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 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.
Passing the Exam: The Fellowcraft Degree of Theodore Roosevelt
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.”
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
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.”
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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
The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island
While the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island is a small Masonic Jurisdiction, we have a large and historic heritage with connections to our colonial Brethren.
The Last Moon Lodge in New York State
Warren Lodge #32 holds the historical relevance of being the “Last Moon Lodge in New York State.” RW Steven Adam Rubin shares this story and how Masons can support this special institution.
The Tree of Life
Many theologians look to The Tree of Life to unlock the mysteries of spiritual liberation. Bro. Rene Perez breaks down its meanings for Freemasons.
Oriental Shrine
RW Anthony Prizza shares the history and work of New York State’s most northern Shrine Temple – the Oriental Shrine.
Masonic Aprons, A Marriage of Art and Freemasonry
Masonic aprons, being professionally painted or created by amateur artists, have always been a part of folk art history from the late 1700’s up through the centuries.
Sight Through Symmetry
Throughout March, Bro. Erik LaMarca’s art is part of an exhibition on symmetry at Solas Studio in the Flatiron District.
The Ezra Ames Meritorious Service Award
Congratulations to RW Steven Adam Rubin for receiving the Ezra Ames Meritorious Service Award, the highest award of The Grand Chapter State of New York, Royal Arch Masons.
More Masonic Books You Should Read from our Grand Historian
Our Grand Historian shares (literally) thousands of books you should read. “Aside from Masonic books, there is a limitless resource of additional books, experiences, and insights available to the Seeker.”
Masonic Books You Should Read
Five books every Brother should read for a better understanding of the esoteric and hidden meanings behind the mystical principles within the Craft.
The Five Elements and Five Senses
“I found that there is a less known fifth element (Quintessence) that connects the other four elements and senses.”
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!