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Grand Lodge of Texas
The Grand Lodge of Texas, located on Columbus Avenue, has historically been the operational hub for masonry in the state and ranks among the largest Freemason lodges globally.
Established in 1835 through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest continuously operating organization in Texas. It became an independent entity in 1837, with Sam Houston presiding over its founding meeting. Over time, it grew to become the fifth-largest Masonic lodge in the world and the headquarters for Texas Freemasons. In 1904, it relocated from Houston to Waco, where the city’s central location and significant economic growth provided ideal conditions for the lodge’s expansion.
Initially, the organization shared its Waco building with the National Guard but soon required more space due to increasing membership. A committee was formed to acquire land and design a new building. Groundbreaking for the new lodge took place on December 23, 1947. The two-million-dollar project was completed in 1949, and the first event held in the new lodge was the One Hundred and Fourteenth Annual Communication.
The striking building on Columbus Avenue, situated between Sixth and Seventh Streets, features a grand design with a white granite stone finish inspired by the Biblical description of King Solomon’s Temple, which was built to house the Ark of the Covenant. This impressive structure attracts many visitors and enhances the appeal of downtown Waco.
Prominently displayed at the entrance are two large pillars topped with globes—one terrestrial and one celestial. These globes are intended to inspire studies in geometry, astronomy, geography, and navigation, promoting a deeper understanding of nature’s mysteries and the universe’s laws. Another notable exterior feature is a stone bas-relief depicting the quarrying, transporting, and setting of stones for King Solomon’s Temple. This sculpture, commissioned to French-born American artist Raoul Josset in 1948, sets the building apart from others in Waco and Texas.
Inside, the lodge offers various facilities, including offices, meeting halls, a library, and a museum. It displays significant items like Sam Houston’s gavel, the Masonic constitution, petitions, books, speeches, communication notes, and portraits. This remarkable building not only serves as a hub for the Texas Masonic Order’s history but also preserves important information about Waco and Texas history, contributing to the understanding of the region.
Beyond serving the needs of Texas Freemasons, the Grand Lodge of Texas has also been a center for charitable activities. The Masons have focused their efforts on providing education for children, establishing Masonic-sponsored and public schools across Texas. Additional charitable efforts include support for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children and the Shriners Burns Institute in Galveston.
Today, the Grand Lodge of Texas continues to be the focal point of Freemasonry in the state and stands as a significant architectural landmark in the city.
Breaking Ground
On December 23, 1947, Grand Lodge officers gathered to break ground on the new building. These officers most likely took part in the traditional Masonic ceremony, which dates back to the fourteenth century. During such ceremonies, corn, wine, and oil are poured onto the sand to represent the masons’ request for God’s blessing of plenty, prosperity, gladness, and peace for the new structure and future occupation.
City Skyline
This photograph of the empty lot on Columbus Avenue shows several of Waco’s most distinctive buildings, including the McLennan County Courthouse and the Amicable Building. The Grand Lodge of Texas joined this impressive skyline just over a year later, in 1949.
An Enormous Undertaking
Even midway through construction, the lodge towered over the surrounding skyline. Some sources estimate that the massive structure cost around $2 million to build.
Full Capacity
The Grand Lodge of Texas, which was built to serve as the state’s freemasonry center, required a large amphitheater-style room to seat masons from all over Texas. When full, the amphitheater seated 3,700 people. ~
Increased Understanding
A construction crew places one of the massive globes on the exterior of the Grand Lodge. Freemasons believe that contemplating the terrestrial and celestial globes leads to a more in-depth understanding of the laws governing the universe.
Distinguished Guests
On December 6, 1949, Texas Senator Tom Connally delivered the dedication address for the finished Grand Lodge of Texas. That day, he met with several prominent masons, including Pat Neff, the former grand master, Texas governor, and president of Baylor, and Lee Lockwood, the chair of the building committee. “
Annual Meeting
The first event held in the Grand Lodge was the One Hundred and Fourteenth Annual Communication, an annual gathering of all Texas Freemasons to discuss resolutions and new legislation. That day, freemasons from all across Texas came to Waco, much like in this photo of a meeting in the early days of the lodge.
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
A commemorative postcard from the middle of the 20th century stated on the reverse that the Grand Lodge of Texas was devoted to “honor and perpetuate the memory of those Valiant Freemasons who served in establishing and preserving Freedom and Democracy in this land of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.”