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Master masons gathered at the home of Edwin Waller, surveyor of the townsite of Austin, on Oct. 11, 1839, one week before President Mirabeau B. Lamar arrived to set up government in the new Republic of Texas capital. Grand master Branch Archer authorized the organization of Austin Lodge No. 12 on Nov. 7, 1839. Alexander Russell was the first worshipful master. Many prominent Texans have been members of this body. Edward Burleson, who served as vice president of the Republic of Texas, was a lodge officer. His burial with Masonic honors in 1851 was the first interment in the State Cemetery. Two Texas governors, Edward Clark and Harden R. Runnels, were members of the lodge.
In the early years, meetings were held at various sites. A fire in 1866 destroyed the lodge's quarters and burned some of its records. In 1883 members moved into the new Masonic temple at 7th and Colorado. The Scottish Rite Temple at 18th and Lavaca served as the meeting place from 1923 to 1968, when the lodge moved to a new facility on Bull Creek Road.
During its history, Austin Lodge No. 12 has responded to human need in times of natural disaster. Members have participated in the dedications of a number of Austin's public buildings and church structures. (1979) |
