Hall of Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge No. 321, A. F. & A. M.
Baytown, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1875-1876, largely by labor of members. Lumber, cut to order in Florida, arrived here by schooner in nick of time to escape havoc of 1875 hurricane. The 1883 Worshipful Master, J. H. Kipp, made and gave (1889) the carved and inlaid altar and some other appointments. Oldest Eastern Star chapter in Texas (Cedar Bayou Chapter No. 11, O. E. S.), organized in 1884, has always met in this hall. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1970
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Cedar Bayou's Masonic hall was built in 1875–1876 largely by the hands of its own members, with lumber cut to order in Florida and shipped in by schooner just ahead of a destructive 1875 hurricane. A past master carved and donated the inlaid altar and other furnishings in 1889. The hall has also housed Texas's oldest Order of the Eastern Star chapter, organized in 1884, since its founding.
Why it matters
Fraternal lodges were pillars of civic life in frontier towns, and this hall—home to the state's oldest Eastern Star chapter—preserves that tradition of community and women's fellowship.
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Related people
- · J. H. Kipp
Themes & tags
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