Celebration of Sesquicentennial Anniversary in San Antonio
(Story by: Past Master Burrell Parmer, San Antonio Lodge No. 1) — San Antonio Lodge No. 1 (Prince Hall Affiliated) officially celebrated its Sesquicentennial Anniversary Weekend, May 8-10, marking a century and a half of continuous Masonic existence, community leadership, and service to the Alamo City.
As the first Prince Hall Affiliated Lodge established in Texas, the historic milestone honors its legacy as a foundational pillar for African American Freemasonry in the Lone Star State.
Originally established in 1873 as San Antonio Lodge No. 22 by the King Solomon Grand Lodge of Kansas, the Lodge was re-chartered on May 10, 1876, after the establishment of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas in August 1875.
The landmark anniversary culminated in a dedicated Sesquicentennial Gala Weekend which began with the Lodge’s Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament held May 8, at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club followed by a Blue Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn Live Oak on May 9. The weekend concluded on Mother’s Day with a worship service at Emmanuel AME Church.
During the Blue Banquet, presented by H-E-B and Bexar County, numerous sponsorship awards were presented along with community service organizations awards.
Student aid in the amount of $2,500 each was presented to Gabriella Berry of Karen Wagner High School and Torrin Cottman of Byron P. Steele High School. Additionally, two newly Raised Master Masons from the Class of Honorary Past Grand Master William E. Woods were introduced to the public along with a Masonic Broken Column/Masonic Blue Slipper Ceremony.
Before the end of the program, guests heard the keynote address from the Honorable Michael T. Anderson, Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas.
Special thanks to more than 30 sponsors that supported the Lodge’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary.
For further information about San Antonio Lodge No. 1, visit www.sanantoniolodge1.org and review photos via Facebook: San Antonio Lodge No. 1 PHA.
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