84R16399 CJM-D
By: Darby H.R. No. 1685
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Masons from across Texas are assembling at the State
Capitol to celebrate Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Day on April 8,
2015; and
WHEREAS, Following the Texas Revolution, a group of
Freemasons gathered in Houston in December 1837 to found the Grand
Lodge of the Republic of Texas; since then, the Texas Grand Lodge
has remained a constant and enduring presence in the Lone Star
State, with a tradition of leadership and service that has been
continued by each new generation of members; and
WHEREAS, The organization benefits from the able guidance of
the 2015 grand master, Dr. Michael L. Wiggins, who earned his
bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and is
president of an international oil and gas consulting firm; since
becoming a Mason in 1978, he has served the Grand Lodge in many key
roles, and he received the honorary 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite
in 2005; and
WHEREAS, The other officers of the Texas lodge are Thomas W.
Ellison, Tommy D. Guest, James L. Kessler, Pierre G. Normand Jr.,
Scott L. Mills, Lawrence E. Tucker, Don Paul Payton, Donald R.
Sudduth, Bradley S. Billings, Ronald E. Lawrence, Barry D. Brunk
Sr., Jeffrey K. Haven, and Kenneth C. Curry; notable Masons can also
be found in the Texas Legislature, including Representatives Drew
Darby, DeWayne Burns, John Raney, and Doug Miller and Senators Troy
Fraser and John Whitmire; and
WHEREAS, The Grand Lodge of Texas encompasses a number of
long-standing local lodges; among these, seven are celebrating
their centennial in 2015, namely the Army No. 1105, New Braunfels
1109, McAllen 1110, Fraternity 1111, Broaddus 1112, Southside 1114,
and Richards 1116; additionally, the Washington 1117, Texas City
1118, and Zanderson 1120 lodges are marking their 100th anniversary
in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the organization's long and
distinguished history, the members of the Grand Lodge of Texas have
sought to banish ignorance, promote peace, and relieve distress,
and in so doing, they have made innumerable contributions to the
Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 8, 2015, as Masonic Grand Lodge
of Texas Day at the State Capitol and commend all those involved for
their civic engagement; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.