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A History ofKendall Masonic Lodge No. 897

(1905 – 2005)

Boerne, Texas

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FOREWORD

In preparing this history of Kendall Lodge for our centennial year 2005, I am very grateful for the 1980 edition prepared by the (then) LodgeHistorian and Past Master David E. Loewen. His history gave me a starting point. The first edition of this history did not contain coverageof meeting minutes from 1955 through 1969 which were presumed lost, misplaced or destroyed. Fortunately, they were found during the airconditioning project of April-July 2005 and have been incorporated intothis history.

I have worked with the library staff of the Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of Texas, The Boerne Public Library, The Boerne Historical Committee, and the existing, historical records of the Lodge.What I could adjudge as interesting, pertinent, historical facts are hererecorded. I have added other parts of the original as attachments as well as items of interest which are not lodge history per se.

I realize this is a brief chronicle of a one hundred year period, and therefore, many of our charitable contributions, community efforts,and Masonic relief functions go unrecorded. The history is a short summation of the deeds of a vital institution which has servedMasonry and the community of Boerne, Texas, for one hundredyears.

Charles W. Lloyd, Jr. Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas February 2, 2006

M. C. Holman (1928 – 2004)

The proper celebration of Kendall Lodge's Centennial Year was the dream and goal of Brother Milburn C. "M. C." Holman. Every Brother familiar with M. C. knew of his love for and dedication to Kendall Masonic Lodge No. 897. However, none of us will ever know all of his contributions to Kendall Lodge, Boerne Chapter No. 200, Order of the Eastern Star, The Rainbow Assembly for girls, and other Masonic Bodies. M. C. never talked of the things he did, he just did them.

He did talk of the Centennial Year and what he wanted to take place. Those of us on the Centennial Committee, picking up where M. C. left off, hope that we have fulfilled all of hiswishes and desires. We hope all we do properly celebrates hisspirit and the Hundredth Anniversary of Kendall LodgeNo. 897.

2005 – 2006 Masonic Year OfficersKendall Masonic Lodge No. 897 A.F. & A.M.

Worshipful Master Abner L. Kestler, Jr.

Senior Warden L. D. Martin

Junior Warden James E. Davies

Treasurer William J. Scales

Secretary Lon Jett, III

Chaplain J. Knox Duncan

Senior Deacon H. H. "Dutch" Hutsell

Junior Deacon Gary L. Bausell

Senior Steward Eric V. Viereck

Junior Steward Koyle D. Knape

Master of Ceremonies Ronnie D. Pfeil

Marshal Jonathan B. Cluck

Tiler E. H. Thormahlen

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Past MastersKendall Masonic Lodge No. 897 A.F. & A.M.

Andrew J. Woods Lenard W. King George B. Smith James A. Massey William T.Reeves Gerald W. Calrow Elmer Watts Harry L. Davis Frank W. Corley Harry CorleyWalter R. EdmundsStanley E. PerrinEd W. SillOtto W. VogtMina AdamsJulius P. Bowman Lewis 1. Gregory Sophus C. Adam Alton J. Uecker Elmer C. Perrin Hugo Y. Adam Jack R. Davis Ray A. Dixon Paul S. BlairMaurice J. LehmannAlvin ReinhardJoe A. CockrelJoe A. Coughran Fred F. Dietzel Edward J. Kaiser W.L. Humphreys Alfred S. Norris Berlyn H. Wade Rudolph Aue, Jr. Fred G. Hillman Jack R. Diamond Gilman W. Hall Harold W. Orcutt John L. Bowman Archibald H. Gerfers Albert R. Edmondson Louie B. Young Lonnie K Gault

1904,05 Frederic A. Beer 19611906 William A. Merchant 19621907 Charles H. Drennon 19631908,09 Richard Leeder Jr 19641910,15,16 Owen C. Deeg 19651911,12 M.C. Holman 1966,891913,14 John H. Hopkins Jr 19671917 George R Albright 19681918,19,20 Charles L. Dungey 19691921,22 Glynn S. Teague 19701923,26,27,28 Pete C. Sutton 19711924 James A. Morriss 19721925 David E. Loewen 19731929 Forrest L. Ledlow 19741930 Robert W. Rucker 19751931 Terrell E. Norris 19761932 C.Chat Wilkinson 19771933 Walter E Eckermann 19781934 Roland L. Peckne 19791935,36 Cecil L Noah 19801937 Herman H. Haas 19811938 Lewis F Gimbel Jr 19821939 Michael R. Arthur 19831940 Earl E. Gilbert 19841941 Lee F. Fitzpatrick 19851942 Ross Raymond 19861943 L. W. Whitworth 19871944 Roy G. Staton 19881945 M.C. Holman 1966,891946 Jeffrey A. Sill 19901947 Dan C. Glenn 19911948 M. W. Galloway 19921949 Rawlins M. Morris 19931950 Goodloe Elkins 19941951 Everett B. Bulmer 1995,20001952 Lon Jett III 19961953 Joseph Carrola 19971954 H. C. "Hank" Kohl 19981955 Calvin Sachers 19991956 Everett B. Bulmer 1995,20001957 Floyd B. Andrews 20011958 William J. Scales 20021959 Robert E . Messerli 2003

Benno A. Klabunde 1960 Charles W. Lloyd Jr. 2004

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District Deputy Grand MastersKendall Masonic Lodge No. 897 A.F. & A.M.

1910 Lennie W. King

1916 Lennie W. King

1930 Harry L. Davis, Sr

1934 Mina Adams

1937 Lewis Gregory

1941 Ray A. Dixon

1947 Joe A. Coughran, Sr.

1953 Fred G. Hillman

1964 Rudolph Aue, Jr.

1971 Benno Klabunde

1978 M. C. Holman

1985 David Loewen

1989 Ross Raymond

1992 Earl E. Gilbert

1996 Dan C. Glenn

2003 H. C. "Hank" Kohl

2006 Robert E. “Bob” Messerli

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Grand Lodge OfficersKendall Masonic Lodge No. 897 A.F. & A.M.

1913 James A Massey Grand Chaplain

1957 Mina Adams Grand Tiler

1995 Kermit Z. Schnelle Grand Senior Steward

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A History of Kendall Masonic Lodge No. 897

Masonry in Texas can be traced back to the early 1800's. But it was in 1835when Brother Anson Jones and others met under an oak tree, now referred to as "The Masonic Oak", in Brazoria, Texas, and petitioned the Grand Lodge ofLouisiana for a charter. This petition resulted in the formation of Holland LodgeNo. 36 with Anson Jones as Worshipful Master. Holland Lodge ceased tofunction during the Texas Revolution, and its membership scattered. However, the lodge was reopened in Houston in 1837. Two more lodges were alsochartered by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana: Milam No. 40 at Nacogdoches, and McFarland No. 41 at San Augustine. Representatives from these three lodgesmet jointly in Houston in December 1837 and formed the Grand Lodge of theRepublic of Texas. Brother Sam Houston presided over this meeting at which Brother Anson Jones was elected the first Grand Master. The charters of thethree original lodges were surrendered to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana.Between 1838 and 1845 the Grand Lodge chartered twenty-one more Texas lodges. Masonry in Texas and the other states survived the Civil War and the westward migration and continued to grow in numbers of lodges and members. 1

Freemasonry became a part of our local area – now Masonic District 51 – with the chartering of lodges in Center Point, Rising Star Lodge No. 429, June 5,1875; Kerrville, Kerrville Lodge No. 697, December 11, 1890; Fredericksburg,Fredericksburg Lodge No. 794, December 3, 1896; and Kendall Lodge inBoerne, December 7, 1905. Additionally, lodges were chartered in Bandera, Bandera Lodge No. 1123, chartered December 11, 1917 (originally chartered asLodge No. 324); and Medina, Medina Lodge No 1319, chartered December 8, 1949.

Although the idea of a Masonic Lodge in Boerne had been discussed by local Masons in the late 1800's, Masonry in Boerne had its beginnings in 1904(Attachment 1a) when a group of brothers applied to Bandera Lodge for the purpose of starting a new lodge in Boerne. An application was made to theGrand Lodge of Texas by Bandera Lodge No. 324 dated, November 19, 1904, inbehalf of the Boerne petitioners (Attachment 1b). Kendall Lodge was set towork by District Deputy Grand Master D. C. Darroch (Fredericksburg Lodge No.794) under dispensation granted December 20, 1904, and signed by GrandMaster of Masons in Texas, Most Worshipful A. W. Campbell (Attachment 1c). The principle officers were Brother A. J. Woods, Worshipful Master; L. W. King,Sr. Senior Warden; and U.A. Shirar, Jr. Warden. Brother Shirar's name also appears on Lodge records as "Shiror" and "Shirer". 2

The Grand Lodge of Texas granted a Charter to Kendall Lodge No.897 on December 7, 1905. (An erroneous date of December 5, 1905 was used in Grand Lodge correspondence from 1938 to July 30, 2004 (Attachment 2). The principleofficers of the new lodge were those mentioned in the above paragraph, whoserved "under dispensation". There were twenty-one members on the rolls. (The Charter of Kendall Lodge No. 897 currently hangs in the Masonic Lodge Room at897 East Blanco Road, Boerne, and because of its age and many years in the same frame, it was decided not to attempt reproduction of it for this history.) The

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lodge met at 101 South Main Street until fire destroyed the building and all of its contents, including the charter, minutes, jewels, and paraphernalia on August 18,1908. A replacement Charter, dated May 27, 1914 is the one now hanging inthe lodge room. A special dispensation was granted by the Grand Master for thebrethren to hold their meetings in the Kendall County Courthouse located at201 East San Antonio Avenue, Boerne, until suitable quarters could be located. The first meeting in the courthouse was held September 6, 1908. The WorshipfulMaster established a building committee to begin the plans and take necessary actions to find a new location for the lodge including the building, furnishings, andparaphernalia. Brother Ad Zoeller donated a Bible, and Anchor Masonic Lodge inSan Antonio donated a Tiler's sword. Other members contributed as they wereable.

Figure 1 Calrow Building

On November 7, 1908, Brother Fritz Kraut wasthe only Mason to beinitiated into the Fraternity while thelodge met in the countycourthouse. Also on this date, the buildingcommittee reported thatthe second floor of the new Post Office (theCalrow Building),located on South Main Street and still underconstruction, would beavailable for rent upon its completion.

Subsequent to the above meeting, the committee establisheda contract with BrotherCalrow for $10.00 a month for one year. OnMarch 13, 1909 the firstmeeting was held at the new lodge on Main

Street on the second floor of the Calrow Building. This was to be the home of Kendall Lodge for approximately 60 years. The Worshipful Master, BrotherWilliam T. Reeves, requested that the first Worshipful Master, Brother A. J.Woods, preside at the opening of the new meeting place. The first anniversary of the 1908 fire was remembered by the lodge's Library Committee whopresented the lodge with a three volume set of books entitled, The History ofFreemasonry by Albert Gallatin Mackey, M.D. and 33rd Degree Mason. The

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Library Committee was composed of Brothers A. J. Woods, PM; J. M. Saner, Treasurer; and J. M. Massey, Worshipful Master. The first volume of this set is inscribed:

Boerne1st Anniversary of the Fire

18 August 1909

On July 7, 1911, the lodge was privileged to receive a gavel from Brother J.H. Reeve which was made from a piece of the old Congress Oak. The gaveland the letter which accompanied it can be seen in a display case in thelodge's Banquet Room (Attachment 3).

The members of Kendall Lodge continued to move forward in their Masonicwork, various activities, and interaction with the community. Also interest wasgrowing in organizing an Eastern Star Chapter in Boerne which would share the Lodge's meeting place. Working with Kendall Lodge Officers and potentialmembers of the new Chapter, Mrs. Marie Nelson of San Antonio assisted in theformation of Boerne Chapter No. 200, Order of the Eastern Star, chartered on October 13, 1911. The Chapter has been in continuous service to The GrandChapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star, their members, and the Boernecommunity since that date. The Chapter awards scholarships, participates in community service, and assists the lodge in their community activities. TheChapter is also very active in Grand Chapter work and has had members serveas District Deputy Grand Matrons and Deputy Grand Matrons. Numerous Grand Chapter functions have been held in Boerne over the years with great success.Boerne Chapter No. 200, Order of the Eastern Star will celebrate their centennialin 2011.

Masonic funeral services were held for Brother L.W. Lavelle, a life and charter member of the Lodge, on June 27, 1913. This is the first record of a Masonicfuneral for any of the members of Kendall Lodge. A Resolution of Respect isshown as Attachment 4. Also in the year 1913 Kendall Lodge was honored to have Past Master James A. Massey appointed as Grand Chaplain of the MostWorshipful Grand Lodge of Texas.

During the First World War, the Eastern Star Chapter presented an American Flag to Kendall Lodge. The Worshipful Master requested the Brothers to donateto the OES Chapter as they saw fit to help fund this gift. Also, the lodge passeda resolution that “…all members who shall join and have joined the (military) services be exempt from paying dues to the lodge during his time of service,providing such member has his dues paid up to the date of his enlistment".

Kendall Lodge assisted in the building of The George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Washington D.C. in 1921. Lodges from every state wereasked to contribute one dollar per member to assist in the erection of this greatedifice. Kendall Lodge contributed $54.00 to the cause. The George Washington

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National Masonic Memorial is located on Shooter's hill in Alexandria, Virginia, and is opened to the public. 3

On August 28, 1929, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee to investigate various lots in town that would be suitable for location of a new lodge building. After lengthy discussion a motion was defeated to purchase a new lot due to theuncertainty of the nation's financial condition.

Interest in another lodge building renewed the following year, and at the Lodge meeting of January 14, 1930, the building committee reported that there was$1,166.44 in the building fund. However, no further action was taken. Later in the year, it was decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the lodge at the nextstated meeting, December 5, our charter date. This date in the Loewen History isincorrect (Attachment 2). Worshipful Master Mina Adams presided over this meeting and anniversary program. OES Chapter No. 200 shared in thecelebration, and the ladies prepared a turkey dinner.

Kendall Lodge survived the many challenges of WW I, the Stock Market crash of 1929, and the Great Depression of the 1930's. Finances and membershipfluctuated with the economic ups and downs of the nation. The lodge remainedin the Calrow Building on Main Street and continued their fraternal work as did the Eastern Star Chapter.

Several of the Lodge brothers attended the dedication of the new airfield in Sherman, Texas in February 1942 that was named Perrin Field in honor of Brother Elmer D. Perrin. Brother Perrin was a Past Master and life member of Kendall Lodge 4 (Attachment 5). Another Brother of Kendall Lodge who distinguished himself in the Military during World War II was Past Master Paul S. Blair, Colonel, USAF 5 (Attachment 6). Many members of the lodge served their country during the war years on land, sea, and air in far off corners of the world. The lodge includes among its membership veterans who served their countryover the years in both war and peacetime.

During the World War II years, as in the previous world war, it was suggested that the Lodge follow the Grand Master's suggestion not to suspend Masons fornon-payment of dues in the armed services. Brother L. L. Cardy, District DeputyGrand Master, made his official visit to Kendall Lodge and read the names of the brethren who were in the service of their country. Also during the WW II years,our Eastern Star Chapter presented the lodge with another American flagdesignated as the Service Flag and dedicated to our brethren who paid the supreme sacrifice for our country.

In July 1946, the Worshipful Master called for a special meeting for the purpose of discussing ways and means to build a new lodge hall. Brother Harry L. Davis offered to donate a lot on Bandera Road if the lodge would build the new hall infive years. Brother L. J. Gregory stated the present building (The CalrowBuilding) could be purchased for $12,500.00, and he hoped the building

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committee would take the offer into consideration. Many brothers attending this meeting pledged sizeable donations to the building fund. It was decided that instead of building a new hall, the Lodge would exercise its option to purchasethe present building, since the Post Office had expressed an interest to move toa new location, if an opportunity presented itself. With the approval of the Grand Lodge of Texas, the Secretary and Treasurer were instructed to cash theaccumulated bonds and proceed with the purchase. On February 21,1947, acelebration was held by the brethren on the occasion of Kendall Lodge owningits own building.

The lodge enjoyed their building and continued their fraternal activities. At the February 27, 1953, meeting the members rejected a proposal to enlarge theexisting building due to its age and lack of funds. In March of 1953 the Lodgeestablished a committee to examine all the possibilities of selling the Lodge and building a new one. The committee (Bros. Hillmann, Gerfers, and Adams) wereauthorized to visit the new lodge at Johnson City to obtain funding and construction figures. The brethren made the visit to Johnson City, but afterreporting to the lodge, no action was taken. At the February 12, 1954, StatedMeeting, the committee proposed a raise in dues to fund a new building effort. It was agreed by the brethren to issue a summons to all members to attend theMarch 12 Stated Meeting to vote on the dues increase. At that meeting, theproposal to raise dues to provide funds for a new building was rejected by a vote of 26 to 22.

At the March 26 Stated meeting, the lodge voted to establish a committee to formulate a plan(s) to finance a new building. However, the plan was defeated by a vote of 16 to 1 at the May 16 Stated meeting. Brother Cole, Secretary, reportedthat taxes on the Lodge had been "dropped" by the County and school district,provided that the Lodge does not rent the building for any purpose. It was further reported that a "Peeping Tom" had been spying on the Rainbow girls from thetop of the Bank building. The minutes reflect that "corrective action has beentaken".

The June 24, 1954 called meeting was held in San Antonio, where the Most Worshipful Grand Master Jack Ball installed the Officers of several San Antonio Lodges and a few from the surrounding area, including Kendall Lodge No. 897.

At the Stated Meeting of August 13, 1954, Brother AI Gray, representing the Building Committee, reported on the repairs that were needed to maintain the building, and Brother G.L. Duncan reported on how to finance these repairs.Brother Cole proposed the Lodge borrow $2,500.00 to remodel the Lodge. It wasmoved and seconded, and approved by a vote of 16 to 1, 1 member abstaining. Brother Mina Adams moved that the Lodge payoff the existing note of $700.00so the Lodge would be "clear on the books" for the new loan. This was approvedby vote of the Lodge. Improvements were made to the Lodge, and for a while,the Brethren felt no need to look for another meeting place.

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In 1955, the lodge observed its 50th Anniversary with a dinner provided by the Eastern Star and a program overseen by Worshipful Master, John Bowman. It isto be noted that the year 1956 saw another one of Kendall Lodge's members appointed to a Grand Lodge position. Brother Mina Adams was appointed Grand Tiler for the 1957 Grand Lodge Year.

The Brethren decided to air condition the lodge in 1959. The existing evaporative "coolers" were showing signs of wear. After considering various equipment, thelodge accepted the proposal from Allied Sheet Metal Company of San Antonio in the amount of $2,465.00 for two units providing 6 tons of cooling capacity and68,000 btu's of heating. At the Stated Meeting of December 25, (Christmasevening) the Lodge voted to formally accept the proposal from Allied Sheet Metal Co. A new loan was made with the Boerne State Bank in the amount of$3,000.00.

A new Building Committee was established at the February 10, 1960, Stated Meeting. The Worshipful Master decided that the old Building Committee hadnot acted in some time and "had lost its identity". The new Building Committee was comprised of Bros. William Merchant, J.E. Whitman, John Bowman andAlfred Norris. These Brethren were charged to take care of repairs,equipment, maintenance, and the general upkeep of the building.

The lodge continued to serve the community and its members and operate out of the former Post Office building. In 1961, Worshipful Master Benno Klabundeproposed that pictures of all Past Masters be placed in the Lodge. This was approved by vote of the Lodge, and Brother Klabunde offered to furnish theframes. Also in 1961 (4/28/61), the lodge voted to pay for a portrait of BrotherMina Adams and display it in the Lodge as a tribute to this highly esteemed Mason. The Past Masters' pictures and Brother Adams's portrait are stillcherished parts of our Banquet Room furnishings.

By 1964, the building was slowly deteriorating to the point of no repair, and again the brothers began discussing the possibility of erecting a new lodge hall. At the October 23, 1964, Stated Meeting the Lodge granted permission to theWorshipful Master to appoint a committee to consider building a new building.The New Lodge Planning Committee (hereinafter referred to as "the committee" or the "NLPC") was comprised of Benno Klabunde, Chairman, Mina Adams, andRudy Aue. At the October Stated Meeting (10/12/64), it was decided to inform all the members of the committee's efforts, and that the membership should be"given an opportunity for discussion, approval or disapproval". The WorshipfulMaster Richard Leeder selected the stated meeting of January 22, 1965 for this purpose (Attachment 7). This meeting was well attended, and the committeeconducted a question and answer session on the proposed plans for a newbuilding. By vote of the Lodge, the committee was directed to proceed with plans for the new Lodge building and report at a later date. The committee was furtherempowered at the Stated Meeting of February 12, to dispose of the presentbuilding without reporting back to the Lodge provided the price was not less than

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$10,000.00. The committee contacted the membership for financial aid and received pledges for $9,425.00 for the future building. Following a meeting with an architect from Kerrville, Brother Klabunde and his committee were givenpermission to begin the process for acquisition of a plot of land and handle allthe formalities and legalities as they arose.

As plans and procedures developed for the new Lodge project, Brother Bill Merchant reported at the Stated Meeting of March 11, 1966, that there was apossibility that the Lodge might acquire a piece of property from the city for the new lodge. This property is located at the southwest corner of East Blanco Roadand South Plant Avenue. The Worshipful Master referred this matter to the NewLodge Planning Committee who met with the City Council. At the March 25th meeting Brother Klabunde announced that the committee had met with the citycouncil "on or about 16 March" and discussed purchasing the property on EastBlanco Road. The result was an "earnest money contract" between the lodgeand the city for the purchase of the property. The price was set at $720.00. Warranty Deed # 3830 was issued July 8,1966 and notes the amount paid as$10.00, which Kendall County officials inform me is a standard figure "used for office purposes" (Attachment 8).

Brother Klabunde announced at the meeting of May 13 that Boerne State bank had agreed to purchase the existing building for $10,000.00 At this meeting the Brothers accepted the proposed design of the new building and voted to allowthe Committee to arrange preparation of specifications and drawings. The plansand specifications were complete in July 1966, and by September 23 the Brothers were ready to take action. The following motions were approved at theSeptember 23, 1966, Stated Meeting after a presentation by Brother Aueoutlining lodge's sound financial condition:

1) That the Lodge approve expenditure of $45,000 for the new Lodge (not to exceed 7% interest);

2) That the committee be authorized to borrow $29,000;3) That a letter be written requesting the money from those who pledged

(Attachment 9). This financial backing and the $10,000.00 received for the building sale more than covered the proposed cost for the new lodge.

In 1967 after much planning and coordination with the Grand Lodge, Worshipful Master Hopkins presented a review of actions by the NLPC since January 1965and related some of the "trials, tribulations, and heartaches" that the committee faced over the years. He then thanked Bros. Klabunde, Aue, and Adams for theirhard work and dedication. Brother Klabunde stated that he and the committeewere convinced that in order to have a building of the size and quality desired by the brethren, "we must build it ourselves". Brother Leeder was put in charge ofthe committee to oversee building of the Lodge. The Committee Chairmanreported that all paperwork for the selling of the present building and for "creating indebtedness" were forwarded to the Grand Lodge for approval through the

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DDGM, R. W. Cedric R. Tolar of Kerrville. The consensus of the Brethren at this meeting was "Let's go!”

The Grand Master gave the approval to proceed with the new building plans(Attachments 10 and 10a) on September 27, 1967. Groundbreakingceremonies were held on February 18, 1968 at the current location at 897 EastBlanco Road. (Attachment 11).

Figure 2 Selling the Calrow Building

The Boerne Star of February 29, 1968, records the sale of the old lodge (Calrow) building to the Boerne State Bank for $10,000 with permission for the lodge to occupy the building for another year. Two weeks later the Boerne Star reported, "The cornerstone of the new building was leveled by The Grand Master of Masons in Texas, M. W. J.W. Chandler, March 2, 1968, He was met at theairport by Brother Rudy Aue, Jr. assisted by R.W. Grand Senior Warden Hal H.Burnett and Mrs. Burnett of Alpine, Texas, Worshipful Master John H. Hopkin, Jr. and Mrs. Hopkin, Brother Mina Adams, Brother Kermit Schnelle, and Sheriff and Brother Douglas Kuebel, who escorted the caravan. Following welcoming ceremonies at the Methodist Church in Boerne, a representation of the GrandLodge of Texas was opened in the hall of Kendall Lodge #897. The group thenretired to the new building site at Blanco and Plant Streets where several

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Figure 3 Leveling the New Lodge Building’s Cornerstone


hundred friends observed the leveling of the cornerstone in due and ancient form by the Grand Lodge Officers assisted by Kendall Lodge members." The groupreturned to the lodge hall, and the day concluded with a refreshments prepared by Boerne Chapter No. 200, O.E.S. 6 (Attachment 12).

Figure 4 Past Masters at the first meeting in the new building on East Blanco

Much of the construction work was done by the Lodge members with the remainder of the work financed through a "no interest" loan from BrothersRudolph Aue, Jr. and Benno Klabunde. By April 11, 1969, the lodge was nearingcompletion; the electrical circuitry, lighting, and brickwork were almost finished and much of the furnishings were completed. That evening, at the April statedmeeting, Brother Alfred Norris moved that the brethren move into the newquarters before the first stated meeting in May. Grand Master J. Guy Smith approved the move on April 25.The lodge held an "Open House" at the newfacility on Saturday, May 4, 1969 7 (see Attachment 13). The first meeting in thenew Lodge building was held on Tuesday, May 6 1969 by the members ofBoerne Chapter No. 200, Order of the Eastern Star, Worthy Matron Ethel Schnelle presiding. The first Masonic Meeting was held on Friday, May 9, 1969,Brother George R. "Bob" Albright, Worshipful Master, presiding. There were 103

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members in attendance. 8 (Attachment 14). The lodge was off to a fine start in their new building.

The minutes of the Stated Meeting of Monday, May 17, 1971, show that Past Master Benno A. Klabunde moved that Kendall Lodge in conjunction with the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M., level the cornerstone at Boerne's new HighSchool. Brother Rudy Aue, Jr. reported that an appropriate cornerstone could beacquired for approximately $185.00. The lodge voted to buy the stone. It having been determined that the Grand Master would be unavailable on that date, it wasagreed to write the Grand Master requesting he appoint Brother Klabunde topreside at the cornerstone ceremony. At the meeting of June 21, the Grand Master by letter appointed Brother Klabunde to act in his place at the HighSchool Ceremony. Members of Kendall Lodge and Grand Lodge Officersassembled at Boerne High School on June 26 and with Brother Klabunde officiating leveled the cornerstone in due and ancient form.

On Monday, June 18, 1979, at a Stated Meeting of the lodge, Brother David Loewen was appointed Historian of Kendall Lodge No. 897.

On January 3, 1981, under direction of Worshipful Master Cecil Noah the lodge observed its 75th Anniversary. The Eastern Star led by Worthy Matron MaryUecker prepared the turkey dinner and Brother Ernest Ingenhuett provided the musical program. This historic event was attended by The Most WorshipfulGrand Master Thomas Land and his line of Grand Officers, and Brothers Mina Adams, Master for the 25th Anniversary and John Bowman, Master for the 50th

Anniversary.

The Lodge has been community oriented since its inception. Among the organizations we provide aid to are Kendall County EMS, Boerne FireDepartment, Boerne Family Services, and Boerne High School (Scholarships). The Lodge members have also participated in the Texas highway cleanupprogram and the Boerne Beautification Campaign. In support of the MostWorshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, Kendall Lodge has provided assistance to the Masonic Home and School in Fort Worth and The Texas Masonic RetirementCenter in Arlington. Individual members support the Shriners' Hospitals forChildren, the Scottish Rite Hospitals, the York Rite Charities, and the Masonic Youth Groups. The lodge presents the Community Builder Award to outstandingnon-Masons in the Community. This is a Grand Lodge sponsored award forthose outstanding citizens who work for the betterment of their fellow man(Attachment 15). The lodge also recognizes its members who extend additionaltime, effort, and services to the lodge beyond that required of Officers and members. The Golden Trowel Award is the highest honor a lodge can award to amember (Attachment 16).

Over the years, the building has withstood the elements and use by the brethren, Eastern Star, and the public. The roof has been replaced several times due to high wind related incidents, the original Banquet Room floor has been replaced,

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and the parking lot has been coated with sealant numerous times. A recentmajor project was the replacement of the entire Air Conditioning system begun inApril 2005 and completed early July. This was completed by the brethren in seven weeks and one day at a cost well under the original estimate. It was a combined effort by many of the brethren, all of whom lent their talents, labor, and money to the undertaking.

Figure 5 Past Masters celebrating Kendall Masonic Lodge’s 100th Birthday

On December 7, 2005, the Lodge celebrated its 100 years of service toMasonry, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, and the Boerne Community. An evening of fun, food, and fellowship was enjoyed by lodge members, their families, and members of the Eastern Star. The program was led by Worshipful Master Abb Kestler who spoke about the 100th anniversary and, with the assistance of Brother Ross Raymond, introduced and paid tribute to the Past Masters of Kendall Lodge. Brother Charles Lloyd spoke about this history and read a few "items of interest". The 100th Anniversary Community Celebrationis scheduled for May 13, 2006, at the lodge hall and will feature dedication of anhistorical plaque by the Grand Master of Masons in Texas, M. W. Brother Brian Dodson. This will be followed by a program and refreshments.

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Kendall Lodge looks forward to another century of service to Masonry and the community of Boerne.

Charles W. Lloyd, P.M.February 2, 2006

1 Handbook of Texas Online: Freemasonry,http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/FF/vnf1.html

2 This history is based upon the July 1980, "A History of Kendall Lodge No. 897" written by David E. Loewen, Past Master and Historian of Kendall Lodge No. 897 AF & AM, Boerne, Texas. This history addsto, but does not cancel or supersede any part of Brother Loewen's work which will remain part of archives.

3 Elmer Watts, Secretary, "A Report to the Worshipful Master. Wardens & Brethren", Boerne, Texas,July 9, 19274 Perrin Air Force Base Research Foundation, P.O. Box 1998, Pottsboro, Texas, 75076;http://www.perrinairforcebase.neUcol-perrin.htm

5 Paul S. Blair, "Profile" Aurora, Colorado, undated

6 Boerne Star, March 14, 1968, "Local Masons Form Representation of Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas"7 "Open House Is Scheduled For Boerne Masonic Hall", San Antonio Express, date unknown8 "Hats Off”, Boerne Star, date unknown.

Other Sources:

William Ransom Hogan, The Texas Republic; A Social and Economic History, (University of Oklahoma press, Norman, 1946), 217

Kendall County Historical Commission, A History of Kendall County. Texas (Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas 1984) Boerne Library: ref 976.4886 (History)

Garland A. Perry, Historical Images of Boerne and Kendall County, Texas (Perry Publications, Boerne, Texas) 141.

"Masonic Lodge No. 897, "Vertical File, Boerne Public Library, Genealogy Room

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Kendall Masonic Lodge No. 897Current Lodge Building

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Kendall Masonic Lodge No. 897 Location of Current Lodge Building

Figure 2 Map Courtesy MapQuest.com

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Kendall Masonic Lodge No. 897List of Attachments

1a – c Chartering Documents.

2 Letter, Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas.

3 Description, "Congress Oak Gavel".

4 Letter of Respect, Brother L. W. Lavelle.

5 Biography, Lieutenant Colonel Elmer Daniel Perrin.

6 Biography, Colonel Paul S. Blair.

7 Kendall Lodge #897 Letter, January 13, 1965.

8 Warranty Deed, Kendall Masonic Lodge.

9 Kendall Lodge #897 Letter, August 6, 1965.

10 Letter, Grand Lodge of Texas, September 27, 1967.

10a DDGM Letter to Grand Master, 1 October 1967.

11 Letter, City of Boerne, November 18, 1987.

12 Minutes, Meeting of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, atBoerne, March 2, 1968.

13 News Article, “Open House…”

14 News Article, “Hats Off…”

15 Community Builder Awardees.

16 Golden Trowel Awardees.


Attachment 1a


Attachment 1b


Attachment 1c


Attachment 2


Attachment 3

"CONGRESS OAK" GAVEL

The "Congress Oak" Gavel was presented to Kendall Lodge on July 7, 1911 by BrotherJ.H. Reeve. The letter accompanying the gavel is as follows:

History teaches us, that in the days of the Republic of Texas, and even before thedays of freedom that, that section of the country now known and designated as BrazoriaCounty, was the pioneer section of the now prosperous State of Texas. In this countyand on the banks of the Brazos River is located the historic old town of Columbia, whichwas in those days the principal city and port -of-entry. Practically all freight andmerchandise for West Texas, New Mexico and part of old Mexico being brought to thisport by boat, then transferred by wagon to various destinations.

During the war between Texas and Mexico, it was used as a base of supplies by therebel army, and the country around there has many old landmarks that bear evidence ofthe struggle that freed this state from Mexican rule.

At the edge of what is known as West Columbia, there remains the charred stumpof a gigantic oak which was in the early known as the Triplet Oak, so named becausethe tree, while having only one stump, branched into three trunks, about 12 inches fromthe earth.

It was under this Oak that General Santa Anna, after being captured andtransferred to Columbia, admitted his identity. It was under this oak that the firstCongress of Texas (while the work of constructing the old Log Capitol; some hundredfeet distance was being rushed to completion) sat in session. The old log Capitol haslong since crumbled and been carried away by visitors and curiosity seekers, thereremaining today only a small portion of the foundation.

About four years ago, this old Oak, after service to this proud state, and yearsof mistreatment by passers-by who built their camp fires at its roots, died, and waslater felled by the high wind during a storm, and like the old Capitol, the greaterportion of it has been carried away.

Bro. W.E. Faickney of Columbia, who was raised in the first Masonic Lodge, is nowseventy years of age, and conducts a store near the old Oak, very thoughtfully preserveda portion of the trunk, and will upon request, after satisfying himself, favor a BrotherMason with a small portion of this wood.

Brethren, I present you with a gavel turned from a piece of this old"Congress Oak" and trust that it will be used with equal pleasure by the presentand future Worshipful Masters in conducting this Lodge.


Attachment 4

Letter Of Respect

Brother L. W. Lavelle

On June 27, 1913, Masonic Services were conducted for our late Bro. L. W. Lavelle, whowas a Life Member and Charter Member of Kendall Lodge No. 897. The Resolution ofRespect sent to the family is set forth below.

Brother Lavelle, a Life Member of Kendall Lodge No. 897, AF & AM of Texas, havingon the 26th day of June, 1913 entered into rest and his spirit returned to God. We, hisbrethren and fellow members make record of our sorrow at his departure, and ouraffection for him, now that in life more abundant, he is hidden from our sight.

The honorable character of a Freemason, Bro. Lavelle bore with credit to himself andto the Fraternity.

During a very long residence in this place, he truly came under the tongue of goodreport. And from the first days of Kendall Lodge, he was zealous in discriminating the pureprinciples of our order.

In the name, therefore, and by the authority of this Lodge, we declare ourthankfulness to the Great Giver of all, for manly Botherly Life, our sympathy with theloved ones who for awhile have lost him, and our belief in that endless and perfectimmortality, to which he has been drawn nearer."

Brother Lavelle was granted Life Membership on August 5, 1911, having reached the age ofseventy years. There is no record of when Brother Lavelle was born, but it can be assumedhe was born in the year 1840 and was a Mason over 50 years. This is the first record of aMasonic funeral for any of its members of Kendall lodge.(see attachment #4).


Attachment 5, Page 1 of 2


Attachment 6


Attachment 7


Attachment 9


Attachment 10a


Attachment 11


Attachment 13


Community Builder Awardees

1990 Roger “Slim” Giroux1991 Milburn Dearing1992 Fay Torres1993 Anne Ressig1994 Mary Wray1995 Myrl Hill1996 Leslie Madden1997 Joseph Doenges1998 Samuel Champion1999 Alexander Fish2000 Emmeline Whitworth2001 Dr. Kenneth Herbst2002 Pamela Hodges2003 Carla Heath2004 Helen Shinn2005 Dr. John Kelly

Attachment 15


Golden Trowel Recipients

1986 William A. Merchant

1990 John L. Bowman1992 M. C. Holman1994 Terrel E. Norris1994 Ross Raymond1995 Dan C. Glenn1995 Marion W. "Sonny" Galloway1996 Rawlins "Moe" Morris1997 Lewis F. Gimbel, Jr.1997 Roland L. Peckne1998 Victor A. Engel1999 Everett B. Bulmer2001 Charles W. Lloyd, Jr2002 Gavin D. Waldeck2003 Henry C. "Hank" Kohl2004 Lon Jett, III2005 Jerome A. Rittimann2006 John J. "Jay" Vidas

Attachment 16