Jon D. Smith
Registered User
What a surprise! I mentioned that it might be nice to have a section dedicated to Brothers traveling to another Lodge and detailing aspects of their visit. And here it is!
So I guess that kind of obligates me to write something, right?
In May or June of 2008, I had a business trip to Port Arthur. I had completed my activities just before lunch and had a bit of time to kill prior to heading back to Houston. The thought crossed my mind to look on my laptop at the Grand Lodge website to see what Lodges might be in the area. Little did I know that I was in for a real treat…
I pulled up to the Cosmopolitan Lodge #872 about 12:00. Being a person that really loves old architecture, this building was a wonderful thing to pull up to. It had an air of majesty and history that simply radiated in the sun. Some might think it odd but, I have always seemed to pick up a “sensation” whenever I’m in buildings that have contained years of history. Perhaps it’s just the knowledge that so many things have happened at the spot over years and years.
A knock upon the door was warmly greeted by Bro. E.W. Sweeney Jr, the Lodge Secretary. After a nice discussion, Bro. Sweeney invited me to tour the building on my own and to take my time. He was in the middle of having his lunch and taking care of the secretarial business of the Lodge.
And take my time I did! I spent roughly an hour and a half walking and looking in every room and niche. This wonderful old multi-story building emanated history and warmth from every cranny. From behind the stage area to the upper viewing areas of the Blue and the Red rooms, I literally was in every spot (with the exception of the WM office). Those “viewing areas” I just mentioned are now the placements for AC blowers but one can tell that they were viewing balconies at one time.
Brothers this is indeed a grand building and a wonderful treasure of our fraternity. I highly encourage you to visit this Lodge should you ever get the chance. I have not had the proper opportunity to return so that I might meet the Lodge members and sit in a stated meeting with them but I can assure you, it is high on my list of things to do. If the other Brothers of this Lodge greet their visitors with the same grace and warmth as Bro. Sweeney (as I’m sure they do), this location should definitely be on your list as a place to visit.
So I guess that kind of obligates me to write something, right?
In May or June of 2008, I had a business trip to Port Arthur. I had completed my activities just before lunch and had a bit of time to kill prior to heading back to Houston. The thought crossed my mind to look on my laptop at the Grand Lodge website to see what Lodges might be in the area. Little did I know that I was in for a real treat…
I pulled up to the Cosmopolitan Lodge #872 about 12:00. Being a person that really loves old architecture, this building was a wonderful thing to pull up to. It had an air of majesty and history that simply radiated in the sun. Some might think it odd but, I have always seemed to pick up a “sensation” whenever I’m in buildings that have contained years of history. Perhaps it’s just the knowledge that so many things have happened at the spot over years and years.
A knock upon the door was warmly greeted by Bro. E.W. Sweeney Jr, the Lodge Secretary. After a nice discussion, Bro. Sweeney invited me to tour the building on my own and to take my time. He was in the middle of having his lunch and taking care of the secretarial business of the Lodge.
And take my time I did! I spent roughly an hour and a half walking and looking in every room and niche. This wonderful old multi-story building emanated history and warmth from every cranny. From behind the stage area to the upper viewing areas of the Blue and the Red rooms, I literally was in every spot (with the exception of the WM office). Those “viewing areas” I just mentioned are now the placements for AC blowers but one can tell that they were viewing balconies at one time.
Brothers this is indeed a grand building and a wonderful treasure of our fraternity. I highly encourage you to visit this Lodge should you ever get the chance. I have not had the proper opportunity to return so that I might meet the Lodge members and sit in a stated meeting with them but I can assure you, it is high on my list of things to do. If the other Brothers of this Lodge greet their visitors with the same grace and warmth as Bro. Sweeney (as I’m sure they do), this location should definitely be on your list as a place to visit.