H.R. No. 845
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Walter W. Rogers, grand master of the Masons of
Texas for 2012-2013, is addressing the Grand Master's Conference in
Waco on April 9, 2013; and
WHEREAS, A longtime Mason, Walt Rogers began his journey in
Bedias Lodge No. 651; he became a Master Mason in 1978, and he
served his lodge as worshipful master and as secretary; he is an
endowed member of Bedias Lodge, as well as of Planters Lodge No. 147
in Plantersville, Park Place Lodge No. 1172 in Houston, and
Tranquility Lodge No. 2000; he is also a plural member of Point
Isabel Lodge No. 33 in Port Isabel and a member of South McAlester
Lodge No. 96 in McAlester, Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rogers undertook his first service to the Grand
Lodge in the early 1980s, when he assumed the office of district
deputy grand master in District No. 29; he went on to serve as state
coordinator, and his myriad leadership roles have further included
those of right worshipful grand junior warden, chair of the Special
Assignments Committee and of the Take Time to Read Committee, grand
senior deacon, and grand orator; since 1985, he has been grand
representative of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and he was
appointed grand representative of the Grand Lodge of Missouri in
2010; most recently, he was elected chair of the 2013 conference of
Grand Masters of North America; and
WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan is active in the York Rite of
Freemasonry, and he is a member of the W. T. Austin Chapter No. 87,
Royal Arch Masons, and the W. T. Austin Council No. 52, Royal and
Select Masters; he has served in such key roles as commander of
Ivanhoe Commandery, Knights Templar No. 8, and as patron of
Madisonville Chapter No. 193, Order of the Eastern Star; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous accolades, Mr. Rogers is a
member of the Grand Lodge Library and Museum Sam Houston Hall of
Fame, and he has been accorded the Golden Trowel and the William M.
Beck Award; in 1985, he was honored by the Supreme Council of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry with the rank and
decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, and he was
subsequently coroneted a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary;
and
WHEREAS, Before his retirement in 2007, Mr. Rogers, a navy
veteran, pursued a successful career in steel fabrication, steel
erection, and construction management; he founded Universal Steel
Erectors and later guided major projects across the country for
Derr-Gruenwald before joining CDI Engineering Solutions; in all his
endeavors, he enjoys the support and encouragement of his wife,
Ardith Rogers, and their four daughters, Rebecca Elaine Morris,
Gail Linden Williams, Shauna Denise Jenkins, and Kristy Dawn
Carroll; his fine family has also grown to include seven
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Walt Rogers has demonstrated an exceptional
commitment to his lodge, his community, and to Freemasonry, and his
tireless efforts exemplify the highest ideals of Masonic service;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Walter W. Rogers for his outstanding
contributions to Freemasonry and extend to him sincere best wishes
for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Rogers as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Anderson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 845 was adopted by the House on March
27, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House