Brother William Howard Taft
Yale '13
27th President of the United States

It was June 4th, and not July 4th, that became a big letter day in the history of our Yale chapter for 1913. The fireworks were modest, and the noise was confined mainly to 16 York Square; but those present at the Acacia House had the distinct pleasure of witnessing the initiation into the fraternity of Yale's most distinguished alumnus, Former President William Howard Taft.

President-Elect Taft was made a Mason-at-Sight in Cincinnati, OH on February 18, 1909. His interest in things Masonic grew constantly from that time. As President he showed his appreciation of the Yale Masonic Club by allowing himself to be enrolled as an Honorary member. It is unnecessary to say that Yale chapter of Acacia needed him, and that at an early date after his entrance into the Yale community he was unanimously elected to Honorary membership in the Yale chapter.

President Taft, in accepting the proposal of the fraternity, made clear his interest in Acacia. He was kind enough to say that he considered it a privilege to come in contact with such an organized body of Yale men from all departments, bound together by the Masonic tie, as well as a group of students, considered as such, among whom he might have some influence through intimate acquaintance. These ideas were again expressed in his hearty speech after the initiation ceremony, when he complimented the work of Yale chapter.