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For 175 years, Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68 has been part of the Columbus community, supporting education, charitable efforts and community service while preserving a piece of the city’s early history.
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce recently presented the historic lodge with a special certificate of recognition from the office of Gov. Greg Abbott in honor of its 175th anniversary.
Chamber Executive Director Shelley Janik presented the certificate to Dale Alexander, past master of Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68.
“For 175 years, the Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68 A.F. & A.M. has supported civic involvement, charitable efforts, and community service, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many,” the certificate states.
The recognition also praised the organization’s longstanding commitment to fellowship, integrity and service.
“Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68 A.F. & A.M. preserves Texas’ rich cultural legacy, and I therefore join a grateful state in applauding your work,” the certificate concludes.
The lodge traces its beginnings to 1850, when permission to organize was reportedly granted by the Grand Lodge of Texas on Feb. 4. Its organizational meeting followed Feb. 18, 1850, and the lodge received its formal charter Jan. 24, 1851.
According to local historian Bill Stein’s Consider the Lily: The Ungilded History of Colorado County, the lodge’s early history is documented in a centennial booklet published in 1951.
Stein noted that the lodge’s records were closed to the public at the time of his research, making it difficult to independently confirm some of the earliest details.
The lodge’s name reportedly came from Caledonia, Missouri, the birthplace of Augustus Jones, who was instrumental in its establishment. Interestingly, Jones was not present at the organizational meeting and was not a member when the charter was formally approved, according to the lodge’s centennial history.
Among the original organizers were Edward J. Bonzano, James M. Daniels, Thomas W. Harris, Archibald McNeill, John F. Miller, George Obrecht, Robert Robson, Robert Hardin Tobin, Asa Townsend, and Joseph Worthington Elliott Wallace were reported to be present at the organizational meeting.
When the charter was approved, William Alley, Samuel Crabtree, Caleb Claiborne Herbert, John Mackey, Daniel Mil ler, William B. Perry, John H. Robson, E. F. Strippleman, Hugh Wilson, and Cleveland Windrow had joined them.
The organization purchased its first property in Columbus on Sept. 21, 1853, according to Colorado County deed records cited by Stein.
Beyond its fraternal activities, Caledonia Lodge played an important role in the development of education in Columbus.
The lodge established the Columbus Female Seminary on Feb. 3, 1851, described in historical accounts as the city’s first educational institution. The school occupied the lower floor of a building, while the lodge maintained its meeting hall upstairs.
In 1857, the lodge founded Colorado College, which historical accounts identify as the city’s first public school.
The lodge’s historic building is also a recognizable part of the Columbus landscape, with architectural features that have drawn comparisons to the Alamo in San Antonio.
While its roots extend to the earliest years of the community, the lodge continues to support local residents through charitable and educational initiatives.
Its activit ies include scholarships for Columbus High School seniors, dental hygiene kits for elementary school students, and events recognizing the contributions of lodge members.
The governor’s certificate acknowledged the continuing connection to the community.
“Rooted in the values of fellowship, integrity, and service, the Caledonia Masonic Lodge No. 68 A.F. & A.M. has been a cornerstone of Columbus as it supports community connection,” the certificate states.
As the organization marks 175 years, the recognition celebrates not only its place in Columbus history but also the generations of members who have carried its traditions forward.
