Flora Lodge #119

Flora Lodge #119 Masonic lodge located in Quitman Texas, formed under the Grand Lodge of Texas, Ancient Free and Acce Founded before the Civil War, as Quitman Masonic Lodge. L. M.

Petition for charter was made on Jan. 5, 1852. First officers: James N. Brown, Worshipful Master; A. Gunter, Senior Warden; Francis C. McKnight, Junior Warden. Petitioners (other than the officers) included George Birdwell, W. Brown, S. Flournoy, I. D. Goes, E. H. McRee, I. McRee, M. W. Matthews, and Joshua Smith. Without any recorded explanation, the lodge was given its present name on Christmas

Day of 1852. Original furniture was made by illustrious Wood County pioneer Peter Gunstream at cost of $10.75. In 1854 fire destroyed lodge charter, jewels, and furniture. Combination Presbyterian church and lodge hall was built on this site and occupied in 1855. Members voted to prohibit smoking on the premises. Ending of Civil War found the lodge penniless and hard pressed to pay 30 cents a pound for candles bought in 50 pound lots. In 1917 electric lighting closed a 65-year time span of candles and kerosene lamps. The early lodge worked diligently, often meeting on Saturday mornings, dismissing to attend preaching services downstairs, and afterward resuming work. Flora Lodge built new two-story structure in 1949.

Keri Hammond (left)  Kacey Meyers (right)$1,250 scholarship recipients.
05/20/2026

Keri Hammond (left)
Kacey Meyers (right)
$1,250 scholarship recipients.

60 year Mason, Brother William Roland Michel.
05/04/2026

60 year Mason, Brother William Roland Michel.

Brother John Thorwold, 60 year Mason.  Congratulations brother!  SMIB
04/16/2026

Brother John Thorwold, 60 year Mason. Congratulations brother! SMIB

SPRING EQUINOX: Today is the Spring or Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of year when the day and ...
03/20/2026

SPRING EQUINOX: Today is the Spring or Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of year when the day and night are of equal length, and bringing the season out of Winter into Spring. Close to this proximity is what is known as the Masonic Spring Festival or “Lady Day” (March 25) – one of four early Masonic assemblies, the others being Michaelmas (September 29 near the Autumnal Equinox) and the Feast Days of the two Holy Saints John (June 24 near the Summer Solstice and December 27 near the Winter Solstice). Incidentally, there is another Masonic observance currently in existence that commemorates today’s Spring Equinox, which is the Scottish Rite (SJ) Feast Day of the Chapter of Rose Croix. At least one non-Masonic Rosicrucian group even declares this day as their Rosicrucian New Year. HAPPY SPRING EQUINOX.

2026 Festive Board was a success.
03/05/2026

2026 Festive Board was a success.

Stated meeting and DDGM visit
03/05/2026

Stated meeting and DDGM visit

Grand Lodge recognized these brothers Masonic labors. Proficiency and service.
02/12/2026

Grand Lodge recognized these brothers Masonic labors. Proficiency and service.

01/19/2026

The Founding of a "Moral Structure": Why Washington Wore an Apron to the Capitol
On September 18, 1793, George Washington did something that would look incredibly strange to us today, but meant everything to the men who built this nation.
He didn't just show up to a ribbon-cutting. He arrived in full Masonic regalia—wearing an ornate apron gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette—to personally lay the cornerstone of the United States Capitol.
This wasn't a secret meeting in a basement. It was a public declaration.
The Ritual of the Republic
Washington didn't use a standard speech; he used corn, wine, and oil. In the Masonic tradition, these weren't just groceries—they were ancient symbols of:
• Corn: The nourishment of a people.
• Wine: The refreshment of spirit and peace.
• Oil: The joy of prosperity and harmony.
More Than Just Brick and Mortar
The Capitol was designed with astronomical alignments and "sacred geometry" not for some dark conspiracy, but because the Founders believed in a rational universe. They wanted the seat of power to be a "Temple to Virtue."
Washington understood a truth we often forget: Structure without virtue rots.
He anchored the nation the same way a Mason shapes an "ashlar" (a stone): with precision, balance, and an eye toward the future. He was telling the world that this nation wasn’t just built on laws—it was built on the character of the people within it.
The message was simple: "This nation will be built the same way a good man is built."

01/18/2026
Festive BoardFlora Lodge Feb 276:30 pm
01/12/2026

Festive Board
Flora Lodge
Feb 27
6:30 pm

Address

915 N State Highway 37
Quitman, TX
75783

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