Freemasonry in Texas
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the Texas.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in Texas
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.
- Chartered
- 1838 (188 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- Waco, TX
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in December
- Address
- 715 Columbus Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
Masonic History in Texas
Texas Freemasonry was chartered in 1838 — just two years after Texas independence — and many leaders of the Texas Revolution were Masons, including Sam Houston (the only person to serve as Grand Master of two different jurisdictions: Tennessee and Texas). Buzz Aldrin's Clear Lake Lodge No. 1417 is where the Masonic flag he carried to the Moon was authorized.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached Texas — including the medieval origins of the Craft, the 1717 founding of organized Freemasonry, and how lodges spread to America — see our complete History of Freemasonry.
The Grand Lodge of Texas
Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.
Chartered 1838
How to Join Freemasonry in Texas
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in Texas follows the same path as anywhere else in the United States. There are four core requirements:
- 1Be a man of at least 18 years old (some Texas lodges require 21). Women interested in Masonic-affiliated organizations should look at the Order of the Eastern Star.
- 2Believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not specify which faith — only that you have one.
- 3Be of good moral character. Lodges run background checks; serious criminal history is usually disqualifying.
- 4Ask of your own free will. Masonry never recruits — you must approach a lodge yourself.
Next step: Use our quick quiz at /can-i-join to confirm you meet the requirements, then find a lodge in Texas below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from Texas
1 notable Mason associated with Texas.
Buzz Aldrin
1930-present • Astronaut
Second person to walk on the Moon. Carried a Masonic flag to the lunar surface during Apollo 11 mission.
Lodge: Clear Lake Lodge No. 1417, Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in Texas.
When was Freemasonry established in Texas?+
The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M. was chartered in 1838, making organized Freemasonry in Texas 188 years old. Some individual lodges predate the Grand Lodge by years or decades, operating under charters from older jurisdictions.
How do I join a Masonic lodge in Texas?+
To join Freemasonry in Texas, you must be a man of at least 18 (some lodges require 21), believe in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The next step is to contact a lodge near you and ask to meet members — usually over a meal before a stated meeting. After conversation, you submit a petition; if accepted, you are scheduled for initiation. The full process from petition to becoming a Master Mason typically takes 4-12 months.
How many Masonic lodges are there in Texas?+
Texas has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M., headquartered in Waco. The Grand Lodge maintains an official roster of all active lodges — see the contact information above to request a list, or use our directory to find one near you.
Who governs Freemasonry in Texas?+
The Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M. is the sole governing body for "mainstream" Freemasonry in the state. It operates independently and sovereignly — no worldwide Masonic authority exists. Prince Hall Freemasonry (the historically African American tradition) operates a separate Grand Lodge in many states; both are recognized as regular Freemasonry across the United States.
What is the address of the Grand Lodge of Texas?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 715 Columbus Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. Phone: +1-254-753-7395. Website: https://grandlodgeoftexas.org.
Show Your Texas Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.