Florida Historical Marker Details


OLDEST MASONIC LODGE BUILDING IN CONTINUOUS USE IN FLORIDA

City: Apopka   County: Orange   Year: 1976
Location: E. Main St. and Alabama Ave.

Masonic Lodge #36 of the Grand Jurisdiction of Florida was established in 1856 and is still serving under a warrant issued that year. This building was erected here in 1859; the upper story has been continually used for lodge meetings. The original lower floor was used as post office, school, church and general store. Masons from miles around visited the community, which was known as The Lodge until the Town of Apopka City was chartered in 1882. In 1952, due to the effects of deterioration and highway widening, the lower story was removed and replaced. Orange Lodge #36 is a "Moon Lodge" and meets on or before the full moon and two weeks thereafter.