SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 564
WHEREAS, The Texas Grand Lodge of the Order of the Sons of
Hermann is marking a significant milestone in its history with
the celebration of its 125th anniversary on March 27, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Considered to be the oldest fraternal benefit
society of its kind in the nation, the Order of the Sons of
Hermann traces its origins to New York City, where it was founded
in 1840 by a group of men of German descent; with the passing
decades, additional lodges were organized around the country in
places with substantial German populations, including Harmonia
Lodge in San Antonio in 1861; the Texas Grand Lodge was formed in
1890 and at the time was made up of Harmonia Lodge and lodges in
Austin, Houston, Temple, Waco, Taylor, La Grange, and Brenham; by
1920, the society's membership in Texas was far greater than that
in any other state, and the decision was made to become an
autonomous group; and
WHEREAS, The order has continued to deliver on its mission
to provide members with opportunities for personal enrichment
through community service and fraternal activities, and its
ranks now include men and women of many ancestries; it offers
excellent insurance, annuities, and commercial loans to support
the financial security of its members and their families, summer
camps and dance classes are available for junior members, and a
retirement community for seniors is also sponsored; and
WHEREAS, Built on the principles of friendship, love, and
loyalty, Texas Grand Lodge has supported and empowered its
members, who in turn contribute meaningfully to the society
around them, and this historic occasion presents a fitting
opportunity to honor the organization; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby commemorate the 125th anniversary of the
Texas Grand Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Hermann and extend
to all those associated with the order sincere best wishes for a
joyous and memorable anniversary celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared
for the lodge as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Menéndez
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 15, 2015.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate