Hallettsville in Lavaca County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Murchison Masonic Lodge
No. 80, A.F. & A.M.
Photographed by James Hulse, February 8, 2021
1. Murchison Masonic Lodge Marker
Considered oldest organized group in Lavaca County. Under dispensation granted March 29, 1850, Lodge was chartered January 31, 1851, and named for early Texas colonist and Masonic leader John Murchison, Fayette County.
First officers: Isaac J. Foster, Worshipful Master; Silas Bennett, Senior Warden; Peter McDermott, Junior Warden. About 1855, Lodge built a 3-story Hall, which was also used as a church and a school (called "Masonic College"). Lodge member Friench Simpson served as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1900.
Erected 1971 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3537.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is January 31, 1851.
Location. 29° 27.188′ N, 96° 56.515′ W. Marker is in Hallettsville, Texas, in Lavaca County. It is at the intersection of Fink Street and Rothschmitt Lane, on the left when traveling west on Fink Street. The marker is located at the Hallettsville City Park in front of the Masonic Lodge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hallettsville TX 77964, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hanging Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Hallet's Cabin (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lavaca River (about 500 feet away); Old Hanging Tree (about 700 feet away); Hallet League
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Also see . . . Murchison, John (ca. 1807–1849).
John Murchison, a Republic of Texas congressman, was born in 1807 or 1809. He lived for a while in Wetumpka, Alabama, where he joined the Masons. Shortly before the Texas Revolution he settled in San Augustine, Texas. He served in the Texas army from April 24 to July 24, 1836. Source: The Handbook of Texas(Submitted on February 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, February 8, 2021
2. Murchison Masonic Lodge and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, February 8, 2021
3. The view of the Murchison Masonic Lodge Marker from the road
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 462 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
