Historic Masonic Sites in Florida: A Legacy of Brotherhood and Tradition
Florida’s Masonic heritage is deeply woven into the state’s history, with lodges and Masonic landmarks standing as testaments to the fraternity’s enduring presence. From the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Florida to architecturally stunning temples, these sites offer a glimpse into Freemasonry’s role in shaping Florida’s civic and cultural development. Whether you are a Mason…a historian…or simply curious about the past, exploring these significant Masonic sites provides insight into the fraternity’s lasting influence…
The Grand Lodge of Florida: The Heart of Florida Freemasonry
Jacksonville, Florida
Located in Jacksonville, the Grand Lodge of Florida serves as the governing body for all recognized Masonic lodges across the state. Established in 1830, it has played a central role in overseeing and unifying the state’s Masonic activities. Due to incomplete historical records, the exact origins of Florida Masonry remain unclear. However, in 1898, Dr. F.F. Bond presented the Grand Lodge with a rare copy of Preston’s Illustration, which revealed that St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1 existed in West Florida as early as 1776. Additional records uncovered by Deputy Grand Master Silas B. Wright indicate that the first documented lodge in Florida, Grant’s East Florida Lodge No. 143, was chartered in 1768 in St. Augustine under the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Florida Masonry faced significant challenges under Spanish rule when the Dominican Priesthood and Spanish authorities actively suppressed the fraternity. Many records were lost or destroyed during this period. St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1, chartered in Pensacola in 1771, managed to survive briefly before Spanish rule forced its members to flee to Charleston, South Carolina, where they continued their work under the Grand Lodge of Philadelphia as Lodge No. 40.
Masonic activity was reestablished in 1825 when Jackson Lodge No. 23 was chartered in Tallahassee under the Grand Lodge of Alabama. This was followed by Washington Lodge No. 1 in Quincy (chartered by Georgia in 1826) and Harmony Lodge No. 2 in Marianna (chartered by Georgia in 1829). These three lodges laid the foundation for the creation of the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Florida in 1830. The first Grand Master, W:. John Pope Duval, led the Grand Lodge through its early years, which initially lacked a permanent home and met at various locations. In 1870, the Grand Lodge officially moved to Jacksonville, where it remains today.
Throughout its history, the Grand Lodge of Florida has chartered over 500 lodges. Today, approximately 296 lodges remain active, serving nearly 49,000 Masons across the state, preserving the legacy of Freemasonry despite modern challenges.
Eureka-North Shore Masonic Center: A Legacy of Brotherhood in South Florida
Dania Beach, Florida
The Eureka-North Shore Masonic Center in Dania Beach stands as a historical cornerstone of Freemasonry in South Florida. Originally constructed in 1952 and once known as Eureka Temple, this Masonic center has been a gathering place for Masons for decades. Over the years, it has served as a hub for Masonic education, brotherhood, and charitable endeavors, reflecting the lodge’s deep commitment to the surrounding community.
Inside, visitors can find a collection of historical photographs documenting the original construction of the building and early Masonic gatherings. These black-and-white images provide a visual timeline of the lodge’s evolution, reinforcing the fraternity’s deep-rooted history in the region. Among these archival materials are glimpses of past Worshipful Masters, cornerstone ceremonies, and early meetings that shaped the lodge’s legacy.
Eureka-North Shore Lodge remains committed to preserving the local Masonic heritage. The lodge actively collaborates with the Dania Beach Historical Society and participates in city-led preservation efforts to ensure that Freemasonry’s impact on the community is recognized for generations to come. This dedication extends beyond the physical structure, as the lodge continues to uncover and document pieces of its past, making them accessible to members and the public.
Recently, a historical committee of Eureka Brothers has been working diligently to rediscover old photographs, records, and artifacts that had been tucked away for decades. These unearthed treasures are shedding new light on the rich history of our lodge and its role in shaping South Florida’s Masonic landscape.
As more discoveries are made, we will update this blog post with additional details and more incredible vintage photos—stay tuned!
The Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Miami: A Symbol of Tradition and Knowledge
Miami, Florida
The Miami Scottish Rite Masonic Center, built in 1924, is one of Florida’s most historically and architecturally significant Masonic buildings. Designed in the neoclassical style, its grand façade features towering columns and intricate Masonic symbols, reflecting the Scottish Rite’s commitment to education, tradition, and fraternity. For nearly a century, this temple has served as a key center for Masonic activity in South Florida.
Inside, the building houses an ornate auditorium, meeting rooms, and historical displays showcasing the legacy of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The Miami Valley of the Scottish Rite, headquartered here, oversees advanced degrees beyond the foundational three Blue Lodge degrees, offering deeper insights into Masonic philosophy and symbolism.
Beyond its Masonic functions, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center has played a role in Miami’s cultural and civic history. It has hosted public lectures, performances, and community events, further solidifying its presence as a historic institution in the city. The temple’s architecture and historical significance have made it a well-recognized landmark, attracting Masons and history enthusiasts alike.
Preservation efforts continue to maintain the building’s historical integrity, ensuring its legacy endures. As one of the most important Masonic institutions in Florida, the Miami Scottish Rite Masonic Center remains a vital part of the fraternity’s heritage, embodying the values of education, charity, and brotherhood for future generations.
Jackson Lodge No. 1: Florida’s Oldest Masonic Lodge
Tallahassee, Florida
Pictured: Jackson Lodge No. 1 - Link/History
Jackson Lodge No. 1, located in Tallahassee, holds the distinction of being Florida’s oldest Masonic lodge. Established in 1825, it was originally chartered as Jackson Lodge No. 23 under the Grand Lodge of Alabama. Following the formation of the Grand Lodge of Florida in 1830, the lodge was renumbered as Jackson Lodge No. 1, reflecting its status as the first lodge officially recognized under Florida’s independent Masonic jurisdiction. From its earliest days, Jackson Lodge played a key role in the state’s history, notably laying the cornerstone of Florida’s first permanent State Capitol in 1826—a testament to Freemasonry’s influence in shaping the governance and infrastructure of the young territory.
Beyond its Masonic heritage, Jackson Lodge has been a significant civic institution in Tallahassee. Over the years, it served as a meeting place for various organizations, including Odd Fellows Leon Lodge No. 5, a connection still honored today with a marble marker near the entrance. The lodge’s historical contributions and enduring presence led to its recognition on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its legacy is preserved for future generations.
Freemasonry’s roots in Florida predate statehood, tracing back to the colonial era. The first known lodge in Florida, Grant’s East Florida Lodge No. 142, was chartered in 1768 by the Grand Lodge of Scotland during British rule. St. Andrew’s Lodge in Pensacola followed in 1771 under the jurisdiction of the Premier Grand Lodge of England. However, these early lodges did not survive the Spanish reoccupation of Florida in 1783. It was Jackson Lodge No. 1 that provided the lasting foundation for Freemasonry in Florida, bridging the territory’s colonial past with its future as a thriving Masonic jurisdiction. Today, Jackson Lodge No. 1 continues to stand as a symbol of Florida’s rich Masonic tradition and historical significance.
Hillsborough Lodge No. 25: A Pillar of Freemasonry in Tampa
Tampa, Florida
Pictured: Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 - Link/History
Hillsborough Lodge No. 25, chartered in 1850, is one of Florida’s most historically significant Masonic lodges. Established when Tampa was still a small frontier settlement, the lodge played a key role in the city’s early development. Over the years, it has remained a cornerstone of the community, upholding the principles of charity, integrity, and brotherhood while preserving its rich Masonic heritage.
Pictured: Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 - Link/History
In its early years, Hillsborough Lodge met in various locations, including courthouses and churches, before constructing its first dedicated building in 1851 at the corner of Whiting and Franklin Streets. The structure, built at a cost of $2,000, was a major investment at the time and signified the growing influence of Freemasonry in Tampa. As the city expanded, so did the lodge’s presence, leading to the construction of its current Masonic temple, a landmark of Italian Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by Brother Leo Elliott, the building’s cornerstone was laid in 1928, and today it is recognized on the City of Tampa Historic Landmark Register for its architectural and historical significance.
One of the lodge’s most striking features is its hand-painted 40-foot ceiling, located in the main lodge room, which can accommodate up to 450 attendees.
For over 170 years, Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 has remained dedicated to serving its members and the broader community.
Preserving Florida’s Masonic Legacy
The historic Masonic sites of Florida reflect the fraternity’s profound influence on the state’s development, from its earliest settlements to the present day. These lodges and Masonic centers serve as more than just meeting places; they are living institutions that embody the values of Freemasonry—brotherhood, knowledge, and service to humanity.
For those seeking to understand Freemasonry’s lasting impact, visiting these historic sites offers a tangible connection to the fraternity’s storied past and an appreciation for the enduring principles that continue to shape its future.