Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas, also known as the Grand Lodge of Texas, is a prominent fraternal organization within the state. It is part of the largest governing body of Freemasonry in Texas and is officially recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 237143680.

History of Freemasonry in Texas

Freemasonry has a rich history in Texas, dating back to early American settlers. One of the key figures was Stephen F. Austin, who attempted to establish a lodge in 1828 but faced challenges due to the Mexican government's prohibition on Freemasonry. The first successful Masonic meeting in Texas occurred in March 1835, when five Master Masons, including Anson Jones, met under a Masonic Oak near Brazoria. They petitioned the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for a dispensation to form a lodge in Texas.

Establishment of the Grand Lodge of Texas

The efforts by Anson Jones and his companions led to the establishment of Holland Lodge No. 36, which was later renamed to Holland Lodge No. 1. This lodge served as the foundation for other lodges such as Milam Lodge No. 40 in Nacogdoches and McFarland Lodge No. 41 in San Augustine. These lodges eventually formed the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, with Anson Jones serving as its first Grand Master. In 1838, the Grand Lodge was officially established in Houston, marking a significant milestone in Texas Masonic history.

Contributions and Activities

The Grand Lodge of Texas has played a significant role in shaping the state's social and political landscape. Many prominent figures in Texas history were Masons, including presidents and governor of the Republic of Texas. Masons have filled important positions in the government and have contributed to various community service initiatives. The organization is known for supporting charitable activities, educational programs, and community welfare projects. It continues to be a strong fraternal presence in Texas, emphasizing the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

See Also

• Grand Lodge of Texas
• Texas Masonic Historical Markers
• Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

[1] https://dallasfreemasonry.org/about-freemasonry/texas-freemason-history [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Lodge_of_Texas [3] https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/freemasonry [4] https://gwmemorial.org/blogs/gl-of-the-month/grand-lodge-of-texas [5] https://grandlodgeoftexas.org/what-is-freemasonry%3F-1