magazine
the
Official PublicatiOn Of
the Grand lOdGe Of texas, a.f. & a.M.
Volume XVII • Issue 4Winter 2008
MASONRY
A TEXAS TRADI
TI
ON
MASONRYA TEXAS
TRADITION
The 173rd Grand Annual
Communication
The Grand Lodge web site is back up and working. Thanks to the Internet Committee.
I am looking for the oldest Lodge building in continuous use. Also, I am always looking for stories. If your Lodge is doing something good for Masonry please contact me.
Thank you,Editor
Table of Contents
Page 1 ...............................................Grand Master’s Message
Page 2 ............................................ Grand Master’s CalendarFather and Son Serve Together,
18 year-old Certificate Holder
Page 3 ...........................................“Come and Take It Day Festival” Name Badge Order Form
Page 4 and 5 .................................................................. John B. Jones
Page 6 and 7 ................ Grand Annual Communication Program, Grand Master’s Resolutions and Recommendations,
Activities for Ladies
Page 8 and 9 ...................................Grand Annual Communication Statements of Availability
Page 10 ..................................... The Houston Grand Lodge Temple
Page 11 ...........Corpus Christi Lodge #189 Annual Charity Raffle
Page 12 ............................................Message from Grand SecretaryGrand Secretary’s Schools of Instruction
Inside Back Cover ............................................... 2008 Jewelry Sales
Outside Back Cover ...............The Grand Master’s Texas Banquet
magazine
theVolume XVII • Issue 4 • Winter 2008
The Texas Mason is an official publication of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M. Published quarterly for members of Texas Lodges and subscribers. Opinions expressed by the editor and individual writers are their own and do not necessar-ily reflect official positions of the Grand Lodge of Texas. Copyright 2007 by the Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas, all rights reserved.
Publisher: Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas eDiTOr: Benjamin Franklin Linduff
The Texas Mason encourages submissions of items and photographs of general interest, reserving the right to edit and use only as needs and policies dictate. Computer documents must be in PC-compatible format. Materials should be sent to the editor, P.O. Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703. All materials become the property of the magazine and cannot be returned.
subsCriPTiOns: $6.00 per year in U.S. and Canada, $15.00 for three years; $10.00 per year in foreign countries, $25.00 for three years.
PermissiOn TO rePrinT: Permission to reprint original articles appearing in The Texas Mason is granted all recognized Masonic publications with credit to the author and/or The Texas Mason magazine.
On the Cover: The Grand Lodge Temple, located in Waco.
Deadline for submission of Articles for the next edition
is December 1, 2008.
the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Winter 2008 • Page 1
GrAnD mAsTer’s messAGe Masonry – A Texas Tradition
Brethren,
What a joy and a privilege it has been for me to serve as your Grand Master for 2008. The end of this Grand Lodge year is in sight and I am extremely encouraged with the constituent lodges in Texas who are using the programs in place and abiding by the Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M. We are continuing to see “shortcomings” in a few of our lodges especially when it comes to our ritual and strict adherence to the constitution, laws and by-laws adopted. I will never forget the lodge I visited several months ago and asked to see their latest copy of the Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas and they produced the 1983 revision. When I inquired about the date, the response was, “We liked that one!” My brothers, this is not acceptable. In the last issue of the magazine, I asked our other Grand Lodge officers who will take the leadership role as Grand Master at the end of this year and the several years to come, if tradition prevails, to give you an insight into their plans and the future of Texas freemasonry. I hope you read their messages and know as I do that we are in good hands and our fraternity will prosper. We are continuing to attempt to educate the Masons of Texas in every way possible. Pride in our gentle fraternity is the key and our actions in our daily lives as well as in our lodges is the key to our success in the future! I hope you will be able to attend the Grand Lodge session in December and participate in the legislation and elections before us. Our awards program will be on Thursday night and Friday night a Master’s Degree will be held by the members of the Committee-on-Work assisted by other capable brethren. Our ladies will have “things to do and places to go” so please bring your wives with you so they can enjoy Grand Lodge too. I want to thank our planning team for 2008, the Grand Lodge trustees and their support, our Past Grand Master’s for their encouragement, our District Deputy Grand Masters and their effectiveness as my representative in their respective districts, and lastly my wife Vi, who has been my head cheerleader throughout this beautiful trip you brethren have allowed me to take. Thank you brethren again for all you do in Masonry and I hope and pray that each of you persevere in keeping “Masonry, A Texas Tradition”. God bless each and every one of you and thank you for being a member of the greatest fraternity on earth. Fraternally,
Thomas F. Griffin Grand Master
Photo by Roger Bell, Scottish Rite Hospital.
Page 2 • Winter 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine
DeCember 200812 Fri. OV Alamo Lodge No. 44 San Antonio
(meet in the Alamo), 7:00 P.M.
JAnuArY 20099 Fri. OV St. John’s Lodge No. 53, 7:00 P.M.
10 Sat. GM Conference, 9:00 A.M. Longview
10 Sat. GM Conference, 3:00 P.M. Nacogdoches
14 Wed. Sojourners Bridge of Light, San Antonio
6:00 P.M.
17 Sat. Texas Lodge of Research Waco
50th Anniversary, 10 A.M.
18 Sun. Masonic Cemetery Dedication, Cameron
2:00 P. M.
21 Wed. OV Holland Lodge No. 1, 6:00 P. M.
23 Fri. GM Valley Banquet McAllen
24 Sat. GM Conference, 10:00 A.M. McAllen
31 Sat. GM Conference, 10:00 A.M. Dallas
31 Sat. GM Banquet Hella Shrine, 6:30 P.M Dallas
FebruArY7 Sat. GM Conference, 10:00 A.M. Beaumont
21 Sat. GM Visit York Rite Festival
at Holland Lodge No. 1, 7:00 A.M.
21 Sat. OV 108th District, 6:30 P.M.
23 Mon. OV 107th District, 6:30 A.M.
28 Sat. TMRC Cornerstone Ceremony (Time TBD)
MASONRY
A TEXAS TRADITI
ON
GrAnD mAsTer’s
CAlenDAr(For updates or an annual
calendar of events, visit website)
Father and Son Serve TogetherTo have two generations of the same family serving as Worshipful Masters in the same year is unusual. What is even more unusual is that they are now serving as District Deputy Grand Masters simultaneously. They were installed as Worshipful Masters on the same day on June 25, 2005. RW Rex Lewis was installed at 1PM as Worshipful Master of James Ladd Burgess Lodge No. 1305 in Dallas with his parents present. Then, everyone drove to Travis Lodge No. 117 in Sherman for RW A. D. Lewis installation as Worshipful Master that evening. Subsequently, on December 8, 2007, they were installed as District Deputy Grand Masters to serve their respective Districts, RW Allen D. Lewis, DDGM of Masonic District No.4B and RW Rex S. Lewis, DDGM of Masonic District No.14D.
Article and photo provided by RW Rex Lewis, DDGM 14D.
On April 26, 2008 history was made in Ashland Lodge #1138 in Diana, Texas. As Brother Ben Jamin Jordan was examined and passed his “A” Certificate in the Texas Masonic Ritual. He was exam by R.W. Terry W. Stogner, Member of the Committee on Work and Claude Germany, District Instructor for District #63. Brother Jordan was raised on February 29, 2008 in Hawkins Lodge #1293 in Big Sandy Texas. His instructor was T.R. Red Ainsworth. As far as we know at this time Bro. Jordan stands to be the first 18 year old to hold a Class “A” Certificate in the State of Texas.
Terry W. Stogner, Committee on Work, Grand Lodge of Texas
RW Rex Lewis (L), RW A.D. Lewis (R)
the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Winter 2008 • Page 3
The “Come and Take It Day” Festival The “Come and Take it Day” Festival, which celebrates the first shot of the Texas Revolution, took place the weekend of Oct. 4th in Gonzales Texas. The Masons of Texas played a big part in the namesake event (see: http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org/gonzales.php) and have established a major presence at the annual festival. This year’s Masonic participation in the festival was built around a motorcycle “ride in” by members of the Freemasons Riding Club, and others. The activities included a breakfast hosted by Gonzales Lodge #30, a program by the Grand Master, participation in the parade, and a “fun ride” through the countryside after lunch on Saturday. Brethren from all over the state started arriving in downtown Gonzales at 7:00AM Saturday morning to have breakfast provided by Gonzales Lodge #30.
Grand Master Tommy Griffin and many of the Grand Lodge officers were there, and a program with an address by Grand Master Griffin took place at the Gonzales Heroes Square at 9:30 AM Saturday. After the Grand Master’s address, Mason motorcycle riders queued up for the big parade. A cool ride was prepared for the Grand Master!
R:.W:. Gene Carnes, Grand Junior Warden, rode his motorcycle in the parade with the brethren…
The fun ride was led by Gonzales County Sheriff, Brother Glen Sachtleben After a full day of Texas History, brotherhood, and motorcycle riding… the brothers each departed to make their journey to their own home town.
Story submitted by Dick BrownPictures provided by Brad Reel, Holland Lodge #1
Page 4 • Winter 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine
John B. Jones was born on December 22nd, 1834 in the Fairfield District, South Carolina. His family moved to the Republic of Texas in 1838, settling in the area that became Travis County, and then later moving to the part of Texas that became Navarro County. As a young man, Jones made a living by farming and raising livestock. When the Civil War started, Jones joined the Confederacy as a private in the 8th Texas Cavalry (Terry’s Texas Rangers) and rose to the rank of captain. Within a few months, he was promoted to adjutant of the 15th Texas Infantry of Joseph W. Speight. In 1863, with the rank of captain, he was appointed adjutant general of a brigade, and in 1864, he was recommended for promotion to be major, but the war ended prior to his receiving the higher rank. It was clear, however, that his leadership abilities far exceeded his rank. At the conclusion of the war, Jones and many other southerners were greatly concerned about what life would be like under reconstruction. He believed there was a future in South America, and he traveled there intending to establish a colony for former Confederates. After two years looking for a suitable place to establish such a colony, Jones lost his enthusiasm for the project and returned to Texas. It was at this time that Jones became very
involved with the Masonic fraternity. He was active and popular in both the Blue Lodge and the York Rite, and he was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 1872. Life was good for Jones and he had adjusted to post-Civil War Texas, when in 1874 he was called upon, once again, to serve his State. In 1874, Richard Coke was the new governor, replacing E. J. Davis. Governor Davis had served under reconstruction, and thus had very limited authority, especially when it came to granting authority to a state militia or police force. As a result, the average Texan found the state police force weak, and very unsatisfactory. Texans faced ruthless lawlessness and Indian trouble. Under the Davis regime, such men as John Wesley Hardin, Bill Longley, and many others were very active in Texas; and when the new Governor was elected to office, they attempted to continue their ways. Indian raids showed no indication of ending, either, and the problems had to be resolved. So, with the end of reconstruction and with tacit approval of the Federal Government, Gov. Coke established a new force of Texas Rangers, and called it The Frontier Battalion. Coke called upon Brother Jones to head this force, and gave him the rank of Major.
the Jones Oath When accepting the job of organizing the Rangers, Jones wrote his own Oath of Office, which has come to be known to Texas Historians as “the Jones Oath”:
I Jno B. Jones do Solemnly Swear that I will bear true allegiance to the State of Texas, and that I will serve her honestly and faithfully against all her enemies or opposers whatsoever, and observe & obey the orders of the Governor of the State, and the orders of the officers appointed over me accor- ding to an Act of the Legislature for raising a Battalion for frontier protection approved April 10, 1874 Jno B. Jones’
It is very likely that Jones realized that this appointment was a chance for him to influence the direction of his country (State) and to insure that law and order were the rule. He no doubt took this opportunity very seriously. In the beginning, the Frontier Battalion was to be composed of six companies consisting of a captain, lieutenants, sergeants, corporals, and privates. When mustered to the utmost, there were seventy-five privates in each company. Under Major Jones, this force proved to be so effective that, in less than a year, the numbers were drastically lowered. The companies were stationed from near the Red River in the north to the Nueces River in the south. Jones frequently left Austin and joined a company and traveled up and down the frontier. His hands-on method of leadership established the discipline he expected, and he got to know many of men personally. Most importantly, for the morale of the force, he shared in the same dangers his men experienced. And indeed, their work was often dangerous. It was on July 12 in Jack County that Jones and a group of some three dozen Rangers—mostly young men totally inexperienced in fighting—survived the charges of some 150 Kiowa and Comanche warriors led by Lone Wolf. The Indians were well mounted and armed with breech-loading rifles. How many warriors were killed or wounded by the Rangers is unknown, but the loss suffered by the Rangers was two killed and two wounded.
JOhN B. JONES leader of the texas rangers and the Masons of texas
the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Winter 2008 • Page 5
As the Indian problems started to subside, more energy was spent by the Rangers in ridding the state of bandits and private wars or “family feuds.” The busiest year for Major Jones was certainly that of 1877. In April, he engineered the Kimble County Roundup, during which some forty men were arrested when Rangers of several companies rode in and took into custody every man who could not give a good account of himself. This sweep netted all the men for which Jones had warrants, with the exception of only a handful. The good citizens of Texas became safer and safer each day that Jones led the Rangers. Perhaps the most glorious experience for Major Jones and his Texas Rangers was his breaking up of the Sam Bass gang of train and bank robbers. This group intended to rob the bank at Round Rock, Williamson County, on July 19, 1878. Jones managed to get word of the plan, and although he was in Austin, he and several Rangers hurried to Round Rock. They rode into town just when gunfire erupted on the street. This altercation was caused by two deputies attempting to arrest two “strangers” for wearing pistols within the town’s limits. The strangers were Bass and Barnes. Major Jones, along with Rangers Richard C. Ware and George Herold, turned out in the street to fight the outlaws. Ware killed Barnes with a shot in the head, and Bass was severely wounded by a bullet from George Herold. (Jones’ bullets certainly added to the smoke, noise, and confusion, but apparently his shots went wide of their mark). Frank Jackson managed to get Bass out of town, where his trail was temporarily lost. The next day, a squad under Sergeant Charles L. Nevill found Bass and brought him back to Round Rock, where he died.
Jones as Grand Master of texas
During the Masonic year 1879, when Brother Jones was Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of Texas was opened in the usual fashion. Brother Jones then addressed the crowd with an overview of the year’s activities. He announced that twenty new
Masonic lodges had been chartered in Texas, yet he felt that the growth of the Masonic Fraternity was not as it should be. He discussed issues facing Texas Masons that year, most of which had to do with individual lodges and membership rules. Some of the topics were general in nature, such as “what to do if one of the brothers hosts a party at the lodge, with gentlemen and ladies present, and causes or incites dancing to take place” (why, it must be stopped!); and “should betting on horse races be prohibited by Grand Lodge” (this issue was not resolved, but it was determined that betting on horse races should not be considered gambling). It will be interesting to many Texas Masons to note that, at that time, the Master of a Texas Lodge must have received the Past Masters degree before assuming the position of leadership, and that there were 30 Masonic districts in Texas. For more reading on this, please visit the Grand Lodge of Texas Library and ask for the Proceedings of Grand Lodge for 1879.
last Years of life Bro. Jones remained single for most of his life, but on Feb. 25, 1879, he was married to Mrs. Annie Henderson Anderson. The 1880 Travis County
census reveals Adjutant General of the State Troops Major Jones was forty-five years old; his wife, forty-one. The nine-member family had four servants to care for the household.This marriage was short, however. On Tuesday, July 19, 1881, Major John B. Jones “departed this life after a long and painful illness.” One obituary stated Jones “was distinguished for his gentlemanly, unassuming address, and he possessed to a marked degree all the attributes that ennoble and ornament the life of a true man.” No other figure of the Frontier Battalion ever managed to attain the high respect and near reverence that Major Jones did. He was indeed the right man in the right place. He is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
Grave of bro. John b. Jones
Written by Dick Brown, Chairman of the Texas History Committee [email protected] - Data compiled from Wikipedia, Handbook of Texas On-Line, Texas Ranger Dispatch newsletter. Special thanks to Bro. Bruce Mercer and The Grand Lodge of Texas Library and Museum, and Bro. Joe Davis, former Texas Ranger and past president of the Former Texas Rangers Association.
Page 6 • Winter 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine
PROGRAM
The family & friends of Master Masons attending the 173rd Grand Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas are invited to all Open Sessions printed in red in this program.
During the hours of the Tiled Sessions of the Grand Annual Communications, the Ladies Lounge and Television Room on the lower floor and the Library and Museum on the Ground floor of our Memorial Grand Lodge Temple will be open.
FIRST DAY – FIRST SESSIONThursday, December 4, 2008
1:00 p.m. Prelude of Piano Music
1:30 p.m. Pre-formal Opening Ceremonies,
1:35 p.m. Opening prayer
Entrance and Procession of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Past Grand Masters and the Grand Lodge Officers,
Reception of Distinguished Guests
Presentation of the Colors.
Salute to the United States Flag
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag
Salute to the Texas Flag
Pledge to the Texas Flag
Address of Welcome
Response to Address of Welcome
Presentation of the Key to the City of Waco.
Greetings from Miss Texas USA, Miss USA and Miss Teen Texas USA.
Greetings from Masonic affiliated youth organizations.
Presentations of Vanguard Lodge and Masonic Service Awards:
Memorial Service.
Roll Call of Grand Lodge Officers
Roll Call and Welcome of the Past Grand Masters
Response to Roll Call and Welcome of the Past Grand Masters
Roll Call and Welcome of the District Deputy Grand Masters
Response to Roll Call and Welcome of the District Deputy Grand Masters
Roll Call and Welcome of the Grand Representatives of Other Grand Lodges near the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas
Response to Roll Call and Welcome of the Grand Representatives of Other Grand Lodges near the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas
6:30 p.m. Presentation of Grand Lodge Awards
7:30 p.m. Entertainment
SECOND DAY – SECOND SESSIONFriday, December 5, 2007
9:00 a.m. Opening of the One Hundred Seventy-Second Grand Annual Communication of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas
Report of Committee on Credentials
Resolution seating all Master Masons
Resolution fixing day and time for election of Officers of the M: W: Grand Lodge of Texas
Resolution fixing day and time for Installation of Officers of the M: W: Grand Lodge of Texas for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2007
Reports of the Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge Trustees, Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas, Texas Masonic Charities Foundation & Square and Compasses Holding.
Committee Reports:
9:00 a.m. Coffee honoring Vi Griffin and the ladies of the 2008 Grand Lodge Officers, Lower Floor, Grand Lodge Building. All Ladies Invited.
10:00 a.m. Ladies tour to Salado for shopping and lunch at the Stagecoach Inn. Depart from Grand Lodge. (Deadline for tickets, November 18). All Ladies invited.
12:00 Noon (approximately) Grand Lodge Called From Labor & Prayer
SECOND DAY – THIRD SESSION
1:15 p.m. Prelude of Piano Music, Grand Lodge Called to Labor & Invocation
Recognition of Masons who have served in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate (Past & Present).
Grand Oration
Committee Reports (Continued):
5:15 p.m. (approximately) Grand Lodge Called from Labor & Prayer
7:00 p.m. Master Masons Degree
THIRD DAY – FOURTH SESSIONSaturday, December 6, 2006
8:00 a.m. Grand Lodge Called to Labor & Prayer
Committee Reports (Continued)
Masonic Home and School Board of Directors Report
9:00 a.m. Coffee honoring Mary Counts and the wives of the 2009 DDGMs, Ground Floor, Grand Lodge Building. All Ladies invited.
10:00 a.m. Ladies Hat Show in the Lower Auditorium. All Ladies invited.
10:00 a.m. The election of Grand Officers shall be held at such hour as the Grand Lodge may fix by resolution adopted the previous day and shall have priority over all other business.
10:30 a.m. (approximately) Grand Lodge Called From Labor.
DeMolay Legion of Honor conferred on M: W: Thomas F. Griffin, R: W: W. David Counts, and R: W: Thomas Eugene “Gene” Carnes.
11:15 a.m. (approximately) Grand Lodge Called to Labor.
Committee Reports (Continued)
Unfinished business.
New business.
Grand Lodge Called From Labor & Prayer.
THIRD DAY, FIFTH SESSION
Interlude of Organ Music.
2:00 p.m. Open Installation of Officers as set by resolution adopted on the preceding day.
Presentation of Grand Master’s Ring and Bible to Grand Master by the immediate Past Grand Master.
Presentation of Past Grand Master’s Apron.
Presentation of Past Grand Master’s Jewel.
Presentation of Past Grand Master’s Certificate.
Presentation of Past Grand Master’s Ring.
Presentations to the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
Remarks by the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
Closing of the One Hundred Seventy-Third Grand Annual Communication at the completion of all Grand Lodge business.
173rd Grand Annual Communication – December 4-6, 2008
the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Winter 2008 • Page 7
GRAND MASTER’S RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. (Civil Law assisted by Purposes & Policies). Revise the GL Laws to permit better management of the business affairs of the Masonic Home and School (MHS), for the government of the MHS, for referrals to children’s services, and for the funding of children’s services for qualified applicants thereto.
2. (Committee on Work, assisted by Masonic Education). Amend Article 276a to enhance Lodge proficiency by requiring the certification of the Worshipful Master-elect to perform his duties and have completed a Grand Lodge approved course in the administration of his duties prior to being installed.
RESOLUTIONS:
Resolution No. 7 – 2007 Holdover. (Masonic Jurisprudence)
1. (Masonic Jurisprudence). Amend Article 318a to replace suspended or expelled member from the Lodge’s Endowed List with name of Lodge. (R. Gilmore)
2. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Art. VII, Sec 1, to require resolutions, recommendations, or GM Decisions to be balloted by show of color ballots and not by Hands if not by written ballot. (Bill Ford).
3. (Purposes & Policies). Establish the Gift of Life Temporary Committee as a Permanent Committee. (Henry Martin).
4. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Article 322 for the Lodge to not pay Annual Returns for permanently physically disabled members. (D. Whitaker).
5. (Purposes & Policies). Permits a member
who pays dues for 20 years to become a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas. (R. McCroskey).
6. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Article 415 so that Lodges meeting quarterly will be permitted to act on petitions at called meetings. (Sam Whitley).
7. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Article 381 to delete the requirement to state time & place when vouching for a Brother. (W. Vernon Burke).
8. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Article 434a to give the Lodge an option to instruct, investigate, and vote on an EA or FC whose time has lapsed prior to receiving instruction. (V. Armstrong).
9. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Article 225c to permit Lodges to host Boy Scout Troops, Venture Scouts, or Explorers. (Jason Carter).
10. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Article 225a to recognize Panhandle Masonic Hilltop Association. (Gary Smith).
11. (Purposes & Policies). Amend Articles 122-126 and 20d to rescind the delegation of Grand Lodge Assistance Fund to the Finance Committee and to task the Grand Lodge Trustees to administer the program. (Orville O’Neill).
12. (Committee on Work). Amend Article 433 to only learn 1st section of E.A. Degree questions. (Joe Noel).
13. (Committee on Work). Amend Article 361 to read the list of deceased members in the Lodge of Sorrow. (D. Whitaker).
14. (Committee on Work). Amend the Monitor to enable the Master to have
another Mason present the scripture during the circumambulation. (W. Vernon Burke).
15. (Committee on Work, assisted by P&P). Re-write Article 505.20 to make cipher/code books a Masonic offense. (Al Alexandre).
16. (Civil Law). Amend Article 47b to prohibit smoking throughout the Grand Lodge Temple and no closer than 50 yards from the entrances. (Roy Harrell).
17. (Civil Law) Amend Article 339a to permit Non-Profit Corporation’s Board of Directors to include non-Masons. (R. Slinkard).
18. (Finance Committee) Amend Article 318a to increase the required distribution from Endowed Memberships to Lodges and waive per capita payments for first year. (Michael Moore).
19. (Finance Committee). Amend Articles 50, 67-69, 73 to change the requirements from “printing” to “publishing” documents in order to use electronic recordings (CD) and reduce printing costs. (Archie Scott).
20. (By-Laws). Assign Rock Island Lodge #869 to District 102 vice District 103. (S. Wilson).
21. (By-Laws). Assign Triangle Lodge # 1135 to District 102 vice District 103. (D. Dunagan).
22. (Fraternal Relations). Amend Article 225a to recognize PAMAT and PMAAI (Robert Bacon).
23. (Membership). Amend Article 407 to delete words to refer a petition for advancement to a committee. (Caledonia #68).
173rd Grand Annual Communication – December 4-6, 20082008 RESOLUTIONS & GM RECOMMENDATIONS
The Opening Ceremonies of Grand Lodge on Thursday afternoon beginning at 1:00 PM.
Presentation of Awards and entertainment at 7:30 in the
Grand Lodge auditorium.
I have planned for a Christmas In Salado Bus Trip. The bus will leave
the Grand Lodge Building at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 5, immediately following the coffee honoring the First Lady. We will have lunch at the Stagecoach Inn, then shop the many shops available in Salado and return to the Grand
Lodge Building around 4:30 PM. Cost for the trip, including lunch is $30.00. Send reservation information and payment to the Grand Lodge Office, Attn: Doris. Space is limited and reservations MUST be made by November 18.
On Saturday at 9:00 AM, the Waco Eastern Star Chapters will host a coffee honoring Mary Counts,
soon to be First Lady on the lower level of the Grand Lodge building.
On Saturday at 10:30 AM the First Lady will host “Hats through the Centuries”, narrated by Mrs. Judy Murphy and hats modeled by ladies of Texas Masons. This event will be in the auditorium on the lower level of the Grand Lodge building.
ACTIVITES FOR LADIES DURING GRAND LODGE
Page 8 • Winter 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine
Statements of AvailabilityGrand Junior Warden
rodneY e. BroWn, Sr.
North Shore Lodge No. 1353 Raised – November 2, 1974 Endowed Member – 1991 Golden Trowel Award – 1991
PLURAL AND ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSRichards Lodge No. 1116 – Worshipful
Master—1999-2000; Treasurer – 2000-2001;
Endowed Member – 2000; Golden Trowel – 2008
Hull Lodge No. 1193 – Worshipful Master—2000-2001; 2002-2003;
Endowed Member – 2000
GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS Masters, Wardens and Secretaries
Association – Masonic District 107 – President, 1999-2000; Secretary – 2000-2005
District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic District 107 – 2003
Committee on Memorials – 2002 Committee on Petitions and Returns of Lodges
U.D. – 2004 Grand Representative to Brazil – 2004 to
PresentGrand Junior Steward – 2006
Grand Junior Warden
JaMeS F. BruMiT
Gibraltar Lodge No. 1179 (merged into Oak Cliff Lodge No. 705) Raised – February 25, 1958 Worshipful Master – 1967–1968 Life Member – 1968 Endowed Member – 1985 Golden Trowel Award – 1994
PLURAL AND ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSSunshine Lodge No. 341 – Worshipful Master
– 2003-2004 Cedar Hill Lodge No. 1380Northern Star Lodge No. 1377 Texas Lodge of Research – Worshipful Master
– 1998-99; Endowed Member – 1999 Tranquility Lodge No. 2000; Endowed Member
– 2000
GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS Esoteric “A” Certificate – 1959-PresentDistrict Deputy Grand Master – Masonic
District 14-A – 1969; District Deputy at Large – 2006
Milage and Transportation Committee – 1971-1972
Youth Activities Committee – 1978-1981 Affiliation and Reinstatement Committee –
1982-1986 Petitions No. 2 Committee – 1986 Grievances and Appeals Committee – 1985-88Grand Senior Deacon – 1990; Grand Senior
Steward – 2000; Grand Marshal – 2003 Milage and Transportation Committee – 1996 Grand Representative – Columbia – 1997-
present Masonic Education and Service Committee –
1997-2003 Finance Committee – 2006-Present William M. Beck Award – 2001Sam Houston Award – 2007
Grand Junior Warden
JaMeS roY eLLioTT
East Dallas Lodge No. 1200 Raised – March 11, 1975 Endowed Member—1992
PLURAL AND ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSMidlothian Lodge No. 584 – Worshipful
Master—1993-1994; Endowed Member—1991; Golden Trowel—
1998 Sunshine Lodge No. 341 – Charter Member—
2003; Worshipful Master—2004-2005 Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 – Charter
Member—1999; Endowed Member
GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic
District 18 – 1995Grand Master’s Planning Team – 2003 Gift of Life Committee – Chairman, 2000;
2002-2005; Vice-Chairman, 2006-2007Grievance and Appeals – 2007
the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Winter 2008 • Page 9
Statements of AvailabilityGrand Junior Warden
KenneTH B. FiSCHer
Sagemont Lodge No. 1426 (now merged with South Houston Lodge No. 1295-withdrew 2005) Raised – March 11, 1971 in Deer Park
Lodge No. 1362 Worshipful Master – 1987-1988 Secretary – 1990; 2004; 2005 Life Member – 1988 Endowed Member – 1987 Golden Trowel Award – 1995 PLURAL AND ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSAnson Jones Lodge No. 1416 Sul Ross Lodge No. 1300 – Endowed Member
– 2006
GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic
District 30-H – 1994Grand Master’s Planning Team – 2001Grand Junior Deacon – 2002Grand Representative to GreeceMemorials Committee – 1989, 2004-2008 Masonic Education and Service Committee –
2007-2008
Board oF direCTorS oF THe MaSoniC HoMe
and SCHooL
JoHn HenrY “JaCK” JeTer, Jr.
Haltom City-Riverside Lodge No. 1331 Raised - March 13, 1954 (Riverside
#1194) Past Master - Riverside Lodge No. 1194 -
1963 - 64 Haltom City-Riverside Lodge No. 1331 -
Endowed Golden Trowel Award
PLURAL AND ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSSunrise Daylight Lodge No. 1433 - EndowedKeller Lodge No. 1084 - EndowedEugene Green D/FW Lodge No. 1441 -
EndowedSmithfield Lodge No. 455 - EndowedPanther City Lodge No. 1183 - EndowedCrowley Lodge No. 1437 - Charter Member
and EndowedChalk Mountain Lodge No. 894 - Endowed
Tabernacle Lodge No. 1195 – Endowed Point Isabel Lodge No. 33 – Charter Member
and EndowedTranquility Lodge No. 2000 - Charter Member
and Endowed
GRAND LODGE OF TEXASDistrict Deputy Grand Master - 1968 “Class A” Life Certificate and 50-Year in
esoteric workCommittee on Petitions & Returns of Lodges
UD – Chairman, 2004Committee on Masonic Education & Service Committee on Grand Officers Reports –
ChairmanGrand Master’s Conference Chairman – 1998Board of Directors of Masonic Home & School
– 2004-Present
CoMMiTTee on WorK
TiMoTHY KenT anTHonY
Harlandale Lodge No. 1213 Raised – July 10, 1976 Worshipful Master – 1982 – 1983; 1990 –
1991 Life Member – 1987 Endowed Member – 1991 25 Year Service Award Esoteric Work – Life Certificate – Class A –
2003 Funeral Master – 1980 to Present
PLURAL AND ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSRising Star Lodge No. 429
GRAND LODGE OF TEXASDistrict Education Officer – Masonic District
No. 39C – 1996District Deputy Grand Master – Masonic
District No. 39C – 1997District Masonic Relations Officer – Masonic
District No. 39C – 2002Committee on Work – 2003 to Present;
Chairman, 2005 – 2006, Secretary, 2004 – 2005, 2006 – 2008
Page 10 • Winter 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine
The HoustonGrand Lodge Temple
Organized in 1837, the Grand Lodge of Texas was an itinerant for nearly a quarter of a century. The question of a permanent location for the Grand Lodge to hold its communications had come up periodically, and in 1857 the Grand Lodge adopted a resolution to permanently locate itself when it met in 1861. The 25th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas convened in the city of Houston on June 10-18, 1861. It was the first time the Grand Lodge met in the city of its birth since 1849. On June 12th an election was held, and Houston was selected as the place for the permanent location of the Grand Lodge. That same day, in a meeting of Holland Lodge No. 1, it was resolved that in the event the Grand Lodge was permanently located in Houston, Holland Lodge would donate its building on Main and Capitol to the Grand Lodge, reserving the right of the various local Masonic Bodies to meet there. This was made known to the Grand Lodge, after its action, and on June 17th the Grand Lodge decided to accept the donation, with the reservation proposed, and began taking measures to erect a Temple building. In October 1862, the three-story frame building built by Holland Lodge in 1852 and donated to the Grand Lodge in 1861 was destroyed by fire. At the 1866 communication of the Grand Lodge, the Committee on Masonic Temple, appointed in 1861, to provide for the erection of a Temple building, reported “that in consequence of the default in funds appropriated for the purpose by the Grand Lodge, and yet more from the turmoil and civil strife which arose and continued for five years, no progress has been made in erecting the building … and recommend that full power be given to this, or a new committee, to enable them to take such course as may be necessary to accomplish the object.” A Special Committee was appointed to report to the Grand Lodge “whether it be prudent and practicable to commence the erection of a suitable Masonic Temple during the year and their plan, if any for the erection of the same.” In their report, adopted by the Grand Lodge, the committee presented resolutions providing for the appointment of a Building Committee to provide for the erection of a Temple building to cost from $25,000 to $50,000, and the sum of $5,000 to be appropriated out of the funds of the Grand Lodge to aid in the construction of the building. When the Building Committee met on Aug 16th, “Their first action was to procure a plan and specifications for the building with estimates of the cost with an iron front … They also determined that it was expedient to lay the foundation and procure bricks for the work, as
soon as assurances should be received that a reasonable proportion of the necessary funds would be contributed by the subordinate Lodges and individual subscriptions, in addition to the appropriation made by the Grand Lodge … It has been their purpose not to proceed until this was done, and only so far as it was assured … The adoption of a plan was delayed until steps could be taken for this purpose … After being advised of a subscription by Holland Lodge No. 1, to the amount of five thousand dollars, and hearing that other Lodges would respond favorably, the committee adopted a plan prepared by … W. E. Wood, an architect of Houston, (and member of Holland Lodge) for a building to be ninety-seven and one-half feet in front and ninety-two feet deep, and four stories in height, the cost of which is estimated at about fifty thousand dollars.” The site for the Temple was on the corner of Main and Capitol, where the building formerly occupied by the Grand Lodge once stood. The cornerstone was laid according to Masonic tradition, during the 31st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on June 13, 1867. The stone was made of white marble and measured 16 X 16 ½ X 10 ½ inches in height. The only inscription on it was a square and compasses on the front. When the Grand Lodge met in June 1868, work on the Temple was progressing as rapidly as the funds received would permit. The foundation was completed, the brick for the first story was being laid, and the iron front for the first story, going up. By the next meeting of the Grand Lodge in 1869 the second story was nearing completion. On May 7, 1870, the capstone was laid on the Temple and the last brick placed in position. The exterior of the Temple was completed but more than two years would elapse before the interior was finished. However the Grand Lodge Room was sufficiently completed for the 34th Annual Communication to convene there in June 1870. The Temple was dedicated at the 37th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on June 9, 1873, with Grand Master James F. Miller presiding. During the dedication ceremonies, Past Grand Master Franklin B.
The Houston Masonic Grand Lodge Temple Meeting Place of the Grand Lodge of Texas – 1870 to 1902
the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org Winter 2008 • Page 11
Sexton, the Grand Orator, delivered an eloquent address. In his remarks on the Temple he said:
This Masonic Temple, grand in its architecture, elegant in finish, and complete in its appointments, reflects great credit upon those who first projected it, as well as upon those who have so long and faithfully devoted their time superintending its erection and completion. It is worthy of the craft for whose use it has been built. It is an ornament to this city, whose reputation for enterprise, public spirit, hospitality, and social courtesy, is the pride of the state.
The total cost of the Temple including fixtures was over $100,000.00. The Grand Lodge Room was located on the third floor of the Temple, while the administrative office of the Grand Lodge was on the second floor. The original deed from Holland Lodge No. 1 to the Grand Lodge reserved the right of Holland Lodge No. 1, Washington Chapter No. 2, and Ruthven Commandery No. 2, to a place of meeting in the Temple. Such portions of the building not used for Masonic purposes were rented out. For over thirty years the “Masonic Temple” in Houston was the place where the Grand Lodge of Texas met and transacted it business. The last regular communication of the Grand Lodge held in the Temple was in 1902. The following year, the Grand Lodge sold the Temple building and relocated to Waco, a more central location.
On the morning of May 19, 1912, the former Temple building burned. In August of that same year, the cornerstone, leveled nearly a half century earlier, was removed, and the following year placed upon top of the cornerstone in the new Temple in Waco, built in 1904. Later the cornerstone would again be removed and placed near the main entrance of the present Grand Lodge Temple in Waco, built in the late 1940s. Submitted by Bruce Mercer, Assistant Librarian of the Grand Lodge of Texas and member of Baylor Lodge No. 1235.
Corpus Christi Lodge #189 Holds Third Annual
Charity Raffle
Three years ago, Corpus Christi Lodge #189 held its first charity raffle. One thousand tickets were printed and at $5 per ticket. Ticket sales totaled $4,940. For the second raffle, a slightly more aggressive effort was mounted. One thousand five hundred tickets were printed, and sold at a ticket price of $10. The proceeds of the second raffle amounted to $15,005. The ticket supply was exhausted two weeks before drawing date. In the third raffle, a still more ambitious sale was undertaken — two thousand tickets, with a ticket price of $20. Although it was not a sellout, ticket sales amounted to $36,373 (91 percent sold). In the three raffles, an increasing quantity and quality of prizes were offered. The larger prizes were rifles and shotguns, high quality fishing rods and reels, and appealing hunting and fishing trips. Ranch owner Daniel D. Countiss, now junior Past Master of Corpus Christi Lodge No. 189, donated the hunting and fishing trips. He also challenged the Lodge to attempt bigger and more profitable raffles. Thus within the past three years, the Lodge has received over $56,000 in raffle proceeds. Charitable donations and charitable expenditures have amounted to over $29,000. Costs incurred were slightly less than $8,000. A charity fund balance of over $19,000 remains. It will be used in the future for donations to worthy organizations and for worthy charitable expenditures. A concomitant benefit of the program of charity raffles was its use in requests for exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by the City, the Corpus Christi School District, and Del Mar College. By the exemptions obtained, the lodge’s taxes were reduced from almost $5,000 to less than $1,000. Corpus Christi Lodge 189 capitalized upon the opportunities made available by the Grand Lodge, and used them not only to the benefit of charitable organizations within the South Texas, but also to the benefit of the Lodge’s financial position.
Article submitted by: Tom Wimberly, Past Master, Corpus Christi Lodge No. 189
Page 12 • Winter 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine
Message from the Grand Secretary...
Preparing for the GAC It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter and the mornings are cooler. The Grand Secretary’s staff is burning midnight oil trying to get Lodge reports in and completed. Programs of events must be approved, printed, and published. The issues of the 23 new resolutions, one holdover resolution and two Grand Master recommendations must be disseminated and explained. Grand Lodge Committees
and Officers are urged to prepare and finalize their inputs in preparation for the large printing job that lies ahead. Speeches and Power Point presentations are being prepared. Hotel accommodations are being reserved, entertainment is being arranged, and caterers are being contracted. It’s about two months to the Grand Annual Communication. The Library and Museum staff is busily preparing the building. Displays are being created or modified. Educational materials (books and magazines, A Walk Through the Museum slide presentation, etc.) are being arranged for easy access and review. With the new roof keeping the building dry and the plasterers finishing their massive repairs, the janitorial staff is cleaning and polishing the floors and fixtures. Painters still have scaffolding to the ceilings in the main auditorium and skilled craftsmen are repairing the imitation gold leaf wall in the Grand East. It’s nearly time to test the boiler system and to drain the water fountain lines. Soft drink machines must be refilled. Grand Lodge Registration begins Wednesday, December 3. The official gathering of the Grand Lodge of Texas is indeed an exciting tradition to behold. While our force is slightly diminished again this year (97,259 active Master Masons and 881 Lodges as of October 1) the prospect of 3,000 to 4,000 Masons meeting for a common cause is awesome. As each Lodge is preparing their representatives for Waco, they should extend their tradition of educating the younger leaders of their Lodge about the Grand Annual Communication. The Grand Lodge of Texas has 4,944 Master Masons under the age of 37, and we need to prepare this group for their future leadership roles. Our very existence depends upon their drive, knowledge, and motivation. Let them experience the various events of the Communication, roam the Masonic sales area, troop the halls, and find new friends while sitting on the benches of the Grand Foyer. In addition to the business in the Grand Auditorium, the presentation of awards, and election/installation of officers, they will be inspired by the Master Mason’s Degree being performed by Grand Master Griffin and the Grand Lodge Committee on Work. Come to Waco, December 4-6, and help your Lodge make Masonry, A Texas Tradition!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Tom GuestGrand Secretary
With the article on GoodSearch in the Texas Mason, we had a record- breaking month in September with 1477 hits. Here is an example of what could be possible if we all increased our use of GoodSearch.com: If you personally visit just seven web sites daily on the internet and used the GoodSearch search engine when you visit these sites you will contribute approximately $25.55 annually to the Grand Lodge Library & Museum. Without doing anything extra. The Grand Lodge of Texas has almost 100,000 members. If just 1/3 of our members used “GoodSearch.com,” the Masons of Texas would add $766,500 to the Library & Museum fund each year.
http://www.goodsearch.com/Ralph Fentress Black
OTY ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION COST* TOTAL521TG Lapel Pin with Grand Master’s logo $5.00521TGC Charm with Grand Master’s logo $5.00532TG Button Hook Tie Chain with Charm $10.00532TGEXP Expandable Tie Chain with Charm $20.00532TGBAR Tie Bar with Grand Master’s logo $15.00542TG Ladies Necklace with Charm $10.00520TG Bronze Coin with Grand Master’s logo $4.00524TG Enamel Coin with Grand Master’s logo $10.00525TG Silver Coin with Grand Master’s logo SOLD OUT526TG Large Buckle with Grand Master’s logo SOLD OUT522TG Small Buckle with Grand Master’s logo $20.00527TG Bolo Tie with Grand Master’s logo, gold cord $15.00530TG 3” Car Emblem with Grand Master’s logo $12.00531TG 5¾” diameter Car Magnet with Grand Master’s logo $5.00528TG Logo Decals $1.00528TGB Bumper Sticker with Grand Master’s logo $1.00529TG Tail Light Decals (pair) $5.00541TG Zippo Money Clip with Grand Master’s logo $12.00545TG Dominoes (set) with Grand Master’s logo $25.00543TG Coffee Mug with Grand Master’s logo $5.00544TG Mouse Pad with Grand Master’s logo $10.00546TG Concho with Grand Master’s logo
Specify: M black M silver$10.00
536TGS Cap – black, soft crown $13.00536TG Cap – black $13.00536TGM Cap – mesh back, gray crown, black bill $13.00533TGB Shirt – black, 4-button
Specify: M M M L M XL M XXL M XXXL SOLD OUT
533TGG Shirt – lt. gray, 2-button Specify: M M M L M XL M XXL M XXXL
$25.00
540TG Tie – black with Grand Master’s logo $25.00KITE Ladies Kite Pin
Specify: M blue M green M yellow M red M ivory$10.00
S/H under $30.00 $3.00S/H over $30.00 $5.00
TOTAL (*sales tax included)
2008 mAsOniC merChAnDise
In keeping with the tradition of a First Lady’s Project, I knew that I wanted a project that would represent the spirit of youth and benefit the Scottish Rite Hospital and the Masonic Youth Groups. With the assistance of the Graphics Department at the Scottish Rite Hospital and Pat Berger of Pat’s Custom Pins, this free spirited, high flying, happy kite came into production. I am a strong proponent of finding joy in the simple things of life. Remember the childhood merriment spent kite-flying on those blustery, early spring days? Somehow, we block out the memories of all those that wound up in the trees or the high line wires and all the tangled balls of twine and just remember how the tug on that kite string felt. Remember the excitement of watching that colorful kite climb higher and higher, the satisfaction of that small success?
The phenomenon that makes the kite fly is the opposing wind. So, when the opposing winds of life come, wear this happy kite pin to remind you that you will only fly higher because of the adversity. Remember, too, that when it comes to helping the Scottish Rite Hospital and our Masonic Youth Groups, the sky’s the limit. Your heart will be uplifted in the knowledge that you have helped a child “fly high”. The pins are available in cheerful shades of sunny yellow, brilliant blue, vibrant red, grass green, vanilla ice cream for a $10 donation to our project. I invite each of you to participate in this project. I appreciate your support and so will the children of the Scottish Rite Hospital and Masonic Youth Groups.
FirsT lADY’s PrOJeCT is “FlYinG hiGh”
521TG521TGC
532TG
532EXP
532BAR
542TG
526TG
522TG
520TG 524TG
525TG 527TG
KITE
546TG - BLACK 546TG - SILVER
531TG
529TG
530TG
528TG
528TGB
544TG
543TG 545TG 541TG
536TG 536TGM 536TGS
540TG
533TGG
533TGB
Name: _____________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________City/State: ________________________ Zip: ______________Phone: _____________________________________________M Check Enclosed (Make Checks payable to Grand Lodge of Texas)M Visa Card Number __________________________________ M MC Exp. Date _____ Signature _______________________
Mail this ENTIRE PAGE to: _________ Grand Lodge of Texas Tom Guest, Grand Secretary P.O. Box 446 Waco, TX 76703-0446
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.P.O. Box 446Waco, Texas 76703
NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDWACO, TX
PERMIT NO. 903
A Must Attend Event
The Grand Master’s Texas BanquetSaturday, January 31, 2009
6:30 P.M.Fraternity ∞ Program ∞ Dinner and Dancing
Hella Shrine Center2121 Rowlett Road, Garland, Texas 75043
$25. per person, B.Y.O.B.Payable to: Grand Lodge of Texas
Mail to: Gary A. Evans2917 Dove Meadow Dr.,
Garland, Texas 75043
Music by the Texas Gypsies BandAttire: Ladies – Cocktail Men – Coat & Tie
Reservations must be received by January 21, 2009
