| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library |
|
|
Museum in Fort Worth celebrated its official opening on June 25, |
|
|
2011; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Located at the Prince Hall Grand Masonic Temple, the |
|
|
library museum focuses on the rich history of African American |
|
|
Freemasonry in Texas, which spans 136 years; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The facility displays a broad range of artifacts |
|
|
related to the fraternal order, including ornate furnishings and |
|
|
ritual items used by its members through the years as well as |
|
|
portraits of past grand masters; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Among the documents housed in the library museum are |
|
|
the 1876 charter for San Antonio Lodge No. 1, the first in the Lone |
|
|
Star State; in addition, the archive of membership records includes |
|
|
detailed information on the families of past Masons, which will be a |
|
|
valuable resource for genealogical researchers; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Through the decades, African American Masonic |
|
|
lodges have played an integral role in the development of |
|
|
communities through the State of Texas, and the Wilbert M. Curtis |
|
|
Texas Prince Hall Library Museum serves as a showcase for |
|
|
interesting and informative material about these vibrant |
|
|
organizations and the dedicated individuals who have helped guide |
|
|
their accomplishments; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
|
|
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the opening of |
|
|
the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum in Fort Worth |
|
|
and commend all those responsible for the creation of this notable |
|
|
cultural resource; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
|
prepared for the museum as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
|
|
House of Representatives. |