1847
The Lodge is Organized
La Grange's Masonic lodge is organized, with John Murchison installed as the first Worshipful Master of Lafayette Lodge No. 34, A.F. & A.M.
The Living Archive
A History Kept.
History is not a page on this website — it is the foundation. What follows is a working archive of who we have been, drawn from the lodge's own journals.
1883–84
Charter Lost to Inactivity
After decades of work, the lodge falls quiet and its charter is surrendered to the Grand Lodge of Texas due to inactivity.
1889
Reformed Under the Original Number
The brethren reorganize and the lodge is reformed under its original number, with R. P. Kirk installed as Worshipful Master.
1891
Cornerstone of the Fayette County Courthouse
Lafayette Lodge lays the cornerstone for the Fayette County Courthouse. District judge and lodge member Lyttleton W. Moore delivers the oration.
1939
The Present Temple Dedicated
On June 22, 1939, the present lodge temple in La Grange is dedicated — the hall in which the brethren still meet today.
2012
Texas Historical Marker
The Texas Historical Commission places an official marker at the lodge temple, recognizing Lafayette Lodge No. 34 and its civic contributions across Fayette County.
Today
The Living Lodge
Notable members have included Judge Lyttleton W. Moore, G. A. Stierling, William Loessin, Charles Jungmichel, and many other local and state leaders. We continue to meet on the first Tuesday of each month — in the same hall dedicated in 1939.
A Working Archive
Journals, photographs, minutes — open to the brethren.
Our archive contains stated-meeting minutes from 1847 forward, photographs of every Worshipful Master since 1894, a collection of Republic-era Masonic correspondence, and the original 1912 cornerstone plans.
Researchers, descendants, and curious neighbors are warmly invited to request access through the lodge secretary.
Request Archive Access