Chartered in Elmhurst in 1919, Geba Lodge No. 954 was more than a Masonic hall. It was a meeting place for immigrant ambition, civic ritual, neighborhood charity, and an unlikely brotherhood that included David Wechsler, Dudley D. Shoenfeld, Bernard Berkley, and Don Rickles.

How a cargo brig became a vessel of transformation: the story of the USS Advance, the Grinnell Expeditions, and the enduring themes of discipline, ordeal, and brotherhood.

Elisha Kent Kane entered the Arctic in search of Sir John Franklin, but returned as something else: one of America’s most unlikely heroes. Frail in body yet formidable in discipline, Kane helped transform a rescue mission into a story of national ambition, scientific discovery, and endurance in the ice.

Founded in 1873 in old Newtown, Mizpah Lodge No. 738 grew alongside Elmhurst itself, preserving ritual, memory, and continuity as a rural Queens village became a modern urban neighborhood.

Founded in 1865 at Hunter’s Point, Island City Lodge No. 586 grew alongside Long Island City itself—from ferry-house beginnings to a temple on Jackson Avenue, and eventually to consolidation with Mizpah Lodge in Elmhurst. Its story reflects the making of Queens through fellowship, charity, and civic life.

Benjamin S. H. Maillefert

Step behind the velvet curtain and discover the remarkable life of Dr. William Golden Mortimer—magician, Freemason, and medical innovator. From stagecraft and secret societies to medical breakthroughs and the founding of the Society of American Magicians, Mortimer’s story is a dazzling blend of artistry, brotherhood, and lasting legacy. Explore how this master of mystery shaped not only the world of magic, but also the worlds of art, medicine, and philanthropy.

Astoria, Queens, has long been a vibrant hub of community, culture, and history. Among its most distinguished citizens stands Brother John C. Rauscher, whose life and legacy continue to inspire Freemasons and neighbors alike. As a devoted clergyman, community leader, and proud Freemason, Brother Rauscher’s story is a testament to the values that define both Astoria and the Masonic tradition.