Note of disclosure: The author of this article is the oldest grandson of Herbert Hal Reynolds (11th president of Baylor) and is the first cousin four times removed of W.R. White (9th president of Baylor). He is also a Freemason.
What do Baylor University’s first 11 Presidents have in common with Mozart, Isaac Newton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Ford, Mark Twain, Beethoven, Paul Revere, John Glenn, Colonel Sanders, Jesse Owens, Harry Houdini, Norman Rockwell, Wyatt Earp, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, John Hancock, Harry Truman, Nat King Cole, John Elway, Ty Cobb, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, Jim Bowie, William Travis, James Bonham, Buzz Aldrin, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Rudyard Kipling, Jesse Jackson, Richard Pryor, Phil Collins, Shaquille O’Neal, Ernest Shackleton, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, John Lewis, and five British monarchs?
They were all Freemasons.
But what exactly is this fraternity veiled in mystique which spans continents and centuries?
Simply put, Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that focuses on self-improvement, fellowship, and civic engagement with its origins dating back over 300 years to 1717 when the first official Masonic entity—Grand Lodge of England—was formed. It is believed that the fraternity existed in a less formalized structure for centuries before the Enlightenment, with participants meeting in secret in taverns, caves, and even barns.
In the centuries since, Freemasonry has attracted kings, statesmen, revolutionaries, and emperors, as well as countless artists, authors, and musicians. A significant number of America’s Founding Fathers and also individuals who helped establish Texas as a state (including Baylor’s founders) were Freemasons. Still today, you can find a Masonic Lodge in virtually every small town or large city in America, evidence that Freemasonry’s influence remains in all facets of American communal life, from cornerstones of government buildings and schoolhouses to local charities and food drives.
But Freemasonry is not without its critics. The Catholic Church persecuted the organization for centuries, with the Inquisition forcing those who believed differently from the Church into hiding, including Freemasons who were considered heretics. Even Hitler’s Nazi regime outlawed Freemasonry, with an estimated 80,000-200,000 Freemasons being sent to the gas chambers or executed by gunfire or hanging. But why would Hitler want to kill Freemasons, you may ask? In addition to the Nazi’s being paranoid that Freemasons were using a secret network of communication to conspire against them, Freemasonry is a fraternity of tolerance, free thought, and equality—all values that were antithetical to Nazi ideology.
One of the great teachings of Freemasonry is that individuals meet “on the level,” that all men, no matter what race, social class, economic status, political leaning, or religious affiliation, are equal. This concept seeped its way into our national identity in America with the phrase “all men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence and also into Baylor’s Baptist doctrinal roots with the concept of “priesthood of the believer” where all human beings are equal, or “on the level,” with no priest, bishop, or preacher standing between the individual believer and God. Furthermore, discussion of politics is prohibited with a Masonic lodge, thus allowing a man of liberal political leanings to sit next to a man of conservative political leanings and as brothers with a focus on what unites them rather than on what separates them. At any given lodge meeting or gathering, a Christian, Muslim, and Jew can all break bread together as brothers, though it’s important to note that Freemasonry does not espouse a belief that all religions are equal, but simply that all men are equal.
To better understand how Freemasonry influenced Baylor’s founding, it is first important to understand its roots in Texas. At the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, several famous Freemasons were killed: Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, James Bonham, and William Travis, to name a few. There is an apocryphal story that when Santa Anna was captured after the Battle of San Jacinto, General Sam Houston intended to execute him in revenge for the slaughter at the Alamo less than a month before. But Santa Anna, who was also a Freemason, gave the Masonic sign of distress, and General Houston decided against killing the Mexican leader. Such stories of truce between Masons on different sides of war date back for centuries through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and both World Wars.
During the mid-19th century, Freemasonry remained a prominent and respected institution in Texas, embodying values of education, moral character, and civic responsibility. Many prominent leaders such as Sam Houston were Masons who supported the establishment of education institutions, seeing Masonic values aligning with principles of higher education institutions. Other fellow Texas Masons recognized the need for higher education as well. Reverend William M. Tryon, a Baptist minister and Mason who was a member of Milam Lodge No. 11, spearheaded efforts to establish a university in Texas. In 1841, Tyron led a resolution to form an education society, joining forces with fellow Baptists Reverend James Huckins and Judge R.E.B. Baylor. Together, they created the Texas Baptist Education Society in 1842. In 1845, after securing the support of Senator George A. Patillo and a Masonic-dominated Texas Congress, they obtained a charter for Baylor University, named in honor of R.E.B. Baylor. Of the 15 original trustees, 10 were Freemasons, and President Anson Jones, a prominent Mason, signed the charter. Baylor became Texas’ first Christian university, embodying values of both Baptists and Masons.
When Baylor was founded in 1845, Masonry was closely associated with the promotion of civic responsibility, leadership, and the public good. Thus, the fraternity’s influence on the culture of leadership and education shaped the environment in which Baylor was created. And Baylor’s focus on producing leaders who served their communities complemented the Masonic ideal of building better individuals to contribute to society. This shared value, though originating from different philosophical and theological foundations, reflects a common cultural priority of the era.
Baylor eventually moved from Independence, Texas to Waco in 1886, and Waco has remained a hub for Freemasonry ever since.
The Grand Lodge of Texas is located on Columbus Avenue and serves as the headquarters for Freemasonry in the state. Established in 1937, it is one of the largest Masonic lodges globally. The building, completed in 1949, is inspired by the biblical description of King Solomon’s Temple and features distinctive architectural elements, including two large pillars topped with terrestrial and celestial globes and bas-relief carvings by sculptor Raoul Josset.
In addition, the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum on Waco Drive serves as the home of the Waco Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Built in 1969, the structure represents the influence of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Waco and its dedication to education, community, and historical preservation. The library houses an extensive collection of Masonic literature, documents, and artifacts, offering a resource for research into Masonic history, philosophy, and practices. The museum preserves and displays Masonic artifacts, including regalia, tools, and historical items that tell the story of Freemasonry in Texas and beyond, such as the Masonic flag Buzz Aldrin took to the moon on the Apollo 11 mission. Though the building serves as the headquarters for the Scottish Rite valley of Waco, it also hosts educational events, conferences, and public programs that are in line with the Scottish Rite’s mission to foster intellectual and moral growth. By preserving the history of Freemasonry and promoting its values of education, brotherhood, and community service, the Lee Lockwood building ensures that the legacy of the Scottish Rite remains accessible to both Masons and the general public.
Needless to say, the history of Waco and Baylor is intertwined with the legacy of Freemasonry in Texas. Giving testimony to this is the fact that the first eleven presidents of the Baylor were Freemasons, which accounts for the first 150 years of leadership of the university from 1845-1995, significantly shaping the University for the first century and a half of its existence. To honor their legacy and Baylor’s Masonic roots, below are brief biographies which highlight the lives, Masonic affiliations, and contributions of these formative presidents of Baylor.
Henry Lee Graves (President of Baylor from 1846-1851)
Baylor’s first president, Henry Lee Graves, was born in Yanceyville, North Carolina, on February 22, 1813. A devout Baptist minister, Graves became Baylor’s president in January 1846. When he assumed his duties on February 4, 1847, Baylor, then located in Independence, Texas, consisted of a two-story frame building and about seventy students. His presidency was riddled with financial struggles, with families often paying tuition in goods rather than money. Despite these challenges, Graves managed to secure the construction of Baylor’s first stone masonry building in 1849. Graves joined Freemasonry during his presidency, being initiated in December 1849 into Milam Lodge No. 11 in Independence. He advanced quickly, earning his Master Mason’s degree in August 1850 and serving as Treasurer in 1850 and Junior Warden in 1854. Graves was also a charter member of Baylor Lodge No. 125 in Gay Hill, Texas, in 1853. After his presidency, he held several educational roles, continuing his role as the first president of the Texas Baptist Convention and also leading Baylor Female College. Graves died on November 4, 1881 and was buried by his Masonic brethren, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to education.
Rufus Columbus Burleson (President of Baylor from 1851-1861 and 1886-1897)
A towering figure in Baylor’s history, Rufus C. Burleson served as president twice, first from 1851 to 1861 and again from 1886 to 1897. Born near Decatur, Alabama, on August 7, 1823, Burleson was a dynamic preacher and educator. During his first term, he emphasized improving Baylor’s image and finances, co-educating male and female students, and fostering academic growth. Under his leadership, Baylor became the second coeducational institution in the United States. Burleson was deeply involved in Freemasonry, affiliating with multiple lodges during his life. He joined Holland Lodge No. 1 in Houston in 1849, later affiliating with Milam Lodge No. 11 and Waco Lodge No. 92. His Masonic commitment reflected his dedication to service and leadership, traits evident in his presidency. Despite physical frailty in his later years, Burleson remained a passionate advocate for Baylor until his death on May 15, 1901.
George Washington Baines (President of Baylor from 1861-1863)
Born on December 29, 1809, near the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina, George Washington Baines was the eldest of 10 children to Thomas Baines, a Baptist minister, and Mary McCoy Baines. He pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, earning a degree in 1836. Baines dedicated much of his life to ministry, serving as a Baptist preacher, journalist, and educator. He was a co-founder and the third president of Baylor during the American Civil War when the university was still located in Independence, Texas. His tenure as president was marked by efforts to sustain the university through the tumultuous war period. Baines was also the maternal great-grandfather of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. While there is no definitive record of Baines’ involvement with Freemasonry in Texas, it is assumed he became a Mason in his earlier years spent in North Carolina, Georgia, or Alabama. His leadership at Baylor was characterized by resilience and dedication, guiding the institution through challenging times and laying a foundation for its future growth.
William Carey Crane (1864-1885)
Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1816, William Carey Crane inherited a missionary zeal from his father, a Southern Baptist Convention organizer. Crane became Baylor’s president in 1863 during one of the University’s lowest points marked by financial instability and dwindling enrollment. Despite these challenges, Crane rebuilt Baylor, increasing enrollment and acquiring land that later appreciated the value. Crane joined Freemasonry in 1871 as a Master Mason in Milam Lodge No. 11. His Masonic values of perseverance and dedication mirrored his approach to revitalizing Baylor. During his presidency, Crane taught extensively, raised funds tirelessly, and expanded Baylor’s influence. He passed away in 1885 of bronchial pneumonia, the first Baylor president to die while in office.
Reddin Andrews (President of Baylor from 1885-1886)
The first native Texan to lead Baylor, Reddin Andrews was born in 1847. A valedictorian graduate of Baylor, Andrews became an interim president following William Crane’s death. Although his presidency lasted less than a year, he helped oversee the merger of Baylor University and Waco University. Andrew began his Masonic journey in 1871, joining Milam Lodge No. 11. Throughout his life, he remained active in Masonry, affiliating with lodges in Alto and Teague, Texas. Andrews’ dedication in education and Masonry reflected his commitment to serving the underprivileged. He was the last president of Baylor at Independence, and he passed away on October 3, 1920.
Oscar Henry Cooper (President of Baylor from 1899-1902)
Born in Panola County, Texas, in 1852, Oscar Henry Cooper was the first professionally trained educator to serve as Baylor’s president. A Yale graduate, Cooper modernized Baylor’s curriculum, eliminated its debt, and secured significant donations during his tenure. Cooper was initiated into Clinton Lodge No. 23 in Henderson, Texas, in 1874 and remained active in Masonry throughout his life. His Masonic principles of discipline and integrity guided his leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Baylor which he hoped to remain a Christian institution. He died on August 22, 1932.
Samuel Palmer Brooks (President of Baylor from 1902-1931)
A scholarly and mild-mannered leader, Samuel Palmer Brooks was born in Milam County, Texas, in 1863. As Baylor’s seventh president, he focused on improving academics, attracting top faculty, and expanding the campus. Brooks’ administration saw Baylor’s enrollment grow significantly, solidifying its reputation as a leading Baptist university. Brooks joined Freemasonry in 1890, becoming a member of Waco Lodge No. 315. He later helped establish J.W. Speight Lodge (now Baylor Lodge) in 1926. His Masonic involvement reflected his values of wisdom, charity, and service. Brooks passed away in 1931 after battling cancer but not before singing the diplomas for the Class of 1931 from his deathbed.
Pat Morris Neff (President of Baylor from 1932-1947)
Born in 1871 in Coryell County, Texas, Pat Morris Neff was a lawyer, Texas governor, and university president. During his presidency, Neff led Baylor through the Great Depression, saving the University from bankruptcy and expanding its campus. Neff was deeply rooted in Freemasonry, joining Waco Lodge No. 92 in 1905 and serving as Grand Master of Texas Masons in 1946. His Masonic principles of perseverance and philanthropy mirrored his efforts to improve Baylor’s finances and infrastructure. On Baylor campus, Pat Neff Hall was constructed in 1939 and has served as the office of the sitting Baylor President ever since. The building’s cornerstone was laid in a Masonic ceremony on December 7, 1938, reflecting the Masonic tradition of participating in the dedication of significant buildings. Neff retired in 1947 and passed away in 1952.
Williams Richardson White (President of Baylor from 1948-1961)
William Richardson White (W.R. White) was born on December 2, 1892 on a farm between Leaguesville and Brownsboro in Henderson County, Texas. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Missouri Ann White, in Frankston, Texas. White’s early life was marked by perseverance and a commitment to education. He attended Baylor University in 1913 but had to withdraw due to health issues. He later transferred to Howard Payne College where he graduated in 1917. White’s Masonic journey began in February 1918 when he was initiated into Goldthwaite Lodge No. 694. He progressed through the degrees, becoming a Master Mason in April 1918. Throughout his life, White was actively involved in Freemasonry, affiliating with various lodges, including Tabernacle Lodge No. 1195 in Forth Worth, Austin Lodge No. 12, and Baylor Lodge No. 1235 in Waco. He served in several leadership roles, including Worshipful Master and Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1958. White was also a charter member of the Texas Lodge of Research in 1960 and received his Fifty Year Award in 1969. As the president of Baylor University from 1948 to 1961, White’s tenure was marked by significant growth and development. Under his leadership, the university expanded its enrollment and infrastructure, enhancing its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning. White’s dedication to education and his Masonic principles of brotherhood and service were evident in his efforts to foster a nurturing and progressive academic environment at Baylor.
Abner Vernon McCall (President of Baylor from 1961-1981)
Born in 1915, Abner McCall was raised at the Masonic Home and School in Forth Worth, Texas. A Baylor graduate, McCall served as dean of Baylor Law School before becoming President in 1961. Under his leadership, Baylor’s enrollment surpassed 10,000, and its campus expanded significantly. McCall’s Masonic journey began in Baylor Lodge No. 1235 in 1941. He served as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge in 1981, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to Masonry’s ideals of knowledge and service. McCall retired in 1981 and passed away in 1995.
Herbert Hal Reynolds (President of Baylor from 1981-1995)
The final Masonic president of Baylor, Herbert Reynolds, was born on March 20, 1930 in Frankston, Texas. Having a strong religious faith, he was a dedicated leader whose presidency marked a transformative period in Baylor University’s history. Raised in humble circumstances, Reynolds worked various jobs to support his education, eventually earning a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Baylor in 1961, the first awarded by the university. He also served as professor. After retiring from the Air Force as a decorated officer where he gained twenty years of valuable leadership experience, Reynolds joined Baylor in 1968 as executive vice president at the age of 38. He became President in 1981, and during his tenure, Reynolds spearheaded significant growth in enrollment, campus development, and research initiatives, all while strengthening Baylor’s Christian mission. He also guided Baylor into the Big 12 Conference, securing its place in collegiate athletics. Both a committed Christian and Freemason, Reynolds was initiated in Alamo Lodge No. 44 in 1953 and later affiliated with Baylor Lodge No. 1235, eventually receiving the honor of being named a 33rd-degree Mason. His Christian and Masonic principles of service, integrity, and innovation were evident in his leadership. Reynolds retired in 1995, leaving Baylor in a strong financial and academic position. He passed away on May 25, 2007, leaving a legacy of faith, education, and excellence.
From the author: In a society where men often feel isolated and lacking authentic friendships, where screens and “selfies” are now a way of life, Masonry offers something real and life-giving—a worldwide brotherhood that spans continents and centuries and is grounded in a lifelong quest for wisdom and truth. In a society when there is currently much confusion about what it means to be a man, Masonry offers a road map of personal development, civic responsibility, and leadership. Its teachings of tolerance, charity, and brotherly love remain a light in a dark world and were foundational to the first century and a half of leadership at Baylor University. To learn more about Freemasonry in Texas, visit www.grandlodgeoftexas.org
