Willow Meadows/ Willowbend Area in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Temple Lodge No. 4 A.F. & A.M.

1. Temple Lodge No. 4 A.F. & A.M. Marker

Inscription. This Masonic Lodge traces its history to the early days of the Republic of Texas, when the seat of government was located in the newly founded city of Houston. Formally chartered on May 10, 1838, Temple Lodge was the fourth Masonic organization established in Texas, and the first to be established in the new Republic. It was chartered by the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, which had been formed from the three existing lodges, all of which had been chartered originally by the Louisiana Grand Lodge.

Playing leading roles in the organization's formation and development were many noted Texas patriots and statesmen. Early colonist George Fisher was named first worshipful master, with San Jacinto veteran Richard Bache as secretary and future Governor Francis R. Lubbock as first junior deacon. Temple Lodge held its regular meetings in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol in downtown Houston, where statesmen Anson Jones and Mirabeau Lamar were in frequent attendance. In July 1838, Temple Lodge conducted the first Masonic burial in the Republic of Texas for State Supreme Court Chief Justice James Collingsworth.

Since its establishment, Temple Lodge No. 4 has reflected the Masonic values and teachings of its founders.

Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10789.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is April 24, 1838.

Location. 29° 40.382′ N, 95° 26.584′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in the Willow Meadows/ Willowbend Area. It is on West Bellfort Boulevard 0.1 miles west of Stella Link Drive, on the left when traveling west. 610 South, exit Stella Link and turn south to West Belfort, approx. two tenths mile to lodge, on south side of W. Belfort; marker to the right

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(facing) of front door. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4055 West Bellfort Ave, Houston TX 77025, 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Beth Yeshurun Synagogue (approx. 1.3 miles away); Home of Frank S. Henshaw, Jr., Mayor, 1933-1937 (approx. 2 miles away); Astrodome (approx. 2.2 miles away); Teas Nursery Company (approx. 2.4 miles away); Alfred J. Condit House, Damaged in 1915 Hurricane (approx. 2½ miles away); Bellaire (approx. 2.6 miles away); Texan Capture of Mexican Dispatches (approx. 2.6 miles away); Bellaire Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.

More about this marker.

Temple Lodge No. 4 A.F. & A.M. Marker Base image. Click for full size.

2. Temple Lodge No. 4 A.F. & A.M. Marker Base

A Masonic Square & Compass is set in tile at the base of the pole.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2024. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 11, 2024. 2. submitted on February 11, 2024, by Master Mason of Houston, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?