Brahan Lodge No. 226, A.F. & A.M., was set to work U.D. on June 23, 1858, and chartered on June 16, 1859. It was named for Dr. Robt. W. Brahan, and John Rhodes King was its first Worshipful Master. Its members included veterans of the Texas War for Independence, the Mier Expedition, the Mexican War, and Indian campaigns. They quarried stone, hauled it to the site by ox-cart, and completed the hall in 1871. Churches met there, and children were educated there. Members served in every American war; in the Civil War they served in Hood's Texas Brigade, Terry's Texas Rangers, Parsons' Texas Cavalry, 3rd Texas Infantry, Walker's Division, Ireland's Company, Cibolo Guards, and Mustang Grays, from Chickamauga to Atlanta to Mansfield to Appomatox.