Our History
Mt. Zion Lodge No. 10, Free and Accepted Masons, has a proud and storied legacy in Batesville, Arkansas. Chartered on November 13, 1843, the lodge stands as one of the oldest Masonic institutions in the state. From its earliest days, Mt. Zion has served as a beacon of brotherhood, moral integrity, and service to the community.
The lodge’s first Worshipful Master was Brother D. L. Knight, with Brothers Silas C. Walker and A. R. Porter serving as the first Senior and Junior Wardens. Although the original charter and early records were tragically lost in a fire on January 16, 1859, the memory of many founding members lives on through documented initiations and enduring contributions.
In 1850, the lodge moved into the newly erected Institute Building, a stately three-story brick structure that served as a prominent fixture in Batesville. This building became the site of one of the most elaborate Masonic celebrations in the state’s history — the dedication of the lodge hall on September 29, 1858, a grand affair attended by hundreds of Masons and townspeople.
The Civil War era (1861–1865) brought disruption, as it did to many aspects of American life. Yet Mt. Zion Lodge remained steadfast, performing emergency initiations for young men preparing to go off to war and offering relief to the families of brethren. In these years, the lodge embodied Masonic virtues through quiet acts of charity and fellowship.
Tragedy struck again in 1880 when fire once more destroyed the lodge building and its charter. Undeterred, the brethren quickly reorganized and resumed work in temporary quarters, eventually partnering with other fraternal organizations to rebuild. This culminated in the laying of the cornerstone for a new permanent home on August 26, 1890, a moment of great celebration and community pride.
Throughout its history, Mt. Zion Lodge has played a formative role in establishing other lodges across the region and has hosted notable Arkansas Masons in official capacities. The lodge has served not only as a place for fraternal fellowship but also as a stabilizing force in times of hardship, a center for moral and intellectual development, and a proud contributor to the fabric of Batesville.
As generations come and go, Mt. Zion Lodge No. 10 continues its work — "To the greater glory of God and for the benefit of Humanity."