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History of Bestor G.
Brown Lodge
No. 433 A.F. & A.M.
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Bestor G. Brown Lodge received
approval from the International
Supreme Council Order of DeMolay to organize and sponsor a
DeMolay Chapter known as Bestor G. Brown Chapter Order of
DeMolay. On March 28,1963,32 candidates were initiated into
the new chapter. The chapter was chartered on October 30,1964
with 70.charter members.
DeMolay is the only
organization, which a Kansas Masonic
Lodge is permitted to sponsor. An appeal to the membership at
large was made for financial help to defray the expense of
costumes and paraphernalia incurred in organizing the new
chapter. The membership generously responded with donations
amounting to approximately $2000.00.
During the year of 1950, one of our members. Brother
George
Francis Sprague, passed on to the Grand Lodge above. His entire
estate amounting to approximately $80,000.00 was left to Bestor
G. Brown Lodge. The annual income from the invested funds
amounting to approximately $2000.00 is available to the lodge
for maintenance purposes. Brother Sprague's Masonic history is
as follows:
Born............September 18,1873,
Initiated....... November 8,1926
Passed......... January 13,1927
Raised.........February 17,1927
Died ............June 8,1950
Previous to moving into the
newly acquired home at 3755 East
Douglas, Masters of the lodge were mostly concerned in saving
money and purchasing Government Bonds to be applied towards
the acquiring of a home for the lodge.
After
moving to the new home, each Master adopted a project
during his term of office to improve the building. One of the
outstanding
examples, was the Interrogatory Room constructed
during Worshipful Brother Kenneth W. Shreve's Administration
in 1956.
This is one of the most
dignified, beautiful and appropriate
Interrogatory Rooms in existence. At some future date when
the lodge again moves into a new home, it is hoped that this
room will be re-created and made a part of the new building.
It is a creation worthy of emulation.
During the year of 1937, the first study club was
established.
In order to save rent the club held their meetings in
Worshipful Brother A. J. King's warehouse and he is
credited with bringing the study club into existence.
The "Masters Fund" which was adopted by our lodge,
and is
currently in existence, was established during the year of
1940 when Worshipful Brother John L, Crull was master.
This fund enables the Master to contribute to the emergency
relief of brothers in distress and for other purposes.
Bestor G. Brown houses at the present time Rose
Douglas
Chapter 475, Order of the Eastern Star, Assembly No. 6 of
the Rainbow Girls, as well as the Bestor G. Brown Chapter
Order of DeMolay.
Historically, Masonry made its greatest growth when
there
were but two organizations, church and lodge, Today, with
our many service clubs, television movies, autos, plus many
things requiring our time, far too many members are too
busy to really participate in what Masonry offers.
The wisdom of the fathers of Bestor G. Brown has transcended the time since the organization's beginning to its present moment. The background provided by the officers of the lodge in the years gone by in their collective thinking, will undoubtedly extend into the time of the future. The foundation is laid.
History Committee Hubert Brown H. Eugene Solsby Charles F. West
This History is being revised and updated By Worshiful Bro. Roy Haun, if you have addition information please contact him. rhaun1@cox.net