April 30th, 2026
Written By: R∴ W∴ Don Goss
Including the Masonic Legacy of Its Namesake, Past Master J. Edwin Larson
When the Grand Lodge of Florida convened in the spring of 1967, one item on its agenda would quietly shape the Masonic landscape of the state capital for generations to come. On April 27, 1967, the Grand Lodge granted a charter to a new body of Master Masons in Tallahassee—J. Edwin Larson Lodge No. 361—formally establishing what would become one of the city’s most enduring and community‑minded lodges.
Foundations in a Growing Capital
The mid‑1960s were a time of expansion for Tallahassee. New neighborhoods were rising along the northern corridors, state government was growing, and civic organizations were flourishing. Amid this growth, a group of dedicated Masons recognized the need for another lodge—one that could serve the expanding northern part of the city and provide additional opportunities for fellowship, leadership, and Masonic education.
These Brothers, drawn from several established Tallahassee lodges, shared a vision: a lodge that would blend the traditional dignity of Florida Masonry with a forward‑looking spirit suited to the capital city’s evolving character. Their petition to the Grand Lodge reflected both enthusiasm and purpose, and in due course, approval was granted.
A Lodge Named for a Brother of Distinction
The lodge was named in honor of J. Edwin Larson, a respected Florida statesman who served as State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner for nearly two decades. But Larson’s public service was only part of his legacy.
He was also a Past Master of Jackson Lodge No. 1, the oldest Masonic lodge in Florida and one of the most historically significant lodges in the Southeast. His leadership in that ancient lodge placed him in a lineage stretching back to the earliest days of Florida Masonry, and it reflected the deep respect he held within the Craft.
By choosing his name, the founding Brothers of Lodge No. 361 signaled the type of lodge they intended to build: one grounded in civic responsibility, moral character, and a sincere desire to contribute to the welfare of the community—just as Brother Larson had done throughout his life.
Establishing a Home on North Monroe Street
From its earliest days, the lodge met at 1819 North Monroe Street, a location that would become synonymous with its identity. The building—shared with The Scottish Rite Valley of Tallahassee—served as a hub of fraternal activity in Tallahassee. Its familiar façade, visible to generations of residents traveling along the city’s main thoroughfare, became a quiet landmark of Masonic presence in the capital.
Within those walls, the newly chartered lodge began the work that defines every Masonic body: conferring degrees, mentoring new Brothers, electing officers, and building the traditions that would guide it for decades to come.
Growth, Fellowship, and Community Service
As the years passed, J. Edwin Larson Lodge No. 361 developed a character all its own. The lodge became known for its warm fellowship, its commitment to ritual excellence, and its active participation in the civic life of Tallahassee. Members served in public office, supported charitable causes, and contributed to the broader Masonic family through the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, and other affiliated bodies.
The lodge’s culture reflected the values of its namesake—steady leadership, public engagement, and a sense of responsibility to the community. Whether through degree work, educational programs, or charitable efforts, the Brothers of No. 361 carried forward the ideals that had inspired their founders.
A Continuing Legacy
Today, more than half a century after its chartering, J. Edwin Larson Lodge No. 361 remains an active and respected part of Florida Masonry. Its membership includes men from many walks of life—public servants, professionals, craftsmen, students, and retirees—united by the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
The lodge continues to meet at its historic location on North Monroe Street, maintaining a visible and meaningful presence in the capital city. Its officers and members uphold the traditions established in 1967 while embracing the opportunities of the modern era: community outreach, digital communication, historical preservation, and renewed engagement with the next generation of Masons.
A Lodge Built on Purpose and Legacy
The story of J. Edwin Larson Lodge No. 361 is, at its heart, a story of purpose. It is the story of a group of Brothers who saw a need in their community and answered it with dedication. It is the story of a lodge named for a man whose life embodied public trust and Masonic leadership—including his service as Past Master of Jackson Lodge No. 1, Florida’s oldest lodge. And it is the story of decades of Masons who have carried that legacy forward—quietly, faithfully, and with the dignity that defines the Craft.
As the lodge continues its journey, it stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Freemasonry in Tallahassee and the vision of the Brothers who, in 1967, laid its foundation.