Tom Sawyer

Tom Sawyer was born at Gainesville, Texas, on August 28, 1900. He was a warehouse manager when he received his degrees in Gray Lodge in 1931: the Entered Apprentice on July 29, the Fellowcraft on October 9, and the Master Mason degree on November 11. He was Junior Deacon in 1934–1935 and Senior Deacon in 1939–1940, then served as Junior Warden and Senior Warden. He was installed as the 71st Master on St. John’s Day in 1942 by Past Master Norman Atkinson, with Past Master K. E. Gaugler as Marshal, and the wives and families of the officers were introduced that evening.

His was a wartime year, and for much of it Worshipful Master Sawyer was himself in military service, with Senior Warden Roe E. Brewer serving as Acting Master. At the Grand Master’s suggestion, Gray Lodge remitted the Grand Lodge dues of members in the armed forces who could not pay them, and in October the Junior Deacon, Wm. P. Wantzloeben, left for military service. On September 16, 1942, after J. Dixie Smith spoke on “Masonry on Trial,” the Deacons presented the American flag before the altar and the brethren recited the Pledge of Allegiance in unison, the first time the minutes record it.

Gasoline rationing reached the lodge. Funeral homes were asked to help carry the Master, Wardens, Tiler and Bearer of the Holy Writings to Masonic funerals, extra meetings were cut, instruction and degree work were held on the same night, and the Grand Lodge held a one-day Annual Communication. Walter Pierson spoke on “Masonry and Religion,” and East Gate Lodge presented the playlets “Judge Not” and “Star Spangled Banner.” Brother Abe Sampson presented a service flag honoring the members of Gray Lodge in the armed forces, which Past Master Gaugler accepted with a eulogy of those in service. The lodge also mourned Past Masters John T. Slaughter, who died January 26, 1943, and Norman Atkinson, who died June 14, 1943.

Brother Sawyer was High Priest of Washington Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch Masons, in 1943–1944, a member of Houston Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, and of Ruthven Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar, and a 32° Scottish Rite Mason. He died on August 15, 1965.