The "Santa Anna" discussion has prompted me to contribute one of the Masonic History moments that I presented to my Lodge a few months ago. I hope you enjoy it.
Texas Masonic Roots
Freemasonry first began to take root in Texas on February 11, 1828 at San Felipe de Austin at a Called meeting by Stephen F. Austin for the purpose of petitioning the Grand Lodge of Mexico for a Charter to form a Lodge. The petition made its way into Mexico City, only to never be heard of again. The Mexican officials sensing that Texas might attempt to gain independence outlawed Freemasonry in October of the same year.
Then in March of 1835 with the help of Anson Jones, five Masons met in Brazoria under the Masonic Oak and petitioned the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for a Charter. Henry Holland granted the dispensation, and Holland Lodge No. 36 was formed in December. It was only a few months later that Texas declared its independence from Mexico, and the historic war was underway. It wasn’t long before the Holland Lodge fell under attack by the Mexican Army leaving all of its records and equipment destroyed. It wasn’t until 1837 that Holland Lodge was reestablished in Houston.
During 1837 the Grand Lodge of Louisiana issued two additional charters to Lodges located in Nacogdoches and San Augustine. In December of the same year delegates from all three Lodges met in Houston in attempt to form the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas. Among those who met that historic day were Stephen F. Austin, Anson Jones, and Thomas J. Rusk. By the end of the session Anson Jones was elected the first Grand Master in the Republic of Texas. It was not until April 16, 1838 that the delegates reconvened in Houston and the “Grand Lodge was opened in ample form†and that “the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana was endedâ€.
It is noted that during the time that Texas was a Republic only 1.5% percent of the general population were Masons. Incredibly 80% of the Republic’s upper government was Brother Masons, including every president and vice president. Eleven of the twenty-five committee members responsible for drafting the constitution for the Republic were Masons.
Cited Sources:
Handbook of Texas Online – Freemasonry (www.tshaonline.org)
Grand Lodge of Texas – Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org)
Grand Lodge of Texas History Committee – Written by Loyd Addy, Jr.
Texas Masonic Roots
Freemasonry first began to take root in Texas on February 11, 1828 at San Felipe de Austin at a Called meeting by Stephen F. Austin for the purpose of petitioning the Grand Lodge of Mexico for a Charter to form a Lodge. The petition made its way into Mexico City, only to never be heard of again. The Mexican officials sensing that Texas might attempt to gain independence outlawed Freemasonry in October of the same year.
Then in March of 1835 with the help of Anson Jones, five Masons met in Brazoria under the Masonic Oak and petitioned the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for a Charter. Henry Holland granted the dispensation, and Holland Lodge No. 36 was formed in December. It was only a few months later that Texas declared its independence from Mexico, and the historic war was underway. It wasn’t long before the Holland Lodge fell under attack by the Mexican Army leaving all of its records and equipment destroyed. It wasn’t until 1837 that Holland Lodge was reestablished in Houston.
During 1837 the Grand Lodge of Louisiana issued two additional charters to Lodges located in Nacogdoches and San Augustine. In December of the same year delegates from all three Lodges met in Houston in attempt to form the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas. Among those who met that historic day were Stephen F. Austin, Anson Jones, and Thomas J. Rusk. By the end of the session Anson Jones was elected the first Grand Master in the Republic of Texas. It was not until April 16, 1838 that the delegates reconvened in Houston and the “Grand Lodge was opened in ample form†and that “the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana was endedâ€.
It is noted that during the time that Texas was a Republic only 1.5% percent of the general population were Masons. Incredibly 80% of the Republic’s upper government was Brother Masons, including every president and vice president. Eleven of the twenty-five committee members responsible for drafting the constitution for the Republic were Masons.
Cited Sources:
Handbook of Texas Online – Freemasonry (www.tshaonline.org)
Grand Lodge of Texas – Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org)
Grand Lodge of Texas History Committee – Written by Loyd Addy, Jr.
