The list of places to visit in New York is endless, and if you’re a Mason, there’s no better place to be!
In this article, we’ll take a look at seven incredible Masonic spots to visit in New York State.
From Manhattan to Buffalo, these are some of the most sacred spots for Freemasons across New York.
Here’s a quick summary of the locations discussed below:
- Freemasonry Hall Of The Grand Lodge Of Free And Accepted Masons Of The State Of New York.
- Royal Arch Chapter House – Home To The Grand Chapter Of Royal Arch Masons, State of New York.
- Mecca Shrine Temple (Home Of The Shriners).
- The New York Livingston Masonic Library
- Cleopatra’s Needle, Central Park.
- The Statue of Liberty Cornerstone.
- The Prince Hall Grand Lodge New York.
Freemasonry Hall Of The Grand Lodge Of Free And Accepted Masons Of The State Of New York
This is the headquarters of everything Freemasonry in New York.
It’s located at One North Broad Street, Manhattan, and it includes a museum with over 25000 items!
The Grand Lodge Of Free And Accepted Masons Of The State Of New York was created by an act of the legislature on April 13th, 1784.
NB: We’ve also included this in our list ranking the most beautiful Masonic buildings in the world here.
Royal Arch Chapter House – Home To The Grand Chapter Of Royal Arch Masons, State of New York
This is the location for all things Royal Arch in New York. It’s located at 26 Clinton Avenue in Albany.
It was even said to have been used as a hospital during the American Revolutionary War!
It acts as home to the General Grand Chapter Of Royal Arch Masons, State Of New York, which was created by a convention held at this location in 1817.
Mecca Shrine Temple (Home Of The Shriners)
The Mecca Shrine Temple is home to over 300 Shriners, and it’s located at One Hall Street in Utica.
There are actually three different temples that make up the complex: The Main Temple, which acts as the headquarters for all things Shrine-related.
A Masonic Lodge Building (used by both Freemasons and Shriners during separate portions of the day); and The Egyptian Room (used for Shrine meetings).
The New York Livingston Masonic Library
The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge is a world-class research facility that has been dedicated to collecting and preserving the history, artifacts, memorabilia, and archival holdings relating to Freemasonry.
For over 150 years they have pursued this mission with a focus on New York State’s rich tradition in Masonry as well as its impact throughout North America!
Want to download a collection of rare and out-of-print Masonic books? Check out the Great Masonic Library.
Cleopatra’s Needle, Central Park
A 17-feet high obelisk was presented as a gift to the United States by Egypt in 1877.
It’s located at East Coast Park and it is believed to have been originally erected around 1450 BC for Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled over Ancient Egypt from 1479 – 1458 BC.
The statue stayed underwater until 1886, when it was ‘rediscovered’ during an excavation of Fort Washington Hill (now known as Bennett Park) on November 23rd, 1880.
After undergoing renovation work, Cleopatra’s Needle finally found its new home atop a red granite pedestal near Fifth Avenue and Central Park West on January 22nd, 1881!
The Statue of Liberty Cornerstone
Yes, the cornerstone of the Statue Of Liberty on Liberty Island is actually a Masonic artifact!
It was originally from a French church that Freemasons had helped to dismantle during the late 18th century, and it was then sent over as a gift by Lodge Alsace-Lorraine in Paris, France.
The Cornerstone was laid by King David Owen Roberts – who would become the first Masonic sovereign grand commander of the Scottish Rite’s southern jurisdiction.
The Prince Hall Grand Lodge New York
One of the most beautiful Masonic Temples in New York City, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge New York is the oldest African American Masonic organization in America. They are located at 454 W 155th St, New York.
Originally built in 1925, it first served as the Masonic Temple for the William McKinley Lodge, today it serves as the home for The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, one of New York City’s most iconic Masonic Temples.
If you’re looking for an incredible place to visit while in town, this should be your first stop!
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New York is a great place to be, and Masonry can’t help but make it even better.
Whether you’re looking for some new friends or want to explore your heritage as an American Freemason, there are plenty of opportunities in the Empire State.
If you’re interested, we’ve also covered the best Masonic sights to visit in London here.