Bridgeport Lodge No. 587, A.F. & A.M.
Bridgeport, Wise County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On December 12, 1884, the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge was granted a charter by the Grand Lodge of Texas. The twenty-seven charter members consisted primarily of local coal miners, ranchers, and businessmen. The group met in a tin building on the old town square until about 1900, when a second building was completed. A two-story brick building was purchased from Dr. K.L. Buckner in 1925. From its beginning the lodge has been active in community affairs, with its membership providing civic leadership and support for local public schools. (1988)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 12, 1884, the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge drew its twenty-seven founders largely from local coal miners, ranchers, and businessmen. The brotherhood met in a tin building on the old town square, then a second hall around 1900, and bought a two-story brick building in 1925, all the while providing civic leadership and backing for local public schools.
Why it matters
Fraternal lodges like this one knit together the leadership of Gilded Age towns and quietly underwrote the civic and educational life of the community.
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Themes & tags
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