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Fraternal Orders are well represented in Mineral
Wells and over the county. The oldest lodge in Mineral Wells is
the Masonic Lodge, which was organized in 1885 and has met continuously
since. In 1903, the Royal Arch Masons organized; the Mineral Wells
Council of Royal and Select Masters organized in 1907 and the local
Commandery, Knights Templars are active, too.
The Order of Eastern Star chapter here is number 44, and celebrated its
50th anniversary several years ago, with one charter member still on the
roster, she is Mrs. Gus Wicklund.
The Pythian Lodge of Mineral Wells was organized in 1896 and the death
of Dr. J. H. Mccracken, there are no charter members living.
Pythian Sisters Temple number 14 was organized in 1924 and in 1936, both
the Pythian Lodge and Pythian Sisters had members of their lodges to
serve as State Officers. The late John Birdwell was Grand
Chancellor and Mrs. Elsie Bess Hemphill was Grand Chief.
Woodmen of the World was organized here April 27, 1900 and the first
secretary was the late Claude Hightower. Only four secretaries
have served the lodge and they are Mr. Hightower, H. Russell, W. C. Cox
and George C. Oliver. At this time, two of the members are serving
State Officers, Mr. Oliver and Herman Fitts.
The Woodman Circle was organized after the W. O. W. Lodge and has a
large membership at this time. A Group plans to attend
International this year.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, number 440 of Mineral Wells was
organized February 25, 1898, with five members: Hogan L. Payne, H.
N. Frost, George P. Lewis, H. C. Rowe and J. M. Kyle. They built
their own hall in 1908.
Mountain View Rebekah Lodge was organized April 8, 1910 and in 1930 it
was changed to Mineral Wells Rebekah Lodge, July 25, 1950.
Thirteen members composed the charter list: George C. Lewis, W. C.
Bray, C. H. Hefner, D. L. Smith, J. H. Nebby, Lillie Cafa, Laura Hefner,
Mrs. C. L. Little, Emma Beeler, Melanie Cohen, Bess Dumas, W. A. Howard
and Addie Bray.
All these are Mineral Wells Lodges and there are others at other towns
throughout the county but information on them is unavailable at this
time.
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