magazine

the

Official PublicatiOn Of the Grand lOdGe Of

texas, a.f. & a.M.

Volume XVIIIssue 2

MASONRY

A TEXAS TRADIT

ION

MASONRY – A TEXAS TRADITION

Since the Grand Lodge Web-site crash, I have not been receiving e-mails sent to my Editor e-mail account at editor@grandlodgeoftexas.org. So, until these issues can be resolved, please contact me at BLinduff@satx.rr.com

Thank you,Editor

Table ofContents

Page 1 ...............................................Grand Master’s MessagePage 2 ............................................ Grand Master’s Calendar

Masonic Oak, Freemasons Riding ClubPage 3 .............. Opening A Lodge, Name Badge Order Form

Page 4 ..................................Who was the Real Augustus McCrae?Page 5 .............................................Columbia Astronaut Memorial,

The L.I.F.E. ProgramPage 6 and 7 ............................... Why did Sam Houston Spare the

Life of Santa Anna at San Jacinto?Page 8 ....................................................................Take Time to Read

The Story of Two Lodges 277 miles apartPage 9 ...............Brahan Masonic Lodge No. 226, Veteran MasonsPage 10 ..................... A History of Blanco Masonic Lodge No. 216Page 11 ..................... Masonic Display in the Port Isabel MuseumPage 12 ............................................Message from Grand Secretary

Grand Secretary’s Schools of InstructionInside Back Cover ............................................... 2008 Jewelry SalesOutside Back Cover ................................. 2008 Wardens’ Retreat &

Leadership Training Form

magazine

theVolume XVII • Issue 2 • Spring 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.

PermissiOnTOrePrinT: 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: Brahan Masonic Lodge No. 226, Texas Historic Site. We are requesting other Lodges whose buildings are designated as ‘Historic Sites’ contact the Editor.

DeadlineforsubmissionofArticlesforthenexteditionisJune15,2008.

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org spring 2008 • Page �

GrAnDmAsTer’smessAGeMasonry – A Texas Tradition

Dear Brethren,

It is spring time and daylight savings time has “done it to us again”! I hope this new season will help us to renew commitment to our Masonic ties and beliefs and resolve to continue our efforts to improve our ritualistic work and continue to make a difference in our lodges and our communities. We are in business to make Master Masons and our pride should be evident in all that we do.

Our L.A.M.P. committee has contacted those lodges who requested help in many areas of concern. We are making an attempt to review with the lodge officers their responsibility to adhere to the Laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas and be conscious of the obligations they took as Master Masons; to remind them of their consent to the charges and regulations of our order as the Master of the Lodge.

I was very privileged to have been asked to “Share Our Programs” at the Conference of Grand Masters of North America in Louisville. Texas Masons should be proud of our Masonic leaders who had the vision to provide our membership these worthy programs. We are currently trying to improve even more on our educational avenues to our brethren and with your help, and more so, participation, we can continue to take steps forward in this endeavor.

I ask you to display your square and compasses with pride and always keep in your mind that “white lambskin apron which served to adorn the attire of Solomon the Wise and which was worn by our own immortal Washington, and which distinguished men of our own generation have eagerly sought and counted an honor to possess – is yours to wear!” Please don’t take this privilege lightly for it carries with it a responsibility as well – the obligation to live and act as one of a chosen and peculiar people, set apart for noble deeds and high emprise.” (Exerpt taken from Murrow Masonic Monitor).

I hope to see you soon down the road of Masonry and God bless each of you.

Fraternally,

Thomas F. GriffinGrand Master

Photo by Roger Bell, Scotish Rite Hospital.

Page 2 • spring 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

APril

1 Tues Stated Meeting Winnie-Stowell Lodge4 Fri Trustees Meeting Waco & York Rite Banquet5 Sat GM Conferences Waco and Austin9 Wed Official Visit - District 31-A Alvin11 Fri Scottish Rite Stated Meeting Galveston12 Sat GM Conference Longview 150th Celebration Pitsburg15 Tues Stated Meeting Winnie-Stowell Lodge17 Thur Stated Meeting Anahuac OES19 Sat San Jacinto Observance and Grand Commandery Banquet20-21 Grand Commandery Session22 Tues Cornerstone Normangee25 Fri Official Visit – 64th District26 Sat OES Masonic Family TMRC 150th Celebration Gainesville30 Wed Official Visit – District 14

mAY

2 Fri 125th celebration Sweetwater3 Sat GM Conference Lubbock and Amarillo6 Tues Stated Meeting Winnie-Stowell Lodge7-10 World Conference D.C.17 Sat GM Conference Ft. Worth18 Sun Masonic Oak Pilgrimage20 Tues Stated Meeting Winnie-Stowell Lodge24 Sat GM Conference Abilene Mr. “X” Banquet OES30-31 El Paso Banquet GM Conference

June

3 Tues Stated Meeting Winnie-Stowell Lodge7 Sat Official Visit Ft. Worth Scottish Rite10 Tues Canyon Lake Cornerstone14 Sat 150th Celebrations at Bellville & Onion Creek16 Mon Official Visit – Madison Lodge 126 Orange17 Tues Stated Meeting Winnie-Stowell Lodge19 Thur Stated Meeting Anahuac OES21 Sat DDGM Mid-Year Briefing Dallas SRH27-29 Grand Assembly Rainbow Waco30 Mon Clear Lake Installation of Officers

MASONRY

A TEXAS TRADIT

ION

GrAnDmAsTer’s

CAlenDAr(For updates or an annual

calendar of events, visit website)

60thmAsOniCOAKPiCniCWeeKenD

To kick off the 2008 Masonic Oak Picnic, there will be a gathering of all out-of-town visitors on Saturday, May 17 at the home of PGM Vernon Burke and his Lady Fay. (See map At the Grand Lodge Web Site for directions). The gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will end when the last person leaves. This is a casual get together! If you wish to bring a snack, please do. For those of you traveling long distances it is not necessary, as we seem to always have an abundance of food. The 2008 Masonic Oak Picnic will be on Sunday, May 18 at the Masonic Oak Park in Brazoria. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the program and devotional service to begin at 10:00 a.m. A catered barbeque lunch will be served afterwards. Tickets will be available at registration. In the past they have been $7.50. Remember this is an outdoor picnic, so dress accordingly. The hotel that we recommend is: La Quinta Inn, Clute, Texas, 979-265-7461. We have not blocked any rooms, but this hasn’t been a problem in the past.

We look forward to seeing you!

Vernon and Fay Burke979-297-8986fbvb1976@swbell.net

The Freemasons Riding ClubTo hold their first Texas State Rally.

Where: Lake Whitney State Park When: May 2nd, 3rd & 4th

To Reserve a site or more information send an email to Bro. Stephen “Steevo” Hall at shall25@alltel.net

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org spring 2008 • Page �

Opening the Lodge One of the actions within the lodge is the opening ceremony, which begins each meeting of Masons. For many it is an oft heard routine, a short memory exercise, a time consuming ritual, and a responsibility of the officers. In some lodges the officers may run through the opening easily, while in other lodges they may struggle to complete their parts. Sometimes the floor work is a study in precision and at other times, a chore. Members occasionally question the need to go through the ritualistic forms. “Just drop the gavel” and “get on with the meeting” is an easy answer, but this fails to consider other aspects of the opening exercises. As within the Craft, each activity holds deeper lessons and meanings, and the opening rituals are no different. Certainly the tone of the meeting is set by its opening, for the command and leadership from the east is evident based on the competence and confidence of the Master. Light comes from the East and the sound of the gavel signals His presence. A lodge is being opened to “labor” and all present should be aware of that purpose. Likewise, only those eligible to attend are to be there, for this is a meeting of Masons, coming together to work. As questions and answers move about the lodge room, tokens of respect, gaveling, prayer, and concluding remarks are given, there are lessons in responsibilities, focus, and leadership. There is a reaffirmation in our obligations, our commitments, and our sense of fraternity. Rather than simply hearing the words, one should listen to their meanings as a Mason and give them due attention and effort to understand. Learning is a life long journey and the openings contain much to be learned. So, with these thoughts in mind, the officers must recognize their responsibilities to display good lessons in their openings. Practice is required to attain that ease and confidence which is due their membership. Leadership is a study in preparation and work, so it is with the opening ceremonies. Each officer of a lodge should review carefully the eight steps outlined in the “Monitor of the Lodge” to understand how important the openings and closings are to the Craft. While not mandatory, there is a charge at the opening; which may be given by the Worshipful Master. Its concluding portion is: “Let us ever remember that the great objects of our association are the restraint of improper desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a corrective knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Let us be united, and practice with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order; ever remembering that where brethren are, there should be peace and harmony, and each should wish for the good of the whole”.

As we open each lodge meeting and greet each day, we should reflect upon the preceding as a challenge to be better men and better Masons.

Yoakum Masonic Lodge #662

New Name BadgesNow Available

Name badges are now being offered by the Grand Lodge of Texas for all Texas Masons, especially those who might not have access to a badge maker in their area. The badges, designed to easily slip onto the breast pocket of a suit or shirt, are available in two different styles - one for members and one for Past Master.

The price for each badge is only $15.00, including tax and shipping.

namebadgeOrderFormPlease Print Legibly

________________________________Name

________________________________Lodge Name

__________________Lodge Number

Check One: Square & Compass Past Master

________________________________Ship to Name

________________________________Address

________________________________City State Zip

________________________________Phone Number

If ordering multiple badges, please include all information on a separate sheet. Badges are $15.00 each. Make checks payable to “Grand Lodge of Texas.”

Send all orders to: Clearview Printing P.O. Box 1084 Midlothian, TX 76065

Page � • spring 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

Augustus McCrae, one of

the main characters in the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, was, according to the author, a fictional character. In his book and the movie by the same name, McMurtry follows the adventures of Captain Augustus “Gus” McCrae (played by Robert Duval) and Captain Woodrow F. Call (played by Tommy Lee Jones), two famous ex-Texas Rangers who run the Hat Creek Cattle Company and Livery Emporium in the small dusty Texas border town of Lonesome Dove. While McMurtry states that McCrae and Call were not modeled after historical characters, there are quite a few similarities between them and real-life Texas cattlemen Oliver Loving and Charles Goodnight. For example, Goodnight was a Texas Ranger, and there are several close parallels between the fictional partners of McCrae and Call, and the real-life partners of Loving and Goodnight. But the most striking similarity is the death and burial of the fictional Gus, and the actual last days of Oliver Loving. Both died on a cattle drive from gangrene brought on by a wound inflicted by an Indian. Before they died, both requested of their best friend to be buried in Texas, and both Goodnight and Call made good on a difficult promise to return their bodies to their home, Texas. Oliver Loving (December 4, 1812

– September 25, 1867) was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky. When he was a boy, his family moved to Muhlenburg County where he farmed until he, his brother, and his brother-in-law moved their families to the

Republic of Texas. In Texas, Loving received 639.3 acres of land in three patents spread through Collin, Dallas, and

Parker county. By 1857, Loving owned 1,000 acres of land and was raising cattle. The need for

cattle was elsewhere, so to market his large

herd, Loving drove them out of Texas. In that same year he entrusted his nineteen-year-old son, William, to drive his and his neighbors’ cattle to Illinois up the Shawnee Trail. The drives made a profit of $36 per head and encouraged Loving to repeat the trek the next year. In 1866 Loving heard about the need for cattle at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, he gathered a herd of cattle and combined it with that of Charles Goodnight. Together they began a long drive to the fort. Their route later became known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail, and the project proved very profitable to them. In the spring of 1867, Loving and Goodnight started a new cattle drive, again to Ft. Sumner. This drive was “snake bit” from the start; it was slowed by days of heavy rains, and threats from Indians all along the way kept the cattlemen on constant guard. Several days out of Ft. Sumner, Loving went ahead of the herd, taking with him Bill Wilson, a trusted scout. Although he told Goodnight that he would travel only at night through Indian country, Loving became impatient and pushed ahead during the day. His actions brought a Comanche attack, and during the first few minutes of the attack, Loving was seriously wounded. Loving and Wilson took refuge under a small dirt embankment, and killed several Indians who tried to charge their location. Understanding that their best chance for survival was for one of them to get help, Loving sent Wilson back to the herd for the others.

Loving spent the next several days fighting off Indian attacks with a repeating rifle and five pistols. Hungry, almost out of ammo, and facing exhaustion from loss of blood, Loving decided to come out and take his chances. He found that the Indians had moved on, either giving up on him, or thinking he was dead. He started walking, and was found by a Mexican family and taken to Fort Sumner. The doctor at Ft. Sumner was inexperienced, and although the wound to Loving’s arm was infected, he chose not to amputate until it was too late. Gangrene set in and Loving was dying. Goodnight learned of Loving’s plight and hurried to Ft. Sumner. Before Loving died, Goodnight assured him that his wish to be buried in Texas would be carried out. Oliver Loving was buried at Fort Sumner while Goodnight drove the herd on to Colorado, and upon Goodnight’s returned, Loving’s body was exhumed and carried back to Texas. Stories differ as to who accompanied the body back to Weatherford, but likely it was escorted by both Goodnight and Loving’s son, Joseph. Oliver Loving was reburied in Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas, on March 4, 1868. As a member of Phoenix Masonic Lodge No. 275, it is said that he was “buried with Masonic Honors”. Likely, he received a Masonic funeral. Surely, it was attended by his Masonic brother, (continued on page 8)

Who Was the real augustus McCrae?

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org spring 2008 • Page �

Our fraternity almost universally accepts the belief that as a man joins our brotherhood, he must do some proficiency work after each degree. Although the length of that work, and exactly what is required, may vary from one Grand Jurisdiction to another, we each must show that we are willing to work, learn and perform. The strength in this approach lies in doing, in the participation itself. This program follows that same approach in that the individual does some practical work in preparation for each of the three senior officers stations. If the exercises are completed within the context of your own lodge and it’s traditions, the officers will be better prepared to lead and guide your lodge. Since this is a Grand Lodge program, a series of manuals are available from Grand Lodge to prepare for Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden. Although the titles of the manuals are designated for a specific office, this program is open to anyone who would like to work on it. Any brother could complete the three manuals before ever reaching the Junior Warden’s station. Additional manuals are available from the Grand Secretary. There is an order blank for more manuals contained in each Manual. The Grand Lodge will recognize those brothers who have completed the program and has authorized the issuance of certificates for that purpose. A wallet-size certificate will be issued to the Individuals who complete the program, and a picture-size (approximately I I “ X 14”) certificate, suitable for framing, will be given to those lodges in which all three manuals are completed in any given year. This program was designed to be as simple, administratively, as possible. The Committee on Masonic Education and Service will directly support this Program at the Grand Lodge level. When each of the officers have completed their manuals, mail in the certification of completion, located in each of the manuals. Lodge Certificates for completion of all three programs by the appropriate officers will be sent to each lodge in the beginning of the new Masonic year. No application is necessary. The completion of this program is a significant achievement. The certificates, should he awarded and presented to the brother who has earned it, in open lodge with the brother before the altar, where he was installed and charged to perform his duty as a lodge officer. When all three officers complete their manuals and the lodge receives its recognition certificate, it is recommended that you invite the District Deputy Grand Master to the lodge to make the presentation. Now is the time to go to work on this very informative Grand Lodge Program.

The

L.I.F.e.

Program

Columbia Astronaut Memorial Ceremony Officers and members of Tranquility Lodge No. 2000 wish to thank Milam Lodge No. 2 for their participation in the Columbia Astronaut Memorial Ceremony, which took place in Nacogdoches on Saturday, February 2, 2008. The joint effort of our two lodges promoted Masonry in the publics’ eye by our remembrance of those brave Astronauts who yielded back their lives for the advancement of generations to follow. Four Granite Memorial Markers were presented to the following lodges located along the Shuttle’s debris path. The largest marker, presented to Milam Lodge, is 40” x 44” while the remaining three markers, 13” x 44” were presented to Redland Lodge No. 3, Littleton Fowler Lodge No. 305, and Carthage Lodge No. 521. Brother Greg Sowell, a Past Master of Milam Lodge, and Public Information Officer for the Nacogdoches Police Department gave a very inspiring account of his memories of that terrible day. The two granite slabs that composed the finished memorial markers came from the State Capitol Building in Austin, when the new wing was added to the Capitol in the

early 1990’s. Brother Bill & Marty Daum of Forney donated the slabs to Tranquility Lodge with the stipulation they be used as memorials to the Columbia Astronauts. Marty is the daughter of our late Brother Matt Sylvan, a Past Master of Canyon Lake Lodge No. 1425. The bottom of each marker bears the inscription, “They Will Always Remain in Our Memories”.

Photo NASA

A Candle represented each member of the lost crew.

Columbia disaster, Encarta Encyclopedia

Page � • spring 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

Over the years, articles regarding Houston’s treatment of Santa Anna at San Jacinto, reportedly taken from the files of early newspapers, have appeared in our Masonic publications. In the main, these articles have attributed Houston’s refusal to permit the execution of Santa Anna to his having given Houston the Masonic sign of distress. As a result of these articles, it now seems to be the accepted belief of many members of the fraternity that the humane treatment accorded Santa Anna by Houston was in direct response to the giving of the sign. There is little doubt that if it occurred to him to do so, Santa Anna did give the sign, along with any persuasive promises which he believed might in any possible way contribute toward saving him from execution. His execution was urgently sought by some of the officers and many of the soldiers, some of whom had lost friends and relatives as well as their homes, as a result of Santa Anna’s insane desire to destroy everyone and everything that stood in the way of his subjugating all of Texas to his despotic rule. While all of the many Houston biographies are replete with detailed accounts of Santa Anna’s capture and appearance before Houston, to the writer’s knowledge, none make reference to Santa Anna’s giving the sign of distress. There is, however, an interesting account of his appearance before Houston in Crane’s Life and Literary Remains of Sam Houston, as reported by Major M. Austin Bryan, who acted as interpreter for Houston and Santa Anna before Almonte appeared on the scene. According to Major Bryan’s report, “Santa Anna, laying his right hand on his heart and extending his left hand, said, `I am General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of the Mexican Republic, and I claim to be your prisoner of war.’” If the left arm was in the form of a square, members of the fraternity would recognize part of another sign which Santa Anna may have erroneously thought to be the sign of distress. It is difficult to envision someone of Houston’s disposition responding to the sign of distress given to him by one whose conduct at the Alamo, and the massacre of Fannin and his men at Gollaid were adverted to by Houston on the same occasion on which Santa Anna was supposed to have given the sign. Houston, later characterizing Santa Anna’s conduct on those two occasions, said: “Manliness and generosity would sicken at the recital of the scenes incident to your success, and humanity itself would blush to class you among the chivalric spirits of the age of vandalism.” Assuming that the sign was given, the question still remains, “Did Houston, who was so keenly aware of and had been so adversely affected by the atrocities so recently visited upon the people of Texas by Santa Anna, accord him recognition as a Mason; and, if so, to what extent, if any, did Houston’s Masonic affiliation influence his treatment of Santa Anna?”

Houston’s decision to keep Santa Anna alive was evidenced by orders given by him the night before Santa Anna’s capture, hours before he was brought before Houston, and before he had any opportunity to give Houston the sign. On learning that Santa Anna was not dead or among the captives, Houston issued orders that search for him be continued the following day. Knowing that his men would kill Santa Anna on sight, and realizing that he was worth far more to Texas alive than dead, he gave strict orders to those who were to continue the search that he was to be brought in alive. He believed, what later proved to be true, that with Santa Anna alive and held hostage, he could force him to issue orders to the generals commanding the other four Mexican armies then in Texas to stop the killing and destruction of property being perpetrated by them, and to withdraw all their troops beyond the Rio Grande. Turning from conjecture to fact; Houston, though contrary to his general practice of ignoring those who sought to defame him and to discredit his accomplishments, and of declining to explain or justify his actions, did on two occasions give his reasons for the treatment of Santa Anna at San Jacinto and during the period of captivity which followed that event. Accounts of both are to be found in Crane’s Life and Literary Remains of Sam Houston. The first of these appears in a letter dated March 21, 1842, written by Houston during his second term as President of the Republic of Texas, to Santa Anna, then President of the Republic of Mexico, in reply to derogatory statements about Texas and its people publicized by Santa Anna. In this letter, Houston writes, “You have presumed to arraign the conduct of the then existing Cabinet and to charge it with bad faith; and though you are pleased to commend the conduct of the illustrious Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas, and myself for acts of generosity exercised toward you, you take care to insinuate that we only were capable of appreciating your proper merits. That you may no longer be induced to misconstrue acts of generosity and appropriate them to the gratification of your self-complacent disposition, I will inform you that they were acts of magnanimity characteristic of the nation to which we belong. They had nothing to do with your merits or demerits. The perfidy and cruelty which had been exercised toward our companions in arms did not enter into our calculation. Your sacrifice would not restore to our gallant companions their lives, nor to our country their services. Although the laws of war would have justified the retaliation of your execution, yet it would have characterized the acts of a nation by passion and revenge; and would have evinced to the world that individuals who had an influence on the destinies of a people were subject to the capricious impulses of vengeance, of which you had so recently set an example. “So far as I was concerned in preserving your life

WHY DID SAM HOUSTON SPARE THE LIFE OF SANTA ANNA AT

SAN JACINTO? by Otho C. Morrow, Past Master Holland Lodge No. 1, Great-Grandson of Sam

Houston. William Huddle’s 1886 depiction of the end of the Texas Revolution shows Mexican General Santa Anna surrendering to the wounded Sam Houston after the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. The Revolution lasted less than one year

but resulted in a great loss of territory for Mexico. Following the Revolution, Texas proclaimed itself a republic affiliated with neither the United States nor Mexico.

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org spring 2008 • Page �

and subsequent liberation, I was only influenced by considerations of mercy, humanity, and the establishment of a national character. “Humanity was gratified by your preservation. The magnanimous of all nations would have justified your release, had they known how little its influence was dreaded by the Texans. If, upon your return to Mexico, you should have power, and a disposition to redeem the pledges you had voluntarily made to yourself, as well as this Government, of an earnest disposition to see the independence of Texas recognized by Mexico, I believed it would have a tendency to restore peace to the two nations, diminish the aggregate sufferings of their citizens, and promote the prosperity of both countries. In the event that you were not disposed to redeem the pledges thus given, but urge a prosecution of the war by Mexico against us, I wished to evince to mankind that Texans had magnanimity, resources, and confidence sufficient to sustain them against all your influence in favor of their subjugation. “Your liberation was induced by such principles as these; and though you tendered pledges, doubtless to facilitate and insure your release, they were received, but not accepted, as a condition. I believe that pledges made in duress are not obligatory upon the individual making them; and if you intended to exercise the influence which you declared you would, the unconditional liberty extended to you would interpose no obstacle to their fulfillment.” The second account is found in Houston’s farewell address of February 28, 1859, given before the Senate of the United States shortly before his retirement from that body, after serving some thirteen years as Senator from Texas. His speech is devoted almost entirely to “refuting calumnies produced and circulated against his character as Commander-in-chief of the army of Texas.” It reviews in detail the political and military history of Texas from December, 1835, the time of his appointment as Major General by the Consultation then in session at San Felipe, until shortly after the Battle of San Jacinto. It is interesting to note that Houston offers as a precedent for his refutation similar actions by both General Washington and General Jackson, adding that, “More humble in my sphere than they were, more circumscribed than they, I feel that it is more necessary for me to vindicate what may justly attach to me, from me to the fact that I leave a posterity, and from that circumstance I feel a superadded obligation. Neither of those illustrious men left posterity. I shall leave posterity that have to inherit either my good name, based upon truth, or that which necessarily results to a character that is not unspotted in its public relations.” He further acknowledges, “I have been careless in replying to these things for years. I believe no less than ten or fifteen books have been written defamatory of me, and I had hoped, having passed them with very little observation, that, as I approached the close of my political term, and was about to retire to the shades of private life, I should be permitted to enjoy that retirement in tranquility; that my defamers would not pursue me there with the rancor and hatred with which they pursue an aspiring politician whom they wish to sink or depress.” Houston then relates the following regarding his reception of Santa Anna and his reasons for the courteous treatment accorded him. “He was treated as a guest. No indignity was offered him by the Commander-in-chief. To be sure,

there was some turbulence of feeling in camp, but no rude manifestations. Under these circumstances it was that Santa Anna was received. Propositions were made to the Commander-in-chief that he should be executed, but they were repelled in a becoming manner. No one has sought to claim the honor of saving him on that occasion; and did the General feel a disposition to claim any renown, distinction, or fame, for any one act of his life, stripped of all its policy, he might do it for his conduct on that occasion. “But sir, there was reason as well as humanity for it. While Santa Anna was held prisoner his friends were afraid to invade Texas because they knew not at what moment it would cause his sacrifice. His enemies dared not attempt a combination in Mexico for invasion, for they did not know at what moment he would be turned loose upon them. So that it guaranteed peace to Texas so long as he was kept prisoner; and for that reason, together with reasons of humanity, his life was preserved. It is true, he had forfeited it to the laws of war. Retaliation was just; but was it either wise, or was it humane, that he should perish?” Enumeration by Houston on these two occasions of the reasons which prompted his action should amply refute the “Masonic sign of distress” version; however, in depth consideration of Houston’s reference to Santa Anna’s “merits or demerits” gives rise to the interesting question of what attributes, either of character or accomplishment, Santa Anna could possibly claim, so soon after his sanction of the barbarous acts committed at the Alamo and Goliad, which Houston would recognize as having any semblance of “merit,” other than his Masonic affiliation. Could Houston have been saying to Santa Anna in a discreet way, “Your Masonic affiliation had nothing to do with my acts of magnanimity; nor were they influenced by your giving the sign of distress?” Houston’s positive statement, appearing shortly after his reference to “merits and demerits,” that “So far as I was concerned in preserving your life and subsequent liberation, I was only influenced by considerations of mercy, humanity, and the establishment of a national character,” lends support to an affirmative answer to the question; and also contradicts any representation that use of the Masonic sign of distress by Santa Anna was the motivating factor for the sparing of his life at San Jacinto.

Brother Morrow is a great-grandson of Sam Houston, and has contributed many Houston items to the Grand Lodge Library and Museum. He is a recognized authority on the life of General Houston. At the request of the then editor, Past Grand Master Duncan Howard, the article was prepared for The Texas Freemason, former publication of the Grand Lodge. It is appropriate that Brother Morrow’s Manuscript be the first published by the SAM HOUSTON HALL OF FAME. Pictures from Encarta Encyclopedia

Page 8 • spring 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

Take Time to Read (TTTR), a partnership between Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and the Grand Lodge of Texas, is a public awareness program that educates adults about the importance of reading to young children. Beginning in 1999, this program has helped spread the word throughout Texas about the benefits of reading to children. Since the program’s inception, the hospital and the Grand Lodge have worked together to develop and distribute TTTR materials to lodges at no charge. Materials are used by Masons to educate their communities and include items such as posters, brochures, bookmarks and a handbook about how to implement TTTR activities. TTTR calendars will be available for this year’s audience of late elementary grade students. “The calendars will give students a place to record leisure reading this summer,” said Lois

McCook, TSRHC dyslexia outreach coordinator. The summer reading calendars will be made

available to lodges by April 2008 in order to be distributed by the end of the school year, just in time for summer reading. For more information about TTTR, please contact Lois McCook at (214) 559-7800 or (800) 421-1121, or e-mail lois.mccook@tsrh.org.

AboutTexasscottishritehospitalforChildren

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning

disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit.

Take Time To Read

The story of Two Lodges 277 miles apart. Rio Grande Lodge # 81, in Brownsville, was Chartered, January 23rd 1851. This 157 year old lodge meets in the old Cameron County Court House. The court house was erected in 1883. Rio Grande Lodge purchased the building in 1914. There have been many laudable men who have been members of this lodge, including a Governor of the State of Texas. Charles W. Anderson Lodge # 1413, in San Antonio, received its Charter on December 2nd 1965. This 41 year old lodge meets in the building its members constructed in 1978. This lodge although young as far as Texas Lodges go has made its place known in the Masonic community. What do these lodges have in common? The Worshipful Master’s of these Lodges are Father and Son. Possibly, the only sitting Father and Son Worshipful Masters in the State. Brother, Elmer Ray “Pete” Mitchell was installed as Worshipful Master of Rio Grande Lodge # 81 on the 30th of June. Pete Mitchell was raised January 15th, 2002 and in his words “jumped into Masonry with both feet.” He is active in the York Rite and Scottish Rite and a member of the Shrine. He is also active in the DeMolay where he is an advisor and a founding D.A.D. of Phoenix Chapter DeMolay. Brother, Kyle Ray Mitchell, was sworn in 4 days earlier at Charles W. Anderson Lodge # 1413 on the 26th of June 2007. Kyle Mitchell was raised May 27th, 2003. Kyle Said “After hearing about my Grandfather’s Masonic history, including the long tradition of Masons in our family, and then watching my Father join. I knew in due time Masonry would become part of my life as well. My only regret is I didn’t join the fraternity sooner.”

Kyle Ray Mitchell and Elmer Ray (Pete) Mitchell. Picture provided by: Joe Jimenez,

Secretary, Rio Grande #81

augustus McCrae (continued from page 4)Charles Goodnight, who was also a member of Phoenix Lodge #275. An article on Charles Goodnight, by Bro. Dexter Sammons, published in the Transactions of the Texas Lodge of Research, states: “Even though Goodnight and Loving were partners and brother Masons, there is no record that hey ever had the opportunity to attend lodge together.” Oliver Loving was honest, very well liked, and considered by all to be the “Dean of the cattle drive in Texas”. He was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Loving County, Texas and Loving, New Mexico, are named in his honor. There are simply too many parallels in the lives of Oliver Loving and Charles Goodnight, and the fictional lives of Gus and Woodrow, to write it off as coincidence. If the character of Gus wasn’t based on the life of Loving, and the character of Woodrow wasn’t based on Goodnight, then those pigs can fly.- Compiled from The Handbook of Texas Online, Wikipedia, and with assistance from the Grand Lodge of Texas Library and Museum, Waco Texas. Written by Dick Brown, Chairman, Grand Lodge of Texas History Committee and Lonesome Dove fan.

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org spring 2008 • Page �

Named for Robert Weekly Brahan, local physician and cotton planter. The first Worshipful Master and founder was John Rhodes King. The Lodge was first founded in Bethesda Community (later called Concrete) across the Cibolo Creek in Guadalupe County. After the original building burned in 1867, Brahan Lodge moved to LaVernia

in Wilson County and the present building was erected under the leadership of Haywood Brahan, the son of the Brother for whom the Lodge was named. The red sandstone for the building was quarried by the Lodge Members themselves in the sand hills about eight miles southwest of LaVernia. Other brothers loaded the stone on ox-drawn wagons and hauled it to the site where they unloaded it. Mortar was made by burning crushed mussel shells with lime, and the stones were laid in place flat on the ground, for no foundation was used. During the past century-and-a-half, the building has sunk approximately two feet into the earth. Openings were left for doors, with a double door on the East side and a single door on the West. Entrance to the upper story was made by means of a wooden stairway on the South side. There are twenty windows, but no two of the same size. For the floor in the upper story, planks two inches thick and twelve inches wide, supported by beams laid on the stones themselves were used. This floor is still in use. The building was laid out by compass and is situated Due East and West. It was completed in 1871 and has been

in constant use for Masonic purposes since that time. From 1871 to the middle 1950’s the lower floor of Brahan Lodge Hall was in constant use for public school purposes and until 1910 was the only school in the community. The Lodge Hall was the central meeting place for all sorts of community gatherings, and, before the turn of the century, several of the local churches met in the lower story. The murals on the second floor were initially painted by Brother Robert S. Brown in 1959, when he was seventy-five years old. The Texas Historical Survey Committee has three times given it recognition through plaques on the East end of the building and a certificate which is located near the registration desk on the second floor. Brahan Masonic Lodge will celebrate its 150 year Sesquicentennial in 2009.

Have you ever wondered what happened to that guy from basic training? You might be able to find them at, www.military.com. You can look up your old units and contact member’s assigned there now. You can find updates on Veteran benefits, and new military technology.

BRAHAN MASONIC LODGE NO. 226 A. F. & A. M.Chartered in 1859Pictured on the cover

Page �0 • spring 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

A HISTORY OF BLANCO MASONIC LODGE No. 216, AF & AM

by Guy W. Anderson, PMPrepared for Blanco Masonic Lodge Sesquicentennial Celebration January 19, 2008

The Sesquicentennial celebration of Blanco Masonic Lodge No. 216, AF & AM was held on Saturday morning, January 19, 2008, exactly 150 years to the day when the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, granted a Charter to Twin

Sisters Lodge No. 216 to operate at Robinson’s Mill near the Curry Creek in then, northern Comal County. That same area is now in Kendall County. Now, let’s reflect back and review just how rural the

area was when these, our predecessor Brothers worked to form this Lodge. When the Grand Lodge met in 1858, there was no Blanco County. There was no Blanco County Courthouse, no US Hwy 281 or any of the Farms to Market Roads as there were no automobiles. Women did not have the right to vote. The Civil War as we now refer to it had not begun. Site work on the pink granite building in Austin now known as the Capital of the State of Texas had not begun. There was no electricity, no plumbing, indoor or out. There was no real law except to treat your neighbor as you wish he was to treat you and to watch out for each other. Horseback, a horse drawn buggy or being afoot was the transportation mode. By 1856 several Masons in the area met and decided to apply to have a Lodge in the northwestern part of then Comal County. They decided to meet at Hodge’s Mill located on the Curry Creek. It took two years of work and those Brothers voted to name the lodge Twin Sisters Lodge after those nearby named hills. The Grand Lodge authorized the Charter which was granted and became effective this day in 1858 at the closing of the Grand Lodge. The first Worshipful Master was Brother Neill Robison (spelled according to his pen, but we believe his last name was Roberson) who worked hard to organize and secure the Charter. By February 1858 Blanco County was created and the citizens decided to place the county seat in Blanco. By the end of 1860 the Lodge physically moved to Blanco County where it met by special arrangements with the County Court on the second floor of the newly completed Blanco County Courthouse. Looking at the demographics, according to the 1860 US Census Blanco County had been created and was one of 151 counties. Its adult population was estimated at 568. Comal County then has approximately 1842 adults with 835 in New Braunfels, leaving approximately 1,007 in the rural parts of the county. Kendall County had yet to be established. By then Texas boosted a total population of 604,213 with 182,563 identified as slaves. The 3rd largest town was Houston with 3,768, 2nd as Galveston with 6,127 and the largest town in Texas just a couple days ride from the Blanco area as San Antonio with a population of 7,642. One may ask, what do these population statistics have to do with this celebration? What it shows is that from extremely humble beginnings, with time, patience and perseverance, Twin Sisters Lodge formed and shortly thereafter moved to the Blanco, the county seat of Blanco County after which it changed its name to Blanco Lodge No. 216. Blanco Lodge has continuously operated in or immediately close to Blanco for all of its 150 years. This includes operating through the Civil War, the reconstruction, the Spanish American War, World War’s I and II, and all conflicts both here and abroad. Masonry has always been involved in public education and Blanco Lodge is no exception. From the beginning of the Republic of Texas, it’s third President, Mirabeau B Lamar worked with the legislature and passed laws to set aside land whose income could and would fund Texas Public Schools. Blanco Lodge’s work on schools began right after the end of the Civil War. By April 23, 1874, the State of Texas granted a Charter for the formation of the Blanco Masonic University. The dream of the Blanco Masonic University was shattered apparently due to insufficient funding. During the

years immediately thereafter, there was much interest to build a high school in Blanco. In the summer of 1883 a meeting was called and there a stock company was formed and shares were offered the endeavor. The Blanco Masonic University transferred the land, foundation and stone they owned to the new Blanco High School in exchange for stock in the new school. The cornerstone for the Blanco High School was laid on March 1, 1884 just three blocks behind our current Lodge Building. Blanco Lodge has survived through the rough times as well as the good times and we are still just as committed to the community as our founding Brothers were. We still work closely with the Blanco Public Schools and help to sponsor many different endeavors. Proudly, we have for several years offered scholarships to deserving graduating seniors. We boast of Brothers who have served on the School Boards and of teachers and principals who are members of our Lodge. (continued on page 11)Blanco Boy Scout Troup 487.

the texas Mason Magazine www.grandlodgeoftexas.org spring 2008 • Page ��

A group of Masons from

various lodges began to meet on a regular basis since November 2006 for coffee and fellowship. Since there is no Masonic Lodge in Port Isabel or South Padre Island this was a good way to get acquainted with Masons in this area. South Padre Island and Port Isabel are privileged to have in the fall and winter months many Masons from other Grand Jurisdictions, as well as from Texas, spend the winter here. At the meetings bother Masons and non Masons were welcomed and even after the winter brethren had gone home we still had good attendance.

Some of the non Masons have now become Masons in Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 (the closest Lodge to us). In

order to raise Masonic awareness in our community we decided to ask permission of the local museum to establish a Masonic exhibit. We were able to borrow from Harlingen Lodge No. 1132 a display that they put together using wooden panels that depict Masonry from its beginning in colonial times (George Washington, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin) thru the Republic of Texas, including the Alamo, & San Jacinto, and lists many of the Masons involved (Governors and legislators of both the Republic and the State). The museum was so impressed with the exhibit that they offered the balance of the room to use for further Masonic displays. Thanks to Wharton Lodge No. 621 we obtained officers chairs, an altar and columns and added these to the display. We will have on display from Rio Grande Lodge No 81, a traveling certificate of good standing for Brother Samuel Stokley, a Master Mason, from Wellsburg Virginia, dated 1820. Other lodges have offered artifacts that have greatly enhanced the display. We are continuing to build the display adding weekly to its beauty. The enthusiasm continues to build. Port Isabel has a unique Masonic history. Gen. Zachary Taylor brought a large force to defend the city when it was rumored that it was under siege and it is our belief that officers and members of his command (many from the east coast of the where Masonry had flourished for 100 years) requested a charter in 1847 for Point Isabel No.

33 (Point Isabel was the early name for the city now known as Port Isabel) from the Grand Lodge of Texas. The charter was never issued and the reason is unknown. However, about the same time Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 located at Brownsville went under dispensation and received a charter in 1851. General Taylor forces were subsequently deployed to Fort Brown (Brownsville) and perhaps this is the reason that the charter was never issued to Point Isabel. We will continue to research to prove or disprove this theory.

Now the rest of the story: Out of all of the Masonic activity has emerged a new lodge in Port Isabel with 100 charter members. They received their Charter at Grand Lodge 2007 and the Grand Master set the Lodge to work Dec. 21 2007. Sixty-nine Brothers attended the first stated meeting and two petitions were read. They are off to a great start. The excitement among the brethren is high and they are enjoying great fellowship and purpose together. In memory of those brethren of 1847 we now have a lodge. POINT ISABEL NO. 33

BLANCO MASONIC LODGE (continued from page 10) Our current Worshipful Master is Worshipful Alan Dobie Benson, who lives in the home built by his grandfather our Past Master Clifford Allie Benson, Senior, who is now deceased. Dobie’s Father, Brother Clifford Allie “Bud” Benson, Jr. lives just a stone’s throw from the homestead. And this last November at the young age of 20, we initiated Dobie and Judy’s son, as an Entered Apprentice Mason. This is but one story of a strong Masonic Family Heritage all being members in Blanco Masonic Lodge. But please note, new heritage begins with new members. Look well to the West Blanco Lodge No. 216!

Masonic Display in the Port Isabel

MuseumSubmitted by, W. M. “Mike” Gower, PGM

Point Isabel Masonic Lodge # 33. Note there is not a typo, it is “Point Isabel Lodge” I am told that Port Isabel was originally Point Isabel.

Many times I am asked about places to travel in the state that are good vacation spots with a Masonic connection, South Padre Island is one such place. There is now a Masonic

Lodge just across the bridge from Padre Island in Port Isabel and a Museum with a Masonic section. So if your vacation plans include a trip to South Padre Island be sure to visit Port Isabel.

Port Isabel Museum is located at 302 Queen

Isabella Blvd. Port Isabel

Page �2 • spring 2008 www.grandlodgeoftexas.org the texas Mason Magazine

Message from the Grand Secretary...KeepingOurheritagestrongThe Grand Lodge Temple plays a strong part in our Masonic heritage in Texas. Dedicated in 1949, it is the second building in Waco that housed the seat of Freemasonry since moving the Grand Lodge to central Texas. At 59 years of age, the facility is showing its wear and

tear. Since the Waco Symphony has withdrawn its initiative to use and upgrade the building, now is the time for the Masons of Texas to prepare for the needed renovations. Thanks to the forethought of our predecessors, the Masonic Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas had the funds to pay for the new 20-year guaranteed roof. The 2008 Grand Master’s Blue Envelope Appeal is dedicated to the repair, maintenance, and upgrade of the Temple. By keeping the facility in good repair, we will be doing our part in ensuring that our Masonic heritage is available for generations to come. Long-range plans are being prepared to repair and upgrade the building. The new roof has the facility “in the dry” again, but the leakage that occurred over several years left some major repair problems requiring plastering and painting. Components to heat and cool the building have seriously deteriorated, and the 1940’s equipment should be upgraded with modern technology. The antique sound systems in both auditoriums need to be replaced, including the “buzzing” lighting system in the main auditorium that often prevents members in the balcony from hearing properly. To support the Grand Lodge and other organizations using the main auditorium, the audiovisual system is in dire need of modernization. Power point projectors suspended from the ceiling to three screens would greatly enhance our ability to communicate. Some of the flooring in the building needs replacement, including the tiles in the main foyer. (The shifting of the building has broken or loosened tiles that can no longer be obtained. In addition, this same phenomenon has caused some of the sidewalk along the ceremonial entrance to sink and become a tripping hazard for the public walking along Columbus Avenue). Offices and meeting rooms need some attention and new furniture. Donations for this worthy cause can be made in three ways: 2008 Grand Master’s Blue Envelope Appeal, Sam Houston Hall of Fame, or a direct donation to the Library and Museum (designated for the L&M Building Fund or Building Maintenance Fund). All three of these donations are designated as 501-C-3 donations and enable a donor to receive a letter that might give some tax relief (depending upon their tax situation). The Sam Houston Hall of Fame requires a $1,000 donation to become a Hall of Fame member, and only the interest from the funds can be used. The building funds donations can be of any amount and is placed in the appropriate Library & Museum account. I encourage you to consider participating in the Blue Envelope Appeal this year. If enough of our members contributed, we would get a good start on keeping our heritage strong and our building healthy. Let’s emulate our forefathers and prepare the Grand Lodge Temple for the future!

2008 Grand Secretary’S SchoolS

of InStructIonAll Lodges Secretaries should plan on attending one of the sessions and bring the Lodge Line officers with them. (Lodge administration takes more than one person). Four of these schools will be presented as forums* (expanded curriculum) and be conducted from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The other schools will be conducted from 9:00 AM to Noon, except Amarillo, which will be conducted from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All schools will be held on Saturday.

Apr. 26 – Permian Basin (Midland, Dist. 81)*

May 3 – Houston (30 MWSA)May 24 – Lubbock (Districts 93)May 24 – Amarillo (District 99)

May 31 – NE Texas Area (Dist. 10)*June 14 – Corpus Christi Area

(37 MWSA)August 16 – Dallas (14 MWSA)

Sept. 7 – SE Texas Area (26 MWSA)Sept. 27 – Waco (61 MWSA)*

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Tom GuestGrand Secretary

100YeArsAGO:• 76,000,000 Americans in 46 states.• 8,000 cars - 10 miles of paved roads• 1900 - Auto deaths 96; Lynching’s 115• Average worker made $12.98 per

week for working 59 hours.• Life expectancy: 47.3 Female, 46.3 Male.

1908 Proceedings44,714 Masons

4,342 Past Masters2141 EA’s944 FC’s

764 Lodges22 Lodges Constituted

Masonic Widows and Orphan’s Home.

15 Widows106 Girls94 Boys

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 $40.00526TG Large Buckle with Grand Master’s logo $25.00522TG 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 $2.00529TG 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: black 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 L XL XXL XXXL$27.00

533TGG Shirt – lt. gray, 2-button Specify: M L XL XXL XXXL

$25.00

540TG Tie – black with Grand Master’s logo $25.00KITE Ladies Kite Pin

Specify: blue green yellow red ivory$10.00

S/H under $30.00 $3.00S/H over $30.00 $5.00

TOTAL (*sales tax included)

2008mAsOniCmerChAnDise

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.

FirsTlADY’sPrOJeCTis“FlYinGhiGh”

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: ___________________________________________________

Check Enclosed (Make Checks payable to Grand Lodge of Texas)

Visa Card Number ______________________________________

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

The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.P.O. Box 446Waco, Texas 76703

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWACO, TX

PERMIT NO. 903

2008 Warden’s Retreat & Leadership Training Program Registration FormTODAY’S DATE: _____/_____/_____

IMPORTANT – MUST PRINT CLEARLY AND COMPLETE ALL INFORMATION(Registration Form and Fees MUST be received at Grand Lodge by Pre-Registration Deadline to Avoid Late Fee)

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lady’s Name (if attending) : _______________________________ Email: _______________________________________________

Home Phone: (______) _______________________________ Work or Cell Phone: (______) ________________________________

Lodge Name & No.: ______________________________________ Lodge City: __________________________ District: ________

Make checks payable to Grand Lodge of Texasand Mail to: The Grand Lodge of Texas, Warden’s Retreat Program,

P. O. Box 446, Waco, Texas 76703

I will attend Warden’s Retreat & Leadership Program at the following location (please check one): [Pre-registration deadline in brackets.]

Nacogdoches – August 1-3, 2008 [July 1, 2008] FredoniaHotel-200NorthFredoniaSt.,Nacogdoches75961(936-564-1234)

Dallas – August 8-10, 2008 [July 8, 2008] WyndhamGalleria-4801LBJFreeway,Dallas75244(972-661-3600)

Lubbock – August 15-17, 2008 [July 15, 2008] HolidayInnTowers,801AvenueQ,Lubbock79401(806-763-1200)

Houston – August 22-24, 2008 [July 18, 2008] HolidayHobby-8181AirportBlvd.,Houston77061(713-645-3000)

Austin – September 12-14, 2008 [August 8, 2008] RadissonNorth-6000MiddleFiskvilleRd.,Austin78752(512-451-5757)

Corpus Christi – September 19-21, 2008 [August 15, 2008] HolidayInnAirport-5549LeopardSt.,CorpusChristi78408(361-289-5100)

I Wish to Participate (check one) Junior Warden’s Group (Administration) Senior Warden’s Group (Leadership)

Warden’s Retreat Registration Fees*

Warden’s Fee + $200.00 x _______ = $ _________

Lady’s Fee+ $125.00 x _______ = $ _________Late Registration Fee** $30.00 x _______ = $ _________

Hotel Package (Additional Costs – two nights at Conference Hotel)

Dallas Hotel $220.00 x _______ = $ _________

Austin & Houston Hotels $210.00 x _______ = $ _________

Corpus Christi, Lubbock &

Nacogdoches Hotels $200.00 x _______ = $ _________

TOTAL DUE $_______________

Room Request: Smoking Non-Smoking

King Two (2) Doubles

Indicate Food Allergies or other Special Needs: ___________________

_____________________________________________________________

* Registration Fees are subject to the pre-registration deadlines. Late registration is subject to a $30.00 late fee and is accepted on a space available basis. Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE except in very extenuating circumstances. Fees may be transferred to another conference, participant or to next year’s program if cancellation is made prior to the Retreat. The Hotel Package is refundable only if cancellations are made by the Monday prior to the Retreat weekend to accommodate the hotel’s policies. All participants must pay the appropriate fee.+Fees for Warden or Spouse include all program materials and supplies, refreshments, Saturday/Sunday breakfasts, Saturday lunch and dinner)

**After the four (4) week Pre-Registration Deadline