Valley Hi Lodge #1407

Valley-Hi Masonic Lodge No. 1407 AF&AM was originally set to work under dispensation in August 1964 with Brother Robert C. Paris serving as Worshipful Master. There were 88 charter members. On December 3, 1964 at the Grand Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas in Waco, the Lodge was officially constituted and began work from temporary quarters located on West French Place in San Antonio, Texas courtesy of Prospect Hill Masonic Lodge.

These temporary facilities served well until May 1971 when work was completed on the present lodge located at 235 Cedarhurst Drive, San Antonio, Texas and occupied by Worshipful Master Alfred Machts, Jr., and his officers.  The original Lodge facility was small, totaling just 1800 square feet including the 5 by 7 foot Secretary's Office and 10 by 16 foot kitchen. The dining area (now a social area) was a multi-purpose facility that served the Lodge and Eastern Star Chapter for such events as breakfast, dinner, banquets, socials, and individual members for birthdays, anniversaries and the like. The furniture was obtained by the brothers individually and collectively from various sources and using various resources.

Two truly dedicated Masons individually played a vital role in the history of Valley-Hi Lodge.  First, Brother Ray Ellison was the benefactor of Valley-Hi acquiring its first lodge.  Brother Ellison is well known throughout Texas as a land developer and homebuilder.  Through Brother Ellison's assistance obtaining the land and Lodge building was made possible.  Secondly, Brother Tom Clair Dimmitt was a “wiry little fellow” from Hobart, Texas who completed his journey into Freemasonry after he passed his 85th birthday.  He loved being a Mason and practiced its principals in everyday life.

Valley-Hi Lodge is located just outside “The Gateway to the Air Force”, Lackland AFB, Texas, where young men and women train daily as they transition from civilian life to the regimentation of military service. A major portion of Valley-Hi membership has been associated with the military, many of whom have completed their years of service, retired, and relocated throughout the geographical United States.