Meal: 6:30 PM Meeting: 7:30 PM Freemasonry: A Legacy of Brotherhood, Integrity, and Service
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and most enduring fraternal order, built upon the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. It exists not to reform men, but to refine them, taking good men and helping them become even better. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor does it interfere with a man’
s personal beliefs. It welcomes men of all faiths who profess a belief in God and the immortality of the soul. Lodges are places where men of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and professions unite in a shared commitment to virtue, moral growth, and service to humanity. The Origins of Freemasonry
Freemasonry, often called The Craft, traces its origins to the medieval stonemason guilds that built the great cathedrals of Europe. Over time, these guilds evolved from operative masons (stoneworkers) into speculative masons—men who applied the tools and principles of the craft to the moral and spiritual building of character. The oldest known Masonic document, the Regius Poem (circa 1390 A.D.), is the first written record of Masonic teachings. By the 16th and 17th centuries, lodges began admitting men who were not stoneworkers, leading to the establishment of modern Freemasonry. In 1717, four lodges in England united to form the first Grand Lodge, marking the official beginning of Freemasonry as an organized fraternity. From there, Freemasonry spread across the world, influencing history and shaping nations. The Founding of Freemasonry in Texas
Freemasonry played a crucial role in the formation of Texas. The first known Masonic meeting in Texas was held in March 1835, when six Masons met under an oak tree near Brazoria to petition the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for a charter to establish a Texas lodge. This petition was granted, and Holland Lodge No. 36 was established, named in honor of Grand Master John Henry Holland of Louisiana. As Masonry grew in Texas, two more lodges were formed:
Milam Lodge No. 40 in Nacogdoches (1837)
McFarland Lodge No. 41 in San Augustine (1837)
In December 1837, representatives from these three lodges met in Houston to form the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, electing Anson Jones—who would later become the fourth and final President of the Republic of Texas—as the first Grand Master of Masons in Texas. From these humble beginnings, Freemasonry in Texas has flourished. Today, the Grand Lodge of Texas governs over 914 lodges with a membership exceeding 122,000 Masons statewide. What Masons Believe and Teach
While Freemasonry is not a religion, it is deeply spiritual and requires its members to believe in God and a higher purpose. It does not define how a man must worship, leaving that to his own faith and conscience. Masonry’s teachings are built upon the symbolism of King Solomon’s Temple, as described in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Every Masonic lodge meets with an open Bible on the altar, reinforcing its commitment to moral instruction, virtue, and ethical living. Masonry forbids religious and political discussions in lodge, ensuring that men of all faiths and backgrounds can work together in harmony. The Masonic Degrees: A Path to Enlightenment
Freemasonry is organized into three symbolic degrees, each representing a stage in a man's moral and spiritual journey:
Entered Apprentice – The first step, introducing the principles of Freemasonry and the importance of self-improvement. Fellow Craft – A deeper exploration of knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth. Master Mason – The highest degree in Craft Masonry, symbolizing the maturity of a Mason’s moral and philosophical understanding. Each degree is presented as a symbolic drama, where the candidate takes an active role in learning the principles of Freemasonry. These lessons, drawn from ancient traditions, reinforce honor, duty, and brotherhood. Masonic Charity and Service to the Community
Masonry is deeply committed to helping those in need. Across the United States, Masonic organizations provide over $1.5 million per day in charitable contributions, supporting:
Children’s hospitals and medical research
Scholarships for students
Care for widows and orphans
Support for veterans, first responders, and disaster relief
In Texas, Masonic charities include:
Homes for elderly Masons, their spouses, and widows
Scholarship programs for Texas students
Community service projects across the state
Masonry teaches that a true Mason serves others, and this commitment to charity and relief has been a defining trait of Freemasonry for centuries. The Truth About Masonic Secrecy
Freemasonry is not a secret society—it is a society with secrets. Its traditions, rituals, and symbols are meant to be experienced, not merely explained. The secrecy of Freemasonry is not about deception; it is about preserving tradition, fostering personal growth, and reinforcing moral lessons. Just as the ancient stonemasons safeguarded their craft, modern Masons uphold time-honored traditions that strengthen character and personal integrity. The impact of Masonic teachings is evident in history. Some of America’s greatest leaders have been Masons, including:
George Washington, Paul Revere, Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Douglas MacArthur, Stephen F. It is impossible to deny the positive influence of Freemasonry when its members have helped build stronger communities, better schools, and a better society. Becoming a Mason
One of the most sacred traditions in Freemasonry is that a Mason will never ask a man to join. It is up to the individual to seek membership on his own. A man who wishes to become a Mason must:
Ask a Mason for a petition
Believe in God and the immortality of the soul
Be of good moral character
Be willing to commit to self-improvement and service
There are one-time fees for the three degrees, as well as annual dues to support the lodge. Freemasonry is not a business—it is a lifelong commitment to moral excellence, brotherhood, and community service. The Future of Texas Freemasonry
For over 170 years, Texas Masons have shaped the history and values of this great state. Today, Masonry continues to grow and adapt, standing side by side with churches, schools, and civic organizations as a pillar of morality, service, and tradition. The strength of Texas has always been built upon the combined efforts of faith, family, and fraternity. Through Freemasonry, men of integrity will continue working together to preserve and strengthen these ideals for generations to come. If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry, we invite you to ask a Mason and discover what it means to be part of the world’s oldest and most honorable fraternity.
