“What stories could these walls tell?” That’s what I wonder as I stand before the Humble Lodge No. 979, A.F. & A.M. Plaque. This seemingly simple marker represents a rich history of Freemasonry in Humble. It speaks of community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of brotherhood.
Let’s delve into the past. Near the dawn of the 20th century Humble was a small town. Many Masons lived here but belonged to lodges in neighboring towns. Imagine these men desiring a local hub for their Masonic activities.
In 1908, their vision became reality. With the help of Justice of the Peace F. K. Wise they organized Humble Lodge No. 979. Humble State Bank president Ross Sterling played a vital role. He provided meeting space in his bank building. Sterling would later become the Governor of Texas.
But disaster struck in 1912. A fire destroyed the bank and the lodge’s meeting place. Undeterred the Masons purchased the property. They then built a new lodge hall. This act shows their commitment to establishing a permanent presence in Humble.
F. K. Wise documented the early days of Humble Lodge No. 979. He wanted future members to understand their roots. In his writings Wise recalled arriving in Humble in 1903. It was a small sawmill town. Only a few Master Masons lived nearby. They belonged to Sampson Lodge No. 321 in Crosby.
Wise visited Sampson Lodge and became Senior Warden. As Humble grew with the oil boom so did the desire for a local Masonic lodge. Wise initiated the effort to organize one. He gathered Masons to discuss the possibility. They needed at least twenty demitted Master Masons to sign a petition.
A significant hurdle arose. They lacked a secure meeting place. Wise approached R. S. Sterling about building a second story on the bank. Sterling agreed sensing an opportunity. Wise secured the necessary signatures for a dispensation. However Sampson Lodge initially rejected their petition. But eventually the Grand Master granted the dispensation on August 14 1908. F.K. Wise became the Worshipful Master.
Humble Lodge U.D. began its work. The lodge surrendered the dispensation at the next Grand Lodge convocation. The committee found their records to be in excellent order. A charter was granted to Humble Lodge No. 979 on December 2 1908. All was well. The Humble Lodge grew in peace and harmony.
Then tragedy struck again. On February 12 1912 fire destroyed their lodge room and all records. Only the lodge seal survived. It seemed like the end for Humble Lodge. They had little money and no place to meet.
R. S. Sterling once again stepped in. He sold them the lot where the Masonic building now stands. He also offered a loan to rebuild. The lodge used the high school auditorium temporarily. They raised funds and appointed a building committee. Within five years they paid off their debts. They continued their charitable work.
The Humble Lodge No. 979 has a proud history. It exemplifies community spirit and perseverance. This plaque reminds us of their dedication to Freemasonry and the town of Humble.