Edward Stephan Sweeden

Was born at Odessa, Ector County, Texas, on July 7, 1901. Was reared and educated in San Angelo, Texas. Was employed by various oil contractors in the oil well drilling industry form 1919 to 1930. Since 1930, has been employed by Continental Oil Company at Rita Santa, Benavides, Alice and Kilgore.

He is a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Kilgore.

Raised a Master Mason in Big Lake Lodge No. 1203 on September 5, 1930. Later affiliated with Hebbronville Lodge No. 1243, and with S. B. Mosser Lodge No. 912, Alice. Was Worshipful Master of S. B. Mosser Lodge in 1948-49. Holds life membership in this Lodge.

Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Perham Chapter No. 91, Corpus Christi, on September 1, 1949. Affiliated with Alice Chapter No. 471 as a charter member on February 18, 1950. Was High Priest in 1950-51. Dual member of Kilgore Chapter No. 449. District Deputy Grand High Priest, 1952. Was elected Grand Scribe in 1959; and after advancing through the usual stations, was elected and installed Most Excellent Grand High Priest on December 5, 1961 and presided at the Annual Convocation in December, 1962. Received Order of High Priesthood in 1952. Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Maine, near Texas, since 1955.

Greeted a Select Master in Perham Council No. 55, Corpus Christi, on September 18, 1949. Affiliated with Alice Council No. 386 as a charter member on February 18, 1950. Was Thrice Illustrious Master in 1953-54. Dual member of Kilgore Council No. 366. Grand Marshal in 1955. Received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1954.

Created a Knight Templar in Kingsville Commandery No. 70 on April 21, 1952. Was Eminent Commander in 1954. Affiliated with Kilgore Commandery No. 104 in 1957.

Member of Texas Priory No. 23, K.Y.C.H.

32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of the San Antonio Bodies.

Member of Hella Shrine Temple, Dallas.

Past Patron on Alice Chapter No. 61, O.E.S.

Member of the Texas York Rite Esoteric Association. Was President in 1960.