Dr. Jesse Neal Messer

Jesse Neal Messer was born in Belton, Texas, on June 9, 1900, the son of William Alexander and Jennie Safley Messer. He served as a private in the Army in 1918, taught science at Ranger, and earned his A.B. from the University of Texas in 1923 and his M.D. from the University of Texas Medical School at Galveston in 1926. After interning at Hermann Hospital he practiced in Houston and served as a physician for the Houston public schools. He married Julia Ann Steele on June 5, 1931, and was later Treasurer of the Harris County Historical Society.

He received his degrees in Gray Lodge in 1927: the Entered Apprentice on June 17, the Fellowcraft on October 14, and the Master Mason degree on November 18. He served as Junior Warden in 1932–33 and was installed as the 63rd Master in 1934 at a public installation conducted by Past Master K. E. Gaugler, assisted by Past Master M. W. King.

It was a proud year for Gray Lodge. Past Master John H. Crooker was installed as Grand Master of Texas and honored with a reception at Arabia Temple. On January 4, 1935, 284 brethren gathered at a summoned meeting to hear the Grand Master’s statewide radio address delivered from Gray Lodge. On Past Masters’ Night, March 20, 1935, Grand Master Crooker visited again; Past Master W. G. Vollus presented his painting of the Grand Master, and Brother Royal Tripp presented a trowel. The lodge cared for the widow of a departed brother, worked to refinance the debt on the Humphrey estate, and joined the Masons of the 30th District in dedicating the San Jacinto Masonic Foundation Stone on April 22, 1935, a 50,000-pound block of red granite raised at a cost of $4,000. Membership stood at 1,024 at year’s end.

Dr. Messer was Past High Priest of Washington Chapter No. 2, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Houston Council No. 1, Past Commander of Ruthven Commandery No. 2, Past Patron of Andral Vann Chapter No. 741, Order of the Eastern Star, and a holder of the York Cross of Honour. He was a 32° Mason and Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, and a member of Arabia Temple. He died on January 25, 1969, and was buried in North Belton Cemetery.