Hillsborough Lodge History
Hillsborough Lodge has been a cornerstone of the Tampa community since its inception on January 24th, 1850. The charter for our Lodge was granted under dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Florida under the by-laws of Jackson Lodge No.1. The original members of the Lodge were:
- Brother Joseph Moore
- Brother John M. Palmer
- Brother Martin Cunningham
- Brother Shannahan
- Brother McGuire
- Brother Cook
- Brother Carter
- Brother Daniel Myers
- Brother John Myers
- Brother Robarts
- Brother Drew
- Brother Magbee
The first candidate to receive the Entered Apprentice Degree in Freemasonry was Brother Madison Post, who later became the Mayor of Tampa. Brother Joseph Moore was elected the first Worshipful Master of Hillsborough Lodge, and served the Craft for three consecutive years. He was born August 7, 1799, in Fayetteville, North Carolina and was a member of the US Army. His family emigrated to this country from Ireland.
Our first Lodge building was built on what is known as the corner of Whiting and Franklin Streets, Downtown Tampa, in 1851. The original cost was a mere $2,000! A stock company was formed with 200 shareholders valued at $10 per share. The funds generated from the sale of these stocks provided finances to build the Lodge. Many of the early members of Hillsborough Lodge went on to become prominent members of the community:
- Brother Henry C. Mitchell - Governor of Florida, Circuit Court Judge
- Brother Darwin Branch - Mayor of Tampa
- Brother E. A. Clarke - Mayor of Tampa
- Brother Duff Post - Two time Mayor of Tampa
- Brother Herman Glogowoski - Four time Mayor of Tampa
- Brother John T. Lesley - State Senator
- Brother Joseph Wall - State Senator, Judge
- Brother John A. Henderson - Chairman of County School Board
- Brother William L. Campbell - County Sheriff
- Brother Isaac Craft - County Sheriff
The cornerstone for our fourth, and current Temple, was laid on June 18, 1928, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Florida, Cary B. Fish. The Lodge was constructed at its current location in Downtown Tampa, on the corner of East Kennedy Boulevard and Morgan Street. The first Masonic Lodge meeting in our new Temple was called on February 19, 1929.
Source: A Cornerstone of the Community, by RW C. Donald Prosser
Our magnificent Temple room is unlike any other in Florida. Modeled after the Temple of King Solomon, our Lodge has seating capacity of approximately 450 Brothers and guests. In addition to our hand painted ceiling, which measures 40 feet high, we are one of the few Lodges still using authentic light tapers! Hillsborough Lodge today remains invaluable to Tampa and Freemasonry. Our Brothers continue to generously support the community and promote relief and charity to our fellow man. We have many intelligent, well recommended men who petition our Lodge for membership with each passing day. If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry and Hillsborough Lodge, you are invited to visit our Lodge any Tuesday between 6pm and 9pm. We also welcome all traveling Brothers to visit our Lodge and experience it for yourself.