February 28, 2026 - The Timpson Masonic Lodge #437 ended 2025 celebrating its 150th anniversary with a ceremony held Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Scott Sims, Timpson Lodge Worshipful Master, welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for being a part of the event.
“The Timpson Masonic Lodge proudly celebrates 150th anniversary, marking a century a century and a half of dedication to brotherhood, service, and the Masonic tradition. As part of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Timpson Lodge has a significant role in shaping the local community, supporting charitable initiatives, and fostering strong bonds of fellowship among its members,” said Sims. “Since its founding, the Lodge has been a cornerstone of moral and personal development in helping men of integrity, grow in character, and contribute to society. This milestone is a testament to the Lodge's resilience, values, and unwavering commitment to freemasonry’s guiding principles. Brotherly love, relief, and truth.”
Several figured of note were present in honor of Timpson Lodge and the celebration and Sims introduced each one, including: John Oliver, District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic District 15; Vance Jordan, who Oliver remarked is part of their service team; Robert McShane, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 20; John Wilkerson, District Deputy Grand Master; Dennis Reader, Grand Marshal, who was then invited to introduce the officers of the Grand Lodge - Grand Junior Warden Right Worshipful H. Chip Green and his wife Sonya; and Most Worshipful Raborn L. Reader, Grand Master Mason of Texas.
Danny Arvello, Lodge Secretary, provided a brief history of Timpson Lodge 437 and he shared that in the early history of Timpson Lodge, 437 it was chartered in June of 1874. He said that the Lodge predates the founding of Timpson itself, showing how Masonic organizations were essential to the community in building East Texas.
"The Lodge was originally chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas, as Golden Drain, number 437, located in the strange south-eastern part of Rusk County. Records of Grand Lodge reveal the original members of the Lodge were Richard Avery, A.R. Dillon, T.S. Garrison, J.B. Joplin, Elijah Phillips, James L. Smith, P.M.C. Winder. By the end of the first year, the Lodge had 13 members. The first man to receive 3 degrees from the Golden Drain was SR Patton," said Arvello.
Arvello noted that the names he mentioned are still within Timpson and Garrison.
"After a few years the Lodge relocated a few miles to Caledonia and operated until 1877. In 1883, the total number of members was 39. In 1885, the town of Timpson was established by the railroad. In December of 1888, the Grand Lodge passed a resolution recognizing the fact that Golden Drain Lodge had moved to Timpson without permission from the Grand Lodge of Texas, and an investigation was ordered," said Arvello.
Following the presentation of the report in 1889, permission was granted for Lodge 437 to move to Timpson. However, Golden Drain Lodge was censored for having made the move without the permission of the Grand Lodge of Texas.
"The Lodge continued to operate under the Golden Drain name until 1896 when it was changed to Timpson Lodge. In 1908, a devastating fire destroyed all records of the Lodge. As a result, specific details concerning the relocation of Lodge, as well as information about the early days were no longer available. Throughout its history, Timpson Lodge has consistently sustained a membership of 45 to 50 master masons who actively participate in a diverse range of charit[ies]," said Arvello.
Timpson Lodge 437 is more than a fraternal organization it is a living link of the 19th century settlement of East Texas its endurance through the relocation and disaster reflects the resilience of Masonic communities, stated Arvello.
Arvello ended by indicating the Lodge has made a significant contribution to the local community, primarily through programs like Fantastic Teeth, Christmas for kids, education scholarships, honoring outstanding citizens, and organizing fundraisers for local emergency services and families in need throughout these activities the Timpson Masonic Lodge continues its tradition of community support and charity.
Ronnie Wolfe, Timpson Council Member, then presented the Lodge with a proclamation from the City of Timpson in honor of its 150th anniversary.
“I’d like to say thank you for the opportunity that you afforded me to come speak to y'all today the mayor dropped by early and dropped this proclamation off and she couldn't stay and present it,” said Wolfe.
Wolfe spoke about some of the history of Timpson, starting in 1885 with the Masonic Lodge at the same time construction was in progress on the county courthouse in Center, and Timpson became a municipality.
After sharing history of Timpson, Wolfe recited the proclamation from the City of Timpson and it read as follows:
“Whereas, on December 20, 2025 Timpson Masonic Lodge #437 will celebrate their 150th year as an organized fraternal organization; and
“Whereas, the Lodge has faithfully served the City of Timpson and surrounding area; and
“Whereas, most of the members live in the City of Timpson and surrounding area and take pride in the community by participating in City events and supporting the community; and
“Whereas, the Lodge provides scholarships each year to a Timpson Independent School District High School graduate; and
“Whereas, the Lodge and its members, past and present have served in many distinguished positions, volunteered in various capacities and throughout the 150 years have helped to make Timpson a better place to live and work
“Now. Therefore, I Mayor Debra Smith, by the virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Timpson, Texas and on behalf of the City Council do hereby recognize and commemorate this day. December 20, 2025 as the 150th Birthday of Timpson Masonic Lodge #437”
Worshipful Master Sims then recognized the importance of the achievement Timpson Lodge has reached and the opportunity to continue to reach higher into the future.
“This is indeed a monumental occasion which will praise the strength and durability of the fraternity. We have been blessed by the dedication and hard work of those who have propelled us to this milestone,” said Sims. “May the next 150 years be more successful than the last. Timpson Lodge has a promising future due to its committed members.”
Raborn L. Reader, Grand Master Mason of Texas, then presented Timpson Lodge 437 with a sesquicentennial award in recognition of their achievement.
Reader stated as follows, “This 150th anniversary award is a profound acknowledgement of Timpson Lodge number 437 exceptional embodiment of the principles that lie at the heart of freemasonry. This distinguished honor is a testament to its unwavering commitment to the ideas of brotherhood, morality and enlightenment. Worshipful master and brothers as you receive this allocade, envision it as a square compass reflecting the precision with which your Lodge has traveled its Masonic journey for the last 150 years. This recognition not only celebrates those that came before you, as well as your individual achievements, but also underscores Timpson Lodge's significant contribution to fostering a community steeped in brotherly love, relief, and truth.
"May this 150th Anniversary Award be a constant reminder of the deep bonds forged through Masonic principles, inspiring others to emulate the virtues it embodies. So I'd like to congratulate you on this extraordinary milestone within the fraternity, and may the symbolism of this achievement continue to guide your lodge along a path of enlightenment, virtue, and enduring friendships. Your lodge is commitment to these timeless values enriches the Masonic tapestry, and this recognition is a resounding affirmation of your pivotal role within the esteemed brotherhood. So here's the continuation of Timpson Lodge 437, inspired journey within our fraternity for another 150 years."
