10/15/2026
George A. Malcolm
From time to time, Acacia shares the phrase, “Behind every roll number, there is a story.” This one reaches back more than a century—and involves a Founding Father, a family keepsake, and a few brothers helping preserve our history.
My current Pacific Northwest trip, primarily to Oregon, included a detour to Kent, Washington, to retrieve a portrait of Founder George A. Malcolm, Michigan #7, ’04.
The painting first came to the Fraternity’s attention nearly a decade ago during efforts to reorganize the California Chapter. Brother Malcolm’s granddaughter, who lived in Alameda, California, contacted Fraternity Headquarters. Leadership Consultant Dan Watson, Washington State #880, ’12, retrieved the portrait, but its considerable size and his travel schedule led him to bring it home to Kent, where his parents have cared for it ever since.
When we arrived to collect the painting, the Watsons warmly referred to their longtime houseguest as “the Judge.”
With help from Ken Christenson, Washington State #565, ’80, the Judge has now continued his journey to Ken’s office in Puyallup, Washington. Plans are underway for the next leg: a trip to Fraternity Headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, where the portrait will be proudly displayed alongside other treasures from Acacia’s past.
Born in Concord, Michigan, in 1881, Malcolm earned his law degree at the University of Michigan, where he helped establish Acacia in 1904. He served as our first National Vice President and later received the Award of Merit.
His professional life took him far from Ann Arbor. In the Philippines, Malcolm helped establish the law school that became the University of the Philippines College of Law and served as its first permanent dean. Malcolm Hall bears his name in recognition of that lasting contribution to legal education. His legacy also lives on in Baguio City, where Malcolm Square, also known as People’s Park, was named in his honor.
In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, where he served until 1936. He later served as Attorney General of Puerto Rico.
The portrait, dated November 1939 and attributed to P. Miranda, is believed to have been commissioned by the Philippine government in recognition of Malcolm’s service. The heraldic design behind his head is believed to reflect his Scottish heritage—another detail woven into the story preserved on this canvas.
Within Acacia, generations of brothers recognize his name through the Founders Achievement Award, commonly called the Malcolm Award, honoring our most outstanding chapter.
This portrait is a tangible connection to a brother whose influence extended across generations and oceans. Its journey also reminds us that preserving Acacia’s history depends on people willing to answer a call - Team Acacia, not four years but life!
Our thanks to Brother Malcolm’s family, Dan and the Watson family, and Ken for ensuring that this piece of Acacia history has a future.
Behind every roll number, there is a story. Sometimes, that story needs a ride home. 📐📐📐
