The History of Edwin J. Kiest

Masonic Lodge #1310

Black and white line drawing of a banner with the words 'Faith Hope Charity' on a ribbon.
Freemason emblem featuring a blue background, a white square and compass symbol, with a letter G in the center.
A black and white portrait of a man with a mustache, wearing a suit and tie, with neatly combed hair.

Masonic Lodge #1310 was named after Edwin J. Kiest for his dedication to many developments in Dallas. Edwin J. Kiest’s public influence in Dallas as the owner of Daily Times-Herald, later named The Dallas Times Herald, resulted in Lake Dallas in Denton County to provide an adequate water supply for the City of Dallas. He also served as president of the State Fair of Texas, president of the Dallas City Park Board, director of Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M), director of the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and many others. Edwin J. Kiest was a 3rd degree Mason and in 1948 Texas Grand Lodge approved a charter for Masonic Lodge #1310 was dedicated in his name. Masonic Lodges are made up of members dedicated to serving their communities through fund raising and volunteering.

Photograph, Portrait of Edwin John Kiest. Image courtesy of the University of North Texas. Image available on the Internet and included in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.

Click here to learn more about Edwin J. Kiest the man and Mason

Notable Members of Service

  • A middle-aged man wearing glasses, a dark suit, a light blue shirt, and a patterned tie, posing against a plain light background.

    Henry Martin

    Past Master and Secretary -Edwin J. Kiest Lodge

    Past Patron - Edwin J. Kiest O.E.S. #959

    Past Grand Patron - The Grand Chapter of Texas

    Past Most Worth Grand Patron - Grand Chapter OES

    33 degree Scottish Rite Mason

  • Three men standing together in a room, with one man in the middle holding a framed certificate, and the others smiling on either side, people in the background applauding.

    Benny Plunkett

    Two-time Past Master - Edwin J. Kiest Lodge

    Past Master - Roy Stanley Lodge #1326

    50 year Masonic Service Pin

    Lifetime “A” Certificate Holder - Masonic Instructor

  • Black and white portrait of David M. Biddler, wearing glasses and a suit with a striped tie, from 1980 to 1981, at Highland Park Lodge, archive file 0057.

    David "Mike" Biddler

    Past Master and current Treasurer - Edwin J. Kiest Lodge

    Past Master - Highland Park Lodge #1150

    Lifetime “A” Certificate Holder - Masonic Instructor

  • Freemasonry symbol with a blue background, featuring a compass, square, and the letter G in the center.

    Henry Wade