MOGMAHouston
ALGERNON SIDNEY HOUSTON 1852-1926
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1905-1906
BIOGRAPHY
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
Algernon Houston was a native Missourian, born February 13, 1852 near Santa Fe, Monroe County, Mo. He was educated in the public schools of Monroe County and in Bethany College, Bethany W. Va., graduating in 1872 in civil engineering. He accepted a teaching position in the schools at Paris, Mo., teaching the higher branches. In 1879 he came to Mexico, Mo., where he formed a partnership with a Mr. Barnes in the lumber business.
He was made a Mason in Hebron Lodge No 354, Mexico, Mo., July 11, 1881 and served as Master in 1888 and 1889. He served as DDGM and DDGL of the 25th District of Missouri. Houston was appointed Grand Orator in 1897, Grand Sword Bearer in 1899 and was elected Grand Master in 1905. During his term as Grand Master, Allan McDowell, who had served thirty-six years as Grand Lecturer died and Grand Master Houston appointed Brother James R. McLachlan to replace him. Houston's administration as Grand Master was marked by the raising of a $100,000.00 fund as a contribution of Missouri lodges for the relief of Freemasons left homeless in the San Francisco fire and earthquake in 1906. This amount was equaled by only three other Masonic jurisdictions.
He was a member of the York Rite bodies in the cities Mexico and Centralia and Milan, Missouri.
His death occurred in his home in Mexico, Mo., August 26, 1926 and funeral services were conducted August 29th by Grand Master William Martin.
