Rich in Tampa History.
Hillsborough Lodge is located in the heart of historic Downtown Tampa, Florida. Our Temple was designed by Brother Leo Elliott after being inspired by three medieval Italian cathedrals. It was erected in 1927, and is listed on the City of Tampa Historic Landmark Register. The Lodge room is adorned with a 40ft high, hand painted ceiling, and can accommodate up to 450 Brothers and visitors. Hillsborough Lodge No. 25 is home to hundreds of active Masons, as well as the Paul Revere Chapter of DeMolay and the Order of the Eastern Star Ch. #11.
Lodge History
The Masonic Home of Florida has served Master Masons and their wives/widows since 1902. The Masonic Home is situated on 18 acres of lush landscaping on the shores of Coffee Pot Bayou, in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Florida's mission is to provide outstanding medical care and service for the Residents of the Home. Our Senior Brother Masons and their wives/widows thrive in an atmosphere of “homey” charm, while being provided with the most comprehensive health care regimens available in the State of Florida.
Masonic Home
Traditionally, upon completion of Masonic labors, a repast was attended and enjoyed by all the Members, as the Lodge was said to be at refreshment. In the early nineteenth century, a much more formal approach to refreshment was adopted by French Freemasons. It was termed a Loge de Table, or Table Lodge. A similar practice was adopted by our Lodge 17 years ago, and since then has continued. The annual Hillsborough No. 25 Table Lodge has become an event that Brothers from around the State look forward to each year.
Table LodgeHillsborough 25 Trestle Board
The Trestle Board is one of the most up to date ways to learn about events at Hillsborough Lodge, and keep with up the business of the Lodge. Our new Trestle Board has two months of events printed in every edition, so you'll have plenty of time to plan your visit. If you're a Lodge member, and would like to receive the Trestle Board electronically, follow the link below to sign up online at the bottom of the page.
Trestle BoardHillsborough Lodge No. 25 F. & A.M. is Tampa's oldest Masonic Lodge, and home to the largest membership roll in the State of Florida. Our original dispensation was granted in 1850, with Charter being granted in 1851. Our original membership records noted us having 61 Brothers by the end of 1851.
Many of the Brothers and Past Masters of Hillsborough Lodge were very active in the Tampa community and leaders of this great city. Worshipful Abe Maas was a very successful entrepreneur as one of the principal owners of Maas Brothers in Downtown Tampa. Worshipful Vivian Gaither was an instrumental leader in Tampa, and now has a high school named in his honor, Gaither High School. Recently, our oldest living Past Master, Worshipful William "Shorty" Powell, Jr, pasted to the Celestial Lodge above. He was a Past Master of Hillsborough Lodge in 1959, a World War II veteran and a proud member of our Lodge.
Hillsborough Lodge continues to be a pillar of strength within the Tampa community by continuing to promote the tenets of Freemasonry instituted by our ancient Brothers. Charity, hope, and relief to our fellow man and all of humanity is what our fraternity and Freemasonry is built upon. Food and toy drives, charity events for the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, and support of the Masonic Home of Florida are just a few of the ways we contribute to those in need. In order to continue this work, we are always ready to welcome men of leadership, great disposition, and good moral character.
Our magnificent Temple room is unlike any other in Florida. Modeled after the Temple of King Solomon, our Lodge room has a seating capacity of approximately 450 Brothers and guests. In addition to our hand painted ceiling, which measures 40ft high, we are one of the few Lodges still using authentic light tapers! We welcome all traveling Brothers to visit our Lodge and experience it for yourself.
Our Lodge is rich in history, and guided by the strength & bond of our Brothers. We invite you to browse our web site and learn about Freemasons and our Masonic Lodge. If Freemasonry appeals to you, please visit our Lodge visit our 'become a mason' page for more information and an interest form.
