The first Tennessee HABITAT house sponsored and built by Masons was built by the District 20 (Knox, Union and Sevier Counties) Lodges and Appendant bodies, in partnership with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. The house is located on the corner of Cleadge and Drive D in South Knoxville (near the Vestal community). This was not a Grand Master's Work Project house; rather, this effort served in part, to inspire the idea of a Grand Master's Work Project.

On Monday March 2, 1998, over 40 Masons, including then Grand Master John L. Palmer, Kerbela Shrine Temple Potentate Illustrious Sir C. E. McKinney, several Past Masters, current District 20 Lodge officers, and future homeowners, John and Tammy Lawson and their 3 children, braved cold, rain and the threat of snow to break ground for the house. Shown in the photo at right are (back row from left to right) Kerbela Temple Illustrious Potentate C. L. McKinney, Grand Master John Palmer, Josh Lawson (age 14), Tammy Lawson, and Betty Boduch. Standing in front are April (age 3) and Dennis (age 8).

Prior to owning their homes, all Habitat homeowners must work 500 hours of sweat equity, helping build their own homes and those of other Habitat homeowners. Sweat equity hours can be earned if homeowners children keep their school grades up. The Lawson children are helping their family in this manner.

Despite almost continual rain, the site was graded by brother Eddie Ford and his son, footings were dug (through considerable rock) and poured, and the block foundation was built by March 17. Over the next few days, the rough under-slab plumbing was installed and concrete floor poured. Led by Brother Michael Charles Rhodes, over 60 brethren framed the house on Saturday March 21 (see photo at above--courtesy of Brother Bobby Demott). A hearty meal was served by 5 District 20 Eastern Star Chapters.

By March 27, the Vinyl siding, windows and doors were installed; the roof was also shingled (see photo at right). Over the next few weeks, electrical wiring, HVAC duct work, and plumbing were done. On Thursday April 16, Brothers Barry Iddins (PM 453), John Goan (PM 244) and Eric Tuck (PM 453) began to insulate the house.

The sheetrock was then installed and finished. The interior was then painted by a crew led by Brother Lloyd Heath (PM and Secretary 588) and the KERBELA Temple Hillbilly Clan. Interior doors were hung, baseboard and trim, kitchen cabinets, electrical and plumbing fixtures, flooring and carpeting were installed. Finally, all was done, and on Thursday June 25, Grand Master Walter Wininger presented the Lawson family with the keys to their new home.

Photo courtesy of Grand Historian Brother Bobby Demott

Future District 20 Masonic-HFH efforts are planned. For more information, to make a donation or to get involved as an operative builder, please contact any of the following: