San Antonio Lodge No 1 members holding up the original copy of the Charter for the Lodge. Photograph: provided by San Antonio Lodge No. 1

Compiled By: Past Master Burrell Parmer, Sesquicentennial Anniversary Chairman

History of San Antonio Lodge No. 1

Freemasonry is the leading fraternal organization in the world. Its origins are lost in the unrecorded history of medieval times, but it was formally organized in London, England, in 1717.

As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of mankind. It exists to take good men and help them to become better men.

The fraternity embodies an attractive system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Founded upon Christian principles established in the Holy Bible, Freemasonry strives to teach a man the duty he owes to God, his neighbor and to himself, but interferes neither with religion or politics as it prescribes the practice of virtues in the conduct of its business. The foundation is character. Its purpose is service. Its measure is giving. It cultivates the exercise of charity in its best and broadest sense, to assist the Widows and Orphans of its deceased members, to stimulate friendship, harmony and brotherly love, and generally, to promote in its own way, the happiness of mankind.

Freemasonry among Blacks began on March 6, 1778, when Prince Hall, a community leader in Boston, Mass., and 14 other men of color became Freemasons. This led to the establishment of African Lodge No. 1 with Prince Hall serving as its first Master of the Lodge. After receiving a Charter to operate as African Lodge No. 459 from the Grand Lodge of England in 1784, Prince Hall Lodges were established in Providence, R.I., and Philadelphia, Pa., and eventually spread throughout the country.

In March 1873, the first Masonic Lodge of Black men, San Antonio Lodge No. 22, was established in San Antonio under the jurisdiction of the King Solomon Grand Lodge of Kansas (National Grand Lodge). Rev. William R. Carson, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church and District Deputy Grand Master for the Western District of Texas under the Kansas Jurisdiction relocated to San Antonio in November 1872 and was instrumental in establishing and strengthening San Antonio Lodge No. 22, and other early Lodges under the Kansas Jurisdiction in Texas, providing crucial on-the-ground leadership.

The following article was printed in the San Antonio Express Paper, dated July 12, 1873:

“The Masonic Festival of the F. & A. A. Y. Masons on Wednesday night, was a decided success. The Masons marched in procession from their hall to the scene of festivities at the [St. James] A. M. E. Church. Upon entering and while the Masons stood in position in the center of the floor the D.D.G.M. Rev. W. R. Carson spoke as follows: ‘Gentlemen of this time honored Fraternity, looking upon you as Masons, as Soldiers and Citizens, I heartily congratulate you upon the magnificent occasion. We are indebted to the powers of heaven for our successful inauguration here and amid opposition from those who, on account of your nationality would disarm you of these glorious privileges. As you are aware some have said that you could not be the good masons because of your color. Rest assured gentleman that such envious assertions emanates only from prejudice founded in ignorance, from men who are not only a mockery and a sham, but a disgrace to the organization they pretend to represent. That you may continue to discharge your respective duties as Masons and Citizens of this greatest known republic until we, with the European and American millions of our connection shall meet the grand Lodge above in presence of the Grand Master of the Universe is the prayer of your humble servant.’ After some performance, the Masons dispersed among the numerous crowd which had gathered to witness the first colored Masonic display in the State of Texas.”

On Aug. 19, 1875, representative of three of the six Prince Hall Lodges in Texas met in Brenham and formed The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the State of Texas on Aug. 20, 1875, in which San Antonio Lodge No. 22 was re-chartered as San Antonio Lodge No. 1 on May 10, 1876. The Lodge’s first principal officers were Brothers George Jackson (Master of the Lodge), Richard Wallace (Senior Warden), and Nelson Williams (Junior Warden). In 1950, a resolution was approved to rename the Grand Lodge to The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Texas and Jurisdiction.

The charter that founded San Antonio Lodge in 1876.

Since its establishment, San Antonio Lodge No. 1 has met in numerous locations throughout the city.In 1969, the Lodge purchased one acre of land located at 1307 Wheatley Avenue and erected a building which included a meeting hall, laundromat, grocery store, and a snack bar. Previously, the Lodge met at 605 W. Travis Street.

San Antonio Lodge No. 1 location established in 1969 at 1307 Wheatley Avenue, San Antonio. the building included the meeting hall and various businesses. Photograph: Provided by San Antonio Lodge. No. 1

Currently, San Antonio Lodge No. 1 is located at the Masonic Temple, 1163 Rice Road, San Antonio, Texas 78220. The Lodge, one of six Prince Hall Affiliated Lodges within the 19th Masonic District, holds its membership meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m.

Prince Hall Masonic Family of San Antonio Texas Masonic Temple at 1163 Rice Road, San Antonio. Photograph: Provided y by San Antonio Lodge No. 1

In 2001, H.M. Turner Lodge No. 303, merged with San Antonio Lodge No. 1. The Lodge, mostly comprised of active-duty service members, was named in honor of Rev. Henry McNeal Turner, an African-American minister, politician, and the 12th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Additionally, Rev. Turner became the first African-American chaplain in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War in 1863.

San Antonio Lodge No. 1 quickly gained a reputation as a very prestigious lodge with many of its members being doctors, lawyers, ministers, and other professionals.

Prominent Members

Undated photograph of Bishop Rev. Abraham L. Grant. Photograph: provided by San Antonio Lodge No. 1

Bro. Rev. Abraham L. Grant

One of the lodge’s most prominent members was Bro. Rev. Abraham L. Grant who served as the 4th Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons of Texas from 1881 – 1885. Bro. Grant, an African Methodist Episcopal minister, was the pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in 1878. In less than two years, the church became the largest, most spiritual, most active and most harmonious church in the state. Rev. Grant became a mighty force in San Antonio, relied upon by the mayor to provide advice relating to interests of the Black race. His popularity among blacks and whites rose steadily and continued the unbroken line of leaders that sprang out of the A.M.E. Church. Rev. Grant’s elevation to bishop came May 24, 1888 at the General Conference of the A.M.E. Church in Indianapolis. He died Jan. 22, 1911 in Kansas City, Kan., and was buried in the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in San Antonio on Jan. 29, 1911.

Dr. Charles Andrews Sr.

Dr. Charles Andrews Sr., a famed physician and 1931 Howard Medical School graduate, worked tirelessly to provide medical care to those who entrusted their medical needs to his expertise. In those days, the doctor became a part of the family. Bro. Andrews provided medical care for all who came to his office or whose home he visited without regard to their race or ability to pay. He maintained the Well Baby Clinic at the old YWCA (now the Delta House) until Santa Rosa Hospital began allowing Black children into their facility. He served as president of the Lone Star Medical Association, the state affiliate of the National Medical Association. He wrote a weekly article for the San Antonio Register entitled, “Your Baby and Mine.” Additionally, the San Antonio Housing Authority dedicated the Dr. Charles C. Andrews Apartments in his honor. Bro. Andrews died at the age of 100 on Sept. 19, 2004, and is buried at Sunset Memorial Park.

Bro. Rev. Claude W. Black Jr.

Mt. Zion First Baptist Church Pastor and Civil Rights Activist Bro. Rev. Claude W. Black, Jr., was a member of the Lodge. He served on the City Council in the 1970s and was the city’s first black mayor pro-tem. He was amongst religious leaders who fought against segregation and helped integrate San Antonio’s parks, swimming pools, movie theaters, and department store lunch counters. Bro. Black also became an associate of Martin Luther King, A. Phillip Randolph, Thurgood Marshall and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He was appointed a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging by President William Clinton. During the Johnson administration, he was a delegate to the White House Conference on Civil Rights. In 1993, the Eastside Multi-purpose Center located at 2805 East Commerce Street was renamed the Claude W. Black Community Center. Bro. Black died on March 13, 2009, and is buried at Meadowlawn Memorial Park.

Bro. Norris L. McVea Sr.

In the 1960s, Bro. Norris L. McVea, Sr., aspired to become a Freemason, following in the footsteps of his father. A prominent cement contractor over 50 years, he was employed by H. B. Zachry Construction before forming his own successful business. A beloved and devoted member of New Light Baptist Church, Bro. McVea served as a commissioner for housing and vice-president and president of the San Antonio Development Agency. Bro. McVea served as the longest tenured Master of the Lodge, totaling 13 years. A 33rd Degree Mason, he served as a Special District Deputy Grand Master for the 19th Masonic District and was an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. As a member of Moussa Temple No. 106 (Prince Hall Shriners), Bro. McVea served as the Illustrious Potentate and was an Honorary Past Imperial Potentate. Bro. McVea died on Oct. 26, 2018, and is buried at Sunset Memorial Park.

Bro. William Woods

In 1965, Bro. William Woods, a retired Air Force food superintendent, became a member of San Antonio Lodge No. 1 during the administration of Grand Master Dr. Isadore H. Clayborn. Bro. Woods would later reach the second highest office in The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas as the Deputy Grand Master. Additionally, a Past Potentate of Moussa Temple No. 106, Bro. Woods later became the Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Texas, a direct appointee of the Imperial Potentate, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North & South America, Inc. He was an Honorary Past Grand Master in The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and died on Dec. 24, 2025. He is interned at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

W.C. White

In 1976, the W.C. White Apartments were built. Its namesake, W.C. White was a prominent figure in the city's housing history and was director of the San Antonio Housing Authority. The apartments were named in his honor to commemorate his dedication to providing affordable housing in the community. A member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, he passed away in October 1976 and is interned at San Antonio Lodge No. 1 Cemetery.

Frank E. Lewis

Frank E. Lewis, a prosperous businessman, was the founder of Lewis Funeral Home. A recognized and dedicated professional in the funeral service industry, his commitment to providing compassionate support and dignified care for families during their times of need made him a respected figure within his Black community. He passed away on Jan. 9, 1960, and is interned at San Antonio Lodge No. 1 Cemetery.

Oliver W. Hill

Oliver W. Hill, past president of the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP, who led the effort to have the 109th Annual National Convention of the NAACP hosted in San Antonio in 2018, was a member of the Lodge. He is a retired General Manager assigned to Kelly Air Force Base serving more than 37 years. Additionally, he is a life-long member of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served in many capacities including chairman pro-team of the Trustee Board and Trustee for the Richard Allen Villa Housing Project.

Joseph E. Telfair, Sr.

Bro. Joseph E. Telfair, Sr. who served as the Grand Lecturer of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas, was a past master of San Antonio Lodge No. 1. Bro. Telfair served as the President of the State Commanders of Scottish Rite Masons of Texas and Imperial Deputy Director of Region and Imperial Group Supervision for Prince Hall Shriners. After his death, the State Commanders of the Rite was named in his honor. Bro. Telfair, who retired as a U.S. Air Force Command Master Sergeant, serving during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, died on Dec. 23, 1992, and is buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Joley G. Mason, Jr.

Honorary Past Master Joley G. Mason, Jr., served as the Secretary of San Antonio Lodge No. 1 for many years. Joining at an early adult age, he was one the first three Black bus operators for San Antonio Transit (now VIA Metropolitan Transit) in the 1960’s. His bus route consisted of the Iowa Street route that went down to old Icehouse on Hawkins Street. Bro. Mason also served as a lifeguard at the Center Swimming Pool located off Pine and Center Streets in mid-1960’s. He was instrumental in the opening of Lincoln Park Swimming Pool and served as the first pool manager. Additionally, Bro. Mason was employed with the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation and then with the United States Postal Service as a special delivery mail carrier from the late 1970’s to the 1980’s. Bro. Mason accepted Christ at an early age, and was a member of New Light Baptist Church until his religious quest led him to Second Baptist Church where he was a member until his death on Oct. 16, 2019. He is interned at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Rev. Robert L. Jemerson

Another prestigious member is Rev. Robert L. Jemerson, pastor of Second Baptist Church and owner of Sutton and Sutton Funeral Home, the oldest black-owned mortuary in San Antonio. The original business was founded by S.J. Sutton, Sr., a Prince Hall Mason, with his sons G.J. Sutton, another Prince Hall Mason, and his brother Samuel taking over the family's funeral home. Rev. Jemerson, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, is the Grand Prior for the United Supreme Council, 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction of the USA.

Memorialization and recognition

One of the most solemn ceremonies within Freemasonry, the Masonic funerial or Last Rites Ceremony have been performed by members for deceased Brothers. The ceremony is performed by a deceased Master Mason's lodge, so that he can be honored by those who have known him and his works. It is one of the few ceremonies performed in public by Freemasons. The Masonic funeral is carried out at the request of the deceased Master Mason’s family.

Additionally, San Antonio Lodge No. 1 had performed Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies at St. James AME and St. Paul United Methodist Churches. Other Masonic Lodges in the area have performed Ceremonies at St. Paul Baptist Church and numerous others.

A cornerstone will sometimes be referred to as a "foundation-stone", and is symbolic of Christ, whom the Apostle Paul referred to as the "head of the corner" and is the "Chief Cornerstone of the Church" (Ephesians 2:20).

The cornerstone also symbolizes sturdiness, morality, and truth. At his first initiation, the Mason is tasked with erecting a spiritual temple in his heart, drawing symbolic parallels to the strong, trusty cornerstone; without which, a building (symbolically, the Mason's mind and heart) cannot stand.

By upholding the values of Prince Hall Freemasonry, San Antonio Lodge No. 1 has become a beacon of leadership and empowerment in San Antonio. The Lodge provides a supportive environment for its members to develop leadership skills, engage in positive networking, and contribute meaningfully to society.

San Antonio Lodge No. 1 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Prince Hall Masonry in the Lone Star State. Through its commitment to service, education, and community engagement, the Lodge continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of its members and the broader San Antonio community.

The current Worshipful Master of San Antonio Lodge No. 1 is Bro. Shevin Ravenel, a retired U.S. Army veteran. Bro. Booker Arrandondo, an U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, serves as Senior Warden and Bro. Samuel Calvin, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran serves as Junior Warden.

One of the lodge’s most prominent members was Bro. Rev. Abraham L. Grant who served as the 4th Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons of Texas from 1881 – 1885. Bro. Grant, an African Methodist Episcopal minister, was the pastor of St. James AME Church in 1878. In less than two years, the church became the largest, most spiritual, most active and most harmonious church in the state. Rev. Grant became a mighty force in San Antonio, relied upon by the mayor to provide advice relating to interests of the Black race. His popularity among blacks and whites rose steadily and continued the unbroken line of leaders that sprang out of the A.M.E. Church. Rev. Grant’s elevation to bishop came May 24, 1888, at the General Conference of the A.M.E. Church in Indianapolis. He died Jan. 22, 1911, in Kansas City, Kan., and was buried in the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in San Antonio on Jan. 29, 1911.

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Brief History of San Antonio Lodge No. 1, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Texas (Prince Hall Affiliated)