Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge No. 1397
Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge History
1962 – 2010
Among the immigrants to Texas from Mexico, in the early 20th century, came many Master Masons who petitioned their home lodges for permission to work in Texas. Permission was granted and several lodges became active, received new members and operated in Spanish throughout the state.
At some point the Grand Lodge of Texas opted to request that those Grand Lodges in Mexico sever ties with their lodges in Texas, as this amounted to invasion of territorial jurisdiction. Mexican Grand Lodges were forced to comply or lose fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Texas.
The several Mexican Chartered Lodges formed their own separate Grand Lodge at Laredo, Texas. Most work in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. They all work in the Spanish language. They do not have recognition in Mexico, nor do they have recognition from the Grand Lodge of Texas.
It was from one of these lodges that a group of Masons decided to petition the Grand Lodge of Texas for a Charter in the late 1950's and early 1960's. The Grand Lodge of Texas was open to the idea and they informed the petitioners that there must be 50 Texas Masons in good standing to issue a charter.
In order for the Mexican Masons to transfer membership to a Texas Lodge they would need to be "regularized" in a lodge with fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Texas. Arrangements were made with Tancredo Lodge, No. 10 in Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico for the brethren to receive their degrees.
A letter was issued on May 30, 1962 that requirements and legal formalities were completed and a "Carta de Quite" or "demit" issued on behalf of the brethren so that they might be included as charter members of Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge #1397 A.F & A.M. The lodge dubbed these men "Los doce apostoles" or "The Twelve Apostles".
At some point the Grand Lodge of Texas opted to request that those Grand Lodges in Mexico sever ties with their lodges in Texas, as this amounted to invasion of territorial jurisdiction. Mexican Grand Lodges were forced to comply or lose fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Texas.
The several Mexican Chartered Lodges formed their own separate Grand Lodge at Laredo, Texas. Most work in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. They all work in the Spanish language. They do not have recognition in Mexico, nor do they have recognition from the Grand Lodge of Texas.
It was from one of these lodges that a group of Masons decided to petition the Grand Lodge of Texas for a Charter in the late 1950's and early 1960's. The Grand Lodge of Texas was open to the idea and they informed the petitioners that there must be 50 Texas Masons in good standing to issue a charter.
In order for the Mexican Masons to transfer membership to a Texas Lodge they would need to be "regularized" in a lodge with fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Texas. Arrangements were made with Tancredo Lodge, No. 10 in Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico for the brethren to receive their degrees.
A letter was issued on May 30, 1962 that requirements and legal formalities were completed and a "Carta de Quite" or "demit" issued on behalf of the brethren so that they might be included as charter members of Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge #1397 A.F & A.M. The lodge dubbed these men "Los doce apostoles" or "The Twelve Apostles".
"LOS DOCE APOSTOLES" or "THE TWELVE APOSTLES"
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Name
Francisco Alvarado
Ausencio R. Arias
Juan H. Beltran
Arthur de Alba
Filemon G. Dias
Edward R. Flores
Jose Angel Flores
Jesus Pena Prieto
Mario Quinones
Basil P. Rivera
Antonio R. Rodriguez
Jesse Towers
Lodge
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Tancredo #10, Coah., Mexico
Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge #1397 AF & A. M. was chartered in 1962 by The Grand Lodge of Texas. (Read about LDZ Lodge being set to work HERE!)
Among those Texas Master Masons who would participate as charter members were Past Masters from local lodges. Hence, Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge was organized with a great number of leaders.
Currently (2010), a large number of lodge members are Hispanic. But today there are Hispanic surnamed Masons in most of the Lodges in the 30th Masonic District. This was not the case before 1962. Hispanic Masons in Anglo Lodges were few and far between.
Initially, the lodge rented space from Temple Lodge #4 at their old location downtown. Later the lodge acquired an old two story frame building at our current location 310 Enid St., in Houston. A new cement block structure was built on the parking lot. Then, the old building was razed for parking.
Among those Texas Master Masons who would participate as charter members were Past Masters from local lodges. Hence, Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge was organized with a great number of leaders.
Currently (2010), a large number of lodge members are Hispanic. But today there are Hispanic surnamed Masons in most of the Lodges in the 30th Masonic District. This was not the case before 1962. Hispanic Masons in Anglo Lodges were few and far between.
Initially, the lodge rented space from Temple Lodge #4 at their old location downtown. Later the lodge acquired an old two story frame building at our current location 310 Enid St., in Houston. A new cement block structure was built on the parking lot. Then, the old building was razed for parking.
310 Enid
Houston, Texas
Location
(Old Two Story Frame Building)
(Present Building)
Improvements have been made to our Lodge room and Lodge building in recent years. An area 10' x 20' feet of black and white checkered tile was installed in the center of the lodge. A new letter "G" and beautiful navy blue drapery now adorn the Master's station. The Tiler's room was carpeted and a library room was added. New computer equipment was recently donated and wireless internet was installed. The kitchen cabinets were re-finished, and the dining area was outfitted with new round tables and chairs. The dining area was also reorganized, repainted, and is very neat and clean. The Past Master's photo wall was refurbished with a beautiful wood finish. Landscaping was done to the front end and west side of the building, and new meeting signs were installed on the front door, as well as new building letters on the west side of the building which has a square and compass, and below it says "Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge No. 1397, A.F. & A.M." See photo above.
Most important, the ritual is well rehearsed. We understand that degree work is for the benefit of the candidate. Lodge members are serious about performing the ritual to the best of their abilities. They want to leave a lasting impression on the candidate. Also, we are blessed with a cadre of members who are always ready and able to instruct.
The lodge has a scholarship fund. The "Arturo Martinez Scholarship Fund." (In memory of one of our deceased members.) We host a costume dance at Halloween to benefit the fund. It is a time for our membership and friends to fellowship outside of the lodge. Further, it gives us an opportunity to shine, as Masons, while giving us an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause.
Enthusiasm is great. Camaraderie among the brethren is at an all time high. The contribution of the ladies has made a great difference. We have a number of young men who are anxious for more light and show a desire to take part in all lodge activities.
Come by and see!!!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
The Members of Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge No. 1397
Most important, the ritual is well rehearsed. We understand that degree work is for the benefit of the candidate. Lodge members are serious about performing the ritual to the best of their abilities. They want to leave a lasting impression on the candidate. Also, we are blessed with a cadre of members who are always ready and able to instruct.
The lodge has a scholarship fund. The "Arturo Martinez Scholarship Fund." (In memory of one of our deceased members.) We host a costume dance at Halloween to benefit the fund. It is a time for our membership and friends to fellowship outside of the lodge. Further, it gives us an opportunity to shine, as Masons, while giving us an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause.
Enthusiasm is great. Camaraderie among the brethren is at an all time high. The contribution of the ladies has made a great difference. We have a number of young men who are anxious for more light and show a desire to take part in all lodge activities.
Come by and see!!!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
The Members of Lorenzo de Zavala Lodge No. 1397
Other Lodge History Exhibits :
· Grand Lodge of Texas article about LDZ Under Dispensation
· Charter Members
· First Officers - 1962
· Cornerstone Ceremony - 1976
· Past District Deputy Grand Master's
· Golden Trowel Recipients
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Texas' Masonic Heritage
How Do I Join?
Masonic Links
Grand Lodge of Texas
MasterMason.com Forum
Facebook Group
Upcoming Events
Photo Gallery
Dining Room Rental
Our Stated Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at 310 Enid Street in Houston Texas. Dinner begins at 7 pm, followed by our Stated Meeting at 8 pm.
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