Edwin McAlphine Bealle

Edwin McAlphine Bealle was born at Overton, Texas, on June 6, 1909. He received his degrees in Gray Lodge in 1934: the Entered Apprentice on April 11, the Fellowcraft on May 23, and the Master Mason degree on July 16. He became Junior Steward in 1935 and served in turn in every station up the line. He was installed as the 70th Master in 1941 by Past Masters K. E. Gaugler and Wm. G. Vollus.

His year spanned America’s entry into World War II. Early on, the Soldiers Service Bureau asked to use the lodge hall for a dance and was told that such entertainment was not permitted there. In October Senior Warden Tom Sawyer read an article titled “Fourteen Reasons for Attending Lodge on a Stormy Night,” and Past Master Bryan Funderburke, Sr., and Brother Sawyer received handmade gavels from Washington Chapter No. 2 for their Royal Arch work. At the Grand Master’s request, Grand Lodge Night was observed on November 19, with all present repeating the Master Mason obligation in unison around the altar.

On December 3, Past Masters J. F. Massey and J. T. Slaughter addressed the lodge, and Brother Roe E. Brewer spoke of the serious condition of affairs in the country and the world. Four days later came Pearl Harbor. In February 1942 Brother Gus E. Plagens was thanked for his faithful service as Marshal at Masonic funerals, and on April 1 the Worshipful Master announced that Brother Elmer Henry Mareno, a deck officer, had been lost in the war. Nine Past Masters attended Past Masters’ Night on June 3, 1942, with Wm. H. Scott as speaker.

Brother Bealle was a York Rite Mason and was made a Knight Templar in Ruthven Commandery on August 20, 1943. He later returned to his hometown of Overton.