Washington Lodge No. 18

A.F. & A.M.

Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas

   Washington Lodge No.18 of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas A. F. &  A. M. is the Masonic Lodge chartered at Washington, Texas during the Republic of Texas on January 11, 1844.  It ceased to be a working lodge in 1887 when it surrendered its charter. 

   Washington was a center of government and Masonic activities during the Republic of Texas.  On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico at Washington and the Declaration of Independece was signed there.  Therefore, Washington is referred to as the "Birthplace of Texas."  At various times, the capitol of the Republic of Texas was at Washington. The Grand Lodge of Texas held its annual meetings at Washington in 1843, 1844 and 1845.  Today, the town of Washington is known as Washington-on-the-Brazos.

   See the Washington Lodge No. 18 Lodge Minute Book from 1854 here.

   A few years ago this historic Masonic Lodge was re-chartered.  The members of Washington Lodge #18 are very proud of their history and open lodge every year on Texas Indepedence Day, March 2, in the Convention Hall at Washington-on-the-Brazos on the very spot where Texas declared her independence from Mexicao in 1836.

For more information about Wshington Lodge #18 write:

Washington Lodge #18

c/o David M. Rice, Secretary

1703 Morgan Lane #2

Navasota, Texas 77868