Saint John's Day in Summer - 2023

  Houston York Rite Masonry would like to

     wish all Brothers and Companions a safe                        and happy day.

Former Home of E. B. Nichols Destroyed by Fire

Photo:  Bay Area Entertainer

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Nicholstone House, the former home of E. B. Nichols, the first High Priest of Washington Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch Masons, was destroyed by fire.  It is believed that the house was struck by lightning during the storms that passed over the Houston area that day.  At the time of the fire it was considered the oldest existing house in Dickinson.

Nicholstone was built by Companion Nichols in 1857 as a summer home.  Located on Dickinson Bayou, it is said that Companion Nichols consulted with the local Native American population at the time to determine the highest point along the bayou.  The location proved advantageous, as Nicholstone was untouched by the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Upon Companion Nichol's death in 1872, his estate was divided among his seven sons.  One of those sons, Fred McCraven Nichols, bought the home and surrounding property from his brother in 1890.  Originally a single-story frame structure with a central hall, the house was remodeled by Fred Nichols in 1895 to include a second story with a balcony and Victorian design elements including fretwork and a cupola.

The home and property have remained in the Nichols family for over 165 years and is presently owned by Cora Schelling Wright, the great-great-granddaughter of Companion Nichols.  In recent years, the Queen Anne Victorian-style residence had been added to the Galveston Historical Foundations "Heritage at Risk" list.

175th Anniversary Moment - First Exaltation

 

From the first book of minutes of Washington Chapter No. 2, R. A. M.:

At a called meeting of Washington Chapter No. 2  of Royal Arch Masons, held in the Chapter Room on Tuesday Night June 13th A. D. 1848, A. L. 5848, a chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened in due and ancient form.

            M. E.    E. B. Nichols                H. P.

                 "         W. G. Eward                King  P. T.

                 "          R. Brewster                   Scribe

            Compn      A. M. Gentry                  Secy

                  "          John H. Walton          C. H.  P. T.

                  "          A. S. McGown            P. S.   P. T.

                  "          W. B. Walker             R. A. C.   P. T.

                  "          Geo. Henry                   M. 3rd Veil

                  "           E. A. Stephens                 "  2nd Veil

                  "            Wm. Henry Eliot           "    1st Veil 

                  "            Wm. H. King              Sentinel

Bros. Peter W. Gray, Wm. Thomson and M. M. Hill were conducted in, and exalted to the Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Masons in due and ancient form. No further business appearing the Chapter was closed in due and ancient form and peace and unity.

      Attest-

A. M. Gentry, Secy

175th Anniversary Moment - First Meeting

From the first book of minutes of Washington Chapter No. 2, R. A. M.:

At a meeting of the membership of Washington Chapter No. 2 of Royal Arch Masons, held in the Ruthven Encampment Room in the city of Houston, May 28, 1848, A. L. 5848.  Meeting organized with __________

M. E.  N. T. Davis as High Priest P. T., John H. Browne King P. T., George Henry Scribe, Comp'n John N. Reed C. Host, A. M. Gentry Secy., R. M. DeChene Master of the 3rd Veil, J. A. Southmayd M. 2nd V., W. G. Evans M. 1st V., Wm. H. King Sentinel.  On motion, the dispensation from the General G. Chapter of R. A. Masons for the United States of A., authorizing us to work and open a chapter, was read together with the accompanying letter from the General Grand Secretary, and was ordered to be spread upon the Records.  Companions A. M. Gentry, R. M. DeChene, and John N. Reed were appointed a committee to draft and report a set of by-laws for the chapter.  On motion adjourned until tomorrow evening May 29th, 1848.

Stated Meeting Notice

 

The next Stated Assembly of Houston Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, will be held at the Masonic Hall at 4911 Montrose Boulevard at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 12, 2023.  In addition to the regular order of business, the election of officers for the 2023 - 2024 Cryptic year will be elected.  Members of the Council are encouraged to attend.  All Select Masters are welcome.

Proper attire is recommended.