175th Grand Annual Communication

17. Nov, 2010 0 Comments

The Grand Lodge of Texas will hold its 175th Grand Annual Communication in Waco, Texas on December 2, 3, & 4, 2010 in their facilities at 715 Columbus Avenue. The Grand Lodge was chartered by the Republic of Texas and is the oldest fraternity in the State. It pre-dates Baylor University’s beginnings.

Grand Master Orville L. O’Neill will welcome about 3,000 Masons in attendance that will represent the 869 Masonic Lodges in Texas. Freemasons meet annually to conduct business and renew fellowships. Many will bring their spouses who will attend coffees, partake of available tours of Waco and Salado, and visit the Grand Lodge Library & Museum of Texas located in the Grand Lodge building. The Hilton Hotel is the “headquarters” hotel but the Masons will occupy most of the available hotel-motel rooms in the surrounding area.

The “Pre-formal” opening with pomp and circumstance will occur on Thursday, December 2, at 1:00 p.m. in the main auditorium (largest in Waco) and be open to guests and visitors. The National Sojourners Heroes of ’76 will present the colors. Distinguished guests will be introduced including the Order of the Rainbow (Girl’s Masonic organization), Order of DeMolay (Boy’s Masonic organization), and our-of-State Masons. Special awards will be presented. These open ceremonies will reconvene at 7:00 p.m. with Grand Master O’Neill presenting special Grand Lodge Awards. The evening closes with entertainment by Michael Cote’. He is a talented Mason and professional musician with a mellow voice and strong guitar abilities.

Business will be conducted on Friday and Saturday and culminate with the installation of the 2011 Grand Lodge officers, led by T. E. “Gene” Carnes.