By 1936, the Depression had become entrenched, paralyzing the country. Questions were raised as funds became obviously short. This practice of the soft hearted secretary was finally forced to an end. That year sixty-one Masons were suspended from the lodge for non payment of dues and the roster dropped from 189 to 128.

From this point forward things went from bad to worse. In 1938, San Saba County suffered the second worst natural disaster in its history. In July the rivers of the San Saba and Colorado flooded, forcing fifteen hundred people from their homes. Two people drowned and one third of the city population became displaced. The agricultural losses were staggering. Estimates placed the cost of crop and livestock from one to three million dollars. Though the flood waters ruined most of the town, the lodge building would miraculously escape any damage.

During World War II, the lodge adjusted well to wartime conditions. The minutes reveal that thirteen Masons served in the armed forces. On 28 February 1942, the membership voted to pay those members' dues for so long as their service lasted or until they could obtain sufficient rank and salary. Rationing took its toll and the lodge decided to suspend the traditional evening meal before its meetings for the duration of the war. The war years also brought about a change in the monthly meeting nights. On 12 June 1943, the lodge voted to meet on the first Saturday of the month. By 1 June 1945, the war was still dragging on, the membership declined to 134 members and the roof was in desperate need of repair. There was only $109.00 in the treasury with the cost of the repairs estimated to be $450.00. The Worshipful Master called a special meeting and a crowd of sixty-three responded. A plan was discussed in which members were encouraged to pay their 1946 dues in advance. Eighteen paid their dues for the ensuing year and thirteen donated $5.00 each. After this meeting, attendance increased and the roof was repaired. The war ended and all servicemen of the lodge returned home safely.