Connecting today’s Freemasons with our rich history. Join us in exploring the people and places in New York state’s past.
Explore the past
Recent articles
The Raising: The Master Mason Degree of Theodore Roosevelt
W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
On April 24, 1901, Brother Theodore Roosevelt was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The “raising” of Brother Roosevelt took on a different meaning as he reached the third-floor lodge, carried by dozens of brothers.
The Mysterious Painting
W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
Masonic lodge historical records sometimes suffer from the lack of detailed provenance of an artifact’s origins. But one recent discovery has started a long path based on just one word, or in this specific case, one name.
Brother Piano Legs: One of the Dead Ball Era Greats
Bro. Nathan Tweedie
Baseball’s Dead Ball Era may not have produced the mind-numbing number of homeruns that we see today, but it was certainly the hay-day for nicknames. The 1880s-1920s saw nicknames like Butcher Boy, Nubby, and Foxy Grandpa but one of the strangest belonged to Brother George F. “Piano Legs” Gore.
The Lasting Legacy of Expelled Brothers
Bro. Nathan Tweedie
Freemasonry in New York State, and most of North America, is heavily influenced by the work of men that were expelled from the Craft.
Past articles
Passing the Exam: The Fellowcraft Degree of Theodore Roosevelt
By W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
On March 27, 1901, Brother Theodore Roosevelt was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft. Would you dare question his proficiency? “My Brothers, I believe you asked the wrong question.
Second part of the multi-part series on the Masonic career of Brother Roosevelt.
Read More
Development of Freemasonry in Albany
By W:. Michael A. Hernandez
On June 28, 1756, Alexander Lightfoot, an innkeeper of Albany, NY was laid to rest. According to The New York Mercury, “his corpse was attended by all gentlemen of the army, who were members of the Honorable Society of Free Masons.”
Read More
The Utica Masonic Temple
Featuring an interview with Bro. Rocco Garro
“When lodges go dark, the items go to Grand Lodge and somehow end up on the campus of the Masonic home in Utica.” » Read More
A Visit from a Future President
By W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
On a late summer day in 1931, New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt travelled to Jephtha Lodge No. 494 in Huntington to commemorate the U.S. Constitution » Read More
Enter the Apprentice: The First Degree of Theodore Roosevelt
By W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
On January 2, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt stepped inside the third-floor lodge room of Matinecock No. 806 F. & A.M in Oyster Bay, Long Island to be initiated into the degree of entered apprentice. Read More
More Light in Masonry
Read our latest blog posts featuring discussions and presenations
Fez Friday, Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA
Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA. Melha #78 was chartered on June 14, 1898. There are a little over 900 members who are active in a wide variety of Clubs and Units within the Shrine. Melha supports the Shriners Hospitals located in Springfield and Boston. They recently relocated and the new Shrine Center is in Agawam, MA.
Fez Friday, Welcome
Next to Masonic Rings and Aprons, the Fez is one of the most identifiable accessories of a Freemason. We are proud to salute Shriners by highlighting member’s Fezzes and the story behind them.
Masonic Melody
This Knights Templar painted apron deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.
Chamber of Reflection
This Knights Templar painted apron deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.
Knights Templar Apron
This Knights Templar painted apron deals with the symbolic nature of the historic Templars as they exist as an inspiration within some areas of Freemasonry.
Masonic Charity
FAITH. HOPE. CHARITY.Charged With CharityCharity is the brightest jewel in the Masonic crownEditor's note: This article was originally published on The Midnight Freemasons blog and is being republished by permission of the author. This version contains...
Masonic Portrait of Brother General George Washington
George Washington is arguably the most famous Freemason. His portrait, painted by William Joseph Williams is a true Masonic treasure.
Traveling Men – Puerto Vallarta
A few years ago, I was invited to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, by some close friends to scuba diving. This was one of my favorite Masonic memories, and it would never have happened if I did not travel and take the time to meet Brothers from far and wide.
Remembering September 11
Craftsmen Online remembers September 11, 2001 with the words of MW Carl J. Fitje, Past Grand Master, Grand Lodge of New York.
Traveling Men
As most Masons know we love to refer to ourselves as Traveling Men. But do you travel? Have you really taken advantage of how and what traveling means in our prestigious fraternity?
Share some history
Do you know of a location or Masonic historical site that we should be sharing? Let us know by clicking the button below to send an email. Thank you for your lead!