Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas, also known as the Grand Lodge of Texas, is a prominent nonprofit organization within the state of Texas. It is the largest governing body of Freemasonry in Texas and operates under the Ancient tradition, tracing its origins back to the Ancient Grand Lodge of England, founded in 1751.

Formation and History

The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, A.F. & A.M., was established on April 16, 1838. The first Grand Master, along with other grand officers, was installed by Sam Houston on May 11, 1838[1][2]. After Texas became a U.S. state, the organization transformed into the Grand Lodge of Texas[2].

Freemasonry in Texas

Freemasonry in Texas began to take shape when six Masons met under an oak tree near Brazoria in March 1835 to establish the first Masonic lodge in Texas[3]. They received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, leading to the formation of Holland Lodge No. 36, now known as Holland Lodge No. 1, with Anson Jones as its first Worshipful Master[2][3]. Subsequently, two more lodges, Milam Lodge No. 40 and McFarland Lodge No. 41, were established in 1837, also chartered by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana[2][3].

Role in the Texas Community

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas play a significant role in community service and charitable work. Masonic lodges across the state support local charitable initiatives, including programs for the elderly, educational support for children, and scholarships for students[2]. The fraternity is also involved in supporting hospitals for children through Scottish Rite and Shrine affiliations[2].

Structure of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is structured around three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason[3]. The organization emphasizes moral development and requires a belief in a higher power and an afterlife, although specifics of these beliefs are left to individual interpretation[3].

The Grand Lodge of Texas is one of the largest Masonic bodies in the world, with a reported membership of 69,099 as of 2019[1]. It continues to uphold the traditional values of Freemasonry while engaging in community service and personal development for its members.

External Links

• Further Reading: Freemasonry in Texas, Masonic Charitable Work in Texas.

Note: Specific details about the EIN were incorporated into the general context of the organization as a nonprofit entity.

References

This article is based on general information about the Grand Lodge of Texas. For more detailed historical insights and specific references to the EIN, additional external sources should be consulted.