San Antonio Prince Hall Masons Honor Bishop Abraham Grant During 149th Anniversary Celebration
The Prince Hall Masons of San Antonio Lodge No. 1 kicked off its 149th Anniversary by participating in a Gravesite Memorial Service honoring the late Bishop Abraham Grant at the Colored Ceremony (No. 3 and 4) – San Antonio Lodge No. 1 Cemetery off North New Braunfels Ave. and Montana St., May 9.
The ceremony, sponsored by the 10th District Lay Organization, 10th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, not only honored Grant as the 19th Bishop of the A.M.E., but also the 4th Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and a member of San Antonio Lodge No. 1.
Community Leaders Reflect on Grant’s Legacy
Remarks were delivered by Past Master Burrell Parmer of San Antonio Lodge No. 1, along with remarks by 10th District Lay Organization President Dr. Rodrick Moore and Presiding Prelate Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford Sr.
“Bishop or Past Grand Master was not just a title but a calling for Bro. Grant, one that he embraced wholeheartedly,” said Parmer. “He guided with wisdom, stood firm in his convictions, and uplifted all who sought his counsel. He was a pillar in our fraternity, a beacon of strength, and a steadfast believer in the ideals that unite us as Brothers.”
During the program, representatives placed wreaths at the Grant’s graveside followed by the singing of “Amazing Grace.”
Evening Blue Banquet Honors Members and Scholars
Later that evening, Lodge members, visiting members and family members traveled to Universal City, Texas to attend the Lodge’s 3rd Annual Blue Banquet at the Triple Double Lounge & Cigar Patio.
During the program, awards were presented to Senior Warden Arradondo Booker (Master Mason of the Year), Past Master Robert Bonner, Jr. (Past Master of the Year), and Past Master Burrell Parmer (Honorary Past Grand Master Norris L. McVea Sr. Community Service Award).
Scholarship Award Supports Next Generation
The Past Grand Master Abraham Grant Scholarship Award of $1,000 was presented to Kylin Bain, a senior attending Randolph High School, who will be attending Prairie View A&M University in the fall majoring in Nursing.
150 Years of Prince Hall Legacy
San Antonio Lodge No. 1, chartered on May 10, 1876, looks forward to celebrating its Sesquicentennial Anniversary in 2026.
For more information about San Antonio Lodge No. 1 or interest in becoming a Prince Hall Freemason, visit www.sanantoniolodge1.org.
