Free & Accepted Masons of New York

The Free & Accepted Masons of New York, also known as the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, is a non-profit organization that serves as the governing body for Freemasonry in the state of New York. It is recognized by its Employer Identification Number (EIN) as 15-0502282.

History

The Free & Accepted Masons of New York trace their roots back to the earliest documented presence of Freemasonry in New York, which dates to the mid-1730s. Daniel Coxe Jr. was appointed by Charles Howard, the 10th Duke of Norfolk and Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England (known as the "Moderns"), to serve as Provincial Grand Master for New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. However, there is no authenticated record of his actual influence on Masonic activities during his tenure.

Over the years, additional Provincial Grand Masters were appointed, including Francis Goelet, George Harrison, and Sir John Johnson. Johnson supported the British during the American Revolution and took his warrant to Canada after fleeing the United States. This left the Moderns Lodges without a Provincial Grand Master.

Meanwhile, the Antient Grand Lodge of England ("Ancients") also established a Provincial Grand Lodge in New York by the 1750s, chartering lodges under its jurisdiction. Other lodges were chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

Formation and Independence

The Grand Lodge of New York was formally organized on December 15, 1782, under a Provincial Grand Warrant dated September 5, 1781, from the Antient Grand Lodge of England. The warrant was issued by John Murray, the 4th Duke of Atholl, who was then serving as Grand Master of the Antient Grand Lodge.

On June 6, 1787, the Grand Lodge declared its independence and adopted the title "Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York." This merged the traditions of the "Moderns" and "Ancients," which did not unite in England until 1813.

Leadership and Activities

Early notable Grand Masters include Robert R. Livingston, who played a significant role in American history. The organization has had a long history of contributing to the welfare of New York State and the United States through various philanthropic endeavors.

The Grand Lodge has had mutual recognition with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York since 2001, enhancing Masonic unity in the state.

Relationships with Other Organizations

The Masonic youth group Organization of Triangles, Inc., was founded in New York in 1925 and is associated with the Grand Lodge.

Buildings and Archives

The Grand Lodge has had several buildings throughout its history, with the current headquarters located at 23rd Street and 6th Avenue. The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library serves as a significant resource for Masonic history and research.

Philanthropy and Community Service

The organization supports various charitable initiatives, including the Masonic Care Community and the Masonic Medical Research Institute. These efforts reflect the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.