Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas, commonly referred to as the Grand Lodge of Texas, is a nonprofit organization and the largest governing body of Freemasonry in Texas. It is part of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons tradition, which descends from the Ancient Grand Lodge of England.

History

The Grand Lodge of Texas has its roots in the early Masonic activities in Texas. In 1835, a group of six Masons met under an oak tree near Brazoria, leading to the establishment of the first Masonic Lodge in Texas, Holland Lodge No. 36 (now Holland Lodge No. 1), with a charter from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. This initial meeting laid the groundwork for the formation of additional lodges, including Milam Lodge No. 40 in Nacogdoches and McFarland Lodge No. 41 in San Augustine in 1837. These three lodges sent representatives to a convention in Houston, where they established the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas[1][2].

The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas was officially founded on April 16, 1838, with Sam Houston presiding over the initial installation of its first Grand Master and other grand officers on May 11, 1838. Anson Jones, a prominent figure in Texas history, served as the first Grand Master of Masons in Texas[1][2]. Following Texas's transition to statehood, the organization became known as the Grand Lodge of Texas.

Mission and Practices

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas operate as a fraternity focused on personal development and community service. Freemasonry aims to take "good men and make them better," emphasizing moral values and service to the community. The organization does not engage in reforming individuals but rather supports men in their personal growth[3][4].

Freemasonry in Texas involves a three-degree system: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Members are required to learn and recite catechisms associated with each degree, drawing heavily from biblical imagery, particularly the construction of King Solomon’s Temple[3].

Community Involvement

The Grand Lodge of Texas and its subordinate lodges are actively involved in various charitable initiatives. These include supporting programs for the elderly, educational initiatives such as "Fantastic Teeth" and "Take Time to Read," and scholarships for students. Additionally, Texas Masons contribute to children's healthcare through affiliations with the Scottish Rite and Shrine[2].

Facilities and Membership

As of recent updates, the Grand Lodge of Texas operates from its Memorial Grand Lodge Temple, which has undergone renovations to ensure its continued use. The organization reported approximately 69,099 members in 2019, making it one of the largest Masonic bodies worldwide[1][2].

The Grand Lodge of Texas remains a significant and enduring fraternal organization in Texas, maintaining strong ties to its historical roots while continuing to support community development and charitable causes.