Colin Barker Montis was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, on February 3, 1904, the son of Jed S. (P.M. of Mt. Zion Lodge No.9) and Estella Welshymer Montis. He attended the schools of Mount Vernon, graduating from high school in 1922. Subsequent education was obtained by attendance at Case School of Applied Science and in night classes in the old Cleveland College.
He was employed in the accounting department of the National Carbon Company, Inc., Cleveland, for twenty-four years, resigning to become a lecturer, mainly on historical and humorous topics. He was Executive Secretary of the Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, otherwise known as the Grottoes of North America, for a period of two years, stationed in Chicago.
On September 15, 1928, he was united in marriage with Doris Charlene Pipes. They were the parents of William B. Montis, of Cleveland, and Mrs. Donald L. Winters (Mary), of Fairbanks, Alaska.
He was an active member of the Western Reserve Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and served that organization as an officer and Secretary for several years. He was also a member of the Ohio Historical Society.
M. W. Brother Montis was made a Master Mason in Bigelow Lodge No. 243, of Cleveland, Ohio, on June 20, 1934. He served as Worshipful Master in 1941, and from 1948 to 1961 was Secretary of the Lodge.
He received the Capitular Degrees in Thatcher Chapter No. 101, R. A. M., in 1934; the Cryptic Degrees in Forest City Council No. 111, R. & S. M., in 1930; and the Chivalric Degrees in Oriental Commandery No. 12, K. T., in 1937. In 1948, he transferred his Commandery membership to Forest City No. 40, K. T.
He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in the Spring Class of 1946, in the Valley of Cleveland, and served as Secretary of his Class on that occasion. He was created an honorary member of the Supreme Council 33°, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 26, 1962.
He became a Prophet in Al Sirat Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R., in 1953, and a Noble of Al Koran Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S., in 1954.
He was a Charter Member of the Lakewood High Twelve Club, which he served as Secretary for several years.
He held membership in River Chapter, No. 517, Order of the Eastern Star.
He served as President of the Secretaries’ Association, F. & A. M., of Ohio, in 1955.
He held honorary membership in many Lodges, including Nippon Lodge of Sasebo, Japan, and the International Square and Compasses Club of Shanghai, China.
He received the DeMolay Legion of Honor Degree in September 1963. He was accepted into the Royal Order of Jesters in October 1963.
In the Grand Lodge, he was appointed a District Deputy Grand Master in October, 1951, and served three years in that capacity. He was appointed Junior Grand Deacon by Most Worshipful, John W. Barkley in October 1956, and was advanced through the chairs of the Grand Line until in October 1963, he was elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons in Ohio at Cincinnati.
M. W. Brother Montis departed this life suddenly on January 1, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. Final services were held on Wednesday January 5, 1972 in the West Side Masonic Temple, Cleveland, Ohio. Interment was at Mount View Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Ohio.