Grand Lodge of Texas · Est. 1837

The Fraternity that Helped Build Texas

From the Republic of Texas to the present day, Freemasonry has been woven into the civic, cultural, and charitable fabric of the Lone Star State.

Texas Freemasonry — Square and Compass with Texas Flag

Four Pillars of the Masonic Way

A Brotherhood Across Texas

With lodges in communities large and small across the Lone Star State, Freemasonry brings men together across lines of profession, background, and belief — united by shared values and a commitment to each other's growth.

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Woven Into Texas History

Freemasons were present at the founding of the Texas Republic, signed the Declaration of Independence, and shaped the civic institutions of the state. Texas Masonic history is Texas history.

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A Lifelong Pursuit of Learning

From lodge degree work to the scholarly publications of the Texas Lodge of Research, Freemasonry encourages its members toward continued moral, philosophical, and historical study throughout their lives.

Masonic Education

Philanthropy & Community

Texas Masons support the Masonic Children and Family Services of Texas, which provides care for children, families, widows, and senior Masons. Giving back is central to the Masonic way of life.

Masonic Charity

A Legacy as Old as Texas Itself

Full Timeline

1820s

Early Masonry in Texas

Before Texas independence, Freemasonry arrived with Anglo-American colonists. Stephen F. Austin and many early Texas colonists were Masons. Some historians trace Masonic activity in Texas to as early as the 1820s under Mexican rule, though formal lodge organization was not possible until later.

1835–1836

Texas Revolution and Masonic Leaders

A disproportionate number of men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and led the Texas Revolution were Freemasons, including Sam Houston. Masonic bonds of brotherhood were credited by some historians with contributing to unity among the revolutionary leaders.

1837

Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas Founded

On December 20, 1837, the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas was formed in Houston, with Holland Lodge No. 1 among the founding lodges. This made Texas one of the few places in the world to establish a Grand Lodge as an independent republic. The first Grand Master was John Holland.

1837

Holland Lodge No. 1 — The First Lodge

Holland Lodge No. 1, chartered in Houston, is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in Texas. Named in honor of John Henry Holland, a prominent early Texas Mason, it remains active today and serves as a living link to the Masonic heritage of the Texas Republic era.

Serving Texans for Generations

Texas Masons have a long tradition of charitable giving and community service. The Masonic Children and Family Services of Texas provides care and support for children, families, widows, and senior Masons — a mission that extends across the entire state.

From the Texas Masonic Retirement Center to family support programs, Masonic philanthropy in Texas reflects the fraternity's core commitment to relieving distress and caring for those in need.

Masonic Charity in Texas

1837

Year Grand Lodge Founded

900+

Chartered Lodges in Texas

MCFS

Statewide Masonic Philanthropy

188+

Years of Fraternal Service

Latest from Texas Freemasonry

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Grand Lodge

Grand Lodge of Texas Annual Communication

The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas brings together lodge delegates from across the state for business, elections, and fraternal fellowship.

Philanthropy

Texas Masonic Retirement Center Update

The Texas Masonic Retirement Center continues to provide quality care and community for senior Masons and their families across the Lone Star State.

York Rite

York Rite of Texas — Spring Grand Sessions

The York Rite bodies of Texas — Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery — hold their annual Grand Sessions each spring, drawing delegates and officers from across the state.

Education

Texas Lodge of Research — New Publication

The Texas Lodge of Research publishes scholarly work on Masonic history, symbolism, and philosophy. Their annual transactions are available to subscribers and researchers.

Find a Lodge in Texas

With lodges in communities across the Lone Star State, Freemasonry is likely closer than you think. Search by city or region to find a lodge near you.