Nellis Lodge #46 F&AM (Free & Accepted Masons) originally started at Nellis Air Force Base as the Square and Compass Club in April 1954. Brother General James E. Roberts then Commander at the Base was able to make a building available for the meetings. The purpose of the club was to provide a Masonic meeting space for the military personnel to use while away from their respective lodges. For the next few years, it was talked about forming a Lodge but since most of the members were only temporarily stationed there it never held ground. In 1962 however, it was decided to create a chartered Lodge and also keep the Square and Compass Club. Brother Al Schouten was the Worshipful Master that presided over the first stated meeting on December 13, 1962. Nellis Lodge moved to its new home on Rancho and has been committed to serving the valley’s youth through the Bikes for Books program and assisting with the Child I.D. program.

Masonic Grand Orator Donald O. Knight noted at a meeting that in early 1999 a group of Masons attend a funeral of a Masonic brother at the veterans’ cemetery. They observed that there were several monuments commemorating veterans organizations that had members buried there. The Masons, however, had no such memorial. At the meeting Knight explained that when the nation was formed, Masons exerted influence on the finalization of the Declaration of Independence. Further, many presidents beginning with George Washington as well as many congressmen were Masons, and Masons have participated in every war and conflict the nation has participated in. Knight’s group contacted the State and suggested that Masons be recognized for their contributions with a memorial at the cemetery. The request was approved, and at the dedication, Sen. Richard Bryan, and Don Wilson on behalf of Sen. Harry Reid, voiced comments along with Mason Past Master David Honea of Daylite Lodge #44.