Laurens in Laurens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Masonic Lodge #19
⎯⎯⎯
Samuel Saxon

Masonic Lodge #19 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, September 27, 2008

1. Masonic Lodge #19 Marker

Inscription. Masonic Lodge #19 The first recorded meeting of this organization, known as Palmetto Lodge #19, took place Aug. 7, 1794, at the Samuel Saxon home, which stood nearby. Officers present were: Master, Joseph Downs; Deputy Master, Nathaniel McCoy; Senior Warden, Wm. Holiday; Junior Warden, John Wolff; and Secretary, Ezekiel Roland. Still in existence, this is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Laurens County; its minutes date from 1794.

Samuel Saxon In 1792, this local attorney, merchant and Palmetto Lodge member conveyed the present court house land to Laurens County for the sum of two guineas. Saxon also cleared a number of surrounding acres. He served in the S.C. House 1789-91; was elected sheriff of Ninety-Six District 1791. His home was located on the south side of present East Main St., about 150 feet east of here.

Erected 1985 by Palmetto Lodge #19 and Laurens County Historical Society. (Marker Number 30-7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Laurens County Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 7, 1941.

Location. 34° 29.933′

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N, 82° 0.801′ W. Marker is in Laurens, South Carolina, in Laurens County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 76) and North Harper Street (Highway 221), on the left when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Laurens SC 29360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Korean Conflict (within shouting distance of this marker); Laurens County Confederate Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Watts Mills' World War II Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Laurens County World Wars I & II Veterans Monument (about 400 feet away); Laurens County / Laurens Historic District (about 400 feet away); Vietnam War (about 400 feet away); Laurens County Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rich Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); American Legion Post 25 Veterans Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurens.

Regarding Masonic Lodge #19 / Samuel Saxon. The lodge is located northwest of the marker, on Hillcrest Drive, near the new Laurens County Court House.

Also see . . . Address delivered at Laurens C.H. before Palmetto Lodge #19, A.F.M. On the anniversary of St. Johns' Day, 24th June, 1851 (Submitted on December 23, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Samuel Saxon Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, September 27, 2008

2. Samuel Saxon Marker

Intersection of East Main and Harper Streets, Looking West Toward Downtown image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, September 27, 2008

3. Intersection of East Main and Harper Streets, Looking West Toward Downtown

Masonic Lodge #19<br>316 Hillcrest Drive, Laurens, SC image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, October 24, 2011

4. Masonic Lodge #19
316 Hillcrest Drive, Laurens, SC

Masonic Lodge #19 Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, October 24, 2011

5. Masonic Lodge #19 Entrance

Masonic Lodge #19 Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, October 24, 2011

6. Masonic Lodge #19 Cornerstone

[Masonic Emblem]
John Irving Smith
Grand Master of Masons
A.D. 1954 A.L. 5945

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,485 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 24, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Masonic Lodge #19⎯⎯⎯Samuel Saxon

Masonic Lodge #19
⎯⎯⎯
Samuel Saxon