Arlington Heights Lodge #1184

The story of our Lodge begins in 1921. At that time, many Masons living in the Arlington Heights area—primarily members of Fort Worth Lodge No. 148 and Julian Field Lodge No. 908—felt the need for a Masonic home closer to their families and community.

A Father’s Vision

Brother William F. "Frank" Wortham recalled that while serving in the Navy in San Francisco, he was struck by how every section of the city had its own local Lodge. Upon returning home, he noted that his father, Miles F. Wortham, still had to travel downtown to attend meetings. His father told him that once Frank and his brother, Pete (Robert R. Wortham), became Masons, they should "do something about starting a Lodge out here in the Heights." Frank took his degrees in 1919 and soon began rallying local Brethren to that cause.

The First Meetings

On November 14, 1921, 46 Masons met at the Arlington Heights School (now 5100 Camp Bowie Blvd). Taking decisive action, they elected William C. Timmons as Chairman and Frank Wortham as Secretary. The group voted to petition the Grand Lodge of Texas for a Charter, requesting sponsorship from Fort Worth Lodge No. 148.

During this historic meeting, they selected our name and recommended the first Charter Officers:

• Worshipful Master: Charles W. Laney
• Senior Warden: William C. Timmons
• Junior Warden: William F. Wortham Jr.

The Journey to Waco

On December 7, 1921, Frank Wortham and Howard Marks traveled via the Katy Railroad to the Grand Lodge in Waco. After a four-hour trip and a day spent waiting for a favorable recommendation, they caught the late train home with the news: the Charter had been granted.

Building a Home

On December 9, 1921, the Charter for Arlington Heights Lodge No. 1184 A.F. & A.M. was officially signed by Grand Master D.F. Johnson.

While the Lodge initially leased space at 808 ½ Houston Street for $45 a month, the Brethren were already looking toward the future. Brothers Stonestreet and Sparrow used their personal funds to secure a lot at "Stop 15" (4600 Camp Bowie Blvd) for $3,750—land that had previously been traded for a Haynes automobile! On January 7, 1922, the Lodge was formally instituted, beginning a legacy of Masonry in the Heights that continues to this day.

On January 7, 1922, Right Worshipful A. L. Hartshorn, District Deputy Grand Master of District 64, officially called the meeting to order. Acting under the commission of Most Worshipful Grand Master D. Frank Johnson, he instituted Arlington Heights Lodge No. 1184, A.F. & A.M. and installed our first officers.

With a representation of the Grand Lodge of Texas open, the Lodge began its labor. The initial discussions focused on the future: a motion to purchase the lot at "Stop 15" (4600 Camp Bowie Blvd) was passed, though the Brethren voted to delay construction until the timing was right. Most significantly, the first two petitions for the degrees of Freemasonry were received that evening.

By February 17, 1922, the first three Masons were raised in our Lodge. These "pioneer" members set the stage for a century of brotherhood:

• Andrew Jackson Lawrence: A Fort Worth native and printer, he was the very first to be initiated into the Lodge.
• Frederick Hiram Bush: A Master Plumber born in Ontario, Canada, who moved to Fort Worth as a child. He remained a dedicated member for 57 years until his passing in 1979.
• Alfred Julian Ball: A salesman from Alabama who later moved to Ohio, carrying the light of Arlington Heights Masonry with him.

The early meetings were a mix of administrative growth and fraternal care. At the Stated Meeting on the fourth Tuesday of January, the Lodge officially thanked Brother Robert L. VanBlarcom for donating the beautiful Altar Bible. Though well-worn from decades of use, that Bible remains a treasured artifact in our Lodge archives today. Even in those first weeks, the Lodge established its culture of relief, recording that flowers were sent to Brother Sparrow during his illness.

The dream of a permanent home for Arlington Heights Lodge No. 1184 began in earnest on February 14, 1922. Following a proposal by Brother Laney regarding construction and financing, the Building Committee presented its final plans.

The Gift of Land

In a momentous act of generosity, Brother Wortham reported that Brother Stonestreet offered to deed the building site to the Lodge "free and clear," provided that construction began immediately. The motion to accept and build passed with nearly unanimous support—recorded history notes only a single dissenting vote.

While the official minutes primarily credit Brother Stonestreet for this donation, Tarrant County deed records reveal that Brother Sparrow was an equal partner in the ownership of the land. Although the deed mentions a consideration of $2,000, the Lodge ledgers show no record of funds ever being paid, confirming that the site was a true gift from these dedicated Brethren.

The "Property Sale" Myth

For years, stories circulated that the Lodge sold off land to the west during the Great Depression to meet mortgage payments. However, historical facts tell a different story. Brothers Stonestreet and Sparrow originally owned a large triangular tract bounded by what is now Camp Bowie Blvd, Kenley St, and Dexter St. They deeded only the eastern portion of this tract to the Lodge.

The only actual land transaction occurred in 1933. At the request of a neighboring property owner, the Lodge deeded a 10-foot strip to the City of Fort Worth for use as a street (now Ray St). The neighbor paid $900 for the transaction and covered all paving and sidewalk costs; every penny of that $900 was applied directly to the Lodge's mortgage.

A Season of Firsts

While the plans for the Temple were finalized, the "Living Stones" of the Lodge were also being laid. On February 17, 1922, a rare Masonic Summons was issued by the Grand Master, calling all members to support the Masonic Home and School of Texas. That same evening, our first three candidates—Brothers Lawrence, Bush, and Ball—were initiated as Entered Apprentices.

Progress moved swiftly:

• April 14, 1922: Six Entered Apprentices were passed to the degree of Fellowcraft.
• May 12, 1922: The Lodge conferred its first Master Mason Degrees on Brothers A.H. Ball, F.P. Carvey, J.R. Overstreet, and A.S. Meineche.
• May 24, 1922: With a $9,000 loan secured from Fort Worth Lodge No. 148, the foundation was set and the brickwork reached the cornerstone level.

The Lodge was no longer just a group of men meeting in a schoolhouse; it was a permanent fixture of the Arlington Heights community.

On May 23, 1922, a public notice in the Fort Worth Record signaled a historic day for Arlington Heights Lodge No. 1184. The schedule was ambitious: a 4:30 PM Stated Meeting downtown, followed by a 5:30 PM ceremony at the construction site on Camp Bowie, and concluding with an 8:30 PM business meeting back at their temporary quarters at 808 ½ Houston Street.

By edict of Most Worshipful Grand Master D.F. Johnson, the Lodge was authorized to lay the cornerstone of their new Temple in a public ceremony. Right Worshipful Sam P. Cochran, Past Grand Master (1912), presided over a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas, supported by a distinguished roster of Brethren from across the region.

The Grand Lodge Officers of the Day:The ceremony featured leaders from numerous local Lodges, showcasing the deep bond of the Fort Worth Masonic community:

• Acting Grand Master: R.W. Sam P. Cochran (PGM)
• Deputy Grand Master: Claude Cross (PM, Fort Worth No. 148)
• Grand Senior Warden: Howard M. Marks (WM, Panther City No. 1183)
• Grand Junior Warden: Joe B. Hines (PM, Julian Field No. 908)
• Grand Treasurer: Francis H. Sparrow (Treasurer, No. 1184)
• Grand Secretary: Chas M. Doyle (Secretary, No. 1184)
• Grand Chaplain: James K. Thompson (First Presbyterian Church)
• Grand Marshall: G.R.M. Montgomery (Grand Senior Deacon)
• Grand Orator: C.A. Bonnett (Senior Steward, No. 1184)
• 
  

A Time Capsule for the Ages

After the Grand Lodge was opened, the Brethren processed to the Temple building site. The cornerstone was leveled "in due and ancient form," and a time capsule box was placed within the stone to preserve the Lodge's identity for future generations. The eclectic contents of the box included:

• Official Records: A certified copy of the Charter, the Constitution and By-Laws, and a list of all Charter members and officers.
• Sacred & Symbolic: A Holy Bible, an amulet from Jerusalem, and a bead from Constantinople.
• The Personal Touch: A collection of cards and coins from those in attendance, and even a collar button from the "Reliable Laundry."
• Architectural History: The names of the building committee, architect, builder, and superintendent.

A Spirit of Fellowship

Following the ceremony, the Reverend Brother J.K. Thompson delivered an impressive address, which was followed by lunch on the grounds. In his concluding remarks, Past Grand Master Cochran expressed his sincere pleasure in presiding, specifically noting the "kindly relations" and strong fraternal bonds existing between the Brethren of Dallas and Fort Worth.

With the cornerstone set, the walls of No. 1184 began to rise, marking the beginning of a permanent Masonic presence in Arlington Heights.

Determining the exact financial cost of the Arlington Heights Lodge building is a task of historical deduction, as formal audits and reports from the early 1920s are scarce. However, through careful review of remaining records, we can arrive at a highly probable estimate.

The Contractor’s Contribution

The most reliable figure stems from the records of our contractor, Walter Cox. Documents show that his 10% commission was paid in the amount of $2,007.81. In a significant act of fraternal support, Brother Cox donated this entire commission back to the Lodge. Based on this 10% fee, the total construction cost is estimated at $20,078.10.

Architectural Estimates

A separate report from June 20, 1925, provides a slightly different perspective. It lists the architect’s 5% commission as $1,004.29, which would suggest a total cost of $20,085.80. The minor discrepancy between the two figures—roughly seven dollars—likely accounts for the cost of the blueprints, which historical notes suggest were priced at "seven dollars and some cents."

A Significant Investment

Regardless of the exact final cent, a $20,000 investment in 1922 was a monumental undertaking for a new Lodge. It represents not just a financial expenditure, but the immense dedication and personal sacrifice of the Charter members who were determined to establish a permanent home for Freemasonry in the Arlington Heights community.