SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 443
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
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 from the Texas Senate.
Fraser, Whitmire
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 30, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate