A Legacy of Brotherhood
The history of True Craftsman’s Lodge #651 is a tapestry woven with insight, intrigue, and beauty. It all began with a vision in the 19th century. Initially, the Lodge sought to establish itself under “Shakespeare Lodge,” with no number assigned. However, in February of 1867, the petition for dispensation was granted, and the Lodge was officially named “Philanthropic Lodge.” On July 22, 1867, the Lodge received its warrant and was chartered, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
The first Master of Philanthropic Lodge was R:.W:. Jacob P. Solomon is a significant figure in the Masonic community of New York. His Masonic career began in Indiana, and upon relocating to New York, he joined Adelphi Lodge #0023. Solomon was instrumental in forming True Craftsman’s Lodge #651 alongside eight other charter members: W:.2 Joseph A. Levy, Isaac T. Meyer, Lewis Stettheimer, Isaac C. Levi, Nathan Zemanmsky, James Davies, George M. Jacobs, and Lewis M. Phillips. Solomon’s dedication eventually led him to become the Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of New York, making him the first True Craftsman’s Lodge member to receive such an honor.
In the early years, the Philanthropic Lodge met in Proctor’s Hall on 23rd Street and within the historic Mecca Temple on West 55th Street. The atmosphere was charged with ambition and camaraderie as members gathered to uphold the principles of the Brotherhood.
In 1954, the Lodge underwent a significant transformation, officially becoming True Craftsman’s Lodge #651. This new chapter brought the members to the Thomas Jefferson Room of The Pythian Temple at 135 West 70th Street, a building constructed in 1927 to accommodate the 120 Pythian lodges throughout New York City.
However, fate dealt a cruel blow in 1955 when the Pythian Temple was consumed by fire, devastating the Lodge and destroying a significant portion of its records and cherished artifacts. In the wake of this tragedy, True Craftsman’s Lodge found a new home at The Masonic Hall of NYC, 71 West 23rd Street. Here, the Lodge adapted to its new environment, shifting meeting days and locations. In the 1970s, members convened in the Acacia Room on the second floor, and by the 1990s, they had moved to the Empire Room on the twelfth floor. At one point, the Lodge expanded its schedule to meet twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays.
The years rolled on, and by 1992, True Craftsman’s Lodge celebrated a remarkable milestone: 125 years of service and dedication. Throughout its history, the Lodge and its members faced numerous challenges, including the Panic of 1893, the Spanish-American War, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and even Desert Storm. In February 2017, True Craftsman’s Lodge commemorated its 150th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy and the resilience of its members. Though I was not a Freemason then, I remember volunteering my time alongside my future Brothers to prepare for this momentous occasion.
Integral to this narrative is the history of Bethel Lodge #0733, chartered in 1873. At its zenith, Bethel Lodge welcomed 146 members to its regular meetings, held on the third Saturday of each month in the Colonial Room of the Masonic Hall at 50 West 24th Street. Nearly a century later, on May 2, 1972, Bethel Lodge merged with True Craftsman’s Lodge #651, a decision sanctioned by Grand Master M:.W:. William R. Knapp. R:.W:. skillfully led the consolidation. Raymond Williams of Bethel Lodge and W:. Lloyd V. Lassner of True Craftsman Lodge.
At the helm during this pivotal merger was R:.W:. Emanuel Friedlander, a dedicated trustee of “The Children’s Endowment Fund of the Fifth Manhattan District,” which continues to thrive today. Brother Emanuel’s contributions to the Lodge were significant; he achieved the title of Master Mason in just three months and served as Master in 1965, 1972, 1984, and 1985. His influence extended beyond leadership roles, as he co-chaired the Brotherhood Fund from 1965 to 1968 and served as Grand Stewart in 1969.
Brother Emanuel’s legacy lives on through the Emanuel (Mannie) Friedlander account, established to support the educational journeys of Brothers and their families. Sadly, Brother Emanuel passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service. He is survived by his wife, Rae, and his daughter, Rona.
Reflecting on the rich history of True Craftsman’s Lodge #651, we honor the commitment, resilience, and Brotherhood that have shaped this community for over a century and a half. This enduring legacy inspires new generations of Freemasons, uniting them in pursuing knowledge, charity, and fellowship.
Bro. Justice A. Morales Lodge Historian 2022
All Research Cited By The Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library (From the historical records and documents).
With the assistance of Bro. Alexander Vastola and R:. W:. Martin Richards