1935 Mason Pamplet on Union Parish Louisiana Native Lee Emmett Thomas Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Robert S. Hendrick, 12/2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================== ================================================================================== 1935 Mason Pamplet on Union Parish Louisiana Native Lee Emmett Thomas This material was distributed by the Masons at Lee E. Thomas' funeral in 1935. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== In Memoriam LEE EMMETT THOMAS Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Louisiana, Order of the Eastern Star. 1907 - 1908. "He was a friend whose heart was good, Who walked with men and understood. His was a smile men loved to see, His was a hand that asked no fee For friendliness or kindness done; And now that he has journeyed on, His is a fame that never ends- He leaves behind uncounted friends." As the Grand Chapter year is nearing its close, we announce with deep sorrow and regret the severance of another link from the fraternal chain of this Grand Jurisdiction. The many personal friends of Brother Lee Emmett Thomas, as well as the entire Masonic and Eastern Star fraternities, received a distinct shock when the report of his sudden death came on the morning of February 16th at his home in New Orleans. Brother Thomas, with his wife, Sister Florence Thomas, were initiated in Evangeline Chapter No. 7 at Farmerville in 1895, served as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron. In 1905 they affiliated with Magnolia Chapter No. 27, Shreveport, and were elected Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron in 1906. Both were recently made life members of that Chapter. For many years Brother Thomas was a strong political figure in the state, serving in various capacities. His political career began in 1903, when he was appointed state bank commissioner. In 1908 he was elected to the House of Representatives from Caddo parish, and served two terms, during one of which he held the important position of speaker. In 1922 Brother Thomas was elected mayor of Shreveport by a large majority, and was re-elected in 1926. He retired from active politics to assume the duties of Grand Secretary of the Masonic bodies of Louisiana, a position he held until his death. As a public official and private citizen he commanded the highest respect. He was noted for his integrity and ability. His political opponents respected his honesty. He was active as mayor of Shreveport and during his two terms many important improvements took place in the city. The construction of the Cross Lake dam, which gave the city its present water supply; the erection of numerous other public improvements, including the Municipal Auditorium; the Municipal Airport; the Market Street Viaduct; and the opening of many streets, and the extension of utility services to many sections of the city occurred during his administration. The purchase of the Barksdale Field site was also authorized during the time that he was mayor. As a legislator Brother Thomas stood at the front as a great parliamentarian and efficient presiding officer. He was ~author of much important legislation. His familiarity with financial matters equipped him well on fiscal affairs of the state. Brother Thomas was a devout member of the First Baptist church and served as chairman of its Board of Trustees. He served as chairman of the state central Democratic committee from 1916 to 1920, and was elected to Democratic national committee in 1924 and served for four years. Brother Thomas was a man of oratorical ability, and a good after-dinner speaker. He was frank and outspoken in his convictions. In 1891 Brother Thomas married Miss Florence Smith, who survives him. Brother Lee Emmett Thomas was born at Marion, Union parish, Sept. 23, 1866. His parents were B. B. Thomas and Susan S. (George) Thomas, both of whom were born in Perry County, Alabama, and moved to Union parish about 1840. Brother Thomas' paternal grandfather was the Rev. Sampson B. Thomas and his maternal grandfather was the Rev. Elias George. Both were Baptist ministers who took part in the establishment of the Baptist church in Union parish. Brother Thomas received his primary education in Concord institute at Shiloh, Union parish, and in 1883 attended Howard College, then located at Marion, Ala. Here he received his A. B. degree. Shortly afterwards he attended Eastman Business college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he received his master of accounts degree in 1885. After graduating from the business college Brother Thomas kept books two years for his father, who was engaged in the mercantile business at Marion and Alabama Landing on the Ouachita River. He then attended the University of Virginia and graduated in law in 1889, after which he formed a partnership at Farmerville with J. D. Everett. In 1896 Brother Thomas moved to Shreveport and began the practice of law, forming a partner-ship with the late J. Henry Shepherd. In 1903 Brother Thomas was appointed state bank commissioner and served until 1906 when he organized the Continental Bank & Trust Co. and became its first president, a position he held until 1917. Brother Thomas, always active in fraternal orders, held many important positions. He was a thirty-third degree Mason, the highest honor in the Order. He was elected Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of Louisiana in 1898; was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons in 1907 and 1919; Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in 1907; Grand Commander of the Knights Templar in 1909 and Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star the same year. He was past master of Caddo Lodge No. 179 of Shreveport and served as chairman of the executive committee of the Scottish Rite bodies of Shreveport and as president of the Masonic Building Co. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Shreveport Elks' lodge. Brother Thomas presided at the organization meeting of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce In 1910 and served as president of that body in 1915. He was scheduled to be one of the speakers at the silver jubilee banquet of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce scheduled for July. While serving as president of the Continental bank he directed the erection of the Continental bank building, now known as the Standard Oil building. He was also one of the directing minds for the erection of the Masonic temple and Scottish Rite cathedral. Brother Thomas was one of the outstanding Shriners of America and a power in the supreme council of the order. For nearly twenty years he has represented El Karubah temple on the supreme council and did much to bring honor s to Shreveport. He did much in having the Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children located in Shreveport and with bringing a national meeting of the Shrine to the city. Brother Thomas was most interested in the Masonic Home for Children, and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from its organization until his death. To his faithful and devoted wife our hearts go out in tender, loving sympathy. In token of esteem and fraternal love for our Brother, this memorial shall be read in each Chapter in this Jurisdiction, at the first stated meeting after the receipt thereof, and the Altar draped for a period of thirty days. "Sweet be thy rest, and peaceful thy sleeping God's way is best; thou art in his keeping." CARRIE M. GOFF, J. HARRY PUMPHREY, Worthy Grand Matron. Worthy Grand Patron. CAMILLA, L. BARROW, Grand Secretary. #############################################################################