Masons return to Fort Griffin after 139 years

The Albany Masonic Lodge joined fellow lodges from across the region this past week for a special officer installation ceremony at the historic Fort Griffin Lodge Hall, located at Collins Creek Ranch near the original townsite of Fort Griffin, known locally as “The Flat.”

Participating lodges included Albany Lodge, Fort Griffin Lodge from Throckmorton, Orient Lodge from Knox City, and McCullough Lodge from Brady. Many members of the McCullough Lodge also hold dual membership with Fort Griffin Lodge, which helped bring the event together at the historic site.

This marked the first Masonic meeting held in the Fort Griffin Lodge building in 139 years. Originally chartered in 1878 as Fort Griffin Lodge No. 489 A.F. & A.M., the building served as a school, meeting hall, and place of worship for various denominations in its early years. The lodge itself met upstairs, while community events were held downstairs. The lodge moved to Throckmorton in 1886 after the decline of Fort Griffin.

The installation was conducted by Deputy Grand Master Jim Rumsey of the Waco Grand Lodge. Rumsey is slated to become Grand Master of the state of Texas in 2026.

Officers for the 2025–2026 year were installed as follows:

Officers

Bro. John Tate, 

Worshipful Master

Bro. Larry Nall, 

Senior Warden

Bro. Chris Ary, 

Junior Warden

Bro. Randall Palmore, 

Treasurer

Bro. Bob Skelton, 

Secretary

Bro. Stephen Kayga, Senior Deacon

Bro. David H. Waller, 

Junior Deacon

Bro. Xavier Perez, 

Tiler