Grand Lodge of Texas
Grand Lodge of the Month for November 2017
In 1835, six Masons met under an oak tree near the town of Brazoria which would culminate in the formation of the first Masonic Lodge in Texas. They applied to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for a dispensation to form and open a Lodge. A dispensation was issued, and later, a charter for Holland Lodge № 36 (now Holland Lodge № 1). Anson Jones served as its first Worshipful Master.
Later, two more Texas lodges were formed through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. They were: Milam Lodge № 40 in Nacogdoches, and McFarland Lodge № 41 in San Augustine, which were formed in 1837. These two lodges, together with Holland Lodge № 36, sent representatives to meet in Houston and established the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas with Sam Houston presiding. The convention elected Anson Jones as the first Grand Master of Masons in Texas (Anson Jones and Sam Houston both served as Presidents of the Republic of Texas).
After Texas became a State, The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas became the Grand Lodge of Texas. Prior to relocating the Grand Lodge to Waco in 1903, it was located in Houston. Since 1949, Texas Masons have called the stately Memorial Grand Lodge Temple their home. Recent updates to the building’s climate control systems and appropriate interior upgrades are indicative of the membership’s resolve to remain in the building for some time to come.
Texas Masons have always had the welfare of others close to their hearts. Subordinate Lodges support on-going charitable work within their communities to aid the elderly, to teach the youth in programs such as Fantastic Teeth and Take Time to Read, supporting teachers with a Public Schools week initiative and to subsidize worthy students with annual scholarships. Masons continue to support and fund hospitals for children through their Scottish Rite and Shrine memberships.
One hundred eighty-two years since its beginning, Texas Masonry is still a strong Fraternity in Texas. Though fewer in number than in the years just after World War II, the Brethren still adhere to the teachings and traditions of Freemasonry to take good men and make them better.
Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
715 Columbus Avenue
Waco, Texas 76701 http://grandlodgeoftexas.org/ 785-234-5518
