Herbert L. S. Robertson

Herbert L. S. Robertson, known to his friends as “Robby,” was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 10, 1885, and came to Houston about 1910. He was associated with the Robertson-Pearson Automobile firm and for several years was the chief owner and president of the Houston baseball club, selling his interest after the 1925 season. At the time of his death he was president of the Logan Candy Company and the Empire Electric Company.

He received his degrees in Gray Lodge: the Entered Apprentice on October 17, 1913, the Fellowcraft on December 9, 1913, and the Master Mason degree on February 20, 1914. He was among the first three Brethren examined in the lodge’s new requirement to learn the Master Mason’s obligation, and by the end of 1914 he had earned a Grand Lodge certificate of proficiency in the ritual work. In 1915 he proposed the by-law amendment making every Past Master of Gray Lodge a life member.

Elected Junior Warden in 1915, he was advanced directly to the East as the 45th Master in 1916, since the Senior Warden had been unable to attend lodge. On Thanksgiving Day 1916 the Houston lodges hosted the band and orchestra of the Masonic Home and School, with a Masonic parade down Main Street. In February 1917 the second annual raising day saw twelve Brethren raised before 179 visitors.

The United States entered World War I during his term. Camp Logan and Ellington Field made Houston a military center. When Grand Master Frank C. Jones made his official visit in June 1917 and spoke on the duties of Masons in wartime, the lodge invested $1,000 in Liberty Bonds. Worshipful Master Robertson also traveled personally to the Masonic Home to secure an applicant’s admission there.

He was a member of Washington Chapter No. 2, R.A.M., Houston Council No. 1, R.&S.M., and Ruthven Commandery No. 2, K.T., a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, and Potentate of Arabia Temple. He was also an Elk and a Rotarian. He died suddenly on April 29, 1926. After services at Trinity Episcopal Church, with an escort of Knights Templar, the vestry of Trinity and the Knot Hole Gang he led, his body was taken to San Antonio for burial with Masonic ceremonies by Anchor Lodge No. 424.