Acts of bravery and endurance during battle with the Creek Indians first brought Sam Houston to the attention of Brother Andrew Jackson. Jackson and Houston became fast friends and political allies. Houston was raised a Master Mason in Jackson’s lodge, Cumberland No. 8 in Nashville. With the aid of Jackson’s political machine, Houston rose to power as a United States congressman and later the governor of Tennessee. After an unsuccessful marriage, he left society for his old friends and adopted family the Cherokee Indians. Consumed by his personal demons, Sam damaged his reputation by excessive drinking. Eventually he would rise above this fault, again rising to power. Moving to Texas in 1832, Houston would find his destiny as the commander of the Texas Army, and later president of the Republic of Texas. He also served as governor and senator after statehood was achieved. The bravery that initially brought this great man to light was paled by comparison to his courageous spirit.

Courage as exemplified in the life of Brother Sam Houston is a far cry from the acts of bravery that often have glorified men of action. Our Brother Houston, indeed was a brave man, but courage requires much more effort. Courage is not just a reaction to a desperate or dangerous situation, it rises from deep within ones character. True courage is having the character to stand up against the odds, to strive for what you feel is right and necessary. Actions Houston took during the Texas Revolution proved his courage.

Leading a ragtag army of seven to eight hundred men against a well trained, organized army of up to eight thousand Mexican soldiers, Houston’s courage allowed him to defy the odds and resist temptations to follow the desires of others to press the attack. After the amazing victory at San Jacinto, Houston again showed his intelligence and courage. Against the will of his troops, he made the decision to allow General Santa Anna to live. Had he justifiably executed this tyrant, it is likely that the Mexican Armies still in Texas may have reorganized to save face and defeated the Texans. Credit for the survival of the Republic of Texas and the formation of the Great State of Texas are the true laurels our brother deserves.

The courage of this man was not limited to the Texas Revolution, it was visible many other times. Perhaps it was best displayed in his defiance while governor, of our state’s common desire to secede from the Union. Sam correctly predicted that these actions would lead to a ruinous war. This defiance of the peoples will, led to political ruin. Yet, today he is remembered as the courageous leader that Texas owes so much to.

Texans we must remember

That it’s not just the fight

That proves a man has courage,

Enough to show his might.

Old Sam Houston in his war

Was deemed a coward and fool.

But greater men of courage

Were never picked to rule.

As all about him men screamed

It was time to attack.

Our patriarch stood his ground

Leading outraged troops back.

His courage proved in battle

Was hidden neath a mask

Of grim determination,

So equal to the task.

Courage rose within the man

Defying the brash and bold

Young warriors seeking revenge

For Santa Anna’s hold.

A hold that dripped red with blood

Of all who had defied

None worse than at Goliad,

Where Fannin’s men were defiled.

More courage was never seen

Than Sam showed in those days

To keep in check an army

To make "El General" pay.

Finally the time grew ripe,

He saw it was his chance

To loose his vengeful boys

For that deadly dance.

Across an open meadow

To an ill guarded camp

Shooting and slashing until

The blood stained ground was damp.

Houston wounded in the leg,

A leader brave and strong.

Smartly he spared the butcher

Though oft pronounced as wrong.

This well thought out decision

Held enemies at bay.

Till the birth of a nation

Could rise ruling the day.

Texans we must remember

That it’s not just the fight

That proves a man has courage,

Enough to show his might.

Brothers, we should all strive for the courage to do what we know is right, despite the odds. While living in an often profane world, we must rise to the examples set within our fraternity embracing Faith, Hope, and Charity, and promoting Freedom and Justice.

Sam Houston, A Man Of Courage

Masonic Moment, Jacques DeMolay #1390

October 11, 1999, Scott Hill Bumgardner, Master of Ceremonies

P.O. Box 710770

Houston, Texas 77271-0770

713-981-0599