Hallsville in Harrison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

James F. Taylor Lodge No. 169, A.F. & A.M.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 25, 2022

1. James F. Taylor Lodge No. 169, A.F. & A.M. Marker

Inscription. Chartered in 1856 in the town of Ash Springs, this lodge was named for James F. Taylor (1812-1889), a leading citizen, state legislator, and mason. After the railroad bypassed Ash Springs in the late 1860s the lodge moved to the new town of Hallville, where the members built a two-story lodge hall. The first floor of the building was used for a school, while the second story was the lodge meeting place. The masons continued to operate the only school in town until 1914. Throughout its history the lodge has been a leading force in civic activities.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10217.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 32° 30.352′ N, 94° 34.6′ W. Marker is in Hallsville, Texas, in Harrison County. It is at the intersection of Church Street and North Oak Street, on the right when traveling west on Church Street. The marker is located on the northeast section of the Masonic Lodge grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 Church Street, Hallsville TX 75650, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hallsville (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First State Bank of Hallsville

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(about 800 feet away); Honoring Veterans of the War Between the States (approx. ¼ mile away); All Veterans (approx. 6.4 miles away); Temple Emanu-El Cemetery (approx. 6.4 miles away); Old Grover Cemetery (approx. 7.8 miles away); Finch Family Home (approx. 8 miles away); Johnny Cace's Seafood and Steak House (approx. 8.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hallsville.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 25, 2022

2. James F. Taylor Lodge No. 169, A.F. & A.M. Marker

The view of the Marker from the lodge parking lot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 25, 2022

3. The view of the Marker from the lodge parking lot

The James F. Taylor Lodge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 25, 2022

4. The James F. Taylor Lodge

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 19, 2026

5. James F. Taylor Lodge No. 169, A.F. & A.M. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 5. submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.