The Grand Lodge of New Jersey Free & Accepted Masons is the official governing body of New Jersey Masonic Lodges as recognized by other Grand Jurisdictions throughout the world. As early as 1730, New Jersey was one of the first states with active Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge of NJ was formally established in 1787. The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of State of New Jersey and The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey recognize each other as Masonic Grand Lodges.
The first known Freemason to live in the “New World” is believed to be John Skene, who was a member of Aberdeen Lodge #1 in Scotland. His name appears as the 27th listed in one of the oldest written records of Freemasons, the Mark Book of Aberdeen Lodge#1 (1670), as “Merchand and Meason”. Records being vague of the membership to protect trade secrets, John Skene’s name is the first that can be traced to the new world. John Forbes, another Freemason from Aberdeen Lodge #1, moved to Plainfield, New Jersey in 1684 only to go back to Scotland the following year. Several other Masons from Aberdeen Lodge #1 moved to West Jersey during the same period but most shortly moved back to Scotland.
The passage for many of these Masons was secured by Harrie Elphingson (Master of Aberdeen Lodge #1 at the time of the Mark Book of 1670) as booking agent and under the patronage of the Earl of Perth, himself a Freemason. Skene moved to the Province of West Jersey in 1682. According to The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA), Skene purchased a 300 arce property in 1674 (though there is no evidence that he came to Jersey before 1682) that he named Peachfield. It was in the Second Tenth of the Province, an area that would become Northampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey (Nov. 6th, 1688) and then Westampton Township, New Jersey (March 6, 1850) near Burlington, New Jersey. Skene served as Deputy Governor of West Jersey from 1684 until 1692.
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Grand Lodge of New Jersey
- Receptions May 15, 2026 Roy Simpadian
- Thank You April 27, 2026On behalf of the Grand Master, First Lady Stephanie and the Grand Lodge Technology Committee, we would like to thank you for your support and taking the time to read our Newsletter. While the greatest debate in the Garden State may continue, we are glad that you are taking the time to review our publication. […]Roy Simpadian
- Events April 27, 2026The Grand Master's Cigar "Mystic Tie" by Hiram & Solomon is now available Contact RW Jonathan Dershowitz, Secretary to the Grand Master to place your order rwdershowitz@gmail.com $120/box of 10 Register Today […]Roy Simpadian
- 2026 Grand Master & First Lady Pin Symbolism March 2, 2026Grand Master Logo – Meaning & Symbolism This emblem was thoughtfully designed to reflect the principles, responsibilities, and vision of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey during my term as Grand Master. The Sword is not an instrument of aggression, but of righteous judgment. It symbolizes justice and moral authority, reminding us that leadership must […]Roy Simpadian
- Grand Master’s Events February 18, 2026CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW FOR ARTICLES ON THE GRAND MASTERS EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARRoy Simpadian
- NJ John Skene Masonic Conference 2026 January 30, 2026Tickets Required $100 full program & refreshments Memorial service is free to the public CLICK HERE FOR PDF Register: https://forms.gle/HgWteeYxJg2hY8JZA Zelle to @grandstaff2025nj@gmail.com Checks made to “Team Morris NJ Grand Staff” c/o RW Ciro De Los Reyes, 347 Woodbine Dr, Cliffwood Beach, NJ 07735 General questions to SkeneSociety@gmail.comRoy Simpadian
- May 3, 2026 Clay Shoot January 13, 2026$170 Per Shooter Payable to Gothic-Mercer Lodge No. 270 3682 Nottingham Way Hamilton Square NJ 08690 Registration includes: Cart, Course Fees, Ammo, Targets, Breakfast & Lunch RSVP by 4/27/26 * Shotgun Rentals are available for an additional charge. RSVP to: RW Michael Pylypiak or RW Vikas Sharma See flyer for details Click HERE for PDFRoy Simpadian
- Grand Master’s Gala December 14, 2025Remember The Ladies March 15, 2026 2:00PM The Liberty House 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Jersey City, NJ 07305 $125pp Black Tie RSVP by February 1ST While tickets are available Click Here for TicketsRoy Simpadian
- Junior Grand Warden Reception & Ad Journal December 14, 2025CLICK HERE FOR PDF FLYER FOR TICKETS Click Here for Ad JournalRoy Simpadian
- 2026 Masonic Charity Foundation Scholarship Application November 25, 2025Click HERE to Apply OnlineRoy Simpadian
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