Haston Twomey
Resolution of RespectThe Grand Royal Arch Chapter Of Texas
Houston, Texas
June 29, 1899
To the Royal Arch Masons of Texas
Companions:
A Companion has passed within the veils, who we believe could truly say
"How pleasant are thy paths, O, Death!We who remain wear the badge of mourning in our hearts. The evening of June 14, 1899, saw the visit of the Messenger who bore the tidings of the "Lot cast in Heaven by unseen fingers" at his home near Woods, Panola County, Texas,
Like the bright slanting west,
Thou leadest down into the glow
Where all those heaven bound sunsets go,
Ever from toil to rest."
Haston Twomey
Past Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter of Texas died, aged seventy-five years.Companion Twomey was born in Monroe County, Tennessee on March 4, 1824. During the first sixteen years of his life, he lived alternately in Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana and Mississippi.
He removed to Texas in 1840 and settled in Shelby County. A few years later he moved to Rusk County where, on June 22, 1845, he married Miss Emily Tippet. In March 1854, he removed to California and, for six years, lived in Amador County.
Returning to Panola County, Texas in 1861, he entered the Confederate Army and was a valiant soldier in the cause until the fall of Vicksburg in 1863.
Living in Panola County, he was made a Mason in Carthage Lodge #78 in 1850 and served as its Master in 1853. In California he was also Master of Volcano Lodge #54. The Royal Arch degrees were received in Volcano Chapter U.D. (since #11) in 1855. He received the Council Degrees in Washington Chapter #2, Texas, in 1870. The Order of the Temple was conferred upon him by Gray Commandery #16, K.T., at Marshall, Texas, in September 1895. He first was present, as a member, at the Grand Chapter in 1870 and in 1873 as High Priest of Carthage Chapter #28, was a permanent member. With the exception of the years 1874 and 1889, the records show him present at every grand convocation since his first visit.
In 1875 he was appointed Grand Visitor for his District and has filled the position ever since.
In 1876 he was elected a member of the Committee on Work and continued as such until 1896.
In 1882 he was elected Grand Scribe.
In 1884 and 1885 he served as Grand High Priest.
In 1896 he was made High Priest of the Order of High Priesthood and, as such, continued until his death.
In 1842 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and in 1874 was licensed as a Minister thereof.
His life work has been for the Church and Masonry.
Always present during the past quarter of a century, at the meetings of the Committee on Work and the Grand Chapter, he was known and loved by all the members of the Grand Body. Rough in his external appearance, his heart was gentle as a woman's. Firm and steadfast in his opinion, he had "charity toward all and malice toward none".
In his death the Church has lost a devoted worker for the glory of God and the good of his fellow man; the State, an upright, true hearted citizen; Masonry, one whose life was the embodiment of the principles it teaches; and Humanity, a friend.
Let this notice be read in our Chapters, record be made in the minutes therof and the usual emblems of mourning be displayed for sixty days.
Fraternally,
J.C. Kidd, Grand High Priest
George Lopas, Jr Grand Secretary
(Seal of Grand Chapter)
Document copied from the Minute Books of the Royal Arch Masons by Mrs. Leila B. LaGrone ca 1984.