Timeline of the Lodges That Formed Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586
Follow the six lodges that formed Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586, from City Lodge’s 1856 charter in Manhattan to the final consolidation in Astoria in 2018. This timeline traces their charters, temples, moves, and five consolidations.
Townsend Scudder of Glen Cove Lodge No. 580: Congressman, Judge, and Grand Master of New York
Townsend Scudder joined Glen Cove Lodge No. 580 in 1889 and rose to become a congressman, judge, and Grand Master of New York. Follow his recurring role in Queens Masonic history, from installing Advance Lodge’s officers to dedicating Island City’s temple, without belonging to any of the six lodges in the lineage.
A Map of the Lodges, Temples, and Meeting Places in the Advance Service Mizpah Lineage
Explore five selected meeting places in the lineage of Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586, from Grand Street in Manhattan to the Advance temple in Astoria. This map guide follows the lodges through Long Island City, Elmhurst, and Flushing, showing how shared buildings brought separate branches together.
Why Advance Lodge Named Itself After the USS Advance
Advance Lodge No. 635 took its name from the Arctic vessel commanded by Elisha Kent Kane. Explore founder Robert McCoskry Graham’s choice, the ship’s two voyages in search of Franklin, and how its image became part of an Astoria lodge’s seal and identity.
A Cornerstone, a Dinner, and a Borough in a Hurry
After years of fundraising and delay, Advance Lodge No. 635 laid its Astoria temple cornerstone on November 20, 1915, just fifty-seven days after opening construction bids. Explore the building campaign, the elusive refreshments afterward, and a growing Queens neighborhood that was moving just as fast.
Advance Lodge No. 635 Members Directory: Charter Members and Past Members
Browse charter members and past members of Advance Lodge No. 635, Astoria’s first Masonic lodge, chartered in 1867. This growing directory includes founding officers, later members, and connections to the temple and lodge lineage that continue as Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586.
Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586 Members Directory: Past Members of Six Lodges
Browse past members of Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586 and the six lodges in its lineage. Organized by lodge, this growing directory connects names, offices, and membership dates with individual lodge directories and historical profiles as they are published.
The Advance Masonic Temple in Astoria: A Lodge Building That Endured
Opened in 1916, the Advance Masonic Temple at 21-14 30th Avenue in Astoria remains home to a working lodge. Explore its architecture, opening fair, member-donated fittings, neighborhood gatherings, and continuing role as the home of Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586.
Advance Lodge No. 635 and the Laying of Its Cornerstone
On November 20, 1915, about 800 Masons marched through Astoria as several thousand spectators followed them to the laying of Advance Lodge No. 635’s cornerstone. Follow the procession, the ceremony led by Grand Master George Freifeld, and the stone that remains beside the temple entrance on 30th Avenue.
One Lodge, Six Charters: Start Here with Advance Service Mizpah No. 586
Start exploring One Lodge, Six Charters, a series tracing Advance Service Mizpah Lodge No. 586 through its six predecessor lodges. Find your way into the lodge histories, temples, member profiles, and five consolidations that connect Manhattan, Astoria, Long Island City, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Flushing.
Edward J. Knauer of Advance Lodge No. 635: From Chester A. Arthur's Office to the Master's Chair
From Chester A. Arthur’s law office to the Master’s chair of Advance Lodge No. 635, Edward J. Knauer built a life in law, fellowship and Long Island City politics. Twice elected Worshipful Master, he also led the city’s aldermen and became Queens County’s first Commissioner of Jurors.
At the Founding: Edward Chauncey Graham and Advance Lodge No. 635
Edward Chauncey Graham, a Manhattan-born insurance broker raised in Howard Lodge No. 35, helped found Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects an old New York family with the lodge’s founding years.
From Forge to Council Table: John L. Morris, Charter Member of Advance Lodge No. 635
An Astoria blacksmith raised in Island City Lodge in 1866, John L. Morris helped found Advance Lodge No. 635. His story connects the lodge’s beginnings with the Odd Fellows’ hall and the Long Island City Board of Aldermen.
Joseph Gelson of Advance Lodge No. 635: A Corona Schoolhouse Engineer and the Astoria Temple
Joseph Gelson maintained Corona’s public school buildings and served as Master of Advance Lodge No. 635 in 1907. His story connects schoolhouse emergencies, community halls, and his trusteeship during the building and opening of the lodge’s Astoria temple.
Daniel Noble of Advance Lodge No. 635: A Queens Surrogate in the Astoria Lodge Room
Daniel Noble served as Queens County surrogate for thirty-one years, overseeing wills, estates, and guardianships. Raised in Advance Lodge No. 635 in 1888, he remained identified with the Astoria lodge throughout a public career shaped by Long Island City politics, courtroom disputes, and concern for the county’s records.
James D. Torrey of Advance Lodge No. 635: The Show Printer Who Became the Lodge’s First Treasurer
James D. Torrey printed circus posters, published Civil War histories, and became the first Treasurer of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects the lodge’s founding with Manhattan’s Spruce Street printing trade—and the unpaid circus debts that helped bring down his business.
Caleb G. Francis: The Connecticut Merchant Who Became Advance Lodge’s First Secretary
Caleb G. Francis, a Connecticut-born merchant raised a Mason in Williamsburgh in 1863, became a charter member and the first Secretary of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story follows the lodge’s founding records and newspaper notices that may trace his life from Broadway to the Connecticut shore.
A Founder Who Became Master: William M. Berger of Advance Lodge No. 635
William M. Berger was a young New York merchant when he was raised a Mason in 1866 and became a charter member of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. By 1878, he was its Master—one of seven charter members who went on to lead the lodge.
The Spruce Street Printer Behind Advance Lodge No. 635: James D. Torrey, Charter Treasurer
James D. Torrey printed circus posters and published Civil War histories before becoming the first Treasurer of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story connects the lodge’s founding in 1867 with Manhattan’s printing trade, the risks of circus credit, and a business undone after the Panic of 1873.
A Merchant Among the Founders: Caleb G. Francis of Advance Lodge No. 635
Caleb G. Francis, a Connecticut-born merchant raised a Mason in Williamsburgh in 1863, became the first Secretary of Advance Lodge No. 635 in Astoria. His story traces the lodge’s founding, a trade in sewing machine materials, and possible later connections to the Connecticut shore.