Masonic Hall And Asylum Fund history

Prior to 1840 the Grand Lodges of Kentucky and Missouri had set a worthy example for the Masons of America in providing for the needy brother, the widow and the orphan in Masonic Homes and Schools.

June 8th, 1843, is an important date in the Masonic History of our State, for it was on that day that the first well defined and organized action in regard to the Home was taken.

In 1846, there were about 175 Lodges with 12,000 members, while at the time of the dedication of the Home, our forces were numbered 726 Lodges and 83,287 Master Masons.

In the year 1851 it was recommended that the Grand Lodge purchase a property in the "center of the State" upon the following estimate:

In 1869, the real estate at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 23rd Street, New York City, was purchased.

In 1870, the cornerstone of Masonic Hall was laid, and in 1875 the completed edifice was dedicated. As a result of building and equipping the Masonic Hall, the Craft found itself in 1876 in debt to the amount of $794,000.

Four years later, in 1891, Most Worshipful John W. Vrooman, Grand Master, laid the corner stone of the Utica Home.

In 1922 the Soldiers and Sailors Hospital was finished and dedicated with impressive exercises.

History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925