Our Fraternity

HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS

The organizational meeting that led to the founding of the Most
Worshipful Mount Carmel Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of
Texas was held in a small basement room the old Gregory Town School, now
known as the Blackshear Elementary School, on East. 11th Street, Austin,
Texas in November 1940.

Brother Isaac Craig, Jr. stressed to the group the need to form a Grand
Lodge whereby the practice of free masonry would be perpetual.

The group included Brothers John Lowery, Abe Haywood, Blake Hunter and
Brother McQuirter. After the inspiring and encouraging words of Brother
Craig, the group agreed he should be the first Grand Master of named Mt.
Carmel Grand Lodge.

Years passed and the organization continued growth at a remarkable pace:
a larger space was needed for a meeting place. The vision of Brother
Craig prompted the Lodge to purchase the property on the corner of
Chicon and East 13th Street where they held their meetings for many
years. In May, 1955, the Grand Master of the universe summoned Brother
Craig, Sr. to the Eternal City to receive his reward. Though sadden in
heart but with determination to move on to greater heights, the Mt.
Carmel Grand Lodge elevated Brother Timothy Johns, to Grand Master.

Brother Johns worked diligently as Grand Master, seeking ways to keep
building on the foundation that has been laid. He began, and was
successful in raising funds to build the Temple we now call home,
completing it in July, 1964. The good news was carried forth to Austin
and surrounding communities and various cities throughout Texas.

The gavel to come home sounded for Brother Johns in September, 1971, and
he went quietly to be with Brother Craig and the other victors of Masonry.

Brother Isaac Craig, Jr. son of the founder, was elected Grand Master in
September, 1971 and served the Lodge with honor, dedication and
commitment until the gavel summoned him to join those who had gone to
the grand mansion in the sky. In November 1989, the Honorable Ira Nesby
became interim Grand Master until July, 1990 when he was unanimously
selected Grand Master Emeritus by the Grand Lodge.

At the Grand Lodge session in July, 1990, Rev. William C. Steele, was
elected Grand Master and served with distinction until July, 1998.

In July, 1998 Brother Will Hargis, Jr., was elected Grand Master and
served tirelessly while Mt. Carmel prospered and the financial structure
stabilized. He was instrumental in beginning an initiative to help open
a school for young computer students. Under Brother Hargis’ leadership
the I.A. Craig scholarship fund was established, In May, 2000, Brother
Hargis was summoned by the Master of the Universe to come home and rest.

In July, 2000, Rev. Alton L. Hardeman 33° was elected Grand Master; and
is still serving as the leader of Mt. Carmel grand Lodge, looking ahead
to new and greater challenges as we move into the new Millennium.