Origins & History | Alamo Lodge No. 44 Texas

Origins of Freemasonry

A RENDERING OF FREEMASONRY'S INTERWOVEN LEGACY

Honoring a History Rooted in Faith, Brotherhood, and the Craft

Freemasonry, also known as Masonry or simply The Craft, is the world’s oldest known fraternal organization, with traditions and values deeply rooted in a belief in God and a commitment to personal growth, moral uprightness, and the betterment of society.

While the exact origins of Freemasonry are shrouded in history, its lineage can be traced back as far as the 14th century in Europe. The earliest known Masonic document, the Regius Manuscript (circa 1390 A.D.), outlines the foundational principles that still guide Masons today. By the 16th century, operative stonemason lodges in Scotland had begun admitting non-working, or “speculative,” members, men of character who were not builders by trade but were drawn to the symbolic and philosophical teachings of the Craft.

This evolution led to the formation of lodges composed entirely of speculative Masons, and in 1717, four such lodges in London came together to form the first governing body of modern Masonry: the Grand Lodge of England. This marked the beginning of what we now recognize as organized Freemasonry.

THE STRUCTURE & DEGREES OF MASONRY

Today, Masonic lodges around the world follow a similar structure. Each state in the United States, including the District of Columbia, has its own Grand Lodge, which oversees subordinate lodges within its jurisdiction. At the core of Freemasonry are the three symbolic degrees known as Blue Lodge Masonry:

ENTERED APPRENTICE
FELLOW CRAFT
MASTER MASON

These degrees, introduced gradually between the 17th and 18th centuries, represent a journey of personal and spiritual development, steeped in metaphor, ritual, and ancient architectural symbolism.

THE BIRTH OF TEXAS MASONRY

Masonry arrived in Texas in the early 19th century, even before Texas became a state. In March 1835, six Master Masons met beneath an oak tree near Brazoria to form the first Texas lodge. They petitioned the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, receiving a dispensation that led to the formation of Holland Lodge No. 36. Its first Worshipful Master, Anson Jones, would later become the final President of the Republic of Texas. Holland Lodge No. 36 would eventually be renamed Holland Lodge No. 1.

Two additional lodges—Milam Lodge No. 40 in Nacogdoches and McFarland Lodge No. 41 in San Augustine—soon followed. In 1837, representatives from these three lodges convened in Houston to establish the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, with Anson Jones again elected to serve—this time as Texas’s first Grand Master.

FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS TODAY

From those humble beginnings, Texas Masonry has grown to more than 122,000 members across 914 active lodges. Alamo Lodge No.44 is proud to be a part of this rich heritage, founded within the historic walls of the Alamo itself, and continuously active since our charter in 1848.

As we reflect on the enduring legacy of the Craft, we remain committed to building a future that honors our past, one rooted in faith, fellowship, and service to our beloved state and community.

History of the Alamo

THE ICONIC SAN ANTONIO LANDMARK

– THE ALAMO –

AS IT STANDS TODAY

THE BATTLE OF THE ALAMO

THE YEAR 1836

A Defining Moment in Texas and American History

The Alamo, originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, was established in 1718 and completed in 1744 as part of Spain’s effort to evangelize and settle the frontier of New Spain. Located in present-day San Antonio, Texas, the mission would later become one of the most iconic symbols of sacrifice and resistance in the fight for Texas independence.

A STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

In 1836, the Alamo became the site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution. A force of 187 Texan defenders, including notable figures like James Bowie, William B. Travis, and Davy Crockett, occupied the old mission to resist the advance of the Mexican army. They were determined to defend the fledgling cause of Texas independence from Mexico.

For 13 days, the small garrison held out against an army of nearly 5,000 troops under the command of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell. Almost all defenders were killed in the final assault or executed afterward. Though it was a military defeat, the heroism and sacrifice of the Alamo defenders became a rallying cry across Texas and the United States. "Remember the Alamo!" would echo as a symbol of courage and liberty.

LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY

General Sam Houston, then commanding the Texan forces, had previously ordered Jim Bowie to evacuate and destroy the Alamo to avoid a hopeless defense. Bowie, believing the mission could and should be held, disobeyed those orders and chose to stand and fight. While the defense ultimately failed, it bought precious time and galvanized support for the Texan cause, leading to eventual victory at the Battle of San Jacinto just weeks later.

PRESERVING HISTORY

The Alamo was restored decades later and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960, preserving the memory of the battle and those who gave their lives for the dream of independence. On July 5, 2015, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, affirming its global historical significance.

Today, the Alamo stands as a testament to bravery, duty, and sacrifice, values shared deeply by Freemasons and embodied by the brothers of Alamo Lodge No. 44, whose founding location was within the sacred grounds of this historic site.