Since 1872 — generations of brotherhood, tradition, and service in Ennis, Texas
Founded
Ennis Lodge #369 traces its roots to September 27, 1872, when thirteen Master Masons — all members of Waxahachie Lodge #90 — petitioned the Grand Lodge of Texas for a Dispensation to form a new lodge in the young town of Ennis, on the eastern edge of Ellis County about 35 miles south of Dallas.
The petition was recommended by R.W. John Mattock, District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifth Masonic District, and the Dispensation was signed by Grand Master M.W. Wm. Bramlette. Less than a year later, on June 9, 1873, Ennis Lodge #369 received its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F.&A.M. — the same year the City of Ennis itself was incorporated.
Ennis Lodge #369 was established by thirteen petitioning brethren, all members of Waxahachie Lodge #90, who sought to bring a Masonic home to the growing community of Ennis.
The new lodge held its first meetings above Blakey & McCarty's grocery store in downtown Ennis.
A photograph of the lodge's membership from around 1879 — among the earliest known images of Ennis Lodge #369 — is preserved by the Ellis County genealogical society.
From the Masonic Oak to 209 N. Dallas Street — tap a year to explore.
Stephen F. Austin and six other Masons petitioned the Grand York Lodge of Mexico for a charter to form a lodge at San Felipe. The petition was unsuccessful — but Texas Masonry had begun to stir.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online, "Freemasonry"
Dr. Anson Jones and a few fellow Master Masons met beneath a great oak near Brazoria and agreed to petition the Grand Lodge of Louisiana for a lodge in Texas. The tree is remembered today as the Masonic Oak.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online; Wikipedia, "Holland Lodge"
Holland Lodge No. 36, working under the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, began at Brazoria with Anson Jones as Worshipful Master. It would become Holland Lodge No. 1.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online; Wikipedia, "Holland Lodge"
The Grand Lodge of Louisiana chartered Holland Lodge. The charter was carried to Texas and presented to Anson Jones just before the Battle of San Jacinto.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online; Wikipedia, "Holland Lodge"
Holland, Milam and McFarland lodges met in convention in the Senate Chamber in Houston, with Sam Houston presiding, and created the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas. Anson Jones was elected its first Grand Master.
Source: Wikipedia, "Holland Lodge"; Handbook of Texas Online
Texas lodges were renumbered by the dates of their dispensations, and Holland Lodge became Holland Lodge No. 1 — the number it still holds in Houston today.
Source: Wikipedia, "Holland Lodge"
Sam Houston installed the first Grand Master and the other grand officers of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas.
Source: Wikipedia, "Grand Lodge of Texas"
By 1860, Texas had 226 active lodges and some 9,000 members.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online, "Freemasonry"
Thirteen Master Masons from Waxahachie Lodge #90 petitioned the Grand Lodge of Texas, and on September 27, 1872, a Dispensation was granted to form Ennis Lodge, signed by Grand Master M.W. Wm. Bramlette.
The new lodge held its first meetings above Blakey & McCarty's grocery store in downtown Ennis, with W.C. Wathen as its first Worshipful Master.
On June 9, 1873, Ennis Lodge #369 received its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F.&A.M. — the same year the City of Ennis was incorporated.
A photograph of the lodge's membership from around 1879 — among the earliest known images of Ennis Lodge #369 — is preserved by the Ellis County genealogical society.
A new lodge hall was completed at 209 N. Dallas Street in historic downtown Ennis, designed by architect and fellow Mason Hix McCanless. It is now individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The brethren held their first meeting in the new hall on November 15, 1907. Members have met there continually ever since.
The Grand Lodge built its Grand Lodge Temple in Waco, still the home of the Grand Lodge of Texas.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online, "Freemasonry"
Membership in Texas lodges reached 245,000 in the postwar years.
Source: Handbook of Texas Online, "Freemasonry"
Ennis Lodge #369 celebrated its sesquicentennial on June 24, 2023, with a special presentation from Grand Master M.W. G. Clay Smith of the Grand Lodge of Texas.
We honor the long line of brothers who have served as Worshipful Master of Ennis Lodge #369, leading our fraternity with wisdom, strength, and devotion to Masonic principles since 1872.
View the Full List of Past MastersDesigned by noted Ennis architect (and fellow Mason) Hix McCanless and completed in 1905, our lodge hall at 209 N. Dallas Street has been home to Ennis Lodge #369 since the brethren's first meeting there on November 15, 1907. The building is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of historic downtown Ennis.
For over a century, our lodge has been committed to charitable work, supporting local families, education, and community improvement projects.
Generations of Ennis men have found fellowship, friendship, and personal growth within the walls of our lodge, creating lasting bonds that span decades.
Our lodge has maintained a reputation for exemplary ritual work and dedication to the teachings of Freemasonry throughout our history.
Join us and become part of the continuing legacy of Ennis Lodge #369