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Lodge History Page 2
Phoenix Lodge U.D.
In Greek mythology the Phoenix was a bird which destroyed itself by fire every 500 years. From the ashes would rise a new Phoenix with renewed strength and beauty. The symbolism of the Phoenix was also appropriate for the situation wich existed among Masons in Weatherford, Texas, in 1863. Several of the bretheren who were members of Ocean Lodge were among those who petitioned the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to form a new lodge in Weatherford. They chose a most appropriate name as Phoenix Lodge rose out of the ashes of Ocean Lodge and was set to work under dispensation in June of 1863.
The letter for dispensation to form a new lodge was signed by O.W. Keeler, D.O. Norton, H.M. Norton, Eli Baum, R.L. Porter, L.D. Conger, D. Ford, J.D. Beckwith, T.K. Baily and J.A. Fain. The petition was granted and Phoenix Lodge U.D. Was formed on June 27, 1863. This revival of Masonry in Weatherford came in the midst of turbulent times. Te Civil War was near a major turning point. The value of The most notable of these brethren were Oliver Loving, a prominent cattleman and merchant; O.W. Keeler, Weatherford's first schoolmaster who had been secretary of Ocean Lodge and became the first Master of Phoenix Lodge; John Deavours, who became secretary of Phoenix Lodge during its year under dispensation; J.H. Prince, one of the original settlers, and D.O. Norton, one of the first alderman of Weatherford. Another member, F.A. Leach, later becmae Master of Phoenix Lodge and was the first elected High Priest of Weatherford Chapter #105 which was chartered in 1872. Judge Leach also played a major role in aiding Phoenix Lodge with its economic problems incurred in connection with building the Weatherford Masonic Institute in 1869.
Another lasting effect is seen in the activities of Phoenix Lodge U.D. did not hesitate to purge themselves of those who were in serious violation of the rules of the craft. This included the rejection of 27 petitions and the expulsion of brother H.A. Hamner who had been tried on charges of drunkedness, gambling, attempting to murder a brother Mason and embezzling a goverment agency. Brother Hamner had petitioned Phoenix Lodge U.D. three times before he was allowed to affiliate. One month later charges were brought against him which led to his expulsion. Since it is well know that H.A. Hamner was at least partially responsible for the demise of Ocean Lodge and was also known to drink and gamble it seems somewhat strange that the brethren of Phoenix Lodge would have ever let him affiliate under any circumstances.
At the initial meeting on June 27, 1863 O.W. Keeler served as Worshipful Master and appointed the following officers. D.O. Norton, Senior Warden, H.W. Horton, Junior Warden, Eli Baum, Sect, R.L. Porter, Treas, J.A. Fain, Senior Deacon, T.K. Bailey, Junior Deacon and J.D. Beckwith as Tyler. Other bretheren present at this meeting were L.D. Conger of Phoenix Lodge, J.A. Smith of Waxahachie Lodge #60, L.B. Smith of Rockey Mountain Lodge #90 and J.M. Luckey of Walnut Creek Lodge who served as Junior Deacon pro tem for this meeting. During the one year existence of Phoenix Lodge U.D. there were 76 petitions, 23 of these were petitions for affiliation, with 18 being approved and 5 rejected. 53 were for degrees with 31 being approved and 22 rejected. The petitions approved resulted in 23 E.A.'s 22 F.C.'s and 16 Master Mason degrees. The first stated meeting of Phoenix Lodge U.D. took place on July 25, 1863. This was a very special occasion for Oliver Loving, who was later to join Charles Goodnight in becoming a frontier legend. Loving presented his petition for affiliation and
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