It’s the oldest continuously operating organization in Montgomery, dating back to the Republic of Texas Era, and although the dates may be a little confusing, with Texas becoming the 28th State in the Union on December 29, 1845, and with the Montgomery Lodge being Chartered on January 15, 1846, the date is still a full month before the formal transfer of Republic of Texas, to the State of Texas in February 1846. The Montgomery Masonic Lodge #25, was the last lodge chartered under Texas as a nation upon itself, and for the past 179 years, has been passing on the tradition of transferring yearly leadership onto lodge members who were duly elected to fulfill the position of Master and other offices that make for the running of a healthy lodge.
The Montgomery Masonic Lodge is much more that an organization (of secret handshakes and elbow bumps – unconfirmed) that some may consider secretive, but its religious basis is its cornerstone of service to the community, with their monetary donations, fostering leadership, and to improve themselves as a group of men to be there for their families and community. Men from all races, religions, and creeds are eligible to pledge for membership. For novices, it’s important to note that anyone who is wearing a hat during a meeting is talking or is in charge. And they wear cowboy hats, not the fez like with the shriners.
Besides the remains in cemeteries and a cabin or two in town, it is hard to imagine that Montgomery has anything that has lasted more than 179 years, but The Lodge is still here, and they still have the paperwork to prove it. And despite several fires over the years, the Lodge still stands, with not so many old original documents, but the vital documents are in safekeeping.
The installation of officers is a yearly practice at the Montgomery Masonic Lodge, as it is with all lodges. Each officer’s insignia is a symbol that aligns with the meaning of their office. For instance, the highest office, Master, wears a livery collar that goes around their neck, and is adorned with a square, which is the symbol of his office. Supposedly to square everyone away to keep members from going astray.
This year’s Master is Chance Crane, who assumes the role as the highest ranking officer in the lodge. Lodge members refer to him as ‘Worshipful Master,’ during meetings, and he basically presides over the meetings, lodge operations, and ensures the rituals and ceremonies are conducted properly. Chance is 30, with a young wife, and looks forward to many more years of faithful service with his fellow lodge members and to the community.
The Senior Warden is Alexander Courts, and his symbol is the level, and assumes the Master’s role should they be absent. The Junior Warden is Richard Watson, with his symbol the plumb rule. The Junior Warden has the all important job of overseeing refreshments, so if there are no cookies or cake at meetings, blame him. The Chaplain is Brian Beck, U.K. born and not related to the beer family. His symbol is a religious book on a triangle surmounting a glory. The Treasurer is Stephan Blackman, who is the current Tiler for the Grand Lodge of Texas. His symbol is the key, and he oversees the lodge’s funds to ensure they are properly accounted for. The Secretary is Raborn Reader, who is the current Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas. In Texas, there is no one higher, and goes to show much the Montgomery Lodge’s influence means to the State. The Marshall is Brad Landrum, whose office is like a Director of Ceremonies with a symbol of two rods in saltire. The Tiler is Richard Gilchrist, whose symbol is a sword. He is the one who guards the door should any barbarians wish to invade the meeting. The sword is big, and Gilchrist is a pretty big guy, so the meetings should be pretty safe to attend, and keep people who are not members from entering.
The Montgomery Masonic Lodge # 25 has an incredible record and unbroken legacy of service to the city and surrounding area. The organization has been around for going on near two hundred years. Sam Houston himself has been known to visit the lodge, back when it was centered in Historic Montgomery. The new officers and members are truly honoring the legacy of the Lodge #25 Founders of 179 years ago. The mission remains the same, to maintain their faith in God, to support each other as lodge members, and to be steadfast pillars of the community.
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