WASHINGTON LODGE NO. 21 – F. & A.M.
Our Heritage & Mission

Who We Are

Washington Lodge No. 21 is one of the oldest Lodges in the City of New York, being a part of the First Manhattan District (the old “Musty First”).

A History of Resilience

Having existed for so long, it’s safe to say we have our fair share of history. From the many bad break-ups we experienced in our formative years to our secession and reunion to the Grand Lodge in the mid-1800s, and the ups and downs in membership after the Morgan Affair and later in the mid-to-late 20th Century, this Lodge is no stranger to adversity.

It is this Lodge’s resilience and the perseverance of our membership at pivotal moments in our long and storied history that has made Washington Lodge as strong as it is today.

Core Tenets

  • 🤝
    Brotherly Love

    Fostering enduring friendship among men from diverse backgrounds.

  • 🏛️
    Relief

    Practicing active charity and community stewardship in NYC.

  • ⚖️
    Truth

    Pursuing wisdom and moral integrity through Masonic ritual.

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A Rejuvenated Lodge

Currently, Washington Lodge has re-emerged as an up-and-coming and rejuvenated Lodge in the early 21st century. Although our roster is relatively small (in fact, the smallest in the First Manhattan District), we boast a highly active membership and the youngest median age in the District.

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Ritual Proficiency

Our commitment to the beauty of our ritual work is paramount. We dedicate ourselves to precise ritual execution and take immense pride in our MAGLA (Masonic Annual Grand Lecturer’s Award) competition achievements.

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Charity & Fellowship

We are proud gold/platinum supporters of the Masonic Toys for Tots Gala. Beyond our charitable labors, our close-knit social traditions, such as Table Lodges and Festive Boards, cement the bond of our families and friends.

Our Historical Milestones

Scroll and click through the pivotal moments of our pre-charter roots and revolutionary lineage.

1779
1789
1800
1818
1886

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.

🏛️ Lodge Archives: A Geographic History (1800 – Present) Open Fullscreen ↗

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.

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, degree work, and fraternal collations take place within the historic Masonic Hall located in the heart of Manhattan. We welcome traveling Brothers, prospective members, and curious visitors.

📅 Stated Communications: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month (Sept – June).
⏰ Schedule: Dinner at 6:00 PM; Gavel at 7:30 PM.
🏛️ Lodge Room: French Doric Room (10th Floor).
📍 Location: 71 West 23rd Street (at 6th Ave), New York, NY 10010.
Interested in Joining? Contact Us