Page 9 - Sojourner Newsletter-SPRING 2022-5

Vol. 99 Iss. 2 9

HOUSTON #513, Mr. Roberto Sanchez, President On January 29, 2022 Houston Chapter co-sponsored
the second annual Gulf Coast Patriotic day. This event is the brainchild of Roberto M. Sanchez, current
President of Houston Chapter. The inaugural event was a great success during 2021 and we wanted to make
our second annual an even bigger event. Thus, Houston Chapter teamed up with High Twelve International,
and the Grand Lodge of Texas for this year’s festivities.
The event kicked off by Houston Chapter presenting the colors and giving the Toast to the Flag. The first
event was the annual midyear conference of High Twelve International, where several dignitaries from around
the country were present including Past National President William H Haynes (2019-2020).
This was followed by the Southeast Texas regional Conference of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. &A.M.
From there, an encampment of the Heroes of ‘76 was held where 7 camps were represented and the Hero’s
degree was conferred. Then the Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill was conferred on 25 awaiting candidates.
The evening concluded with a formal banquet honoring the Grand Master of Texas, as well as the President
of High 12 International, and finally the Order of Corks was conferred on those chosen to receive the degree.
This was an amazing event with over 300 Masons coming and going throughout the day. This is a tradition we
hope continues in the Lone Star State!

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(L-r) Thomas Brotherton III, Secretary High Twelve International; Mark Nokes, 1 Vice President High
Twelve International; Michael Haxton President High Twelve International; Brad Billings, Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge of Texas; Roberto M. Sanchez, Past Grand Master of Gran Logia Edo Mexico & President of
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Houston Chapter No. 513; Rick Santella, 2 Vice President High Twelve International; Eric Klienbach 3
Vice President High Twelve International.