commented: "...I am just a Ford; not a Lincoln."  President Ford--seen as a straight shooter during his 25-year political career as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan (1948-1973)--is widely known for having restored public faith in the office of the presidency after he assumed duties as the U.S. President when Nixon resigned on 8 AUG 1974. Ford was born 14 JUL1913--and a 56-year Mason when he died on 26 DEC 2006 at the age of 93.

    President Nixon's Vice President, Spiro Agnew, resigned as VP after pleading "no contest" to the several charges of tax evasion and bribery. Gerald Ford became Nixon's choice and subsequently assumed duties to succeed Spiro Agnew. When the Watergate Scandal erupted 8-9 months later, Ford assumed the position as U.S. President (without election). By mid-September 1974, President Ford made the unpopular decision (to many) to grant Nixon an unconditional pardon for any offenses he may have committed against the U.S.

    Born in Omaha, NE, NE on 14 JUL 1913, Leslie Lynch King, Jr. (later legally renamed Gerald R. Ford, Jr. at the age of 22) knew nothing of his biological father for 17 years. His mother, Betty Warren, divorced the biological father when the child was only 2 years old. Betty and her young son moved back to Michigan and remarried Gerald R. Ford, Sr (an active mason and shriner). Gerald Ford, Jr. was legally adopted--and renamed "Gerry."

    Gerald Ford, Jr. grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, became an Eagle Scout, was captain of his high school football team. After graduating from his high school team, he earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan, and became an outstanding center for the National Championships in 1931 and 1932. Ford was chosen as the MVP for the Wolverines in 1934. On 1 JAN 1935, he played in the college all-star East-West Shrine Games for Crippled Children. He later was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002--benefitting Masonic Shrine Hospitals. Ford was extended offers to play for both the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. He subsequently graduated from the University of Michigan (1935). While attending Yale Law University, he served as coach on Yale's football and boxing team. He graduated from Yale in 1941.

    Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in DEC 1941, Ford joined the U.S. Navy as an Ensign, and served primarily on the aircraft carrier USS MONTEREY operating in the western Pacific islands Wake, Guam, Okinawa, and Philippine campaign. He resigned his commission as a Lieutenant Commander in FEB 1946 at the age of 32.

    The masonic Blue Lodge journey of our 38th President took place primarily after he entering Congress (1948 - 1973). President Ford petitioned Malta Lodge 465 in Grand Rapids, MI and was initiated EA on 30 SEP 1949; passed to FC, 20 APR 1951; and raised to MM, 18 MAY 1951 (Columbia Lodge--WashDC). On 17 OCT 1957, Ford received the Scottish Rite degrees (Valley of Grand Rapids--later merged with the Valley of Doric).  Ford joined Saladin Temple in 1959 and later joined the Royal Order of Jesters, Court #11.  By 26 SEP 1962, Ford was coroneted as 33-degree (Northern Jurisdiction) and appointed SGIG (NJ) in Philadelphia, and the Supreme Council of the SJ (with the Grand Cross Court of Honor on 16 OCT 1975).  As President of the United States, he received the degrees of Royal Arch Masons and Cryptic Masons.

Sam Tish, I.M.