The Memphis Masonic Lodge #16 A.F. & A.M. celebrated its 150th Anniversary in August of 2002.

Located at 112 S. Market St. in Memphis, it was charted by Brother B.W. Grover, Grand Master on May 6, 1852. This is the sixth location of the Memphis Lodge, with its cornerstone laid in a ceremony on May 2, 1930. Most Worshipful Brother Sam Freet, Grand Master, laid the cornerstone. Most Worshipful Brother William R. Gentry, Grand Master, dedicated the lodge on October 10, 1930. The dedication ceremony of the new lodge was quite large, with representatives from the Knights Templars and the Eastern Star Chapter 107 present. The procession was three blocks long.

The lodge owns the three-story building in which it meets, with the Memphis Police Department and the What's It Shop? renting the ground floor offices. A new roof was installed in 1999 and the building's exterior was renovated in the spring of 2002.

The first officers of the Memphis Lodge in 1852 were: James Proctor Knott, Worshipful Master; H.M. Gorin, Senior Warden; Peter Doyle, Junior Warden; T.H. Richardson, Junior Deacon; Levi J. Wagner, Secretary; Thomas Richardson, Treasurer; and D. Wellington, Tyler.

On August 20, 1858, the Lodge purchased a site for a cemetery and enclosed it with platted blocks and lots. The income from the sale of those lots allowed for the construction of a new hall.

On August 11, 1890, by a unanimous vote of the Etna Lodge #41, it made a request to consolidate with the Memphis Lodge. The request was approved and the two lodges merged on October 29, 1890.

The Masons are currently very active in Memphis. They have monthly meetings. Each year they participate in the Scotland County Relay for Life and perform Masonic rites for their fallen brethren. The Hon. Karl DeMarce served as Worshipful Master in 2002.