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

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.

Temple Lodge No. 4 A.F. & A.M. is a historical marker in Houston, Harris County, dedicated in 1983. It is one of 422 historical markers documented in Harris County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 849 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.6730, -95.4430 near Houston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Astrodome (historical marker), about 2.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Teas Nursery Company, Bellaire, and Texan Capture of Mexican Dispatchers.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5201010789. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.