TITLE: Commemorating the dedication of a Texas Historical Marker at Grandview Masonic Lodge No. 266.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the dedication of a Texas Historical Marker at Grandview Masonic Lodge No. 266.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Members of Grandview Masonic Lodge No. 266 are dedicating an official Texas Historical Marker at the lodge on March 30, 2013, in recognition of the important role that organization has played in the community for more than 150 years; and WHEREAS, The oldest Masonic group in continuous existence in Johnson County, the Grandview lodge was chartered on June 14, 1861, shortly after the town of Grandview was laid out; those petitioning for the charter--D. L. Files, Andrew Jackson Hart, A. D. Kinnard, B. B. Lightfoot, W. W. Madison, L. M. Richards, and Thomas Darcy Taliaferro--were among the county's leading citizens; early members also included Elbert Monroe Heath, who had played a leading role in organizing the county and who served in several county offices, and James Hiner, a Methodist minister who served as postmaster and county judge; and WHEREAS, Lodge activities were initially held in a log building that the Masons shared with the local Methodist Church and with a school, which the Masons were instrumental in organizing; after the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad bypassed the young community in 1882, residents moved to be closer to the tracks, and the Masons relocated their lodge as well; except for an interruption caused by a fire that devastated much of the town in 1920, the members of the lodge have been meeting at the same site in Grandview since 1895; and WHEREAS, In addition to supporting Masonry's charitable endeavors throughout Texas, members of the Grandview lodge assist their community in a number of ways; local programs include the promotion of dental health care among first graders and the awarding of scholarships to area students; and WHEREAS, Through its longstanding tradition of community involvement, the Grandview Masonic Lodge has made significant contributions to Grandview and its residents, and it is indeed fitting that this venerable organization be recognized; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of an official Texas Historical Marker at Grandview Masonic Lodge No. 266 and extend to all those associated with the lodge sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the lodge as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Orr Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1015 was adopted by the House on March 27, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House