| History |  |
The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging is the premier masonic organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest Grand Lodges in the United States, being established on 26 September 1786 by delegates from the thirteen lodges holding warrants (or charters) from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a provincial grand lodge of the Ancients' Grand Lodge of England. |
| Description | |
The massive granite cornerstone, weighing ten tons, was leveled on St. John the Baptist's Day, 24 June 1868. The ceremonial gavel used on that day by Grand Master Richard Vaux was same gavel used by President George Washington in leveling the cornerstone of the nation's Capitol building in 1793. The Grand Lodge Temple was completed in 1873. The bold and elaborate elevations of Norman architecture on Broad and Filbert Streets, especially the beautiful Norman portico of Quincy granite, make it one of the great architectural wonders of the City of Philadelphia. The exterior stone of the building on Broad and Filbert Streets was constructed of Cape Ann Syenite from Syne in Upper Egypt.
The Grand Lodge Temple is located at One North Broad Street, directly across from Philadelphia City Hall and only two blocks away from the Reading Terminal Market. |
