TITLE: Recognizing April 8, 2015, as Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 8, 2015, as Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Day.

FULL TEXT:
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 President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 30, 2015.