NEW YORK MASONIC HISTORY
Connecting today’s Freemasons with our LEGACY
Explore the past
“Free of Accepted Masons, a very ancient Society of Men… promoted Friendship, Society, mutual Assistance, a good Fellowship.”
From Colonial Lodges to George Washington’s famous visits, to the Morgan Affair and past Governors, Freemasonry has strong ties in New York State history.
RECENT ARTICLES
Lost Temples: The Manhattan Center
W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
Eagle-eyed Freemasons are always on the lookout for hidden masonic symbols and signs. Walking in midtown Manhattan, there is one glaring omission that even the most learned masonic brother may be shocked to know exists today.
The First Stone: Foundation of Jephtha Temple
W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
August 25, 2024 marks the 120th anniversary of a New York Masonic Historic Building, with the cornerstone ceremony of Jephtha Masonic Temple
The Masonic Apron and Certificate of John L. Place
Alexander Vastola
The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library recently obtained the 1805 Masonic apron and certificate that belonged to John L. Place
Huntington No. 26: Long Island’s First Masonic Lodge
W:. Ronald J. Seifried, DSA
A group of men, residing in several towns along the route of George Washington’s tour in 1790, go on to create the first Long Island Masonic Lodge
The U.S. Congress’ Masonic Medal
Ratirat Osiri
The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library collection has potentially the only Masonic medal ever issued by the US Congress.
Others Before Self: Brother Ernest Shackleton
Bro. Kyle A. Williams
In March 2022, the shipwreck Endurance was discovered. The three-masted exploration ship sank in the Weddell Sea off Antarctica on November 21, 1915. The captain was Sir Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer and Masonic Brother.
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.
Second part of the multi-part series on the Masonic career of Brother Roosevelt.
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.
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.
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 home runs 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.
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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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
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Our Editor
WB RON SEIFRIED, DSA
Past Master, Trustee Chairman and Historian of Jephtha Lodge No. 494; Historian of Area 1 (Nassau and Suffolk Districts).
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William H. Sherer: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Masonry
Discover the remarkable life of William H. Sherer, 40th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. From Civil War veteran to banking executive and compassionate Masonic leader, explore his legacy of dedication and service.
Freemasonry and the American Revolution in New York: A Legacy of Brotherhood and Battles
Explore the unique stories of New York Masonic history and pay tribute with an American 250 Festive Board. Get your copy of the event script!
Lafayette Bicentennial – A Hero’s Homecoming Honored
Learn how Lafayette was recognized by New York Freemasons for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the principles of Freemasonry.