Grand Lodge of Texas
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The Grand Lodge of Texas on Columbus Avenue has long served as the center of operations for masonry in Texas and is one of the largest freemason lodges in the world.
The Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest continuously operating organization in Texas, established through the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in 1835 and becoming its own entity in 1837, with Sam Houston presiding over the organizational meeting. It developed into the fifth-largest masonic lodge in the world as well as the headquarters for Texas freemasons. On December 6, 1904, it moved from Houston to Waco. Twentieth-century modernization and rapid economic expansion made Waco’s central location in the state the perfect location for the masons, establishing prime conditions for the growth of the Grand Lodge.
The fraternal organization initially shared a building with the National Guard in Waco but needed more space as the lodge continued to grow. The masons formed a committee, purchased land, and crafted a building design. On December 23, 1947, the Masons held a groundbreaking ceremony. The two million dollar project was completed in 1949, and the One Hundred and Fourteenth Annual Communication was the first event held in the new lodge.
The building, located on Columbus Avenue between Sixth Street and Seventh Street, is grandiose. The Grand Lodge’s granite white stone finish and design are inspired by the description given in the Bible of King Solomon’s Temple—a massive, elegant structure constructed to hold the Ark of the Covenant. The impressive structure attracts many viewers and draws interest to downtown Waco.
At first glance, eyes are drawn to the two large pillars in front of the building with globes situated on top. One globe is terrestrial while the other globe is celestial. Contemplating these two bodies is meant to inspire the studies of geometry, astronomy, geography, and navigation through which more extensive knowledge of the mysteries of nature and laws which govern the universe may be obtained. The other noticeable feature on the outside of Grand Lodge is a stone bas-relief illustrating people quarrying, transporting, and setting stones for the construction of King Solomon’s Temple. Raoul Josset, a French-born American sculptor whose work can be seen throughout Texas, received a commission in 1948 to incorporate the sculpture onto the side of the building. This architectural feature separated the building from any other in Waco or Texas.
Internally, the lodge contains facilities such as offices, meeting halls, a library, and a museum. Additionally, items such as Sam Houston’s gavel, the Masonic constitution, petitions, books, speeches, communication notes, and portraits are on display within. This impressive building, which combines both a visual experience and a practical space, accomplishes more than just sharing the knowledge of the history, of the Texas Masonic Order. The Grand Lodge preserves information on Waco and Texas history making it an important part in understanding the surrounding region.
In addition to meeting the needs of Texas freemasons, the Grand Lodge of Texas has served as a center for the fraternal organization’s charitable operations as well. The Masons largely centered their efforts upon the provision of education for children, establishing both Masonic-sponsored and public schools throughout Texas. Some other charities of the Texas freemasons include the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children and the Shriners Burns Institute in Galveston.
Today the Grand Lodge of Texas remains the center of freemasonry in Texas, in addition to standing as one of the hallmark architectural pieces of the city.
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Grand Lodge of Texas
The stately entrance to the Grand Lodge of Texas—adorned with Raoul Jossett's bas-relief carvings, pillars topped by elaborately formed globes, and meticulously carved stones inscribed with masonic symbols—reflects the masons' origins in stone masonry in the medieval period. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
Breaking Ground
Grand Lodge officers gathered at the site of the new building on December 23, 1947 to break ground. These officers likely participated in the traditional masonic ceremony which dates back to the fourteenth century. In such ceremonies, corn, wine, and oil are poured onto the sand to symbolize the masons asking for God's blessing of plenty, prosperity and gladness, and peace for the new building and future occupations. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
City Skyline (1948)
Several of Waco's most distinctive buildings, including the McLennan County Courthouse and the Amicable building, are visible in this photograph taken of the empty lot on Columbus Avenue. The Grand Lodge of Texas joined this impressive skyline just over a year later in 1949. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
An Enormous Undertaking
Even midway through construction, the lodge loomed over the surrounding skyline. Some sources estimate that the imposing structure cost around $2 million to complete. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
Full Capacity
Built to serve as the center of freemasonry in Texas, the Grand Lodge of Texas had need for a large amphitheater style room to seat masons from all over Texas. When filled, the amphitheater sat 3,700 people. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
Increased Understanding
A construction crew lifts one of the enormous globes into place on the exterior of the Grand Lodge. According to the freemasons, contemplation of the terrestrial and celestial globes leads to a more in-depth understanding of the laws governing the universe. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
Distinguished Guests
Texas Senator Tom Connally served as the dedication speaker for the completed Grand Lodge of Texas on December 6, 1949. He met with other notable mason that day such as Lee Lockwood, the chair of the building committee, and Pat Neff, former grand master, Texas governor, and Baylor president. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
Annual Meeting
The One Hundred and Fourteenth Annual Communication, a yearly meeting of all Texas freemasons to discuss new legislation and resolutions, was the first event to take place in the Grand Lodge. Much like in this picture of a gathering in the lodge's early days, freemasons from all over Texas arrived in Waco that day. | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
According to the back of a commemorative postcard published in the mid-twentieth century, the Grand Lodge of Texas was dedicated 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." | Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University