Skerrett Lodge 343

 The following information was obtained from the "the Keystone", Phila, PA., 17 May 1873

    David C. Skerrett, M.D., Past Grand High Priest and Past Grand Master of Masons, of Penna. was a man liberal education, of general and polished manners, social in disposition, and warm-hearted in his friendships. Among his Brethren and Companions in Masonry, these congenial qualities, added to his undoubted ability, gave him popularity to a degree that caused him to elevated through all the grades of Masonic office to the highest stations and honors known to Ancient Freemasonary.

    David C. Skerrett was born in the city of Philadelphia, the sixth day of August, 1796, and he died in Washington City, D.C., on the 26th day of January, 1873, in the 77th year of his age. He was bred to the profession of medicine, and was graduated in the medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, in April, 1820. At several periods of his life he was entrusted with important political positions in this city, which he always filled with honor to himself and acceptance to the people and government.

    His Masonic career commenced at the age of 26, he having been initiated in Union Lodge No. 121, Philadelphia, in May, 1822, and regularly passed and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. In December, 1825, he was elected Worshipful Master of Union Lodge. In 1836, he withdrew from Lodge No. 121 and for the space of seven years remained un affiliated. In 1843 he applied and in August of that year was admitted into membership with Lodge No. 3 of this city. In December, 1857, we was elected R.W. Junior Grand Warden and at the next annual Grand Communication he was re-elected to the same station. In 1858, elected to Senior Grand Warden and also in 1859. In 1860 to Deputy Grand Warden and in 1861, the same. Elected in 1862 to Right Worshipful Grand Master.

    In all the positions within the sphere of the Symbolic Degrees, Br. Skerrett conducted himself with moderation and firmness and by his ability and his urbanity if manner, won the confidence and affection of his Brethren and the Craft.

    He was elected a member of Jerusalem Royal Arch Chapter no. 3, Philadelphia, in February 1845, having previously received the degree of Mark Master, as a Sojourner in Columbia Mark Lodge No. 91, on the 11th of the same month. He was accepted a Most Excellent Master Mason in the same Chapter and following March exalted as a Royal Arch Mason. December 1845 elected Scribe of the Chapter, and in November 1846, elected Most Excellent High Priest.

    At the annual grand communication in November 1847, he was elected Most Excellent Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania. In 1848, elected Grand King and 1848, Companion Skerrett was installed as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania. To this supreme station he was elected again in 1850, and at the end of the year, having declined re-election, retired from the arduous duties and responsibilities of Masonic official life.

    As has already been mentioned, for a time, when through the chicanery of political demagogues and the cirulence of intolant bigotry, a storm of Anti-Masonic persecution swept over the country. Whatever were the circumstances and motives which induced the temporary withdrawal, the great fact stands conspicuously forth that his subsequent Masonic career was a series of brilliant successes, achieved by his own merits. By action of his peers in the Craft, the full measure of its highest honors was conferred upon him.

   Library, Grand Lodge of F &AM of Penna, 5 August 1947, V