The Grand Lodge was formed on March 27, 1890. It was officed on Villita Street between Navarro and and South Presa in a two-story rock building that has since been torn down. In 1911, the Grand Lodge and local lodges moved to 525 South Saint Mary’s Street, in what is now the Hermann Sons Life Home Association Building. Eight local lodges continued to meet there when the Grand Lodge offices were moved next door in 1950.

rom the early pictures of the building to now, its focal point was a stained glass window of Hermann the Cherusker. Hermann Sons Life members know that Hermann is our chosen namesake because of his leadership and valor. What you may not know about the stained glass window depicting him is that it was painted by a 21-year-old named Helen Ferne Goolsby Slimp. She was a talented artist who also created oil paintings. She lived to be 105 years old.

The stained glass window is still a prominent part of the ballroom and top story of the building. Being more than 100 years old, the window is cracked and broken in several places. Its restoration is something that the Home Association’s board members have discussed for years, but other maintenance items have had to take priority.

But as members, people who care about history and a group that takes pride in our ties to downtown San Antonio, the restoration of this window can have great meaning. This is an opportunity for us to work together to restore this window and take pride in our group collaboration to accomplish it.

When Hermann Sons Life first started, members passed the hat to collect money for members in distress – we crowdfunded. In the spirit in which we were formed, we are crowdfunding to raise money for the restoration of this historical artwork.

We will have a kickoff celebration to spread the word and share history on Friday, April 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to see this work of art and to be part of restoring it to its original glory.

Admittance is free and drinks will be available for purchase. “Morning Glories,” a framed lithograph of a painting by Helen Ferne Goolsby Slimp, will be auctioned, snacks will be provided and project donations will be accepted.

If you want to find out about additional ways to help with this project, let us know. You also can share memories of your experiences in the ballroom and impressions of the stained glass window by commenting below.