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Celebrating 100 years of our Phoenix Masonic Temple
Click here for more info on our Centennial!
Famous Arizona Freemasons
John Tabor Alsap was a pioneering figure in Arizona's early history. He was known for his early contributions as a physician, prospector, politician and civic leader. With a background in medicine, he became one of the 1st practicing doctors in the region. He also played a crucial role in Arizona's political development, serving in several key positions that shaped the state's early governance: the 1st Treasurer of the Territory, one of 3 commissioners for the Salt River Valley Association (1870), Maricopa County Probate Judge (1871), Served as Maricopa Co. representative for the 8th Arizona Territorial Legislature and Speaker of the house (1875) and the first mayor of Phoenix (1881). Beyond politics, Alsap was aslo deeply invested in the economic and social growth of Arizona, perhaps why he was active in civic groups like the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and Freemasonry. Heserved as the First Master for the first two Masonic Lodges in Arizona - Aztlan Lodge No. 1 in Prescott and Arizona Lodge No. 2 in Phoenix. He was also the 1st elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona in 1882.
George Roskruge was considered the "Father of Arizona Freemasonry". He emigrated from England to the United States in 1870 and would eventually settle in Tucson, AZ. He was President and member of the Tucson Board of Education several times between 1881-1914. He was appointed as surveyor General of Arizona Territory by President Grover Cleveland from 1896-1897. He served as Grand Secretary of the Arizona Grand Lodge and was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona in 1889. The Grand Lodge Library & Museum is named after him - The George Roskruge & S. Barry Casey Masonic Memorial Library & Museum.
George H.N. Luhrs was a prominent businessman and civic leader in early Phoenix, known for his contributions to the city's economic and architectural development. He was one of the original members of the Phoenix City Council from 1881-1885. He built the Luhrs Building which opened in 1924 and was the Treasurer and a Trustee for Arizona Lodge No. 2 when they built the Phoenix Masonic Temple in 1925. His investments in infrastructure, including water and transportation systems, helped lay the groundwork for Phoenix’s transformation from a small desert town into a bustling urban center.
Amos Arthur Betts became a key figure in Phoenix's real estate and financial sectors, helping to shape the growing city's commercial landscape. He played a significant role in the development of downtown Phoenix, he was a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission and worked in the Railroad industry.
Francis Shaw was an early settler in Phoenix known for his contributions to the city's agricultural and economic development. He once owned the land where the State Capitol now sits in Phoenix and was the 2nd Mayor of Phoenix. Recognizing the region's potential for agriculture, he invested in irrigation projects that helped transform the arid desert into fertile farmland, participating in Citrus farming and poultry farming. He served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona in 1887
Vic Hanny was the founder of Hannys Department Store in Phoenix in 1911 and operated his mercantile store until 1932. He served on the Industrial Commission of Arizona and was a prominent citizen in both Tucson & Phoenix - serving as Mayor of Tucson from 1931-1932. He was a member of Arizona Lodge No. 2, and served as the Potentate of El-Zaribah Shrine in 1921, the year they built the Shrine Auditorium just down the street from the State Capitol Building in downtown Phoenix.
U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater was an Arizona Freemason. Senator Goldwater was a pilot in the Air Force Reserve who served in World War II. He served in the Phoenix City Council and went on to run for President of the United States in the 1964 Presidential election.
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