Royal Arch
Masons
A Royal Arch
Chapter in Houston’s East End had been the hope of many for years, and so it is
not possible to say when, or how, or by whom the idea of Park Place Chapter was
conceived.
In May, 1946,
however, the thinking of a group of Companions, had so far crystallized as to bring forth positive action, and, early
in June these interested Companions came together for a meeting at Park Place
Masonic Temple. This meeting brought
forth a substantial crowd and resulted in the selection of officers for both a
Chapter and a Council. Park Place
Masonic Building Association granted permission for the use of the second floor
of their building on the second Friday of each month, and the preparation of
the charter application progressed rapidly.
At the
organization meeting, Companion Charles C. Moore, Sr., was chosen High
Priest. Companion George Foshee was
elected King and Companion M.E. Hugghins was elected Scribe. These Companions were members of East Gate,
Daylight and Park Place Lodges, respectively, so that all three East End Lodges
were represented in the new Chapter and Council.
The group met
regularly for instruction and practice and the application for a charter was
read before the Grand Chapter at its Annual Convocation in early December of
1946. The charter was granted and the
body became officially Park Place Chapter No. 458. At that Grand Chapter session three Companions received
certificates of proficiency in the work: M.E. Hugghins, George Foshee and G.A.
Dwyer.
On the evening of
January 10, 1947, a special convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Texas was called in Park Place Masonic Temple for the purpose of instituting
the new Chapter. All six elected Grand
Officers filled their respective stations.
The new Chapter, with 116 charter members was then said to be the
largest Chapter ever chartered in this state.
Fifty-eight of the charter members were present for the occasion.
In the
intervening months the Chapter has grown in size and strength and
knowledge. At the close of the Royal
Arch year, on June 23, 1947, there were 167 members of the Chapter, and there had
been exalted 46 Companions in the first four and one-half months of its
existence. So great was the interest in
the Chapter work that arrangements were made with South Houston Lodge for the
use of their hall every Monday night for the purpose of instructions. During the year ending June 23, 1948, the
Chapter exalted 65 Companions and reported to the Grand Chapter a net
membership of 239.
As will be noted
from a resume of the returns to the Grand Chapter the Chapter has shown steady
growth and at the end of June 23, 1961, the membership was 738.
Thus has God
blessed our endeavors and caused us to prosper. Give thanks to God, Holiness to the Lord.