October 2, 2026 - For over a century, Joaquin Lodge No. 856 has been a foundational pillar of its community. The lodge is currently celebrating its Quasquicentennial, marking 125 years of continuous fellowship and service from 1901 to 2026. To commemorate this historic milestone, local brethren recently gathered with community leaders and state Masonic officers at the Joaquin Masonic Lodge building for a special anniversary celebration.
From left: Robert Register; Scott Sims JD; Vance Jordan Chaplin; John Henry Holloway III - DDGM 15; Jimmy Wgstaff WM; Clint Walker JW; Tommy Spurlock Treasurer; Stephen Jean Tiler; and Jerry Agnew SS
The story of Joaquin Lodge No. 856 is intimately tied to the founding of the town itself. In 1884, Benjamin Franklin Morris granted a right of way across his property and provided a 100 acre townsite to the Houston, East & West Texas Railway (HE&WT) on the condition that a railroad depot be established there. As the community of Joaquin emerged as a railway station in 1885, new residents and opportunities flowed into the area. This rapid commercial and population growth set the stage for local Master Masons to seek a permanent meeting place of their own.
Joaquin Masonic Lodge #856
Freemasonry was already deeply established in Shelby County through earlier Masonic communities in Willow Grove and Tenaha. As the new railroad shifted the local population toward Joaquin, 20 members of Tenaha Lodge No. 737 demitted in 1901 to organize a new lodge in the growing railway town. Their dedication was rewarded on October 21, 1901, when Grand Master Nat M. Washer granted a temporary dispensation to begin their work. Following a charter recommendation in December, Joaquin Lodge No. 856 was regularly constituted on January 18, 1902. Built on the Masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, the lodge grew rapidly, reaching approximately 100 members by 1913.
Grand Lodge Officers (from left) RW Greg Payne DDGM 20; RW Chad Lagrone GC; RW H.N. Chip Green GSW; MWGM Jim Rumsey MWGLTX; RW James Smith DDGM 27; W William Farmer GT; and RW John Henry Holloway III - DDGM 15
The recent 125th anniversary celebration brought this rich history to life, drawing a large general attendance of local members and statewide dignitaries. The event was highlighted by the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Texas, Jim Rumsey, who led ceremonial duties alongside Joaquin Lodge's Worshipful Master, Jimmy Wagstaff. The Grand Lodge of Texas was heavily represented by visiting officers, including RW Greg Payne, RW Chad Lagrone, RW H.N. Chip Green, RW James Smith, W William Farmer, and District 15 Deputy Grand Master RW John Henry Holloway III.
Worshipful Master Jimmy Wagstaff (right) and Most Worshipful Grand Master Jim Rumsey (left).
50 Year Service Award Recipient Haywood Delett Edwards with MWGM Jim Rumsey
A central moment of the gathering was the presentation of a 50 Year Service Award to Haywood Delett Edwards, honoring his half century of steadfast dedication to the fraternity. The local community also formally recognized the lodge's enduring impact when Joaquin Mayor Rusty Wilson made a special community service presentation to the brethren.
Mayor Rusty Wilson Presentation from City of Joaquin to the Lodge brethern for Community Service
Today, Joaquin Lodge No. 856 continues the legacy started by its 20 founding members. Guided by Worshipful Master Jimmy Wagstaff and a dedicated corps of officers, including Senior Warden Robert Wallrath, Junior Warden Clint Walker, Secretary John Paul Sledge, Treasurer Tommy Spurlock, Tiler Stephen Jean, Senior Steward Jerry Agnew, Junior Deacon Scott Sims, and Chaplain Vance Jordan, the lodge remains an active force in the area. As the brethren celebrate 125 years of navigating changing times, they remain dedicated to supporting their neighbors and fulfilling their timeless mission of "Making Good Men Better".
Jeff Cummings – Joaquin Lodge Member
