History of the Lodge
1897
The Birth of a Lodge
A small group of Masons, led by Dr. James M. Jackson, Rev. William Wallace Faris, Dr. Walter S. Graham, and George C. Friar, meets in a loft above a hardware store on Miami Avenue to form a new Masonic Lodge.July 7, 1897
Official Recognition
The Grand Lodge of Florida grants a dispensation, officially establishing Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124 F.&A.M. The first official meetings take place at the Knights of Pythias Hall in Miami.1897
First Worshipful Master Installed
Dr. James M. Jackson is installed as the first Worshipful Master, bringing his leadership and Masonic experience from Bronson Lodge.1897
Miami Gains Its Nickname
Dr. Walter S. Graham, a founding member and editor of the Miami Metropolis, coins the term "The Magic City," a nickname that endures to this day.Early 1900s
Growth & Influence
As Miami expands, so does Biscayne Bay Lodge, becoming a central hub for Freemasonry in South Florida. Many early Miami civic leaders are members of the Lodge, contributing to the city's development.1920s
The Mother Lodge of Miami
Several new Masonic Lodges emerge in Miami, many of which can trace their origins back to Biscayne Bay Lodge, solidifying its title as the Mother Lodge of Greater Miami.Mid-20th Century
A Time of Transition
The Lodge continues its mission of fraternity, charity, and community service, adapting to the changing landscape of Miami.Present Day
Continuing the Legacy
Biscayne Bay Lodge remains a beacon of Freemasonry, upholding the values of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Members continue to engage in charitable efforts, Masonic education, and strengthening the bonds of fraternity.
Present Day – Continuing the Legacy
Biscayne Bay Lodge No. 124 stands as a living testament to the power of Freemasonry—a sacred space where wisdom is passed from generation to generation, where men are shaped into leaders, and where the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth are more than words; they are the foundation upon which we build our lives.
As the years have passed, so too has our Lodge evolved, yet its essence remains unchanged. The hands that once laid its cornerstone may have long since rested, but their legacy echoes in the steady footsteps of every Brother who enters our doors. Each meeting is more than a gathering—it is a reaffirmation of an unbroken chain, stretching back through time, connecting us to the great Masonic thinkers, builders, and leaders who came before us.
When we stand together in the Lodge, we do more than uphold tradition—we shape the future. The light of Freemasonry does not merely illuminate the past; it calls us forward, compelling us to refine our minds, uplift our spirits, and forge bonds that transcend the material world. It is in this sacred work that we find true purpose.
As the years have passed, so too has our Lodge evolved, yet its essence remains unchanged. The hands that once laid its cornerstone may have long since rested, but their legacy echoes in the steady footsteps of every Brother who enters our doors. Each meeting is more than a gathering—it is a reaffirmation of an unbroken chain, stretching back through time, connecting us to the great Masonic thinkers, builders, and leaders who came before us.
When we stand together in the Lodge, we do more than uphold tradition—we shape the future. The light of Freemasonry does not merely illuminate the past; it calls us forward, compelling us to refine our minds, uplift our spirits, and forge bonds that transcend the material world. It is in this sacred work that we find true purpose.