Stated Meeting, Installation, Community Builder, and Open House

At our stated meeting on July 13 we conducted our usual business.  It was reported that a project for the restoration of the "upper room" was underway and that a donor to provide funds for the project may be available. A committee was appointed to continue the work on behalf of the lodge.  The project to restore one of the oldest extant Masonic Lodge rooms in Texas may bring the upper room to its former glory.  We'll report more as the project develops, but it looks like our long held desire to preserve and restore the upper room may be getting ever closer.

We also held an open meeting for the installation of officers, the presentation of a community builder award and to hold an open house.  The Community Builder Award was presented to Pastor Joel McMahon of San Felipe United Methodist Church by WM Vernon Holguin.

The Community Builder Award was presented to Pastor McMahon for his current leadership of San Felipe United Methodist Church.  We also extended our gratitude to the entire congregation of San Felipe UMC for their support of Olive Branch Lodge and our desire to assist in brining the upper room back to a useful part of the community.

The present church building was constructed in 1837 and has been in continual use ever since and is considered the oldest protestant church building in Texas. The second floor of the church building was added in 1847-48 and San Felipe Lodge No. 239 was  formally chartered in this building June 14, 1860. In keeping with the Freemason’s connection with public education, the second floor was also used as a school until March 29, 1880, and San Felipe Lodge No. 239 continued meeting here until the lodge moved to Sealy. 

Without the congregations of this church who have worked continuously since 1829 to build the San Felipe community, a grand portion of the history of Austin’s colony and the early history of the Republic of Texas would have been forever lost.  

The Community Builder Award was established by the Grand Lodge of Texas A. F & A.M.  for local lodges to formally recognize outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through their service to the community, local and state governments, places of worship or to humanity at large.  

This award is given by the lodge upon a majority vote by its members. Even after this vote, the lodge leadership still has to present the potential recipient to the statewide Grand Lodge for approval.  Finally, an open meeting of the lodge is held in order to honor them as a Community Builder. 

This year we turn to the community builders who have graciously assisted to bring Olive Branch lodge to life. We recognize the Pastor McMahon as the leader of his congregation and for his efforts in serving to build up his community.  We also extend our gratitude to the entire congregation of San Felipe UMC for their long standing support in building the community of San Felipe and for their support of the restoration of Olive Branch Lodge No. 26.

Thank you!

Below (and the one above) are some photographs from each corner of the upper room as it was set up with explanatory placards as part of our open house.