Lodge 88 Membership

Become a member of spjst Lodge 88

Lodge 88 is a community that offers something for everyone; a chance for kids to grow and parents to relax, a space for people to meet and connect, to give back. Lodge 88 is a fraternal benefit society deeply rooted in Texas history and freshly committed to developing and serving the Greater Heights community.

The tradition began when Czech immigrants began arriving in large numbers to Texas in the late 1880s. They came seeking the two most important things in any immigrant story: opportunity and community. SPJST was founded in 1897 as a fraternal benefit society to provide fellowship and a sense of community among those who spoke the same Czech language, celebrated the same Czech customs, and let's be frank, enjoyed the same Czech beer. Scattered across the SE-Central Texas region, the lodges of SPJST also provided a critical social function to provide security for the recent immigrants, in the form of affordable life insurance, for the wives and children of deceased members.

Fast forward 100 years and that same community spirit has manifested itself into annuity and life insurance programs required and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. SPJST, like a lot of other fraternal benefit societies with the same structure, like the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge, has always been about helping people take care of their families and extending those values to the community. The life insurance and fellowship traditions endure today at SPJST Lodge 88. Members are required to purchase an annuity or life insurance product, but it is the spirit of community that unites past and present.

Come and join us! While Czech heritage is proudly promoted at Lodge 88, membership is open to all. We welcome all those who wish to join our community. Today, SPJST Lodge 88 has a threefold purpose:

• To endeavor to keep alive the cherished traditions, customs and Czech language of our forefathers that has played such an important part in the history and culture of Houston as we know it today. Friday nights in the Beer Garden, Texas Two-Step dance lessons and our annual Czechfest celebration are all examples.

• To provide and promote fraternal and social fellowship among its members, particularly the children, and to encourage benevolence and humanity through the support of education and charitable institutions and other organizations that foster a similar spirit. Over the last year, Lodge 88 has donated $95,000 toward local charitable organizations. Children of members (aged 5 and older) are welcome to get involved as members too through the Lodge 88 Youth Group. The Youth Group provides enrichment and community service projects philanthropic opportunities, as well as scholarships and (always a highlight) a free week at Camp Kubena in Ledbetter, Texas.

• To maintain, promote and increase membership in the society. At least twice annually our members event focuses on giving back to the community whether through food drives, packing school backpacks for underprivileged youth, or volunteering for other worthy charities. So what are you waiting for?

Information on membership at spjst Lodge 88

Lodge 88 is a place that offers something for everyone; a chance for kids to grow and parents to relax, a space for people to meet and connect, to give back. The Lodge is a refreshing dip in the pool, the chance to learn the Two-Step, the taste of a homemade kolache, and the relief of a cold beer on a hot night. It's a community that is waiting for you. Join us for monthly member meetings held on the second Sunday at 2pm. Lunch and Youth Group activities provided beforehand at 1pm.

For new, old (and prospective) members of Lodge 88, the Members Guide offers detailed information on how the Lodge 88 community works, including:

• Membership Expectations

• Information on Member Meetings

• Tips for How to Get Involved

• Information on Access to Facilities

• Information on Dues and Rentals

• Contact Information

Office Phone : 713-869-5767

Membership Committee: membership-committee@lodge88.org