Garret J. Garretson rose from old Newtown to the New York Supreme Court, building a public life defined by civic duty, judicial integrity, and trust across party lines.

In the 1950s, Brother Bernard Berkley of Geba Lodge helped turn Queens Boulevard into a little kingdom of joy. As co-owner of Fairyland Amusement Park, he welcomed local families—and even busloads of orphaned children—into a world of rides, laughter, and Masonic-inspired charity beneath what is now Queens Center Mall.

Ernest Ankener, Freemason, Engineer responsible for the cables on the Brooklyn Bridge, and surveyor of Queens.

During the Civil War, Hallett served with distinction as a Private in Company K of the 137th New York Infantry. His journey from Hallett’s Cove to the battlefields of the Civil War reflected a commitment to duty and country, just as deep as his devotion to Astoria.

Brother Peter G. Van Alst stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Astoria and western Queens. Born on May 28, 1828, in Dutch Kills, Queens, Van Alst was raised in a family deeply rooted in the area since the early 1700s. His education at local schools and the Astoria Institute set the stage for a remarkable career as a surveyor and civic leader, shaping the very landscape of our community.

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.