Freemasonry has been part of Paterson’s history almost since the city’s founding. Paterson became home to some of New Jersey’s oldest and most influential Masonic lodges, many of whose members were industrialists, civic leaders, judges, merchants, and elected officials.
Early Masonic History
The first Masonic lodge in Paterson was organized in 1795 under the name Paterson Orange Lodge. A warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey on January 12, 1796. The lodge prospered for several decades before becoming inactive during the Anti-Masonic movement of the 1820s.
In 1835, the lodge was revived as Passaic Lodge No. 18, but it ceased operations by 1839.
Modern Masonry in Paterson began with the establishment of Joppa Lodge No. 29. A dispensation was granted on December 24, 1853, and the first meeting was held on January 4, 1854. Joppa Lodge became one of the leading lodges in northern New Jersey and survives today through mergers with other lodges.
Historic Paterson Lodges
Among the better-known lodges were:
- Paterson Orange Lodge (1795)
- Passaic Lodge No. 18 (1835)
- Joppa Lodge No. 29 (1854)
- Falls City Lodge
- Fidelity Lodge No. 113 (organized 1870)
By the late nineteenth century, Paterson had become one of New Jersey’s principal Masonic centers.
Famous Paterson Masons
Numerous prominent Paterson citizens were Freemasons, including:
- Nathan Barnert (mayor and philanthropist)
- John Hinchliffe (mayor and U.S. Congressman)
- Silk manufacturers
- Bank presidents
- Judges
- Business leaders
Membership in the fraternity often overlapped with organizations such as the Elks, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and other civic groups.
Masonic Buildings
Paterson once had several Masonic meeting halls throughout downtown.