Freemasonry has its historic origins among the early lodges of stonemasons and architects that, utilizing the style of Gothic architecture, built the cathedrals of Middle Ages.

In their ceremonies of passing from one degree to another they inculcated a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by the symbols and tools of their craft.

No longer operative as of old, Masonic lodges continued without interruption to observe the customs and traditions of the fraternity for the "benefit of mankind.

[6] By 1828 the ruling faction in Mexico City feared that the liberal elements in Texas might attempt to gain independence, and being aware of the political philosophies of English-speaking, Preston - Webb Freemasons, the Mexican government outlawed Freemasonry on 25 October of that year.

Foremost among these five Masons was Anson Jones who would later serve as Grand Master, and as President of the Republic of Texas.

Prior to this, Stephen F. Austin, the spokesman for Texas insurrectionists, had already met with 35 prominent local masons in a cottage at 829-833 Ursulines St. in New Orleans to plan the liberation from Mexico.

[20][21] Later on, delegates had gathered at the small town of Washington-on-the-Brazos and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on 2 March 1836.

During the siege Almaron gave his masonic apron to his wife and instructed her that when the Alamo is taken, to wrap it around herself and their child.

She did and Mexican Col Juan Almonte, a known mason, recognized the apron of his fraternity and protected the widow and orphan from the brutality of after the siege.

She refused and Santa Anna gifted the masonic widow and orphan each a blanket and two dollars in silver before sending them off with a letter of warning to General Houston.

[25] There has existed for many years the story or myth that General Santa Anna, captured on 21 April 1836 after the defeat of the Mexican Army after the Battle of San Jacinto, was able to save himself from execution by giving secret "Masonic signs" when he was captured, and again when he was brought before General Sam Houston.

Wharton, in his book, El Presidente, stated that "Santa Anna, fearing for his life, gave the Masonic distress signal to John A.

"[28] Santa Anna probably knew the appropriate grips and signs, since he was a member of the Scottish Rite in Mexico (Escoceses),[29][30][31] which had become dominated by men devoted to Mexican government centralization.

After approving a resolution that the first meeting of the Grand Lodge should be held "on the third Monday of April next," the convention was then adjourned.