Grandview Masonic Lodge
Grandview, Johnson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Chartered on Jun. 14, 1861, the Grandview Masonic Lodge is Johnson County's oldest lodge in continuous operation. It originally shared a building with the Methodist church near current Grandview cemetery. The lodge later relocated with the town to property owned jointly with the church, whose interest was later purchased by the Masons. This building was sold in 1893, and a new one was erected at the present location. A fire in 1920 destroyed the building, but another was soon constructed. Since its first meeting on Dec. 8, 1860, the lodge has been essential to advancing Freemasonry in the area. Today, members participate in various community activities and scholarships. 175 Years of Texas Independence * 1836-2011
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Chartered on June 14, 1861, the Grandview Masonic Lodge is Johnson County's oldest lodge in continuous operation, having held its first meeting the previous December. It began by sharing a building with the Methodist church near the Grandview cemetery, then relocated with the town, weathering a sale in 1893 and a destructive fire in 1920 that was quickly followed by rebuilding. Today its members continue community activities and scholarships.
Why it matters
Surviving town relocation, sale and fire across a century and a half, the lodge reflects the enduring role of fraternal organizations in the civic life of rural Texas.
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Themes & tags
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