The Masons, Tyler’s first fraternal order
The Masons were Tyler’s first fraternal organization, organized as St. John’s Lodge No. 53.
The city’s National Register documentation dates the lodge to 1849, and the Handbook of Texas to 1848.
An Odd Fellows lodge followed in 1851.
Note
Filed under 1849, the year in the city’s National Register documentation; the Handbook of Texas says 1848.
Sources
- National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form: Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas (Diane E. Williams, 2000; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.gov
The first fraternal organization in Tyler was the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which organized in 1849 with the formation of St. John's Lodge No. 53.
- Handbook of Texas: Tyler, TXtshaonline.org
A Masonic lodge was organized in 1848, an Odd Fellows lodge was founded in 1851
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed