Blessing Masonic Lodge No. 411
Also known as: Tres Palacios Masonic Lodge
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Why it's listed
Built around 1875 in the Deming's Bridge community, this two-story wood-frame lodge hall was moved to the town of Blessing in Matagorda County, Texas, in 1907. It measures about 30 by 50 feet, with white-painted weatherboard siding, clipped gable ends and a large black Masonic Square, Compasses and Letter G painted in each gable. The upper floor holds the private lodge room, and the lower floor is used as a cafeteria and gathering space. Inside are 19th-century chairs, ceremonial tools, a historic ballot box and a pair of bronze pillars, Boaz and Jachin, given by Indianola Lodge No. 84 after a hurricane destroyed its building. The lodge was chartered in 1874 and has met continuously in the building ever since. It is recognized locally for its role in the community's social history between 1907 and 1960, and for its well-preserved vernacular form and interior.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the lodge is significant locally under Criterion A in Social History for its role in the history of the local Masonic chapter, founded in 1874. It has been in continuous use as a Masonic meeting hall. The period of significance begins with its 1907 move to Blessing and ends in 1960. It also retains a high degree of architectural integrity as a late 19th-century vernacular civic building.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 10001222, listed February 4, 2011. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 619 Ave. B/FM 616, Blessing |
|---|---|
| County | Matagorda County |
| Listed | February 4, 2011 |
| Reference number | 10001222 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1907-1960 |
| Architect / builder | unknown |
| Architectural style | Texas vernacular or folk |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still in use as a Masonic lodge; the upper floor serves private lodge meetings and the lower floor serves as a cafeteria and community room. Some first-floor windows have been altered or enclosed. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 28.87346, -96.21921 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 10001222.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q60749025
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.