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.
Richmond District Celebrates Lafayette's Arrival
W John Lentine historical lecture Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Staten Island 54 Port Richmond Ave Staten Island
August 15, 2024
10:oo am to Noon
Lafayette Parade Lower Manhattan
Events start at Brookfield Place and end at Evacuation Plaza. This is run by American Friend of Lafayette.
August 16, 2024
10:oo am to 11:45 am
Lafayette's Bicentennial Kick-off Parade
The American Friends of Lafayette are sponsoring a procession from Brookfield Place to Evacuation Day Plaza.
August 16, 2024
9:oo am to Noon
Lafayette Day in Westchester
Huguenot Lodge No. 46 will be paying tribute to Worshipful Gideon Coggeshall and Worshipful Laird Butler who were past masters of their lodge and General Lafayette’s official escorts when he toured through Westchester.
The American Friends of Lafayette the Masonic Brothers of Westchester and Bronx County will be celebrating the Bicentennial, along with Lafayette’s visit to the area, along with our lodge’s connection to this very important historic event.
This event is sponsored by the Huguenot & New Rochelle Historical Association, New Rochelle Public Library and City of New Rochelle.
August 18, 2024
9:oo am to 11:00 pm
Most Excellent Master's degree in honor of the Marquis De Lafayette
September 10, 2024
La Fayette Day at Jerusalem Amity Lodge
Jerusalem Amity has dedicated its 225th Anniversary to the Marquis De La Fayette who became a member of the Chapter 200 years ago. The day will feature degrees. reenactments, dedications, tours, and a luncheon.
September 14, 2024
Brother Lafayette Book Talk
Albany Masonic Temple with Masonic historian, researcher and author Brother Christopher Ruli.
September 16, 2024
THE AMERICAN FRIENDS OF LAFAYETTE
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of the United States 1824-1825
Special Events in Albany, New York.
All-day event starting at 9:30 am in Lafayette Park.
September 17, 2024
9:30 am to 7:00 pm
Lafayette Apron Reception
Holland Lodge 8, Masonic Hall on 23rd Street.
September 18, 2024
7:oo pm to 10:00 pm
The Grand Commandery of the State of New York Presents: A Tribute to the Marquis De Lafayette
The Grand Commandery in collaboration with Morton Commandery No. 4 and Columbian Commandery No.1 will present a small history of the Marquis de Lafayette regarding his Knights Templar connection and display the historic Apron Lafayette offered to Morton Commandery and the Punch Bowl which was gifted to Columbian Commandery.
Both items will be on display and presented along with their historic context and connection with each Commandery.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel: Suffern
3 Executive Boulevard, Suffern NY 10901
September 21, 2024
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
French speaking Lodges of the 10th Manhattan District
The 3 French speaking Lodges of the 10th Manhattan District La SincéritéNo. 373 Along with France La ClémenteAmitié, Cosmopolite No. 410, and L’UnionFrançaise No. 17 cordially invite you to a Festive Board honoring the 200th anniversary of Brother General Marquis de Lafayette’s triumphant return to the USA.
Speaker: R∴W∴Michael LaRocco, Executive Director of the Livingston Masonic Library will give a short talk on “Marquis de Lafayette, Hero of Three Worlds” Including a display of the apron Lafayette wore when he was conferred a Knight Templar. This event is open to all Masons and spouses.
We will have plenty of drinks and hors-d’oeuvres
Advance payment of $50 per person is required by September 10 Venmo @franck-litzler-1 or Zelle francklitzler@yahoo.com. Please indicate your name as a Comment in your payment.
September 21, 2024
7:oo pm to 11:00 pm
Lafayette French Degree
France La Clémente Amitié Cosmopolite 410, Masonic Hall 23rd Street
September 24, 2024
Bro. Chris Ruli
Bro. Ruli will be speaking at the Robert R Livingston Masonic Library, Masonic Hall 23rd Street, about Marquis de Lafayette. Bro. Ruli is a well-known historian and has recently written a book on the Marquis de Lafayette.
September 26, 2024
Westchester Lafayette bicentennial Gala
For the benefit of the Westchester County Historical Society
Celebrate Westchester County’s early days from the American Revolution through the early 19th Century as we honor the memory of one of this nation and France’s greatest heroes. Experience early America, as we serve some of Lafayette’s favorite foods and toast to this amazing man who dedicated his life to freedom and the abolishment of slavery worldwide.
Learn all about his visit in 1824 and 1825, when he reminded America who she is and revived the spirit of the nation, from the famous historian and author, Chris Ruli and his latest book “Brother Lafayette.”
September 27, 2024
6:3o pm to 11:00 pm
Holy Royal Arch Degree dedicated to the Marquis De La Fayette
Marquis De Lafayette Royal Arch Degree Conferralin period costumes in the Grand Lodge room.
November 12, 2024
A Night for the Marquis and the Count
The American Lodge of Research, Masonic Hall in Manhattan NY
Bro. Chris Ruli to discuss the Masonic significance of Lafayette’s 1824-25 tour of the United States. Bro. Erich Huhn to explain Alexis de Tocqueville’s thoughts on Freemasonry gleaned from his tour of our nation in 1831-32. Master Masons welcome.
March 31, 2025
7:oo pm to 10:00 pm
Niagara-Orleans District Lafayette Event
Niagara-Orleans District, Lockport Masonic Hall
June 6, 2025
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
