Click on the Donate button on this page. We Need Financial Help for Building Maintenance With Donations From Our Brothers, Friends, Neighbors, Preservationist and the Community At Large
Our priority is our building’s exterior rock work. We as members of Rambo Masonic Lodge are very proud of our building, some call the Crown Jewell of the Historic District, and one of the oldest in Dripping Springs. Our Recorded Texas Historic Landmark building (recorded in 1968) has stood prominently since the late 1800’s Rambo Masonic Lodge has owned the building since 1952. Rambo Masonic Lodge was chartered in 1875, and we recently celebrated our 150th Anniversary.
The drought has created cracks in the soil surrounding our building and impacted its foundation. We are in desperate need of funds necessary for maintenance on the building’s rock work and mortar, which is having an effect on the entire structure of the building. The estimated cost is $15,250 to be in compliance with the Texas Historical Commission and Dripping Springs Historic Preservation Commission
In addition funds are also needed to replace wooden windows upstairs, 50 years old or more, where the panes are falling out. We want to be good stewards and want everyone to be proud of this iconic building. We hope we can get the necessary funds to help us maintain and preserve this historic building in the Historic District of Downtown Dripping Springs. When donating for rock work or windows online make a note in the “Write a note” box and indicate the donation is for the Building Fund and do the same when donating by check. Mail your check to Rambo Masonic Lodge #426 P.O. Box 52 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
A total of 12 windows downstairs were replaced in 2023 with help from a Grant Application to the LCRA. The Grant award of $21,795 (see below) helped but there are 18 windows upstairs in desperate need of replacement. The cost, due to compliance with Dripping Springs Historic Commission and the Texas Historical Commission and to maintain historic features, is estimated to be $3,300.00 per window.
UPDATE We now have AC in the Lodge Room but you can still help with a donation.
The Air Conditioner providing AC to the Lodge Room quit and was not cost effective to repair and had to be removed from an outdoor platform behind the Lodge on the second floor. Thanks to Clint at DS Rental for supplying a huge fork lift which was required to get the job done. Johnson City’s Buster’s Heating and Cooling dad and son team of Michael Mixx and Jr. installed a Senville 36K BTU Mini-split which is now working very well. We would appreciate your help to offset some of the cost. Please Donate! Your Donation to the HVAC will help to replenish the Building Funds used to purchase and install the split unit HVAC, providing an energy efficient and comfortable Lodge room. When donating make a note your donation is for HVAC and thank you.
LCRA, PEC Awarded $21,795 Grant to help fund window replacement for 12 windows in Rambo Masonic Lodge, a Recorded Texas Historic Building in Dripping Springs Historic District. The total cost of the project was $34,640, the Lodge was responsible for the balance $12,845 (minus the $21,795 grant).
The required Applications for approval to replace the existing windows was submitted to the Texas Historical Commission and Dripping Springs Historic Preservation Commission. All twelve windows on the ground floor have been replaced with a Marvin Ultimate window from their Historic Solutions selection. Professional installation was provided by Southwest Exteriors.
With the help of the Community Development Partnership Program (CDPP) grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Rambo Masonic Lodge No. 426 now has these new energy-efficient windows installed in its 141-year-old building within the Dripping Springs Downtown Historic District.
The two-story limestone building, Dripping Springs Academy, was completed in 1882, and was declared a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1968. Rambo Masonic Lodge has owned the building since 1952. Read the LCRA Press Release HERE. (Press Release Photo courtesy of LCRA)
The 12 replacement windows on the ground floor of the Historic Building look fantastic! See the photo below but better yet drive by to take a look for yourself and please consider making a generous donation. Thank you!
