Governing Body of Texas Freemasonry
Grand Lodge of Texas
Established in 1837 during the Republic of Texas, the Grand Lodge of Texas is the supreme governing body of Freemasonry in Texas, overseeing hundreds of chartered lodges across the state.
official Source
Accessed: 2025-01-01
Educational summary based on public Grand Lodge of Texas sources.
The Grand Lodge of Texas was formed on December 20, 1837, in Houston, during the brief period when Texas was an independent republic. It is one of the few Grand Lodges in the world established by a sovereign nation rather than a state or province of an existing country. This unique origin gives Texas Freemasonry a distinctive place in Masonic history.
The Grand Lodge serves as the governing authority for all Masonic lodges chartered in the state of Texas. It sets standards for lodge conduct, confers charters on new lodges, hears appeals, and presides over the annual Grand Communication — the statewide gathering of lodge delegates.
The Grand Lodge of Texas is headquartered in Waco, Texas. Its officers are elected annually by delegates at the Grand Communication. The Grand Lodge is a member of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America.
The Grand Lodge's public website provides a range of resources for both Masons and the general public, including information about becoming a Mason, affiliated organizations, lodge locator tools, and official publications including the Texas Freemason magazine.
Official Grand Lodge Resources
About the Grand Lodge
History and mission of the governing body of Texas Freemasonry.
Grand Master's Page
Public communications and messages from the current Grand Master.
Media
Official news, publications, and media from the Grand Lodge.
Contact the Grand Lodge
Office location, phone, and contact form.
These links lead to the official Grand Lodge of Texas website. Content on those pages is the official publication of the Grand Lodge.
Grand Lodge Leadership
Principal Officers of the Grand Lodge
The following describes the principal elected and appointed officer roles of the Grand Lodge of Texas. For current officer names and biographies, refer to the official Grand Lodge website.
Grand Master
The elected head of the Grand Lodge, presiding over all Texas Masonic affairs.
Deputy Grand Master
Assists the Grand Master and assumes his duties in his absence.
Senior Grand Warden
Presides over lodge education and ritual in the Grand Lodge hierarchy.
Junior Grand Warden
Oversees lodge welfare and related grand lodge functions.
Grand Secretary
Manages correspondence, records, and administrative functions of the Grand Lodge.
Grand Treasurer
Oversees the financial affairs of the Grand Lodge.
Annual Gathering
The Grand Communication
Each year, the Grand Lodge of Texas holds its Annual Communication — a statewide gathering of elected lodge delegates for official business, elections, reports, and fraternal celebration. The Annual Communication is the supreme legislative body of Texas Freemasonry.
The Annual Communication is open to lodge delegates and Grand Lodge officers. Information about dates, location, and agenda is published through official Grand Lodge channels.