Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge

Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021

1. First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge Marker

Inscription. The first meeting site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge was the upper floor of a two-story brick general store on this corner. Alexander McDonald purchased several lots in this block from Pleasant Gray, the founder of Huntsville, in 1842 and 1843. The store building was completed early in 1844, and the McDonald home occupied two large lots behind the business.

Nine Master Masons living in the Huntsville area of what was then Montgomery County submitted a letter of petition, and on January 11, 1844, the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas granted a charter for Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. Alexander McDonald was the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge. Other officers were Samuel G. Devereux, Senior Warden, and William Robinson, Junior Warden. The remaining six petitioners were George E. Hunter, H.B. Schofield, Samuel D. Hay, Horace L. Upshur, Edward Parkinson, and James Cole. Although McDonald sold the corner lot and building early in 1845 and the property changed hands several times in the next two years, it is thought that the Masonic Lodge continued to meet in the upstairs area until a lodge building was completed on the north side of the Courthouse Square early in 1850.

Erected 1998 by The Citizens of Huntsville, Texas.

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Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is January 11, 1844.

Location. 30° 43.372′ N, 95° 33.022′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection of 12th Street and University Avenue, on the right when traveling east on 12th Street. The marker is located along the corner wall of the building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville TX 77340, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Henry Opera House (a few steps from this marker); Sam Houston Whittling Site (a few steps from this marker); Memorial Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker); Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Cornerstone of the Fourth Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Walker County (within shouting distance of this marker); The Five Courthouses of Walker County (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Pleasant Gray's Trading Post (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021

2. First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge Marker

The view of the First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021

3. The view of the First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.