Most believe that the Masonic Fraternity arose from the stonemasons' guilds during the Middle Ages. In 1717 the first Grand Lodge of England was formed. Within thirty years, the fraternity had spread throughout Europe and the American Colonies. Freemasonry became very popular in colonial America. Famous Mason’s in America’s history include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere and John Hancock.
Over the centuries, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy.
Freemasonry is sometimes referred to as being a "Secret Society." In one sense the statement is true in that the meetings are held in private and open only to members. However Freemasonry is not secret in the sense that members are not forbidden from disclosing that they belong and the society is well know. Much of the Masonic ritual are in books called "Monitors" that are widely available, even in public libraries. Most Freemasons wear rings and lapel pins which clearly identify them as members of the fraternity. Masonic lodges are listed in public phone books, the buildings are clearly marked and many lodges now maintain their own websites.
The Duncanville lodge was proposed in November 1949. The lodge was named after the late John C. Pelt, an outstanding Mason of the Duncanville community and a leader in civic affairs. On January 2, 1950 the organizers of John C. Pelt Masonic Lodge No. 1321 met in a called communication for the purpose of constituting the Lodge and installing officers, in the Community House at Duncanville, Texas. The John C. Pelt lodge is still in use today.
Information taken from Masonic Service Association of North America and John C. Pelt Masonic Lodge 1321.
Log only. Byop.
15 Years of Geocaching nano coin for FTF.
Hidden with permission of John C. Pelt Lodge