Stephen Townsend's Influence on Fayette County Freemasonry
Stephen Townsend, who was introduced in last week’s article, was also deeply involved in Freemasonry, which was rapidly spreading across Texas during the Republic era. In 1847, he became a charter member of Lafayette Masonic Lodge No. 34 in La Grange. It was there that he formed a close association with John Murchison, a fellow Mason whom Stephen greatly respected and would later honor by helping establish a lodge bearing his name.
In 1848, Stephen and several others chartered Florida Masonic Lodge No. 46 in Round Top. Stephen served as the Charter Worshipful Master, demonstrating the respect he commanded among his peers. It is believed he played a key role in guiding his brotherin- law Joel Robison through the Masonic degrees. Joel was likely the first Entered Apprentice initiated at Lafayette Lodge No. 34 and later completed his degrees at Florida Lodge No. 46.
