TITLE: Honoring Walter W. Rogers for his outstanding contributions to Freemasonry.

SUMMARY: Honoring Walter W. Rogers for his outstanding contributions to Freemasonry.

FULL TEXT:
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