Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Texas, commonly known as the Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is the largest governing body of Freemasonry in the State of Texas. It follows the tradition of the Ancient Grand Lodge of England, which was founded on June 17, 1751[1].

Formation

The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas was formally established on April 16, 1838. The first Grand Master and other grand officers were installed by Sam Houston on May 11, 1838[1]. This organization later became the Grand Lodge of Texas after Texas became a state.

History of Masonry in Texas

Early Masonic efforts in Texas date back to 1828 when Stephen F. Austin called a meeting of Masons in San Felipe de Austin to petition for a charter to form a lodge. However, due to Mexican government restrictions on Freemasonry, no lodge was formed at that time[1].

In 1835, under an oak tree near Brazoria, six Masons met to establish the first lodge in Texas. They secured a dispensation and later a charter from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for Holland Lodge No. 36, now known as Holland Lodge No. 1. Anson Jones served as its first Worshipful Master. Two additional lodges, Milam Lodge No. 40 in Nacogdoches and McFarland Lodge No. 41 in San Augustine, were also chartered in 1837 through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana[3][4].

Role in the Texas Revolution

Freemasons played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. Notable Masons such as James Bonham, James Bowie, David Crockett, Almaron Dickenson, and William Barrett Travis fought at the Alamo[1]. Anson Jones, who served as the first Grand Master of Masons in Texas, later became the fourth and final President of the Republic of Texas[3].

Present Activities

The organization focuses on community service and personal development. Members are involved in various charitable activities, including supporting local communities through programs like Fantastic Teeth and Take Time to Read, and funding children's hospitals through Scottish Rite and Shrine memberships[3]. As of 2019, the Grand Lodge of Texas reported having 69,099 members, making it one of the largest in the world[1].

Organization

The Grand Lodge of Texas adheres to the principles of Freemasonry, emphasizing moral integrity and brotherly love. Freemasonry is a fraternity restricted to men, with the purpose of helping its members become better individuals through three degrees of Masonic education: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason[4]. Members must believe in a Supreme Being and an afterlife, but no specific religious doctrine is required[4].

The Grand Lodge of Texas maintains its operations through annual dues from its members, with nominal fees for initiation degrees[4]. New members must request to join the fraternity; they cannot be solicited[4].

The Grand Lodge of Texas is headquartered in a significant Masonic building, symbolizing the commitment of its members to the fraternity's principles. The building has undergone modernizations to ensure it remains a central part of Texas Masonry[3].