Under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and its Jurisdiction
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Lyons Jr. Lodge No. 290 Free & Accepted Masons (F&AM) originated in 1908 in the State of Texas and under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas, F&AM and its jurisdiction. On July 23, 1908 Lyons Jr. Lodge #290 became a duly constituted lodge of Prince Hall Free Masons by receiving its charter from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas after meeting all of the requirements necessary to become a lodge in this jurisdiction. The lodge was also named after a man they referred to as Colonel Lyons. He served as a Master Mason for over 40 years, Worshipful Master of Mt. Bonnell Lodge #2 (the second lodge started in the
state of Texas), and as a Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden. Colonel Lyons would often say “Give me a good Mason and I will show you a fine family man with character, esteem, and caring.”
After receiving their charter this lodge became the second lodge chartered in the Austin, Texas community. The Most Worshipful Grand Master serving the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas at that time was the Honorable John Wesley McKinney of Polar Star Lodge #33. The late PGM McKinney served as Grand Master from 1896 – 1916. Grand Master McKinney signed the charter to activate the new lodge.
Lyons Jr. Lodge has participated in numerous community events and donations to organizations in and around Austin. They have contributed throughout the years to such organizations as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Austin Urban League, Cancer Society, numerous area churches in Austin, Killeen, Belton, Huston Tilliotson University, Knights of Pythagoras Youth Program, and to other worthwhile organizations. Lyons Jr. Lodge has also provided excellent community service. Each year the lodge sponsors a food drive to help feed needy families in Austin. They also perform a clothing drive to donate to homeless shelters in the area. Lyons Jr. Lodge was also recognized for their community service by the Mayor and City Council in 2004. This recognition was for the numerous contributions they made in their community service efforts.
As Lyons Jr. Lodge #290 celebrates its 100th Anniversary in the Prince Hall of Freemasonry here in the great state of Texas, we are proud to salute and pay tribute to those who have help make our history an outstanding one. We salute those Past Masters who have served their time and effort in leading this lodge for over 100 years. We honor those master masons and their families who dedicated their time and resources in helping us to serve this grand lodge and the Austin Community. To those who are reading these words and will come after today, may God continue to bless us in all we do. Let us continue to serve this grand body and our Austin Community. So mote it be……………..
Written by:
Michael L. Simms, Sr.
(Excerpts’ taken from History of Lyons Jr. the man written by Arthur M. Sauls)
After receiving their charter this lodge became the second lodge chartered in the Austin, Texas community. The Most Worshipful Grand Master serving the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas at that time was the Honorable John Wesley McKinney of Polar Star Lodge #33. The late PGM McKinney served as Grand Master from 1896 – 1916. Grand Master McKinney signed the charter to activate the new lodge.
Lyons Jr. Lodge has participated in numerous community events and donations to organizations in and around Austin. They have contributed throughout the years to such organizations as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Austin Urban League, Cancer Society, numerous area churches in Austin, Killeen, Belton, Huston Tilliotson University, Knights of Pythagoras Youth Program, and to other worthwhile organizations. Lyons Jr. Lodge has also provided excellent community service. Each year the lodge sponsors a food drive to help feed needy families in Austin. They also perform a clothing drive to donate to homeless shelters in the area. Lyons Jr. Lodge was also recognized for their community service by the Mayor and City Council in 2004. This recognition was for the numerous contributions they made in their community service efforts.
As Lyons Jr. Lodge #290 celebrates its 100th Anniversary in the Prince Hall of Freemasonry here in the great state of Texas, we are proud to salute and pay tribute to those who have help make our history an outstanding one. We salute those Past Masters who have served their time and effort in leading this lodge for over 100 years. We honor those master masons and their families who dedicated their time and resources in helping us to serve this grand lodge and the Austin Community. To those who are reading these words and will come after today, may God continue to bless us in all we do. Let us continue to serve this grand body and our Austin Community. So mote it be……………..
Written by:
Michael L. Simms, Sr.
(Excerpts’ taken from History of Lyons Jr. the man written by Arthur M. Sauls)