[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TOMPKINS LODGE OF THE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tompkins Lodge 
of the Free and Accepted Masons that is now celebrating its 150th 
anniversary. This fraternal order has had a rich and long history 
filled with dedication to and compassion for the people of our 
community.
  The Tompkins Lodge's history dates as far back as the American 
Revolution when British officers and colonist met in the Guyon-Clark 
homestead in the New Dorp section of Staten Island. The War of 1812 
brought a halt to Masonic activity on Staten Island but the lodge was 
reconvened in 1819 in the home of Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins, 
who also served as Grand Master of Mason of New York State. They met in 
various homes until 1825 when the Richmond Lodge had its first meeting 
on the top floor of the Nautilus Lodge.
  In 1839, the anti-Masonic movement had grown in New York and many 
lodges around the State surrendered their charters, but the Richmond 
Lodge stood firm and weathered out the storm. In May 1856, the lodge 
moved to the room occupied by the former Richmond Lodge, where it 
remained until a massive fire ripped through the Tompkinsville section 
of Staten Island.
  After many years in their location, the Tompkins Lodge moved in 1908 
to their current location above the Stapleton Office of the U.S. Postal 
Service.
  From national programs such as their hospitals and senior living 
homes, to their works around Staten Island, the Tompkins Lodge is at 
the forefront of community service on Staten Island. Throughout their 
long and prestigious history, the Tompkins Lodge of the Free and 
Accepted Masons has volunteered their time and skills to the 
improvement of our community.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
Tompkins Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons for the vigorous 
devotion to the people of New York's 13th Congressional District for 
the past 150 years.

                          ____________________