About River Oaks Lodge

During the first eighteen months following World War II, several Masons living in and near River Oaks talked about the need for a Masonic Lodge. In early May of 1947, these Masons met to discuss organizing a new Masonic lodge. All Masons in the area were invited to meet at Castleberry Elementary School on May 25th, and the River Oaks Square and Compass Club was organized. They petitioned the Texas Grand Lodge in December of that year but were rejected because of concurrent jurisdiction and the need for a meeting place.

On April 11, 1948, a group men met with Past Grand Masters Sam Cantey and C. Austin and District Deputy Grand Master R. R. Howerton to determine the requirements to be met before a dispensation could be obtained.

On December 2, 1948, Grand Lodge granted a charter to River Oaks No. 1311, A.F. & A.M. River Oaks Lodge was the first lodge organized in Tarrant County since Stockyards Lodge No 1244 had been orgnaized in 1918.

On February 22, 1949, River Oaks Lodge was honored by the othe lodges in the 64th Masonic District by being chosen to open and close lodge at Will Rogers Auditorium at the George Washington Birthday Celebration.  D.C. Henry, River Oaks first candidate, was raised at this meeting.

On March 23, 1951, a committee was appointed to organize a building fund drive. A lot was purchased but later sold in lieu of another more favorable site, being an old Church of Christ building, located at 5550 Baylor Avenue. Brother J. O. Taylor  remodeled the second floor of the building into a lodge room, at no cost to the lodge. 

River Oaks Lodge was given opportunities to help other lodges as they had been helped by Stockyards Lodge. In early 1954, Ridglea Masonic Lodge U. D. was granted permission to meet in the River Oaks Lodge building one night a week, which they continued to do for three years.

On August 8, 1958, River Oaks Lodge authorized Castleberry Chapter No. 1028, Order of the Eastern Star, to meet in the lodge one night a week, which they have continued to do through the years.

In July 1965, the newly organized Lake Worth Lodge was granted permission to meet at River Oaks Lodge one night a week, until they could secure a building. They continued to meet at River Oaks until June 1969.

On June 8, 1969, the lodge paid off the debt on the property at 5550 Baylor Street, and surplus funds were used to start a Building Fund. Two years later the lodge bought the adjacent corner lot where the present lodge building now stands.

On March 21, 1970, the Most Worshipful Grand Master Hal Burnett turned the first shovel of dirt at the Ground Breaking of the new lodge building. The outer shell - the slab foundation, walls, and roof- were contracted. Brother Leroy Michalski did the wiring for the building and Brother J. D. Thompson installed the heating and air conditioning at no cost to the lodge. Almost all members had a part in completing the building. Seats in the lodge room were purchased by individuals for a contribution. A loan was obtained to complete the building.

building. Castleberry Chapter No. 1028, O. E. S. continues to support River Oaks Lodge with donations and assistance in all its’ endeavors.

On Friday, October 2, 1998, the Lodge celebrated its’ 50^th anniversary.  Worshipful Master Charles Sullivan opened the special called meeting and turned the ceremony over to Master of Ceremonies Willie Barron, Junior Past Master.  Many special guests were introduced including several Grand Lodge officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, and visiting Brethren from other lodges.  Entertainment for the evening was provided by Darren Brown.  Refreshments were served after the meeting in the Inspiration Center hosted by ladies of the Castleberry Eastern Star Chapter No. 1028.