Secret Societies.
The Masonic fraternity of El Paso own one of the finest halls in the state outside the state's metropolis and may justly be proud of their quarters. The rooms are in the second story of the Grand Opera house building and are very commodious, furnace heated, lighted by electricity, handsomely furnished and convenient in every respect. From 1812 until the fire of '94 the Masonic lodges owned the third story of the Eagle block and had just previous to that disaster expended over $1000 in refitting their already elegant rooms. Arrangements were soon after made for new halls and in January, 1895, they were finished and ready for occupancy. Besides the furniture, which is very fine, a handsome set of robes is the property of the bodies.
El Paso Lodge 246 F. & A. M. was originally organized as Panola lodge in 1857, with John D. Park first Master, but in October, '62 the lodge was removed to El Paso. The present Master is Dr. J. A. Schofield; secretary, Geo. R. Curtiss.
Mackey Chapter was organized Aug. 31, 1868, and in October, the same year, was chartered as No. 130. Daniel Lewis was appointed first High Priest and P. H. Tompkins, secretary. James Thompson was first High Priest elected under the charter. The present officers are: D. Dunn, High Priest; Isaac Cannon, secretary.
Coeur de Leon Commandery No. 43 Knights Templar was granted a charter Dec. 4, '73. James Thompson was first commander and P. H. Tompkins, recorder. The present officers are: Commander, L. O. Wolk; recorder, Isaac Cannon.
El Paso Council No. 62 was organized about the time Mackey Chapter was. The present officers are: G. R. Curtiss, T. I. M.; Isaac Cannon, secretary.
Thompson Chapter 147 O. E. S. was organized Apr. 16, 1889, with Mrs. R. C. Springgate Worthy Matron and G. R. Curtiss, secretary. The present officers are Miss Belle Shur, Worthy Matron; Miss Mary Jenkins, secretary.
(Continued on page 66.)
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