About Washington Lodge No. 21
Instituted on March 5, 1800, Washington Lodge No. 21 is one of the historic pillars of Freemasonry in New York City, carrying forward an unbroken legacy rooted deeply in the American Revolution.
Over Two Centuries of Brotherhood
For over two centuries, Washington Lodge No. 21 has gathered men of integrity, character, and goodwill within Manhattan. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, our lodge maintains an unwavering commitment to the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Named in honor of Brother George Washington, our members carry forward a rich tradition of leadership, civic responsibility, and philosophical inquiry. We believe Freemasonry provides a timeless framework for men to sharpen their minds, support their communities, and forge lifelong bonds of fellowship.
Core Tenets
- Brotherly Love: Fostering deep mutual respect among men from diverse professional backgrounds.
- Relief: Practicing active charity and community stewardship throughout New York City.
- Truth: Pursuing wisdom through traditional Masonic ritual, education, and philosophical discourse.
Pre-Charter Roots & Revolutionary Lineage
Though officially chartered under our current name in 1800, our lodge’s history precedes that date by 21 years, tracing its direct lineage back to the height of the American Revolution in New York City.
1779: Lodge No. 210
Chartered on February 20, 1779, in New York City by the Grand Lodge of England. It played a vital role in establishing the Provincial Grand Lodge and the subsequent Grand Lodge of New York.
1789: Jerusalem Lodge No. 4
Following citywide renumbering, the lodge received a new charter on December 2, 1789. Internal discord eventually led the Grand Lodge to cancel this charter on March 4, 1795, splitting the membership into Trinity Lodge No. 10 and Phoenix Lodge No. 11.
1800: Birth of Washington Lodge
Continued discord within Phoenix Lodge No. 11 prompted a special Grand Lodge session. On March 5, 1800, members withdrew to form Washington Lodge No. 16. W.Bro. Alexander S. Gordon was installed as its first Master on March 18, 1800.
Historical Presentation & Archives
Explore our interactive slide deck detailing the comprehensive history, lineage, and treasured artifacts of Washington Lodge No. 21.
The First Lodge Bearing Washington’s Name
Washington Lodge No. 21 holds the unique distinction of being the first body of Masons chartered to bear the name of Brother, General, and former President George Washington following his passing on December 14, 1799.
Over the decades, our lodge designation shifted from 16 to 84, and finally to 21. When our charter was returned to the Grand Lodge for safekeeping in 1886, a duplicate was returned bearing the official notation: “The number of Washington Lodge subsequently changed to 21.”
Our closest Masonic kin includes Trinity Lodge No. 12 (First/Ninth Manhattan Districts) from our 1783 roots, and Concord Lodge No. 304 (later No. 50), which was formed by withdrawing brethren on April 7, 1818.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1849 Schism: Ceded to the Phillips Grand Lodge, later reconciling under the Grand Lodge of New York in June 1858.
- 1854 Monument Stone: Donated a carved stone placed on the eleventh landing of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
- 1914 Fort Washington: Spearheaded commemoration of Fort Washington (War of 1812–14), placing a historic tablet on the YMCA building at Nevins St. and Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn.
Historic Traditions & Sister Lodges
Washington Lodge No. 21 maintains deep fraternal bonds with historic Virginia lodges and participates in prominent civic observances in New York City.
Virginia Sister Lodges
We share a profound connection with Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 (where Washington was Charter Master) and Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 (where he was initiated in 1752).
Precious Heirlooms
During our milestone anniversaries, our Virginia sister lodges have gifted us invaluable relics: a piece of wood from Washington’s coffin, an original Mt. Vernon glassware goblet, and the trowel used to lay the U.S. Capitol cornerstone.
Annual Mt. Vernon Pilgrimage
Every February for Washington’s birthday, our brethren travel to Mount Vernon, Virginia, to place a wreath on his sarcophagus and tour the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
Federal Hall Reenactment
Our members actively contribute to and participate in the annual George Washington Inauguration Reenactment at Federal Hall in NYC every April 30th, commemorating his 1789 oath of office.
Our Home at Masonic Hall
Our stated communications and degree work take place within the historic Masonic Hall located in the heart of Manhattan.
Stated Communications
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from September through June.
Schedule of Evening
Fellowship and dinner commence at 6:00 PM, followed by the opening gavel at 7:30 PM.
Address
Masonic Hall, 71 West 23rd Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10010.