The masons has always been surrounded by a certain aura of mystery, and it is quite understandable that the society is reliably guarded their secrets and did not allow them outsiders.
But now, when times flourished the Freemasons held their lodges turned into magnificent museums, not inferior to Royal palaces. We already looked at the Masonic temple in Philadelphia, now it’s time to talk about the new York stronghold of the brotherhood of masons.
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
Grand Lodge of Freemasons in the Big Apple is on the busy 23rd Street in Chelsea. Themselves masons living in new York, claim that their secret is that they have no secrets (which proudly tells a huge poster in downtown Manhattan), so anyone can visit and learn the answers to all your questions.
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
And although no one knows what goes on in a Masonic Lodge before you get there, it is worth noting that the Freemasons are not a cult, they are not subjected the public to join them tough and uncompromising selection, and that they do not use secret signs to protect their secrets.
But, back to our hike in search of the truth. Grand Lodge of the society of Freemasons appeared in new York in the years 1781-1782.
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
Reverend William Walter was elected the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of new York.
The Bibleon which George Washington swore before taking up the post of the President, is now used for the swearing of the Grand Masters in new York and presidents across the country in Washington.
Grand masters of the Grand Lodge of new York has always been actively involved in charity work and continue to do so until now. Upon entering the building, visitors are handed brochures about women’s health and heart disease, which is engaged in Masonic research medical laboratory.
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
The current building of the Lodge, Masonic Hall, was built in 1913 year by architect Harry P. Knowles, a Mason of the third degree. The room where members of the community going now, was restored by the restorer of the Lodge, Felix Chavez during the period from 1986 to 1996. Hard to believe that a richly decorated room, affecting a variety of materials and textures actually made of painted plaster.Chavez has spent enormous work to make a simple plaster to resemble expensive materials.
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
To visit the Masonic Lodge in Chelsea can be any weekday absolutely for free. Masons willing to share information about their history, traditions and contacts with the public. Although they will not reveal all your secrets, you’re bound to learn about something new.
source: flickr/CC/Wally Gobetz
