H.R. No. 1015
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Members of Grandview Masonic Lodge No. 266 are
dedicating an official Texas Historical Marker at the lodge on
March 30, 2013, in recognition of the important role that
organization has played in the community for more than 150 years;
and
WHEREAS, The oldest Masonic group in continuous existence in
Johnson County, the Grandview lodge was chartered on June 14, 1861,
shortly after the town of Grandview was laid out; those petitioning
for the charter--D. L. Files, Andrew Jackson Hart, A. D. Kinnard,
B. B. Lightfoot, W. W. Madison, L. M. Richards, and Thomas Darcy
Taliaferro--were among the county's leading citizens; early
members also included Elbert Monroe Heath, who had played a leading
role in organizing the county and who served in several county
offices, and James Hiner, a Methodist minister who served as
postmaster and county judge; and
WHEREAS, Lodge activities were initially held in a log
building that the Masons shared with the local Methodist Church and
with a school, which the Masons were instrumental in organizing;
after the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad bypassed the young
community in 1882, residents moved to be closer to the tracks, and
the Masons relocated their lodge as well; except for an
interruption caused by a fire that devastated much of the town in
1920, the members of the lodge have been meeting at the same site in
Grandview since 1895; and
WHEREAS, In addition to supporting Masonry's charitable
endeavors throughout Texas, members of the Grandview lodge assist
their community in a number of ways; local programs include the
promotion of dental health care among first graders and the
awarding of scholarships to area students; and
WHEREAS, Through its longstanding tradition of community
involvement, the Grandview Masonic Lodge has made significant
contributions to Grandview and its residents, and it is indeed
fitting that this venerable organization be recognized; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of an official Texas
Historical Marker at Grandview Masonic Lodge No. 266 and extend to
all those associated with the lodge sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the lodge as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Orr
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1015 was adopted by the House on March
27, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House