Guiding Star-Angle

The storied history of Guiding Star-Angle begins in December of 1864. A petition, with a recommendation from Lily Lodge #342, was submitted on December 6th for the creation of Guiding Star Lodge. A dispensation from the Grand Lodge of New York was provided on December 8th. On December 9th eleven Master Masons came together for the first communicati... on of Guiding Star Lodge #565. After a few months of successful communications under dispensation a Warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge of New York. Guiding Star Lodge #565 received their Charter on June 24, 1865. The first communications were held at the home of one of the charter members within the small village of Tremont (predating the formation of Bronx County and current New York City borders). The name Guiding Star was recommended by Brother Ralph L. Anderson. Soon after the commencement of the Lodge - rooms were acquired and meetings held in a two-story frame house at the corner of Mott Street and Railroad Avenue (now known as 176th Street and Park Avenue). Less than two years after the formation of the Lodge, the Guiding Star Relief Fund was established (February 1866) to dispense aid and care for the needy, irrespective of race or creed. The Fund was established through voluntary contributions of the members. The Lodge went through gradual but steady growth over the first forty years. By the end of the first decade of existence, the Lodge was but forty-five members. By 1884, the lodge reached eighty-three members and by the end of the third decade, one hundred and sixty-two members were part of Guiding Star Lodge. In 1905, the Lodge reached two-hundred and eleven members two hundred more than it has started with during its founding forty years earlier. In 1882, through the generosity of one of the charter members, the Lodge was enabled to acquire land on Tremont Avenue and erect, for their use, a Masonic Hall. Members met at the Hall from 1882 to June 1904. Notable events in this Hall include the May 1887 visit of Grand Master John Stewart. Guiding Star ...Read More