Pennsylvania’s history is profoundly intertwined with the influential role of Freemasonry, a fraternity that significantly impacted the state’s development and the broader American society. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, established in the 18th century, not only became a pivotal institution in the state but also played a crucial role in the American Revolution and the formation of the United States.
Early Beginnings and Expansion
The roots of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania trace back to the early 18th century when the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was formed under the English grand lodges. The Tun Tavern Lodge in Philadelphia, dating back to at least 1731, is notably recognized as the first Masonic lodge in the state, with records indicating its presence in the Pennsylvania Gazette published by Benjamin Franklin.
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, now the largest Masonic Jurisdiction in the United States, was instrumental in expanding Freemasonry’s reach. By the late 18th century, it had established lodges not only within Pennsylvania but also in other states and territories, reflecting the fraternity’s growing influence.