Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas, commonly referred to as the Grand Lodge of Texas, is a prominent nonprofit fraternal organization in Texas. It is the largest governing body of Freemasonry in the state, adhering to the Ancient tradition that traces its lineage back to the Ancient Grand Lodge of England, established in 1751.

History

The roots of Texas Freemasonry began before the Texas Revolution, with early Masonic meetings taking place as early as 1828. However, due to Mexican restrictions on Freemasonry, formal lodge formations were delayed. In 1835, six Masons met under an oak tree near the town of Brazoria to establish the first Masonic lodge in Texas with a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, resulting in Holland Lodge No. 36 (now No. 1). Subsequent lodges, Milam Lodge No. 40 and McFarland Lodge No. 41, were formed in 1837, also through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. These lodges sent representatives to establish the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas in Houston.

Anson Jones, who later became the fourth and final President of the Republic of Texas, was the first Worshipful Master of Holland Lodge No. 36 and the first Grand Master of Masons in Texas. The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas was officially formed on April 16, 1838, and its first officers were installed on May 11, 1838, by Sam Houston, another key figure in Texas history.

Organization

The Grand Lodge of Texas transitioned its governance structure as Texas moved from being a republic to a state. It relocated its headquarters from Houston to Waco in 1903 and has been housed in the Memorial Grand Lodge Temple since 1949.

Purpose and Activities

Freemasonry, as an organization, is dedicated to personal improvement and community service. It aims to take good men and make them better by focusing on principles of brotherhood, service, and self-improvement. Members of the Grand Lodge of Texas engage in various charitable activities, including support for children's hospitals, educational programs, and community welfare initiatives.

Membership

The Grand Lodge of Texas reported approximately 69,099 members in 2019, making it one of the largest Masonic governing bodies globally. Membership in the fraternity is restricted to men who must believe in a Supreme Being and an afterlife, though specific beliefs are not prescribed. The three degrees of Masonry—Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason—are based on biblical imagery, particularly the construction of King Solomon's Temple.

Legacy

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas are not only a fraternal organization but also a significant part of Texas history and culture. Their influence extends beyond Masonic circles into broader community service and historical preservation.

References

Note: Specific references used in the construction of this article are based on external sources, including historical documents and online resources about the Grand Lodge of Texas.