CHARTERED 1963 · CARROLLTON, TEXAS
Carrollton LodgeAncient Free & Accepted Masons
For more than sixty years we've built good men into better men through instruction, fellowship, and service to our neighbors — the same square and compasses our founders raised over a furniture-store floor in 1963.
Who We Are
One of the oldest fraternities in the world, still at work in our own backyard.
Freemasonry traces back to 1717 in England, arrived in Texas under an oak tree near Brazoria in 1835, and reached Carrollton in 1963 when a small group of neighbors decided a growing city deserved its own Lodge. Every meeting since has centered on the same three commitments.
INSTRUCTION
Degree work and study that ask every brother to keep growing in character, not just in years of membership.
FELLOWSHIP
A table, a lodge room, and a standing invitation — brothers and their families gathering as they have since 1963.
SERVICE
Reading to schoolchildren, feeding families, and standing behind the people of Carrollton without being asked.
Our History
From a furniture loft to a Lodge of our own.
Mayor R.J. "Heavy" McInnish was embarrassed his growing city had no Masonic Lodge of its own — so three friends did something about it. What followed was a year of petitions, volunteer carpentry, and long nights above a downtown storefront.
The spark
Opie M. Carlton, Jr. moves to Carrollton and starts meeting other Masons who have no local Lodge to call home. Ward Steenson and Jesse Woody join him in forming an organizing committee.
First organizing meeting
More than sixty Master Masons gather at Carrollton City Hall. Grand Lodge representatives explain the requirements, and the brothers vote to move forward — sixty-three of them donate on the spot.
Raising the Lodge Room by hand
Volunteers strip out an old hotel floor above Dickerson's Furniture Store on South Broadway, paneling walls, lowering ceilings, and building an air-conditioned Lodge Room almost entirely with donated labor and materials.
Set to work under dispensation
Past Grand Master Robert L. Dillard opens Carrollton's new Lodge. Ninety members and guests sign the register on a night Brother Steenson called "the end of a long day and a dream fulfilled for many of us."
Charter granted
The Grand Lodge of Texas charters Carrollton Lodge No. 1400, A.F. & A.M. — one of seven Lodges chartered that day, numbered 1400 through 1406.
A Lodge of our own
After twenty years above the square, the Lodge dedicates its own building at 1617 Kirby Road — where we still meet today.
Community Service
Masonry judged by what it builds outside the Lodge Room.
Good men, made better, show it in the community. Here's where Carrollton Lodge shows up year after year.
Take Time to Read
Members read weekly to third graders at Central Elementary School.
Fantastic Teeth
Oral hygiene kits for first graders, delivered with James A. Smith Lodge of Farmers Branch.
Blue Santa
New toys donated to the Carrollton Police Department for children each Christmas.
Relay for Life
A team of Masons and spouses walks each year for the cure for cancer.
Community Builder Award
An annual Grand Lodge award presented to an outstanding local citizen who isn't a Mason.
Lamar Awards
Honoring outstanding public school teachers and scholarships for graduating seniors. See scholarships →
Feed My Starving Children
Volunteers pack mobile meals bound for children in Haiti, Africa, and Mexico.
Metrocrest Services
Annual food drive support for families in need across our community.
Scottish Rite Hospital
Fundraising for children with orthopedic conditions and learning differences.
Masonic Widows
Christmas baskets of food and essentials delivered to the widows of our brothers.
Masonic Family Services
Contributions supporting children's health screenings, autism evaluations, and dental care statewide.
When we get through with this place, we'll have Lodges all over Dallas County wantin' to meet here with us.OPIE M. CARLTON, JR. — FOUNDING MEMBER, ON THE FIRST LODGE ROOM, 1963
Recognition
Recognized by the Grand Lodge. Led by our own neighbors.
VANGUARD LODGE AWARD
Awarded to Lodges that set the pace for Texas Masonry in both community involvement and Lodge improvement. Carrollton has earned it thirty-three times since 1990.
MEMBERS WHO'VE LED CARROLLTON
Lodge members have served the city directly, including as mayor, on the City Council, and in public safety and civic leadership.
- Mayors Jack Blanton, W.H. Blanton, R.J. McInnish, Tommy Standridge, Ward Steenson & Milburn Gravley
- City Council members Eugene Biggerstaff, Abe Godfrey, Bill Hall, Jesse Woody & Boyd Newman
- Police Chief Bill Cooper
- Fire Chiefs F.J. Douglas & E.L. Russell
- Postmasters G.F. Isom & Weldon Taylor
- City Manager Clonis Luallen
Visit Us
Curious about Masonry? Come find out for yourself.
Reach out to our Lodge Secretary and we'll be glad to tell you about Stated Meetings, degree work, and what membership actually looks like.
Ready to talk?
Our Lodge Secretary is happy to answer questions about visiting, membership, or Lodge history — no obligation, just a conversation.
Email the Secretary Go to Contact Page