Dr. Arthur Herbert Bloch

Arthur Herbert Bloch was born in Houston on May 27, 1900, the son of Joel Hiram and Mary Francis Bloch. His grandfather, Louis Bloch, was twice Master of Montgomery Lodge No. 11 in Alabama. He graduated from the University of Texas Dental School and practiced dentistry from 1922 to 1947. He married Ruth Maude Loftin on July 28, 1932, and was an avid fisherman.

He was initiated in Gray Lodge on September 10, 1921, passed on October 24, 1921, and raised on January 21, 1922. Appointed Junior Steward in 1929, he advanced through the chairs and was installed as the 64th Master in 1935 by Grand Master John H. Crooker.

Grand Master Crooker remained close to the lodge all year. He gave the lodge a Monitor, and on July 5 delivered another radio address during which members repeated the obligation at the altar. The brethren enjoyed a watermelon party and hosted nights for school officials and public officials. Past Master Fred J. Burkey died on November 16, 1935. At a Zone 21 meeting the Grand Master was presented with miniature jewels, and he presided over the 100th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. The lodge also helped members through the December 1935 flood.

A new rule required lodges to be opened on the Master Mason degree; Gray Lodge had last opened on the Entered Apprentice degree on September 13, 1935. On March 18, 1936, the Past Masters were put through a good-natured mock trial. As the Texas Centennial approached, the Past Masters presented the lodge with a Texas flag, and Brother George H. Cunningham gave a radio.

Dr. Bloch served Gray Lodge as Treasurer from 1940 until 1969 and also acted as Secretary after the deaths of Secretaries Sawyer and Gaugler. He received the 32° on October 15, 1945, and became a Shriner on October 21, 1945. He died on July 22, 1969, and was buried in Forest Park Lawndale.