The fraternal organization was the 51st chartered Masonic lodge in Texas, and the first in McKinney. Members of the organization, as well as members of Masonic organizations across Texas, gathered Jan. 24 to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
“We knew it was going to be such an important milestone in the history of the lodge, we wanted to make sure that we honored it in such a way that Masons past and future would be proud of us,” member Eric Damewood said of the event.
The background
The McKinney lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Texas on Jan. 24, 1850, organization documents state, making it the oldest Masonic lodge in Collin County.
The organization occupied a space above a school house in East McKinney for a number of years prior to moving into a building on the downtown square in 1899. The organization continued to meet in the building for 120 years, prior to relocating in 2020.
Roger Jacobsen, who serves as the organization’s secretary, attributed the move to the building’s age and maintenance needs, as well as market demand for the spot just off of the McKinney square. The former Masonic lodge is now occupied by Harvest at the Masonic, a Michelin recommended restaurant, and the lodge is now located off of Ridge Road, just south of University Drive.
The organization, which began with eight members, has had thousands of members in its 175 years of existence, Damewood said. Many early McKinney leaders and business owners were members of the lodge, Jacobsen said. Some members include:
- James W. Throckmorton, the 12th governor of Texas
- G. A. Foote, a local doctor and banker
- W. R. Abernathy, a local lawyer
- Hamp S. Wysong, a banker and financier
“We'll be here, hopefully, another 175 years at least,” Jacobsen said.
The context
Freemasonry is one the oldest fraternal organizations in the world, Jacobsen said, noting that it was created in England in the 18th century.
The organization, which is non-religious and non-political, promotes the self-improvement and personal development of its members. Members of the lodge progress through three Masonic Degrees, which teach common morals, values and self-knowledge, the organization’s website states.
To be a Freemason, you must be a man and meet the age requirement of the lodge. In Texas, the age requirement is 18 years old, Jacobsen said. Members must also believe in a supreme being, but do not have to align with any specific religion, he said.
The lodge is not a charity, but often conducts charitable works, Jacobsen said. A former initiative of the McKinney organization included organizing an effort to send 35,000 meals to Ukraine.
The organization also gives away an average of $15,000 in scholarships to community members annually. Other initiatives include Fantastic Teeth, which provides dental supplies to students at select McKinney elementary schools. Leaders of St. John’s Lodge No. 51 also recognize members of the community through annual awards highlighting first responders and community builders.
“Our major objective is to come together, do good works and part as friends,” Jacobsen said.
The organization is not a secret society, Jacobsen said, noting that they are open to admitting new members.
“We're not a secret society, we're a society that has secrets,” Jacobsen said. “The only secrets that we have are certain passwords, grips, signs, things that we use to identify ourselves to other Masons.”
Freemasonry utilizes various symbols of mason work to represent teachings and values of the organization.
Also of note
A similar organization exists that allows women, Jacobsen said, called The Order of the Eastern Star. A local chapter meets at St. John’s Lodge No. 51 monthly, he said. Similar organizations also exist for young men and women called DeMolay and The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, respectively. These organizations have chapters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The impact
Victor Rule, who currently serves as the lodge’s worshipful master, a leadership position within the organization, was encouraged to join the organization by his father, who was also a Freemason. Rule said that his participation in the organization has led to personal growth.
“Through this, that's what's changing my life; patience, more integrity [and] honor, to not only myself but my friends and my family.”
Damewood, who joined the lodge in 2014, said the organization is helpful for members that transfer their membership from other locations.
“I didn't know anybody in McKinney, but I transferred my membership to St John's, and I instantly had a group of friends, ... a family.”
Quote of note
“You do a lot of self reflecting in Masonry,” Damewood said. “You can be a good man. We're gonna make you a better man.”
Get involved
The organization hosts a dinner that is open to the community prior to its monthly meeting, held at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month.
Men over 18 interested in joining the lodge can learn more about the organization during those dinners, or via the organization’s website.
- 1811 Ridge Road, McKinney
- www.saintjohns51.com/saintjohns
