Founder of the Masonic Hospital for Crippled Children William “Bill” Larkin has left a heritage of fond memories and good examples that are so truly inspirational that, years after his departure on that last journey whence there is no returning, his cheery smile, his sincere handclasp, his understanding sympathy with those in trouble, his quiet efficiency, his warm comradeship, and his pleasant, friendly ways are still missed by his Brethren. Verily, he was a great and an outstanding Mason who concerned himself not only with the ritual and lodge work, as such, but also with the dissemination of the Masonic influence. His establishment of the Masonic Hospital for Crippled Children, of which he was President for many years, was his way of translating the Masonic principles of Brotherly Love and Relief into actuality. Whenever there was an opportunity for any Masonic or civic movement to uplift, to improve, or to relieve, Larkin could, certainly, be found among the leaders. Larkin‘s Masonic career covered a period of only twenty years; but, when we note the array of Masonic honors he received during this brief span of years, we can judge his services to the Craft and the high regard of the Brethren for him. Raised in Southern Cross Lodge No.6, F & A.M., under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, in 1917, Larkin was regularly advanced in office from Senior Deacon through the Warden’s chairs to that of Worshipful Master in 1922. He became a Life Member of the Lodge and was its Treasurer for many years. In 1918, he received the degrees of the Scottish Rite, to which he rendered exceptional services. In due course, he was elected to preside in the Manila Bodies. He was Commander of Confucius Council in 1923-24; both Venerable Master of Mt. Arayat Lodge of Perfection and Master of Kadosh, Gautama Consistory, in 1924-25; and Wise Master, Manu chapter, Rose Croix, in 1926-27. He was, for distinguished services, conferred the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1925 at the regular session of the Mother Supreme Council in Washington, D.C.; he was, for like reasons, coroneted by the Mother Supreme Council an Inspector General of the 33rd degree in 1929. In the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Larkin was very active at all times. Consequently, in 1931, he was elected Grand Master of Masons in the Philippines. The following quotation, from Past Grand Master Seldon W. O’Brien’s funeral oration in 1937, refers to his work as Grand Master: Conscientiousness and efficiency distinguished his official acts in that high position, and his endearing personality, his high devotion to duty, and his deep interest in the cause of Masonry naturally brought to him the universal love and esteem of all the Brethren of this jurisdiction. William Wiley Larkin was born in Morristown, Tenn., on May 27,1880, and was educated in his home State. In 1898, he served with the 6th U.S. Volunteers during the Puerto Rican Campaign. He came to the Philippines in 1903 as an accountant with the Government and spent some time in the Government service. He entered business with Clarke & Larkin, Accountants, in 1911. In 1913, he got married. As the father of two children, he lived a happy married life until his death on September 11,1937. In addition to his strictly Masonic work, he was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star and in the Order of Amaranth, presiding over each of their local Chapters as Worthy Patron and Royal Patron, respectively. He was a Shriner, a member of Nile Temple of Seattle and a life member of Bamboo Oasis. Besides, he was a member of the Circumnavigators' Club, the Rotary, and other local social clubs.