Masonry 101 is run by members of Austin Lodge No. 12 A.F. & A.M., in Austin, Texas. The lodge is a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M. If you are interested to learn more about Freemasonry in general or Austin Lodge No. 12 A.F. & A.M. in particular we welcome you to join us at our weekly in-person meetings. We meet every Monday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by a free dinner to meet the members of the lodge.
Austin Lodge No. 12 A.F. & A.M received dispensation to go to work on November 7, 1839; the same year that the city of Austin was founded. The lodge is one of the three oldest lodges in the State of Texas, and has a continuous lineage all the way back to the days when Texas was a Republic.
Masonry 101, also known as Introduction to Masonry, is the brainchild of Brother John Brengle. He has been leading this class since its founding in 2004. His masonic pedigree is as voluminous as it is prestigious. Some might even call it capacious and august.
The purpose of Masonry 101 and this website is to serve as an inspiration for those who are seeking Light in Freemasonry, but don’t know how to find it. The opinions stated are those of the individuals and do not represent any official statements of the Grand Lodge of Texas A.F.&A.M. or Austin Lodge No. 12 A.F.&A.M.
Listen to an interview with Brother John Brengle on the Ft Worth 148 podcast about Masonry 101.
Once you have attended enough meetings to get a good understanding about freemasonry, any lodge in general and if we are a good fit for you, then you can request a petition. The members will be happy to help you complete it and gather the necessary signatures. Texas masonic lodges are looking forward to getting to know you in person.
Remember: To become a mason you just have to ask!
Local Lodges – Austin Area
Masonry 101 encourages any interested potential member to visit as many lodges as is reasonable. Even though all lodges belonging to the Grand Lodge of Texas AF&AM are based on the same basic principles, each individual lodge has its own character. Some focus more on a relaxed atmosphere and fraternal fellowship, some are all about charity and community involvement, while others focus on philosophy, education and spiritual development. All lodges will include all of these aspects to some degree, but each lodge has a different focus.
It is recommended to meet different lodges to see which one might be the best fit for an individual candidate. Additionally, since being a freemason involves frequent visits to the lodge, it is highly advised to consider lodges that are conveniently located within a reasonable driving distance from either home, work or in between. If it is a hassle to fight traffic to attend, then it is highly likely that it will prevent the member to become more active.
Central – Austin Lodge No. 12
East – Colorado Lodge No. 96
North –Texana Lodge No. 123
South – Onion Creek Lodge No. 220
Central –Parsons Lodge No. 222
Central – Hill City Lodge No. 456
Central –University Lodge No. 1190
Central –T. Neal Porter Lodge No. 1354
Georgetown – San Gabriel Lodge No. 89
Round Rock – Robert Burns Lodge No. 127
Round Rock – Round Rock Lodge No. 227
Kyle – Live Oak Lodge No. 304
Leander – Norton Moses Lodge No. 336
San Marcos – San Marcos Lodge No. 342
Dripping Springs – Rambo Lodge No. 426
Liberty Hill – Liberty Hill Lodge No. 432
Buda – Buda Lodge No. 800
Scottish Rite – Austin Valley
York Rite – Austin
Shriners – Ben Hur