Before the Temple · 1891–1929

Reagan Lodge No. 1037 is chartered

1910

The Grand Lodge of Texas chartered Reagan Lodge No. 1037 on December 12, 1910, the first Masonic lodge instituted in Houston’s suburbs. James F. Helms carried the charter home from Waco. On the night of December 31, District Deputy Grand Master O. M. Longnecker installed the first officers, with J. M. French as the first Worshipful Master.

The lodge was named for John H. Reagan, the Texas statesman who served as U.S. Senator and first chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, and who had been a Mason of long standing. Its founding cohort had deep roots: French, Helms, and A. C. Bernard had served together as officers of Brenham Lodge No. 135 as early as 1893.

The source

Source image: Grand Lodge of Texas Proceedings; Houston Post, Jan. 1, 1911; group photograph, Houston History Research Center, MSS 229-139 (digitally restored) — Source: Grand Lodge of Texas Proceedings; Houston Post, Jan. 1, 1911; group photograph, Houston History Research Center, MSS 229-139 (digitally restored). Tap the image to view full size.