Freemasonry
In the late 16th to 17th centuries a self-improving fraternal organization arose called Freemasonry. It's unknown how it was formed but a theory accepted around the world is that stonemasons established the craft during the middle ages. Membership is estimated to be around 6 million men worldwide. Throughout the centuries, Freemasons have searched to better themselves and the communities in which they live. Executing their craft through social and charitable events while maintaining self-improving philosophies through self-education and social advancement, philanthropy and personal involvement.
Freemasonry uses stone masonry concepts and tools to build a structure of friendship, morality and brotherly love. Rituals include specific language and symbols that come from the Middle Ages and the earliest documentation that references Freemasonry, such as the Regius Poem, is estimated to have been created circa 1390. Records from 1717 and forward are more accessible because the first Grand Lodge of England was assembled with the unification of 4 lodges. Within a 30 year span, the organization spread throughout Europe and America.
Freemasonry in the U.S. is administered by the Grand Lodge and coordinated into local lodges that donate about 1.5 million each day to causes that include but are not limited to treatment of childhood disorders, medical research, community service, hospitals, and more. Freemasonry expanded greatly in the 1800s into the early 1900s and the 6 million Masons around the world remain diligent in assisting individuals faced with adversity. Freemasonry lives in the 21st century through inspiring morals in the hearts of men and building bridges of brotherhood.
Freemasonry uses stone masonry concepts and tools to build a structure of friendship, morality and brotherly love. Rituals include specific language and symbols that come from the Middle Ages and the earliest documentation that references Freemasonry, such as the Regius Poem, is estimated to have been created circa 1390. Records from 1717 and forward are more accessible because the first Grand Lodge of England was assembled with the unification of 4 lodges. Within a 30 year span, the organization spread throughout Europe and America.
Freemasonry in the U.S. is administered by the Grand Lodge and coordinated into local lodges that donate about 1.5 million each day to causes that include but are not limited to treatment of childhood disorders, medical research, community service, hospitals, and more. Freemasonry expanded greatly in the 1800s into the early 1900s and the 6 million Masons around the world remain diligent in assisting individuals faced with adversity. Freemasonry lives in the 21st century through inspiring morals in the hearts of men and building bridges of brotherhood.
Prince Hall
Prince Hall was born between 1735 & 1738 and worked as a peddler, caterer and leatherworker, owning his own leather shop. He also worked within the state political arena to advance the rights of blacks, end slavery, and protect free blacks from being kidnapped by slave traders. He proposed a back-to-Africa movement, pressed for equal educational opportunities, and operated a school for African Americans in his home while starting a school program for free black children out of his own home with a focus on Liberal Arts and classical education. He is known for giving speeches and writing petitions and was a homeowner who voted and paid taxes. He encouraged enslaved and freed blacks to serve the American colonial military in the Revolutionary War. It is believed, but not certain, that Hall was one of the six "Prince Halls" from Massachusetts to serve during the war. He died in 1807.
African Lodge
While there has been some conflicting reports on the origins of Prince Hall and African Lodge No.1, the original story is as followed. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen men of color were initiated into Freemasonry in Military Lodge #441, constituted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland, assigned to the 38th Regiment of Foot, British Army Garrisoned at Castle Williams (Fort Independence) in Boston Harbor. Originally, they were only allowed to meet as a lodge, march on St. Johns Day and bury their dead. When the army left, they applied and were granted a Masonic charter from the Premier (Modern) Grand Lodge of England on September 20, 1784. The lodge name was then changed from African Lodge #1 to African Lodge #459. On June 18, 1827, African Lodge declared themselves independent from any other Grand Lodge. They shortly adopted the name Prince Hall Grand Lodge and started to issue charters to subordinate lodges. From here on out it was a long struggle as they fought for recognition but after a long uphill battle The United Grand Lodge of England approved a petition for recognition from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1994. In it’s 200+ years, Prince Hall Grand Lodge has grown into 48 states (including Washington D.C.) with only 4 not being mutually recognized by the Grand Lodge of that State.
St. James Lodge #114
In June of 1979 Charles Simmons, representative of group of men known as St. James Lodge under the clandestine organization of International Free & Accepted Modern Masons located in Jamaica NY, was inquiring information about gaining admission into the Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity. He was referred to Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York, William Jordan. Charles Simmons was advised to petition the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York for membership. According to an Occasional Grand Lodge organized on September 29, 1979 by the Grand Master at the time, Most Worshipful Paul J. Cooper, fifteen (15) members of the group were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. On March 1, 1980 under the direction of Most Worshipful Cooper, the raised brethren were place under dispensation as St. James Lodge U.D. The lodge was then charted on May 2, 1981 as St. James Lodge #114. The first officers of the lodge were:
Worshipful Master: Charles Simmons
Senior Warden: Edward E. Fulmore
Junior Warden: Richard S. Johnson
Worshipful Master: Charles Simmons
Senior Warden: Edward E. Fulmore
Junior Warden: Richard S. Johnson
Who was St. james to Freemasonry?
written by Bro. Joshua Feliciano
Introduction
St. James is a cherished figure within Freemasonry, often seen as a guiding saint and a symbol within many Masonic rituals. His story sheds light on the rich mosaic of Masonic history intertwined with medieval Catholic traditions and philosophical principles.
Who was St. James?
St. James the Great was a key figure among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in Spain. His significance is further underscored by the discovery of what are believed to be his relics in Compostela. This discovery transformed Compostela into a major pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages, with the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela standing in tribute to him.
Patron Saint of Freemasonry
St. James' bond with Freemasonry goes deep, with ties tracing back to ancient Catholic traditions. A historical Masonic document known as the Regius Poem, penned around 1390, highlights this connection. The poem praises St. James, seeking his blessings and protection for the masons.
Over time, the Masonic fraternity strengthened its relationship with St. James, integrating symbols like the scallop shell to signify pilgrimage to Compostela and the protective embrace of St. James. Numerous Masonic lodges took pride in naming St. James as their patron saint, emphasizing his esteemed place in Masonic traditions.
The Regius Poem
Dating back to approximately 1390, the Regius Poem is recognized as the earliest Masonic document. This poetic manuscript narrates the values and history of masonry. While the poem explores various facets of masonry, it makes a notable mention of St. James, emphasizing his protective and guiding role.
Early Foundation
St. James' brief appearance in the Regius Poem set the stage for his ongoing patronage in Masonic traditions. Later Masonic texts from the 1600s reaffirmed his esteemed position, associating him with virtues like devotion, ethical conduct, and the foundational principles of masonry.
Rise of Symbols & Rituals
By the late 1600s, St. James' influence in Masonry grew profoundly. The scallop shell, symbolizing pilgrimage and initiation, became a signature emblem associated with him. Over time, lodges across the world celebrated St. James with great passion, further embedding his legacy in Masonic culture.
Relationship to Virtues & Ideals
St. James stands as a beacon of numerous virtues Masons hold dear. His story resonates with ideas of morality, spiritual bonding, and the quest for deeper knowledge. His association with the pilgrimage to Compostela aligns seamlessly with Masonry's vision of life as a continuous journey toward self-betterment.
Conclusion
St. James occupies a unique place in Masonic heritage, symbolizing both sanctity and profound knowledge. Through him, Masons find a bridge to ancient Catholic values, while also echoing the enlightened principles of their craft. His enduring presence reflects Masonry's emphasis on spiritual growth, ethical standards, and initiation rites.
St. James is a cherished figure within Freemasonry, often seen as a guiding saint and a symbol within many Masonic rituals. His story sheds light on the rich mosaic of Masonic history intertwined with medieval Catholic traditions and philosophical principles.
Who was St. James?
St. James the Great was a key figure among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in Spain. His significance is further underscored by the discovery of what are believed to be his relics in Compostela. This discovery transformed Compostela into a major pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages, with the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela standing in tribute to him.
Patron Saint of Freemasonry
St. James' bond with Freemasonry goes deep, with ties tracing back to ancient Catholic traditions. A historical Masonic document known as the Regius Poem, penned around 1390, highlights this connection. The poem praises St. James, seeking his blessings and protection for the masons.
Over time, the Masonic fraternity strengthened its relationship with St. James, integrating symbols like the scallop shell to signify pilgrimage to Compostela and the protective embrace of St. James. Numerous Masonic lodges took pride in naming St. James as their patron saint, emphasizing his esteemed place in Masonic traditions.
The Regius Poem
Dating back to approximately 1390, the Regius Poem is recognized as the earliest Masonic document. This poetic manuscript narrates the values and history of masonry. While the poem explores various facets of masonry, it makes a notable mention of St. James, emphasizing his protective and guiding role.
Early Foundation
St. James' brief appearance in the Regius Poem set the stage for his ongoing patronage in Masonic traditions. Later Masonic texts from the 1600s reaffirmed his esteemed position, associating him with virtues like devotion, ethical conduct, and the foundational principles of masonry.
Rise of Symbols & Rituals
By the late 1600s, St. James' influence in Masonry grew profoundly. The scallop shell, symbolizing pilgrimage and initiation, became a signature emblem associated with him. Over time, lodges across the world celebrated St. James with great passion, further embedding his legacy in Masonic culture.
Relationship to Virtues & Ideals
St. James stands as a beacon of numerous virtues Masons hold dear. His story resonates with ideas of morality, spiritual bonding, and the quest for deeper knowledge. His association with the pilgrimage to Compostela aligns seamlessly with Masonry's vision of life as a continuous journey toward self-betterment.
Conclusion
St. James occupies a unique place in Masonic heritage, symbolizing both sanctity and profound knowledge. Through him, Masons find a bridge to ancient Catholic values, while also echoing the enlightened principles of their craft. His enduring presence reflects Masonry's emphasis on spiritual growth, ethical standards, and initiation rites.
Charity
Giving back to the community is a priority on the list of St. James Lodge #114. Every year we raise money to buy toys and do a toy drive at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. We also do a community feeding once a year with conjunction with the Penn Foundation and the Second Masonic District Association. During the COVID-19 pandemic we also donated 2,000 surgical masks to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University which turned into a COVID-19 facility. Every year we try and find a way to give back as it's in our hearts.