The Free and Accepted Masons of New York Grand Lodge is a historic fraternal organization serving Freemasons across the state of New York. Officially known as the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, it is the largest and oldest Masonic governing body in New York, with a legacy dating back to the early 1780s.

History

The origins of the Grand Lodge can be traced to the Provincial Grand Lodge of New York, chartered in 1781 by the Antient Grand Lodge of England, also known as the Atholl Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of New York was formally organized on December 15, 1782, under a Provincial Grand Warrant granted in 1781. It declared its independence on June 6, 1787, adopting the current title. Before its formation, Freemasonry in New York was present as early as the mid-1730s under various provincial jurisdictions, including that of Daniel Coxe, appointed as Provincial Grand Master for the colonies of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, though records of his active authority are scarce[1][2][4].

One of the most notable early leaders was Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, who served as Grand Master from 1784 to 1801. Livingston is historically significant for administering the oath of office to George Washington—who was himself a Freemason and the first President of the United States—at Federal Hall in New York City. The Bible used during this ceremony, published in 1767, is preserved and still used by St. John’s Lodge No. 1, the oldest lodge chartered by the Grand Lodge of New York[4][5].

Organization and Jurisdiction

The Grand Lodge acts as the central coordinating authority for Freemasonry throughout New York State. It oversees the activities of hundreds of subordinate lodges, totaling over 34,000 members across approximately 466 lodges in New York State alone. Additionally, it maintains jurisdiction over twelve lodges in the Middle East through the District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon, as well as several lodges abroad, including nine in Lebanon chartered since 1924[3][5].

The Grand Lodge's headquarters is located at Masonic Hall in New York City. It administers various charitable projects and committees, including the Masonic Home in Utica, the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library, and numerous statewide philanthropic initiatives[3].

Mission and Activities

The Grand Lodge of New York embodies the traditional values of Freemasonry, promoting fellowship, moral development, and community service among its members. It provides a venue for Masons from diverse backgrounds across urban and rural regions of New York to unite in brotherhood.

Throughout its history, members of the Grand Lodge have contributed significantly to the civic and social fabric of New York and the United States, serving in various professional and public roles including governors, legislators, judges, doctors, and educators[4].

Legacy

As the oldest Masonic institution in New York, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York holds a rich historical legacy intertwined with American history. Its influence extends beyond fraternal activities into charitable causes and preservation of Masonic heritage, maintaining important artifacts such as the Bible used by George Washington, and supporting educational resources like the Livingston Masonic Library[1][4][5].

This overview reflects the longstanding presence and ongoing role of the Free and Accepted Masons of New York Grand Lodge as a cornerstone organization within American Freemasonry.