The story of the Grand Lodge of New York starts here.

A community of dignified men come together to bring Freemasonry—a centuries-old fraternal organization built on values of brotherly love, relief, and truth—to the American colonies. The Duke of Norfolk appoints Daniel Coxe as Provincial Grand Master of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Authorized by the Modern Grand Lodge of England (known as “the Athol”), St. John’s Lodge No. 1 becomes the first Masonic lodge in New York. The lodge and its members are granted permission to elect officers, self-govern their lodge, and confer the three degrees of Masonry.

Sir John Johnson becomes the last Freemason to serve as a Provincial Grand Master of the Freemasons. As Freemasonry extends its reach throughout the colonies, new leaders emerge across smaller jurisdictions. These Grand Masters are responsible for appointing and supervising other officers within the Grand Lodge.

On September 5, 1781, the Athol signs a Provincial Grand Warrant; this declaration allows a new Grand Lodge to operate in New York. On December 15, 1782, the Grand Lodge of New York is officially organized.

Robert R. Livingston is appointed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York. During his subsequent 16 years of service, Livingston would preside at the presidential inauguration of Brother George Washington, a Freemason and the only U.S. president to take his oath of office in New York City.

The Grand Lodge of New York declares its independence from the Grand Lodge of England on June 6, 1787. With the official title of “Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York,” the fraternity dedicates itself to prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice.

Now in its fourth century of bringing men together through brotherhood, the Grand Lodge of New York represents a living legacy of integrity in the Empire State. Featuring men of all professions, creeds, and backgrounds, New York Masons live to serve each other—and their neighbors—every day.