The Grapeland Masonic Lodge no. 473 was chartered on December 17, 1887, with James F. Martin, Worshipful Master, Sam Egbert, Senior Warden, and R.S. Pridgen, Junior Warden. The site of the first meeting was not determined since the lodge hall, records and paraphernalia were destroyed in the town fire of March 1913. This lodge hall was located on the second floor of the Walling Building which occupied the present space of Grapeland Propane Gas Co.

Before the Walling Building was built, the lodge held their meetings in the upper story of the school house (built in 1896) on College Street. The early day location of the hall is unknown. 

After the fire of 1913, the Masons erected a two story brick and plaster building across the street and north of the M.E. Darsey, Sr. home (corner of Oak & Maple). In 1958, this building was disposed of and a new and modern one-story brick and plaster building was erected on the old Goodson Hotel site. 

Early day Grapeland Masons met ‘The first Saturday night on or before the first full moon of each month’. This enabled the Brothers to travel on foot or horseback in the light of the moon. Today, Grapeland Masons meet on the third Monday night of each month — moonlight or not.