William C. Councell autograph collection, 1980

William “Bill” C. Councell, was born in Easton, Maryland on January 6, 1913 and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore. He worked in the Accounting Department of the Bethlehem Steel Company at Sparrow’s Point, Maryland before he moved over to Shamokin, Pennsylvania, where he served as General Manager of the Weaver Winstack Rubber Company from 1948 to 1959. Councell married Margaret L. Protheror on June 1, 1952. They moved to the Philippines in 1960 where Councell worked as a Consultant in Church Administration and Finance in the Episcopal Church. He became the Editor of the Ecumenical Review (NCCP) in 1967-68 and served as Chairman of the Mass Media Commission of the NCCP in 1969-70, as well as of the Philippine Chronicle (Episcopal Church) in 1960-71.

Councell was raised a Master Mason in Manila Lodge, No. 1, and served as Worshipful Master in 1968. He became the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Florida near the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Councell was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. In the York Rite, Councell was exalted in Luzon Chapter, No. 1, R.A.M., greeted in Far East Council, No. 1, and knighted in Far East Commandery, No. 1, K.T. He also served as a Presiding Officer in the Royal Arch and Council. Councell received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Manila Bodies. He was honored with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor on February 15, 1969 and coroneted an Inspector General Honorary of the Thirty-third Degree on February 14, 1975. He was crowned Sovereign Grand Inspector General on July 15, 1975. As an active member of the Supreme Council, he was elected Grand Secretary General on January 1, 1976. His affiliations include AFIFI TEMPLE, A.A.O.N.M.S., and honorary membership in many symbolic lodges. He was also a member of Asoka Conclave, No.30, Red Cross of Constantine (Sovereign, 1976), and was conferred the Honorary Legion of Honor by the DeMolay in 1975 for outstanding service in behalf of the Order. He was furthermore an active member of the Rosario Villaruel Chapter, No.2, O.E.S. as well as of the Far East Court, No.1, Order of the Amaranth. Besides, he was an associate member of Quatour Coronati Lodge, No.2076, the premier research Lodge in the world, and the Far East representative of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Washington. Councell authored A History of Freemasonry in the Philippines.

Councell was a passionate collector, collecting stamps and the autographs of famous people. Councell died on July 20, 1989. His widow, Margaret L. Councell left his autograph collection to the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library upon her death in 1990.