M. W. Brother Ernest Frederick Schaefer was born on May 2, 1894, in Akron, Ohio. He attended the public schools in that city. He received a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from Ohio State University, School of Mines, and a Master of Education from the University of Pittsburgh.
On October 27, 1917, he was united in marriage to Helen Grace Lambright, of Akron, and to this union two children, Robert Conn and Patricia Lee were born. In the Civic life of the community, he has been an active and useful citizen and an adherent of the Episcopal faith. In 1918, he was a testing engineer in the Ordnance Department. For many years he was the director of the testing laboratory of the city of Akron, and during this same period he was a consultant and associate professor of chemistry at the University of Akron. He is a professional engineer, registered in Ohio in chemical and metallurgical engineering. In 1936, he became associated with the Division of Trade and Industrial Education of the State Department of Vocational Education. He was a consultant to the Army Service Forces in World War II. He was an Industrial Education and Training Consultant.
M. W. Brother Schaefer received his Entered Apprentice Degree in Akron Lodge No. 83, November 8, 1915; Fellow Craft Degree, December 23, 1915; and Master Mason Degree on April 22, 1916. He served as Worshipful Master in 1929 and 1930. He is a Director of the New Masonic Temple Co. He is an Honorary Member of Loyalty Lodge No. 645, Joppa Lodge No. 666, and Clinton Lodge No. 47.
He was exalted in Washington Chapter No. 25, R. A.M., in 1929; advanced in Akron Council No. 80, R. & S. M., in 1934; and knighted in Akron Commandery No. 25,K. T, in 1934.
He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in Emeth Lodge of Perfection, Mystic Council Princes of Jerusalem, Brenton Chapter Rose Croix, and. Stark Consistory, Valley of Canton, In 1939 and 1940. He is now Senior Warden in Mystic Council. He was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 27, 1944.
In the Grand Lodge of Ohio, he was appointed Lecturer of the Twenty-first Masonic District by M. W. Brother Harvey F. Ake, Grand Master, in October, 1932, and served in that position several years. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon by M. W. Brother Dillon Crist; Grand Master, in 1939, serving in succeeding years as Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal, and Grand Orator. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1943, Senior Grand Warden in 1944, and as Grand Master October 17, 1945.
M. W. Brother Schaefer was active with the Order of DeMolay in the State of Ohio, serving as its State Director for ten years and belonged to its National Supreme Council Executive Committee.
M. W. Brother Schaefer departed this life on April 28, 1961. His cremains were interred in the Knollwood Cemetery Mausoleum, Northwest Wing Extension, No. 42, Mayfield Heights, Ohio.