LaCandeur Lodge No. 12, A.F.M. was instituted at Charleston, South Carolina on August 24, 1796, by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South Carolina. It was founded by Jean Baptiste Marie de la Hogue, a prominent member of Scottish Masonry. Since its members were all Frenchmen, it received special permission to work in the French Rite.
Nearly all its members being Roman Catholic, the influence of the Church so much prevailed that the Lodge was dissolved in 1852. Some of its members who desired to remain in Masonry united with Washington Lodge No. 5.
In June 1857, the Warrant was revived and issued to John A. Wagner and others who were required to work in the English language. Brother Wagner is regarded as the founder of the present Organization [LeCandeur #36, A.F.M.]. In 1809 the number was changed from 12 to 36 which it has since retained.
The regular communications of LaCandeur Lodge have been interrupted only once since 1857. This was a brief period during the War Between the States when work ceased.
Revised Jhyatt, July, 1998