The history of Lytton Springs Masonic Lodge 487 is one of close ties to an ever-changing area and of close association with the Community and people by which it is represented.  The heritage of this Lodge has evolved with the people of Caldwell County and continues to this very day.  The members of this Lodge are proud to set to pen the history of our Lodge, with sincere thanks and great admiration to the Masons who have gone before us.
          The community of Lytton Springs was located near springs identified by a man named Domingo Ramon in the year 1716.  These springs were called San Ysadro and San Pedro Del Nogel and were said to have been located just south of the present day Community of Lytton Springs.  The Community of Lytton Springs was named after John Litton who ranched on the Colorado River near the town of Elgin and brought cattle to the Lytton Springs area in the 1840s.  It is said that the area was rich in wildlife and game and there was no trouble in feeding your family off the land.
             Lytton Springs Lodge 487 was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas, ”under dispensation”, on March 9, 1876, and included 16 Master Masons.  The Master of the Lodge was Brother B.T. Palmer.  G. W. Robbins was the first Senior Warden and E.A. Jennings the first Junior Warden.  There is some question as to the first name of the lodge.  Some papers indicate that it was called Albade Lodge 487, but according to Grand Lodge records the name was Litton Springs and later evolved to Lytton Springs 487.  Among the first members were as follows: Brothers B.T. Palmer, G.W. Robbins, E.A. Jennings, Johnson Perry, J.W. Jeffery, J.C. Lamb, George B. Covey, D.P. Roberts, S.G. Watkins, W.L. Carter, A.J. Rife, J.W. Jolley, J.W. Jennings, L.C. Sims, C.M. Booth, and R.W. Bunton.  It should be mentioned here that B. T. Palmer was also the first Master of Lockhart Lodge 690.  The Lytton Lodge worked “under dispensation” until December 14, 1878, when it received its charter to work from the Grand Lodge of Texas as Lytton Springs Lodge 487.  According to Caldwell County Deed Records on July 21,1881, Johnson Perry and his wife Sally, deeded to the Lytton Springs Baptist Church, one acre of land and the associated building with the upper story to be conveyed to the Masonic Fraternity (see volume W, page 259).  Thus, the first Masonic Hall was established, above the then Baptist Church and School.  The old Church and Masonic Hall were located at or near the present day Johnson Perry Cemetery.
            By all indications, the Lytton Springs Lodge 487, thrived and prospered until the early 1900s when, with regard to shifting populations and growth patterns, the membership voted to remove the Lodge to Mendoza, Texas and changed the name to Mendoza Lodge 487.  This was accomplished in December, 1902.  In the Caldwell County Deed Records, Vol.39, page 78, there is recorded a transfer of .1 acre of land from Louis W. Booton to the Mendoza Masonic Lodge 487,  “for the purpose of a Masonic Hall to be built above the Mendoza Store”.  Although the exact location of this store has not been determined, it is thought to be located near the intersection of present day Old Lockhart Road and Williamson Road.  Louis W. Booton served as Master of the Lodge in 1904.
         In June, 1920, again because of shifting population patterns, the Lodge voted to re-move to Lytton Springs and rename the lodge Lytton Springs Lodge 487.  The “store lodge” was sold for 300 dollars and a new lodge was built in Lytton Springs on land at the site of the present-day lodge.  Members of the lodge bought the land, and the deed was so recorded.  At the time of this move there were 44 members, and 36 of those members lived in the Lytton Springs area.  The Master of the lodge at this time was Hubbard W. Baker.
        The Lodge again settled into the affairs of the community when on the evening of, August 11, 1931, another event occurred which tested the membership.  On that evening, the building burned to the ground destroying all records, furnishings, and contents. Despite this tragedy, the Brethren rallied around one another and forthwith rebuilt the lodge from the ground up.  The work was completed entirely by the membership and it is recorded that the foreman received $2.00 a day, with helpers being paid $1.00 per day.  It is also recorded the low bidder for the construction material was the Lockhart Alamo Lumber Company at a price of  $30.00.
       This Lodge building was used and enjoyed by all of the surrounding Masonic Brethren until September of 1993 when, because of old age and just plain wear and tear, the membership voted to replace the old two-story wood structure with a more modern facility.  It is said by some Masons that, they could feel the old building swaying when the wind blew.  The old building was sold, and ground was broken for a new facility on, September 1, 1993. As construction progressed on the new facility, it finally became necessary to remove the old building from the premise. As in the past, the new building was paid for and erected by the sole membership of Lytton Springs Lodge 487.  Some of the Brethren that were instrumental in erecting the new building were as follows: Brothers Charles “Chuck” Franz, A.C. Thomason, Gerald Roberts, J.D. ”Red” Carlson, Rex Ferguson, Lester Keller, Edward DuBose, and Hollis Roberts.  As the work progressed, the Masonic spirit was evident, as well as the good wishes and support of the community. The cornerstone was leveled on May 25,1996 and the building was dedicated on November 30, 1996 under the auspices of Robert Walker, Grand Master of Texas.
The present day lodge hall is enjoyed by all of the citizens of Caldwell and surrounding counties.  This is done through functions of the lodge such as fish fries, pancake breakfasts, chili suppers and even serving as a polling place.  This year the Lytton Springs Lodge furnished a scholarship to a qualifying Lockhart High School Senior.
      Lytton Springs Lodge 487 is proud to be a productive member of the Caldwell County community and will continue to serve the community and all of the citizens as it is so called to do. 

Past Masters