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Henry Sampson (1823-1885) moved to Houston in 1842 from South Carolina and affiliated with the Holland Masonic Lodge in Houston. Along with other leadership roles, Sampson served both as the worshipful master of the Holland Lodge and grand master of the Grand Lodge of Texas. In 1859, sixteen men submitted a petition to grand master Sampson to begin a new lodge in Lynchburg, and when the charter was granted on June 16, 1859, the members chose to name their lodge in his honor. The members met at a log cabin constructed specifically for lodge use on property that belonged to the lodge’s first worshipful master, M.M. Michan. This first lodge was destroyed by fire, and when subsequent lodges in Lynchburg were destroyed by hurricanes in 1875, 1877 and 1900, the lodge was moved to Crosby. In 1951 Sampson Lodge again relocated to 114 Avenue D in Highlands, and the lodge’s activities began to reflect the importance of community outreach. Sampson Lodge recognizes outstanding community members with the Community Builder Award, and members participate in Highlands clean up day, the Highlands jamboree and parade, the lighting of the community christmas tree, and the annual Rotarian fish fry. In 1999, the lodge began hosting an annual brisket fundraiser, and proceeds fund numerous local charities and organizations. Sampson Masonic Lodge No. 231 A.F. & A.M. celebrated its sesquicentennial year in 2009, and continues to preserve, promote, and diffuse the priciples of free masonry throughout its community. |
