Our History

Origins and Formation (1926–1927)

On June 17, 1926, twenty Master Masons assembled in the Coral Gables Construction Company building to consider the establishment of a Masonic Lodge within the growing community of Coral Gables. Five days later, on June 22, a formal planning meeting was convened at the Coral Gables Country Club under the leadership of Harry S. Lord.

After several months of organization and deliberation, twenty local Master Masons signed a petition on December 9, 1926, requesting a dispensation from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida for authority to form a Lodge. The request was approved by Grand Master Cary B. Fish on January 7, 1927.

On January 15, 1927, District Deputy Grand Master Cecil Watson convened the Lodge under dispensation at the University Baptist Church, thereby officially opening Coral Gables Lodge, U.D. Harry S. Lord was elected as its first Worshipful Master.

The Lodge’s first regular communication took place on January 27, 1927, at 217 Avenue Palermo. Eight petitions for the Entered Apprentice Degree were received, signaling strong early interest. Degree work followed in rapid succession:

– February 21, 1927 — six candidates initiated as Entered Apprentices

– March 21, 1927 — five candidates passed to the degree of Fellow Craft

– May 5, 1927 — four candidates raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason

These early labors established both the operational foundation and the fraternal vitality of the Lodge.

Charter and Early Growth (1928)

On March 19, 1928, the brethren elected officers and petitioned the Grand Lodge for a permanent Charter. The meeting was attended by Deputy Grand Master Fred W. Delaney and Past District Deputy Grand Master Cecil Watson.

On May 8, 1928, with Grand Master Leroy Brandon presiding, Coral Gables Lodge No. 260 was formally instituted and chartered. In recognition of their decisive assistance, Brandon and Delaney were later elected honorary life members.

At that time, annual dues were six dollars and degree fees fifty dollars—figures that reflect both the modest scale and the earnest commitment of the era.

Trial by Adversity: Disaster and Depression (1928–1935)

The Lodge’s formative years were marked by extraordinary hardship.

Economic decline in South Florida began even before the national collapse, compounded by the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation that devastated the citrus industry. Then, on September 17, 1928, the catastrophic 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane struck South Florida, causing approximately 2,500 fatalities and extensive destruction. The Lodge building on Avenue Palermo suffered significant damage, prompting relocation to 2309 Ponce de Leon.

By 1930, the failure of the Bank of Coral Gables resulted in the loss of most Lodge funds. Without modern deposit insurance, the financial setback was severe. Membership declined from 150 to approximately 75 as many brethren relocated in search of employment. The Lodge fell into debt and struggled to meet its obligations, moving once again in 1935 to 2334 Ponce de Leon.

These years tested the Lodge’s endurance but did not extinguish its purpose.

Stabilization and Permanent Home (1935–1955)

With gradual economic recovery in the mid-1930s, membership began to increase. On July 19, 1935, the Coral Gables Fraternal Association was organized with the explicit purpose of constructing a permanent Masonic home. A parcel was acquired at 41 Valencia Avenue.

In 1938, the Lodge negotiated a structured repayment plan with the Grand Lodge, agreeing to retire ten percent of its debt annually. This financial discipline restored stability and allowed forward planning.

Post–World War II prosperity ushered in what may be regarded as the Lodge’s modern golden age. Membership expanded dramatically, reaching 455 brethren. Sufficient funds were finally accumulated to construct a permanent Temple.

Construction began in the spring of 1954 by the Sparks Construction Company. The cornerstone was ceremonially laid on December 4, 1954, with Grand Master James L. Mixon acting in that capacity.

On January 17, 1955, Coral Gables Lodge No. 260 entered its permanent home at 41 Valencia Avenue—a residence it continues to occupy today.

Continuity and Purpose

For decades, the Lodge building has served not merely as a structure, but as a center of fellowship, education, and service. Generations of Masons have assembled within its walls, sustaining the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth while welcoming visitors and members from diverse backgrounds and professions.

From modest beginnings through economic collapse, natural disaster, and eventual renewal, the history of Coral Gables Lodge No. 260 illustrates a durable pattern: adversity followed by disciplined reconstruction. Institutions endure not because conditions are favorable, but because people persist.

The Lodge remains, as it was at its founding, a deliberate association of men committed to moral improvement, civic responsibility, and fraternal unity.