TXSSAR will publish next Volume of History in 2025. Need help to make sure we are in it.

 Targeted for 2025 development and publication, Volume III is in the collection phase. 

Articles, photos, lists, compatriot biographies, memorials, Color Guard ceremonies, etc., that document our Texas SAR history since last published in 2005 are being identified and collected. 

Your Chapter Historian should review and contribute your activities. A committee and editor are needed.

 Several chapters have experienced newsletter editors. Please consider and volunteer. Please review Volume II and provide a list of your significant activities and awards since.

NOTE: Need Biographies of all members from 2006-2024.  I can get the date you were approved in SAR.  I have been collecting what I can find as far as pictures and activities.  Alot of work, please forward what you would like to see in the planned Volume III.

Carl V Hill in uniform at the Colonial Dames of America meeting on Nov 20, 2024

 Carl Hill was invited to attend the Colonial Dames of America meeting on November 20, 2024 at Tony's Restaurant in Houston.  Carl represented the Alexander Hodge SAR Chapter and wore his Revolutionary War uniform to the event.

The guest speaker for the occasion was Eron Tynes who spoke on "San Jacinto Battlefield".

   

                                                    (L-R) Beth Fisher, Lois Wright, Carl V Hill, Eron Tynes

The Colonial Dames of America was founded in New York on April 1890.  the original CDA insignia was designed by Tiffany & Co.  Membership is by invitation only.  The Houston Chapter (Chapter VIII) was founded in 1928.

Following the Centennial anniversary celebration of the Inauguration of George Washington as the first president in 1789, Americans became interested in the history of the Revolutionary Patriots.  This led to the formation of a number of Lineage Societies.

DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution, founded July 30, 1890.

SAR - Sons of the American Revolution, founded April 30, 1889.

CDA - Colonial Dames of America, founded in 1891.

NSCDA - National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, founded in 1891.

In Memorium - Tom Meinecke, Dec. 15, 2024

 

Carl reported that Lovell received a call from Sandy Meinecke to let us know that Tom passed away on December 15th. 

Carl expressed the following:  "Tom was a big part of our chapter.  He served our chapter as President and Vice President. He was active in all of our color guard ceremonies.  Tom and I were in the Texas Army together and it was great being with him in all those events.  I am personally saddened by his passing; he will be missed."

Obituary

Tommy Jacob Meinecke, 85, passed away on December 15, 2004, in Denton, Texas.  Tommy was born on July 5, 1939, in La Grange, Texas to Victor & Juanita Charles Meinecke.

Tommy graduated from Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, San Antonio College with an AA Degree, The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU with a Graduate Degree in banking.

He was Captain of the track team in high school and lettered as a half-miler and as a mile relay athlete in both high school and college.  He was also a citywide basketball All Star in the San Antonio Recreation League in his senior year in high school.

He joined the Texas Air Guard at the age of 17, being honorably discharged after six years and being offered the rank of 2nd Lieutenant upon reenlistment.

Tommy moved to Houston in 1962, after graduation from the University of Texas with honors.  He worked his way through college, being recruited by. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and chosen "Most Representative New Executive Trainee", featured in the AT&T magazine.  After his first year, he was promoted to Manager of 14 telephone exchanges in Newport, Arkansas.  In his distinguished career, he served in executive positions in the Telecommunications, the Oil & Gas & the Banking industries.

Tom had been Personnel Director for Adams Resources, and Senior Vice President & Human Relations Director for InterFirst Bank and Pacific Southwest Bank, both national billion-dollar banks in Houston.

He later opened and became President & CEO for Texas Commerce Bank-Champions Park, the President & CEO at Century National Bank, and later Managing Agent for the Resolution Trust Corp.

Tom later distinguished himself as a financial advisor for Aetna, Lincoln, and Metlife and received many awards and trips for his accomplishments.  In 2008, he published his first book "The Last 880-Yard Runner", a memoir.  This was followed with "Arms of God", an historical fiction in 2010 and by "Destiny at Calf Killer River" in 2013.  All made recommended readings lists and book-signings.

He was certified as a Senior Professional in Hman Resources (SPHR).  He was past president (1974) and lifetime honorary member of the Houston Personnel Association (HR Houston). He was designated a "Distinguished Toastmaster-Lifetime Certification.

Tom, a fifth generation Texan, was commissioned as a Colonel in the Texas Army by then Governor, George W. Bush in 1998 and an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Rick Perry in 2011.

He was a member of The Sons of the American Revolution, and The Sons of the Republic of Texas-San Jacinto Chapter #1.  Tom was a Master Mason and an Endowed member of the Holland Lodge, Temple #1, designated a 32nd Degree Scottish, Rite Mason, and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine of the Arabia Shrine Temple of Houston.

After moving to Sugarland in 1998, he became active in political and civic activities.  He was a Republican Precinct Chairman and President of the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 of the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He and his wife moved to Robson Ranch in Denton, Texas in 2017.  He was past Deacon of the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and most recently, a member of the Justin Methodist Church in Justin, Texas.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his daughter, Angela Meinecke Kershner and hr husband, Joh; his son, Chris Meinecke and his wife, Kristi; his grandson, Brooks Meinecke; his grandson, Grant Dovidas; his granddaughter, Sidney Dovidas; his stepdaughter, Danica Jorgensen; extended family and a host of friends.

Service arrangements are pending at this time.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in his memory to the Shriners Children's Hospitals: Shriners Children's Hospitals

Wreaths Across America event on Saturday December 14, 2024

 Chapter members from both the Alexander Hodge SAR and the Alexander Hodge DAR met at Hodges Bend Cemetery of December 14 for the Annual Wreaths Across America event.

The SAR Chapter members Carl V Hill (President), Stephen Barber (Secretary), and Mike Green (interim, Chapter Registrar) provided a Color Guard during the Wreath laying in the Cemetery.

Hodges Bend Cemetery is the resting place of Alexander Hodge the namesake of the Chapters.  Alexander Hodge was a Revolutionary War soldier who fought with the Col. Morgan, the "Swamp Fox".  Hodge also provided service during the Texas Independance war with Mexico. 

  

    

   

SAR Store Christmas Discounts valid through December 31st.

It would be great if every member had at least a ball cap to wear to the Meetings.  Many other apparel items available. (jgp)

 This holiday season, the Sons of the American Revolution is offering a special 15% off your merchandise order of $150 or more! Simply use coupon code 15 at checkout.

Don't miss out—this offer is valid through December 31, 2024. Explore our collection of apparel, medals and awards, and much more!

Minutes for November 24, 2024 Meeting

 Alexander Hodge Chapter No. 49

Minutes

November 26, 2024

 

The members of the Alexander Hodge #49, Sons of the American Revolution, gathered at Spring Creek Barbeque located at 4895 Highway 6, Missouri City, TX. In the private meeting room, Carl Hill called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with an Invocation given by Phil Whitley followed by pledges to the United States flag, to the Texas flag and to the SAR flag.

9-Attending Chapter Members: Carl Hill (President & Treasure), Steven Barber (Secretary), Don Rollins (Sgt. of Arms), Phil Whitley (Chaplain), Jim G. Penny (Newsletter & Web Master), Rick Giuffre, Micheal Green, (Registrar), Don Burns (Vice President), and Allen Buford.

4 Other Guests:  Mrs. Bernice Mistriot, Mrs. Sharon Rollins, Mrs. Sherry Burns and Mrs. Sandy Barber.

2 Honorary Guest: Mr. and Mrs. Art and Susan Byram

Guest Speaker: Mr. Mel Oller

Treasury Report: Carl Hill presented the Treasures Report. The Chapter’s Treasury has a balance of $9841.41. There are still three outstanding JROTC checks, A $500.00 and $300.00 checks from 2023 and one $500.00 check for 2024 has not been cashed. Outstanding checks are considered null and void and a stop payment is placed by the banks on any such check after 180 days or 6 months from date of issuance. The Chapter will start alerting recipients that the checks are only good to cash within 180 days with such a notation on the issued check. Any existing checks that are outstanding over 180 days and by year end, that are still outstanding will be consider null and void and those balances added back into the Chapter’s treasury. 

$277.00 was spent on various metals that can be awarded by the Chapter. Three Martha Washington Metals are among those metals purchased. These metals are given to D.A.R (Daughters of the American Revolution). members that bring in S.A.R. (Sons of the American Revolution) members to a S.A.R. Chapter. Any D.A.R. recipient must have three documented S.A.R. applicants submitted to the State SAR to qualify for this award. The other metals purchased are metals of recognition of service or heroic acts that can be awarded by the S.A.R. Chapter, to local civil servants (Fireman, Policemen and EMT’s.)

A Martha Washington Medal was awarded to Jo Ann Vasina for bring into the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49, three new SAR members.

Registrar’s Report: The Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 has completed and sent into National S.A.R., three new membership applications. Glenn Randal, Robert Rhodes and Shawn Hicks submitted applications are waiting for review and approval by S.A.R. National. We are waiting for a birth certificate to complete the application for Joshua Evans. We are also waiting for a copy of John Sprafka C.A.R. (Children of the American Revolution) application to submit for his membership into S.A.R. on turning 18 years of age. We also have six (6) additional people expressing interest in the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 and are working on those applications for S.A.R. membership.

Web Site and Newsletter Report:

Web page for more information. (http://www.hodgesar.org)

Jim Penny reports intending to have a year-end Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 newsletter out in December that will look back at 2024 to review of all Chapter activities completed in 2024 and a forward look into 2025.

Unfinished Business:

            MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR LOST MEMBERS IN 2023 and 2024:

Carl Hill with the assistance of Micheal Green conducted a bell ringing commemorative service, recognizing S.A.R. members and important people that the Chapter has lost in the last couple of years. Each of the following were loyal patriotic members of the Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 or were active in supporting various functions of this Chapter.

                                                            Thomas B. Green III

                                                            Gustave Axel Sandstrom

                                                            Sharon Aldrich (wife of Lovell Aldrich)

                                                            Hugh Morgan Flora

                                                            John R. Hensley Junior

Frank Lester Feleman

New Business:

1)    We have two interested candidates in the S.A.R. George S. and Stella Knight Essary contest. In this State competition, contestants have to submit an 800-1,200 word essay, based upon original research on a topic that shaped American history. (Events, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or framing of the United States Constitution. These essays must be submitted by the end of December 2024. Submitted to: https://www.sar.org/education/youthcontects-awards/george-s-stella-m-knight-essay-contest OR http://TexasSAR.org/essay.htm

Treasa Kunthara, a student at Dulles High school and the Grand-Daughter of Ron Brown has expressed interest in participating in this contest. It was clarified that any student GRADES 9-12 can participate, regardless of where they live in the US and can submit an essay through this S.A.R. Chapter.

 

2)    There will be a Christmas Wreath laying ceremony, Saturday December 14, 2024 at the Historic Hodge Bend Cemetery sponsored by the Alexander Hodge D.A.R Chapter. The Alexander Hodge S.A.R. Chapter will be providing a Color Guard with “Taps: being played and a three-shot musket firing completed for this event. The D.A.R. Chapter is selling Christmas wreaths to be placed on Veterans graves. Selling of these Christmas Wreaths for placement on Veterans Graves is the D.A.R. chapter’s annual fund-raising event. It was voted on that the Alexander Hodge S.A.R.  Chapter would buy 5 of this wreaths @ $17.00 per wreath.

 

3)    Art Byram, District #7 Vice President was present with his wife Sharon. Art discussed up coming events in 2025 with activities on going in District #7. The S.A.R. Alexander Hodge Chapter #49, along with the Carrington Chapter will be co-hosting the State Business meeting in Houston in the fall of 2025. The Carrington Chapter has raised $3,000.00 for a granite Bench commemorating the 2026- 250th^th anniversary of the American Revolution.

 

Evening Speaker: Mel Oiler “Freemasonary in the American Revolution”

Freemasonary is the oldest fraternity organization known. It’s founding occurred sometime in the 14^th century in Scotland forming out of trade guilds of stonemasons. This secret society had significant growth in the British society throughout Scotland, Ireland and England. The society expanded out of the trade guides to a secret fraternity throughout the 17^th and 18^th century.

The first Masonic lodge was in the Americas was founded in 1715, in Pennsylvania. The popularity of this organization was bought over to the Americas and had roots in religion in England. Originally, the Mason’s practiced a basic belief in a “Supreme Being” and that discussion of religion and politics do not take place in the lodge. This changed over the years, but rituals and symbolism where developed and followed.

Most of the Founders of the United States of America in the Continental Congress were Freemasons.

It is believed today that many of the principles practiced by the Free Masons greatly affected some of the principles written into the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Even today, many Freemason symbols have been used in the printing of United States currency.

Closing Remarks:

President Hill announced that the next Alexander Hodge Chapter #49 meeting will be help January 28th, 2025-7:00 P.M., at the Spring Creek Barbeque restaurant on Highway 6 in Missouri City, Texas. The next Chapter Business Meeting will be at the same restaurant on February 25th, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. All Chapter members are welcome to attend the Business Meeting. All Chapter Officers are required to attend the Business Meetings.

Recessional: The SAR recessional was recited by all present.

Benediction: Closing benediction was given by Phil Whitney, Chaplain.

 

Prepared by Steven Barber, Secretary

Alexander Hodge Chapter #49       

Update on Activities

I am currently working on several efforts. Any photos are info that you have is helpful. 

 1. A December Newsletter with the goal of having it look back on the Chapter during 2024 and the       

    members and visitors that we have had. Another portion will look forward to 2025 and Chapter plans. 

 2. I plan to submit the December Newsletter to the State Society for the Annual Competition. 

 3. Documenting Chapter activities from 2006 to present for the planned Vol 3 of the State Society's 

    History Book. This is ASAP since it is entering the finally stage of gathering information from the 

   Chapters. 

 4. Adding new material and Albums to the Facebook page to document photos from our Chapter. Just 

    added to Album for 2002 and created one for 2001. Note: The State database on Chapter members 

    stops at 2013. I am trying to fill in the blank years. 

 5. Found that the State database was missing 12 of our deceased members. Filled out and submitted to 

     Form for each of them. 

 6. Going through a State list of former members who did not renew for a 2 yr period. Not sure when 

     that 2 yr period started but emailing former members in Sugarland and Missouri City. Inviting them  

     back or at least for a visit during a Dinner Meeting in 2025.