The story of Mcleod Lodge No. 424 F. & A. M. had its beginnings in 1892. In April of that year, the state legislature, in an attempt to standardize state charters, set population counts for communities to become cities, towns, and villages. They set village populations as no less than 500 people and cities as more than 2,000 people.

Ocean Springs had attempted to incorporate on three previous occasions, once in 1854 when it was a steamboat stop, again in 1867 in post war prosperity and a third attempt in 1886. There was not enough interest by the local residents to follow through on any of these endeavors.

The only incorporated community in the county in 1892 was Scranton, later to become Pascagoula. The County Board of Supervisors at that time were A. Allman, D. M. McDonald, L. G. Manuel, W. W. Broome, and J. K. McLeod, President. J. K. McLeod was also a Past Master of Pascagoula Lodge No. 202 (now Moss Point Lodge No. 202). As Ocean Springs in 1892 had a population of 1,200 people, it qualified as large enough to become a town. A committee was formed to decide whether to apply for a charter, and if so, a petition drawn up and signed by two thirds of the electors, a draft of the corporate limits, and a list of provisional officers to run the town until formal elections could be held. Governor J. M. Stone chartered Ocean Springs as a second class town on September 9, 1892. Many of McLeod's first members were very active in the process of chartering the town, and while it couldn't be confirmed, coming into contact with Brother J. K. McLeod during this process the seed was sown to form the Lodge.

Stated Communication of Mcleod Lodge U. D. A. F. & A. M. was held on June 24, 1893 for the purpose of organization, authorized by dispensation from The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Mississippi to meet and open as Regular Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons. The first officers as appointed by the Grand Master were: George W. O'Neill, Master; Thomas W. Grayson, Senior Warden; and Henry C. Havens, Junior Warden for opening said lodge.

The Cornerstone for the current Masonic Temple was laid in !928, with the following articles placed inside: Name of state, county and city officials; officers of the Grand Lodge and local lodge; members of McLeod Lodge and Eastern Star; names of the school board, teachers and pupils; names of the Ocean Springs Rotary Club; coins from one cent to one dollar; two copies of the Jackson County Times containing stories about the Masonic Temple (not noted in this article was also one bible).

Adah Chapter No. 49 of the Eastern Star, was instituted April 8, 1908, by the Grand Chapter of Mississippi and the chapter was constituted on June 25, 1908. The Ocean Springs Chapter No. 394 O. E. S. was instituted on December 12, 1975 and constituted on May 7, 1976. The Ocean Springs Assembly #26, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, was organized and instituted on February 3, 1958 and was constituted on September 24, 1958, under the sponsorship of Adah Chapter #49 O. E. S.

The membership of McLeod Lodge wishes to express their appreciation to the three fraternal organizations, Adah Chapter No. 49, O. E. S., Ocean Springs Chapter No. 394, O. E. S., and Ocean Springs Rainbow Assembly No. 26 for their help and support throughout the years. Their friendship, love, and concern for one another has perpetuated a strong and resourceful Masonic Family within our lodge. It is our prayer for the continued success and well being of our entire Masonic Family.