It was in Pennville Lodge No. 212, F. & A.M., Indiana, that Dwight L. Smith first saw the light of Freemasonry. That was in 1934, the year he married Adalene. In the same year he transferred his membership to Salem Lodge No. 21. Three years later he became its Worshipful Master.
In 1945, he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Indiana. His term ended in 1946, and a year later he became the 16th Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. He served in this capacity until January 31, 1979. His excellence in this capacity was recognized by the Conference of Grand Secretaries. He was chosen as its Secretary-Treasurer in 1954. He held this office until he resigned in 1976 — except for 1969 when he served it as its President.
For 31 years Dwight edited the Indiana Freemason, making it one of the foremost Masonic publications in the world. His ability was widely recognized and he became one of the most widely quoted Masonic authorities in the country.
Among his writing are found: Whither Are We Traveling?; Why This Confusion in the Temple?; Goodly Heritage, the history of Freemasonry in Indiana; Look Well, a guide for Senior Wardens; One Small Candle; and several historical plays.
His writing earned him election as a Fellow of the Philalethes Society, and in 1973 he was awarded its Certificate of Literature. In 1979 he was elected to a three year term as President of this Society. His writings also earned him membership in the coveted Society of Blue Friars (Masonic authors) and he is now its Grand Abbot.
In 1931, Dwight received his A.B. degree from Indiana University, where he received his professional journalism training. Newspaper work followed, preparing him for the work he would later do for Freemasonry.
His awards for his service to Freemasonry are many and include: The James Royal Case Medal of Excellence; the Henry Price Medal of Massachusetts; the Josiah Hayden Drummond Medal of Maine; the Caleb B. Smith Medal of Honor of Indiana; the Daniel Coxe Medal of New Jersey; the first Honor Award of the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, International; the Virginia Craftsmen Distinguished Service Medal; membership in the Masonic Brotherhood of the Blue Forget-Me-Not; an Anson Jones Lecturer of the Texas Lodge of Research; and a Special Commendation of Virginia Research Lodge No. 1777, A.F. & A.M.
