Free & Accepted Masons of New York

The Free & Accepted Masons of New York, commonly referred to by its overarching organization as the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, is a major nonprofit organization in New York State. The organization's historical roots are deeply intertwined with the development of Freemasonry in the United States, particularly in New York.

History

Freemasonry has been present in New York since the mid-1730s, when Daniel Coxe Jr. was appointed Provincial Grand Master by the Duke of Norfolk. However, significant Masonic activity in New York began with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New York in 1782 under a Provincial Grand Warrant issued by the Antient Grand Lodge of England on September 5, 1781[1][2]. Robert R. Livingston was appointed as Grand Master in 1784, a position he held for sixteen years, playing a pivotal role in shaping the fraternity in New York[2].

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

The Free & Accepted Masons of New York are well-known for their philanthropic efforts across the state. Their charitable activities include supporting educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and community development projects. Additionally, they manage various social welfare programs, such as the Masonic Care Community of New York, which provides aid to Masons, their families, and the broader community[1][4].

Structure and Governance

The Grand Lodge acts as the governing body for Freemasonry in New York State. It oversees the operation of numerous local lodges and coordinates statewide Masonic events. The organization is led by a Grand Master, who is elected to this position by the members of the Grand Lodge. As of recent records, Steven Adam Rubin serves as the Grand Master[1].

Notable Activities and Buildings

One of the most notable Masonic buildings in New York is the Grand Lodge Building itself, located at 23rd Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, built in 1909. The Grand Lodge also manages the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library, a significant repository of Masonic historical documents and artifacts[1][4].

Relations with Other Masonic Organizations

The Grand Lodge of New York maintains mutual recognition with various other Masonic Grand Lodges, including the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York since 2001[1]. This cooperation reflects the fraternity's commitment to unity and collaboration among Masonic bodies.

This content focuses on the broader historical and organizational context of the Free & Accepted Masons of New York, highlighting their charitable, community-focused, and governance aspects as part of the larger Masonic tradition in New York State.