Where it all started
The organizational meeting that led to the founding of the Most Worshipful Mount Carmel Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Texas was held in a small basement room of the old Gregory Town School currently known as Blackshear Elementary School located on East 11th Street, Austin Texas in November 1940.
1940
The rest of the story
This founding group included Brothers John Lowery, Abe Haywood, Blake Hunter and Dub McQuirter. Brother Isaac Craig, Sr. stressed to the group the need to form a Grand Lodge whereby the practice of freemasonry would be perpetual. After the inspiring and encouraging words of Brother Craig, the group agreed he should be the first Grand Master of Mount Carmel Grand Lodge.
Years passed and the organization continued growth at a remarkable pace, a larger meeting space was needed. The vision of Brother Craig prompted the Lodge to purchase the property on the corner of Chicon and 13th where they held meetings for many years. In May of 1955, the Grand Master of the Universe summoned Brother Craig, Sr. to the “eternal city” to receive his reward. Though saddened in heart but, determined to move on to greater heights, the Mount Carmel Grand Lodge elevated Brother Timothy Johns to Grand Master.
Brother Johns worked diligently as Grand Master, building on the foundation that had been laid. He began successfully raising funds to build the Temple we currently call home. The good news of the July 1964 completion was carried forth to Austin and surrounding communities and various cities throughout Texas. The gavel to come home sounded for Brother Johns in September 1971 and he went quietly to be with Brother Craig and the other victors of Masonry.
Brother Isaac Craig, Jr., son of the founder, was elected Grand Master in September of 1971 and served the Lodge with honor, dedication, and commitment until the gavel summoned him to join those who had gone to the grand mansion in the sky. In November 1989, Brother Ira Nesby became interim Grand Master until July 1990 when he was unanimously elected Grand Master Emeritus by the Grand Lodge.
During the Grand Lodge session in July 1990, Reverend William C. Steele was elected Grand Master and served with distinction until July 1998. In July 1998 the Illustrious Will Hargis, Jr. was elected Grand Master and served tirelessly while Mount Carmel prospered and the financial structure stabilized. He was instrumental in an initiative to open a school for young computer students. Brother Hargis established the I. A. Craig Scholarship fund. In May 2000 Brother Hargis was summoned by the Master of the Universe to come home and rest. Brother E. J. Finnin served commendably as interim Grand Master until July 2000. Reverend Alton L. Hardeman led Mount Carmel faithfully and served with distinction from July 2000 through July 2010.
In July 2010, Illustrious Charles M. Bowen was elected to serve as the Illustrious Grand Master and leader of Mount Carmel Grand Lodge. On the 10th of June the Men of Isreal Lodge #12 was raised in Phoenix Arizona under the auspices of Mount Carmel Grand Lodge Austin Texas and leadership of Illustrious Charles M. Bowen, Grand Master. Mount Carmel Grand Lodge continues to be blessed with district additions of Temple, Dallas, and Houston Texas.