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| Albany’s Masonic Temple was dedicated in 1896. |
The first clues of Masonic history in Albany date to the 1750s and the French-Indian War, and the city that would become the capital of New York State has played important parts in our fraternity’s story. For example, in 1767, a Mason named Henry Andrew Francken, recently arrived in Albany from Jamaica, established a Masonic body there associated with what would become the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite by issuing the warrant of Ineffable and Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection.
That’s the Rite of Perfection, the system of 25 degrees that would be the basis for the 33-degree A&ASR established in 1801. Francken issued the patent to this Grand Lodge of Perfection, culminating several months of activity that had begun with his conferring degrees 4 through 14 upon two Masons named William Gamble and Francis von Pfister. (I have been informed by an unimpeachable source that this was not the first Rite of Perfection body in North America, as is commonly said, because New Orleans had a short-lived Lodge of Perfection in 1763. Thanks, Brent!)
The comprehensive Masonic history of Albany deserves to be collected, organized, written, and published, and this is being organized by W. Bro. Michael Hernandez of Mt. Vernon Lodge 3. Specifically, he is raising the financing needed to make the deep research possible. A total of $10,000 is sought, more than half of which has been secured already.
If you can help, click here for the Go Fund Me. From the publicity of this morning:
Just a brief update concerning the fundraising effort for the History of Freemasonry in Albany book.
To date, nearly thirty donations have been received, which total just shy of $5,500.
Major donors include:
Capital District Masonic Charities Corporation;
Valley of Albany, AASR; and
Ancient Temple Chapter 5, R.A.M., all of whom donated at the $500-$1000 level.
Only $4,500 more in donations are needed for this project to be fully financed and for work to begin.
If you are willing and able to offer support for this important project it would be very much welcome.
And previously:
I am working to raise $10,000 to finance the publication of a book on the history of Freemasonry in Albany, New York. To the best of my knowledge, no such book has been written. Although many anniversary histories have been published by the city’s Masonic bodies, there does not appear to be a single volume that chronicles the fraternity’s 255+ year history in this city. This book will attempt to correct this oversight.
In writing this book, as much of the fraternity’s history in the City of Albany will be covered as possible. This will include examining persons of significance to the fraternity and the broader community, as well as shining a light on many exquisite and unique artifacts that rarely see the light of day.
This book will take approximately 12-18 months to research, write, and print.
The lion’s share of this work will be done by noted and respected Capital District author, filmmaker, historian, and archaeologist Don Rittner. Don’s written works include histories of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Lansingburgh.
Please note that any donations totaling $1,000 or more will be formally acknowledged in the book.
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| Click to enlarge. |
Again, click here <cough> Grand Lodge, Supreme Council, et al.
