Why do some systems of Masonry place the Three Great Lights directly in front of the Master in the East, while others such as ours in New York situate the Three Great Lights on a centrally located Altar?

When Masonry transitioned out of taverns and other temporary accommodations into purpose-built Masonic facilities, each jurisdiction had to decide how it would translate existing practices into the new setting. Previously, the Master was typically seated with a table (or even just a stool) in front of him displaying the Three Great Lights. Some Masons decided that the Three Great Lights should be situated directly in front of the Master because they were placed directly in front of him in the tavern. Other Masons decided that the Three Great Lights should be situated in the center of the Lodge room because they had been placed on a central table in the tavern around which the Brethren were gathered. Same origin but different translations. As it turns out, there is even greater variability when it comes to the location of the candles.