Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63 F&AM
The History of
Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63
Two Strong Traditions. One Enduring Lodge.
Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63 is the proud result of two distinct Masonic traditions that came together to carry their shared values into the future. Our story begins in 1797 and continues to the present, shaped by generations of men committed to brotherhood, integrity, and service.
Morton Lodge No. 63 (Chartered 1797)
Morton Lodge No. 63 traces its roots to June 1797, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Masonic lodges on Long Island.
In the late eighteenth century, several Masons living in Hempstead faced a practical challenge. Their home lodge met miles away in Huntington, and travel at the time meant long journeys by foot or horseback. Rather than allow distance to weaken their fellowship, they petitioned the Grand Lodge of New York for permission to form a lodge closer to home.
Their request was approved, and Morton Lodge No. 63 was born.
The lodge was named in honor of Jacob Morton, Deputy Grand Master of Masons in New York and Grand Marshal at the inauguration of President and Brother George Washington. His name reflected leadership, trust, and a deep commitment to the Craft.
Over the next two centuries, Morton Lodge became woven into the civic and cultural life of Long Island. Its members included educators, veterans, public servants, and community leaders. Most notably, brethren of Morton Lodge played a direct role in the vision and development that led to the founding of Hofstra University, a lasting example of Masonic values expressed in service to the public good.
Through changing times, including the nationwide anti-Masonic movement of the nineteenth century and the social shifts of the twentieth, the brethren preserved the lodge’s charter and traditions. The spirit of perseverance that founded Morton Lodge in 1797 remained its guiding strength.
Wantagh Lodge No. 1112 (Constituted 1931)
More than a century later, in 1931, another group of dedicated Masons gathered in Wantagh during one of the most challenging periods in American history.
In December 1930, local brethren met at the Wantagh Congregational Parish Hall to discuss forming a lodge that would serve their growing community. A dispensation was granted in April 1931, and Wantagh Lodge No. 1112 was formally constituted later that year.
Founded during the Great Depression, Wantagh Lodge was built on resilience, community connection, and strong fellowship. It quickly became an active, engaged lodge within the Nassau District, participating in district events, charitable initiatives, and community life.
For decades, Wantagh Lodge provided a home for men seeking self-improvement, friendship, and service. It celebrated milestone anniversaries, sponsored youth initiatives, and remained an important presence in the area throughout the mid twentieth century and beyond.
Raymond Zeph Lodge No. 1135
In addition to the histories of Morton Lodge No. 63 and Wantagh Lodge No. 1112, the legacy of Raymond Zeph Lodge No. 1135 in Uniondale also forms part of our story. Active during the mid to late twentieth century, Raymond Zeph Lodge contributed to the Masonic presence in Nassau County for many years. As membership patterns evolved, its traditions and brethren were preserved through consolidation with Wantagh Lodge, ensuring continuity rather than loss. During that transition, Raymond Zeph Lodge's heritage became part of what is now Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63.
Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63 (United 1989)
In 1989, Morton Lodge No. 63 and Wantagh Lodge No. 1112 merged to form Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63.
This union was not the end of two stories, but the continuation of both. The proud name and number 63 were preserved, while the strength, membership, and traditions of Wantagh Lodge became part of a shared future.
Today, our lodge carries forward more than two centuries of Masonic history. We honor the perseverance of the brethren who traveled by horseback in 1797 and the determination of those who founded a lodge during the hardships of 1931. Their commitment lives on in the work we continue today.
Our Legacy Continues
Wantagh Morton Lodge No. 63 remains dedicated to the timeless principles of Freemasonry: making good men better, supporting our community through charitable action, and building lifelong friendships grounded in respect and integrity.
Our history is a living tradition carried forward by each new generation of members. We are proud of where we come from, and we remain focused on the future we are building together.
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Our lodge remains active in Nassau County today, meeting regularly in Baldwin.