Connecting today’s Freemasons with our rich history. Join us in exploring the people and places in New York state’s past.
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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.
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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 Five Elements and Five Senses
“I found that there is a less known fifth element (Quintessence) that connects the other four elements and senses.”
Top 5 Best Wine/Bubbles For Valentine’s Day
Bottles of pure joy to share with your valentine this year! Great ideas that you can find at any liquor store.
A Message from the Grand Lecturer
My Brothers I have Stage 4 kidney failure. I am writing you today to see if any Brothers would enter the process of being matched for a potential kidney donation.
Top 5 Best Scotch Selections for the Perfect Holiday Gift
You need a gift that shows thought and class, something that doesn’t require you to know what size they wear, something you know they’ll actually use. You, my friend, need scotch.
It’s a Wonderful (Masonic) Life
There’s a reason why we love It’s a Wonderful Life: watching George Bailey’s story causes us to examine our own. Reflecting on the Masonic year has the same effect.
Conductor – A Very Important Person
Must we have a conductor in our rituals? Absolutely, no two ways about that. The experience of leading and guiding a candidate and Brother, is very enriching regardless of what degree it takes place.
Top 5 Best Bourbons for the Perfect Holiday Gift
Toast the Holidays with five bourbons that are easy to find and won’t break your budget. Enjoy responsibly!
Steps for Shriners Hospital
Meet Bro. Eric Morobito aka “The Walking Man.” Over the past 11 years, he has raised more than $60,000 for Shriners Hospitals, by walking.
The History of the Purple Heart
The Purple Heart has a connection to Brother George Washington and a connection to New York State and a Grand Lodge of New York property.
Remembering MW Robert R. Livingston
Most Worshipful Robert R. Livingston served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. His influence on New York Masons is obvious, especially with the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library.
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!