At 210 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers stands one of the city’s oldest and most respected Black institutions: James H. Farrell Lodge No. 34, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons. This year, the Lodge celebrates 146 years of serving the Yonkers community through education, charity, and leadership.
Founded in 1879, James H. Farrell Lodge is the second oldest Black organization in Yonkers. It is part of the long tradition of Prince Hall Freemasonry, which began in 1784 when Prince Hall and other free Black men received permission from the Grand Lodge of England to start African Lodge No. 459 in Boston. That moment helped create many Black Masonic lodges across the country, including James H. Farrell Lodge in Yonkers.
A Rich Heritage of Leadership
Prince Hall Freemasonry boasts a legacy that includes prominent members such as Thurgood Marshall, Booker T. Washington, Medgar Evers, Louis Armstrong, Shaquille O’Neal, Nat King Cole, Nelson Mandela,
A Lodge Built on Hope and Hard Work
During the Great Migration, many Black families moved from the South to cities in the North, including Yonkers. In 1876, seven Black men from Yonkers traveled to Troy, NY, to receive their Masonic degrees. One year later, on December 27, 1877, they received permission to start a new Lodge, named after District Deputy Grand Master James H. Farrell.
The Lodge’s first leaders were John B. Jones (Worshipful Master), Daniel Webb (Senior Warden), and John Thomas (Junior Warden). Over the years, the Lodge has produced three Grand Masters and has remained committed to the values of brotherhood, charity, and integrity.
Giving Back to the Community
Although the Lodge has ceremonial traditions, its true mission is to help people. Through the Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation, the Lodge supports thousands of Yonkers residents every year.
Luther V. Garrison Sr., born in 1905, gave more than 75 years of service to the Lodge. He stayed active in the church and community until he passed away at age 103 in 2007. The foundation named after him continues his work with these programs:
- Scholarship Program – Helps college students pay for books, supplies, and travel. Students have gone on to schools like Yale, NYU, SUNY Albany, Hampton, and John Jay. Some years, up to 25 scholarships have been given.
- Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway & Luncheon – For more than 10 years, the Lodge has given Thanksgiving baskets to over 600 families and served a hot meal to the community.
- Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program – Each year, the Lodge supports over 600 families during the holidays with food and gifts. They’ve given out more than 6,000 toys, books, and games.
- Feeding the Community – The Lodge has served more than 1,800 hot meals to anyone in need—no questions asked.
- Easter Egg Hunt – This yearly event gives kids a fun and safe way to celebrate Easter with games, prizes, and food.
- Mother’s Day Breakfast – A special event to thank and honor local seniors and widows for their role in the community.
- Support for Youth Sports – The Lodge sponsors local Little League teams and youth clubs like the Pacoy and Pelton Boys & Girls Clubs.
The Lodge’s members include teachers, veterans, ministers, activists, and public leaders—including Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, who is a proud member of the Lodge.
“This Lodge has been part of Yonkers history for almost 150 years,” said Harold Mckoy II, Sr Master of Ceremonies. “We’re here to keep helping people, just like the brothers who came before us.”
As Yonkers grows and changes, James H. Farrell Lodge No. 34 continues to be a symbol of faith, unity, and service—a place where generations of Black men have come together to lead, serve, and inspire their community.
