Historic Waco building serving community for over 50 years, raising money to help pay for new HVAC system

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A historic Waco building that has served the community in countless ways over the past half century is being celebrated as an effort is made to raise money for a much-needed new HVAC system.

The Lee Lockwood Library and Museum on Waco Drive recently spent $800,000 to restore heating and air conditioning in the more than 50-year-old building, which is owned and operated by the Scottish Rite Foundation of Texas.

The organization needed help to finance half of the total costs.

A first of its kind event called “Thank you Lee Lockwood” was held recently and raised over $100,000.

Beloved KWTX weatherman Rusty Garrett helped organize the event as Waco Valley President and personal representative of Sovereign Grand Inspector General Mike Wiggins, who is over all Scottish Rite Masons in Texas.

All 13,000 Masons in Texas are invited to the Waco building once a year for a meeting.

“For nearly 25 years, I have served as a Scottish Rite Freemason. The Lee Lockwood Library and Museum is where my Masonic journey began and holds a special place in my heart,” said Garrett.

Garrett said the Masons used that space to support KWTX’s annual Food for Families food drive. They also prepared meals there every Thanksgiving to send to homebound residents through Meals On Wheels.

The building has hosted Rotary meetings, Quinceaneras, weddings and nonprofit meetings of all kinds.

One project that Masons are really proud of is Camp Success, which holds its graduation there for students and their families every year.

“Our partnership with Baylor supports Camp Success every year, a program that helps students with dyslexia and learning disabilities,” Rusty said.

Wes Waller is a well-known community supporter who has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various families and organizations.

He said Lee Lockwood is his “destination” location, not only because of the space, but also because of the affordability.

“What Lee Lockwood means to me, you know, we’ve had events there for over 15 years,” Wes said. “What started as an annual event for Buzz Fastpitch has turned into a multi-time event for different families, different charities, and Lee Lockwood has been very on board with everything we’ve ever done over the years .”

Beloved Freemason Stan Parker, who is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, which is the highest level possible, also helped plan Saturday’s event, which he attended.

He died unexpectedly a few hours later.

Many of his fellow Masons say that Stan was the driving force behind such important Masonic work.

Mike Waldrop, general secretary of the Waco Scottish Rite bodies, said the group hopes to make the Waco building fundraiser an annual event.

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