NEW YORK MASONIC HISTORY
Lafayette Bicentennial
Celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s final goodwill tour of the United States
About Lafayette
A summary of the Marquis de Lafayette visit to the United States, written by Bro. Christopher Ruli, Masonic Historian, Researcher, and Author. Learn more about Bro. Ruli’s new book, “Brother Lafayette” coming soon in Summer 2024.
The country’s Freemasons were just as eager to welcome Lafayette, a fellow brother of the Mystic Tie. Grand lodges and local bodies set up committees to welcome Lafayette into their lodge halls. He accepted invitations to attend meetings, provided toasts at festive boards, and, whenever his tight schedule prevented him from attending meetings, welcomed Masons to his quarters for personal receptions. New York City became a hub for many of Lafayette’s activities, including a number of notable Masonic events. Within weeks of his return to America, Lafayette was initiated into Royal Arch Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Scottish Rite in New York City, and often shared his impressions and experiences of these appendant bodies while speaking with other Masons. He accepted invitations from grand lodges to lay cornerstones for notable landmarks, including memorials to Generals Nathanael Greene, Casimir Pulaski, Baron de Kalb, and a new memorial at Bunker Hill in Massachusetts.
In all, Lafayette’s visit was an important moment in American Freemasonry, which helped the public learn more about the fraternity’s values and goals. Like George Washington, Lafayette championed the fraternity and served as a role model for many who joined the fraternity. He represented a life dedicated to public service; he remained true to his convictions throughout his life; and he sought out the fraternity as a way to improve himself and support his brothers and the society he served.
Niagara-Orleans District Lafayette Event
Niagara-Orleans District, Lockport Masonic Hall
June 6, 2025
The Lafayette Ball. 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette's tour
Konosioni Lodge #950 is putting on an event to celebrate Lafayette’s visit to Syracuse and the Town of Onondaga NY that happened between June 9th and 10th 1825. The event is being presented by Konosioni Lodge #950, American Friends of Lafayette, The Daughters of the American Revolution, Fayetteville-Owahgena Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Syracuse Chapter, and the Syracuse Country Dancers.
The event is called The Lafayette Ball and will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the Historic Marriott Syracuse Downtown at 100 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, New York 13202. It will be from 5-10pm. Registration opens at 5pm with a cash bar cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres being served from 6-7pm. The Grand march will start at 7:15pm followed by dancing until 10pm. There will also be small plate and dessert stations served during the event as well.
A professional Lafayette portrayer from Colonial Williamsburg will perform. There will also be a small re-creation between Lafayette and a Revolutionary War Veteran from the Town of Onondaga who met Lafayette during the Battle of Yorktown. The dress is Period or Cocktail Attire.
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time through Eventbrite and are $75 per person. The event is limited to 200 people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-lafayette-ball-200th-anniversary-of-marquis-de-lafayettes-tour-tickets-1269378307689
The hotel is also having reduced rates until May 8th. We hope to see you there!
Any questions please email Brother Andrew Miledonis @ andrewmiledonis@gmail.com
June 8, 2025
5:oo pm to 10:00 pm
Erie district Lafayette event
Erie District, Buffalo NY
June 8, 2025
Auburn Lodge 124 and DAR chapter event
June 8, 1825 is the actual date of Lafayette’s stop in Auburn.
Auburn Lodge #124 and the local DAR chapter are planning a re-enactment of the welcome speeches given to Lafayette on the actual spot. One of the speeches was given on behalf of the Masonic Fraternity.
June 8, 2025
Fredonia Event
Chautauqua District, Fredonia NY
June 09, 2025
2:oo pm to 4:00 pm
La Fayette Farewell and Apron Presentation
Jerusalem Amity Chapter 8, New York Royal Arch Masonry
June 10, 2025
Schnenectady
TBD
June 11, 2025
Lafayette at saratoga
– Schuyler House, Saratoga NHP
– Ashlar Lodge 584, Town of Saratoga, Saratoga 250
June 25, 2025
Morton Columbian Commandery
Morton and Columbian Commandery, Suffern NY
TBA
