The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Mexico is a historic fraternal organization serving the state of New Mexico. It is the oldest and largest of the two regular Masonic Grand Lodges in New Mexico, founded on August 7, 1877, in Santa Fe.

History

Freemasonry in New Mexico traces back to the mid-19th century, coinciding with the arrival of the United States military during the Mexican–American War. Early Masonic activity included military lodges such as Missouri Military Lodge No.86 and Hardin Military Lodge No.87, which operated temporarily in the region accompanying their military units. However, no permanent lodge was established in New Mexico before the war.

Shortly after the war ended and New Mexico became a U.S. territory, local Freemasons sought to establish a permanent presence. In 1851, Montezuma Lodge No.109 was formed in Santa Fe under the Grand Lodge of Missouri and was the only active lodge in the territory for over a decade. Notable early members included prominent figures such as Lafayette Head, Kit Carson, and Ceran St. Vrain.

By 1877, five lodges existed in the territory: Montezuma, Chapman, Aztec, Union, and one other. Four of these lodges voted in favor of creating an independent Grand Lodge to serve New Mexico. On the founding day, nineteen men—eight official delegates and eleven visiting brethren—gathered to draft and approve the constitution, bylaws, and seal of the new Grand Lodge. The organization adopted the name "The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Mexico," a title that remains unchanged. The Grand Master’s title is "Most Worshipful," while other elected officers are called "Right Worshipful," reflecting longstanding Masonic tradition.

Mission and Values

The Grand Lodge of New Mexico is committed to making the world a better place by positively influencing men in their families, communities, and public lives. Its mission emphasizes personal character and values, aiming to develop members as good fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, and uncles who lead by example.

Members uphold the Tenets of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. They also strive to embody the core virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice, alongside values that include Freedom, Charity, and Friendship. The organization encourages men of good moral character to join, with the purpose of raising the moral, social, intellectual, and spiritual conscience of society.

Organization and Legacy

As the oldest Grand Lodge in New Mexico, it has played a significant role in the state’s fraternal and social history. The Grand Lodge continues to operate multiple subordinate lodges throughout New Mexico and serves as a central hub for Masonic activity and charity within the state.

The seal and many traditions of the Grand Lodge have been maintained since its founding, preserving its heritage while continuing to serve modern members.

This article is based on records and historical accounts from the Grand Lodge of New Mexico and related sources[1][2][3][5].

[1] https://nmmasons.org [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Lodge_of_New_Mexico [3] https://gwmemorial.org/blogs/gl-of-the-month/grand-lodge-of-new-mexico [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/850088547 [5] https://nmmasons.org/about-us/