Freemasonry in New York
Find a lodge, learn how to join, and explore the Masonic history of the New York.
Quick Facts: Freemasonry in New York
- Grand Lodge
- Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the State of New York
- Chartered
- 1782 (244 years of organized Freemasonry)
- Headquarters
- New York, NY
- Annual Communication
- Annual Communication in May
- Address
- 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
Masonic History in New York
The Grand Lodge of New York, chartered in 1782, presides over Masonic Hall in Manhattan — one of the most famous Masonic buildings in the world. Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Houdini, and Sugar Ray Robinson were all New York Masons.
For the full context of how Masonic ideas reached New York — including the medieval origins of the Craft, the 1717 founding of organized Freemasonry, and how lodges spread to America — see our complete History of Freemasonry.
The Grand Lodge of New York
Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the State of New York
Chartered 1782
How to Join Freemasonry in New York
The process for joining a Masonic lodge in New York follows the same path as anywhere else in the United States. There are four core requirements:
- 1Be a man of at least 18 years old (some New York lodges require 21). Women interested in Masonic-affiliated organizations should look at the Order of the Eastern Star.
- 2Believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not specify which faith — only that you have one.
- 3Be of good moral character. Lodges run background checks; serious criminal history is usually disqualifying.
- 4Ask of your own free will. Masonry never recruits — you must approach a lodge yourself.
Next step: Use our quick quiz at /can-i-join to confirm you meet the requirements, then find a lodge in New York below or in our lodge directory.
Famous Freemasons from New York
5 notable Masons associated with New York.
Theodore Roosevelt
1858-1919 • 26th President of the United States
Known as the "Trust Buster" and conservationist President. Initiated in 1901 while serving as Vice President, just weeks before becoming President.
Lodge: Matinecock Lodge No. 806, Oyster Bay, NY
Franklin D. Roosevelt
1882-1945 • 32nd President of the United States
Led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Raised to Master Mason in 1911 and remained active in Masonry throughout his four terms as President.
Lodge: Holland Lodge No. 8, New York City
Harry Houdini
1874-1926 • Magician & Escape Artist
Greatest magician and escape artist in history. His dedication to exposing fraudulent spiritualists aligned with Masonic values of truth.
Lodge: St. Cecile Lodge No. 568, New York
General Omar Bradley
1893-1981 • General of the Army
Last surviving five-star general. Known as the "Soldier's General" for his concern for enlisted men.
Lodge: West Point Lodge No. 877, New York
Sugar Ray Robinson
1921-1989 • Professional Boxer
Considered pound-for-pound the greatest boxer of all time. Won world titles in two weight classes.
Lodge: Joppa Lodge No. 55 (Prince Hall), New York
Frequently Asked Questions
About Freemasonry in New York.
When was Freemasonry established in New York?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the State of New York was chartered in 1782, making organized Freemasonry in New York 244 years old. Some individual lodges predate the Grand Lodge by years or decades, operating under charters from older jurisdictions.
How do I join a Masonic lodge in New York?+
To join Freemasonry in New York, you must be a man of at least 18 (some lodges require 21), believe in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The next step is to contact a lodge near you and ask to meet members — usually over a meal before a stated meeting. After conversation, you submit a petition; if accepted, you are scheduled for initiation. The full process from petition to becoming a Master Mason typically takes 4-12 months.
How many Masonic lodges are there in New York?+
New York has dozens of active Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the State of New York, headquartered in New York. The Grand Lodge maintains an official roster of all active lodges — see the contact information above to request a list, or use our directory to find one near you.
Who governs Freemasonry in New York?+
The Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the State of New York is the sole governing body for "mainstream" Freemasonry in the state. It operates independently and sovereignly — no worldwide Masonic authority exists. Prince Hall Freemasonry (the historically African American tradition) operates a separate Grand Lodge in many states; both are recognized as regular Freemasonry across the United States.
What is the address of the Grand Lodge of New York?+
The Grand Lodge is located at 71 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010. Phone: +1-800-362-7664. Website: https://nymasons.org.
Show Your New York Brotherhood
Custom Masonic jackets, jerseys, hoodies, and commemorative coins — designed by Brothers, made for the Craft.