Jimmie Rodgers

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INTERESTING MASONIC CONNECTIONS

During travels or research we often come across interesting connections to Freemason and Freemasonry.

During a 2014 trip to Mississippi, W.B. Mark Anderson came across some connections to Jimmie Rodgers, the "Father of Country Music", in Meridian, Mississippi. Jimmie Rodgers was a Mason, a member of John L. Spinks Lodge, No. 507, Meridian, Mississippi - Grand Lodge of Mississippi.

The State of Mississippi is commemorating its musical heritage with a series of Mississippi Blues Trail markers placed throughout the State. The Blues Trail marker for Jimmie Rogers (photo at left) is in downtown Meridian, Mississippi, near the railroad station where Rodgers had once worked for the railroad.

The historic Train Station in downtown Meridian, Mississippi has some connections to Jimmie Rodgers, who once worked for the railroad in Meridian and would have been familiar with this building.

Along with the Mississippi Blues Trail, the State of Mississippi also maintains the Mississippi Country Music Trail to commemorate the state's country music heritage.

This Mississippi Country Music Trail marker in downtown Meridian commemorates Elsie McWilliams, who was Jimmie Rodgers' sister-in-law and who wrote or co-wrote several songs recorded by Jimmie Rodgers.

Another interesting site we found in Meridian, Mississippi is the Temple Theater at 8th Street and 24th Avenue in downtown Meridian.

This theater was built by the Hamasa Shriners between 1923-1927. At the time it was built, it had one of the largest stage facilities in the U.S.

As far as we are aware, the Temple Theater is still owned by the Hamasa Shriners.

Jimmie Rodgers performed here during his short career (1927-33) and his funeral was held at the Temple Theater in 1933.

We have included a separate page with more information about the Temple Theater.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BROTHER JIMMIE RODGERS, WE RECOMMEND:

Jimmie Rodgers Recordings 1927-1933 by Jimmie Rodgers

This 5CD set from JSP Records contains all 111 Jimmie Rodgers records released by RCA-Victor during Rodgers' lifetime. Good remastering.

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Jimmie Rodgers: The Life And Times Of America's Blue Yodeler by Nolan Porterfield

First published in the 1970s, this is still the definitive biography of Brother Jimmie Rodgers of John L. Spinks Lodge, No. 507, Meridian, Mississippi - Grand Lodge of Mississippi.

Volume One Books, Duncan, B.C.

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Meeting Jimmie Rodgers by Barry Mazor

Not a biography of Jimmie Rodgers, but an examination of the influence of Jimmie Rodgers' music on American popular music.

Volume One Books, Duncan, B.C.

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Ralph Peer and the Making of Popular Roots Music by Barry Mazor

Ralph Peer produced and published Jimmie Rodgers music and recordings throughout Rodgers' recording career. This book has a lot of interesting information on Jimmie Rodgers as well as being a great book about the music end of the music business.

Volume One Books, Duncan, B.C.

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In Tune: Charley Patton, Jimmie Rodgers and the Roots of American Music by Ben Wynne

An interesting examination of Jimmie Rodgers and Charley Patton, two Mississippi musicians, both contemporaries, one white, one black, and the major influence both have had on American music.

Volume One Books, Duncan, B.C.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Be sure to check our Announcements & Upcoming Events Page to stay up to date on what is going on at Temple Lodge No. 33 and neighbouring Lodges............

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WORSHIPFUL MASTER'S MESSAGES

Go to our Worshipful Master's Page for the latest announcements from the East.....................

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HISTORY & HERITAGE

Temple Lodge, No.33 was formed in December 1899 and has a long and honourable history in Duncan and the surrounding Cowichan Valley.

Our Lodge History page contains links to a lot of historical information about Temple Lodge and its members.....................

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HISTORIANS, GENEOLOGISTS & OTHER RESEARCHERS

Many historians, geneologists and other researchers visit our site. We have included a lot of information of interest to researchers and will be adding more over time.

Our Lodge History page has links to historical information about Temple Lodge History, our Historic Membership Lists, Principal Officers, the Vancouver Island Masonic History Project and much more.......

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DUNCAN MASONIC TEMPLE

The Masonic Temple in Duncan, B.C. was built by Temple Lodge members in 1912 and has been a downtown Duncan landmark ever since.

Here is more information on the Duncan Masonic Temple and its history.....

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HISTORIC BUILDINGS & TEMPLE LODGE MEMBERS

There are a number of local historic buildings in Duncan, Mill Bay and the Cowichan Valley built by, or for, or otherwise connected to, Temple Lodge, No. 33 members or other Freemasons.

Here are some of them.......

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VANCOUVER ISLAND MASONIC HISTORY PROJECT

The Vancouver Island Masonic History Project is an ongoing volunteer effort, coordinated by Temple Lodge No. 33, to document the rich heritage of Freemasons and Freemasonry on Vancouver Island.

It includes links to Deceased Brethren, Lodge Membership Lists before 1965 and more.......

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MASONIC EVENT CALENDARS

Here are links to Masonic Event Calendars for Vancouver Island and other areas through British Columbia & Yukon:

|| Vancouver Island || Greater Vancouver || B.C. Interior & Yukon ||

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LODGE SECRETARY'S PAGE

In Masonic Lodges, the Lodge Secretary is responsible for all matters of administration. We have a Lodge Secretary's Page containing contact information and other information about Lodge administration and communications

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GRAND LODGE OF B.C. & YUKON

The Grand Lodge of B.C. & Yukon has an excellent Masonic website, with links to e_Bee (the online Bulletin), Masonic Event Calendars, Masonic History, Answers To Our Critics, Freemasonry In B.C., Masonic Bulletin and much more.........

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INTERESTING CONNECTIONS

During research or travels we often come across Interesting Connections to Masons and Freemasonry. Our Interesting Connections Page has some interesting Masonic connections uncovered by members of Temple Lodge, No.33, like Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, shown at left.......................

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MUSIC BY MASONS - BOOKS BY MASONS

Masonic musicians and composers range from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Howlin' Wolf. Writers include Rudyard Kipling. For music fans and book lovers, here are some links to the works of Masonic musicians, composers and writers..............