LaFayette Lodge N^o 652

600 Washington Avenue - Carnegie, PA 15106

412-429-1160

LaFayette Lodge No. 652, Free & Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, has built a rich tradition of community service and brotherhood since its constitution on June 18^th, 1907.

Under the authority of Past Right Worshipful Grand Master George W. Kendrick, Jr., Brothers George T. Kirkbride and Nathan B. Wagner founded LaFayette Lodge 652 to better serve the expanding need for Masonic membership.

Gaining our name from The Marquis de Lafayette, an influential Freemason in the Colonial era of America (pictured left), LaFayette Lodge prides itself on “Making Good Men Better” for nearly 100 years.

The Marquis de Lafayette was born September 6^th, 1757 in Auvergne, France. His father, Michel Roche Gilbert du Motier, died in the battle of Min-den August 1^st, 1759. With a family of wealth and high social standing, Marquis de Lafayette inherited a large fortune when his mother and grandfather passed away in 1770 at the age of 13.

In 1776 Marquis de Lafayette was present at a reading of the Declaration of Independence and was inspired by the notations of ‘liberty’ and ‘rights of a man’. These inspirations lead Lafayette to sail to the United States in 1777, proceeding to Philadelphia, PA for a formal offer to volunteer his services to the American army at his own expense.

Over the course of time, Marquis de Lafayette and then General George Washington became trusted allies. Although we do not know the precise order of events, it is suspected that Lafayette introduced Washington to Freemasonry; an act that further increased their trust and fellowship.

Marquis de Lafayette returned to France and later came back to the United States to further aid the cause of liberty for the newly formed USA. By this time, Lafayette was well known for his ability to lead military forces and respected for his unparalleled loyalty.

At the time of his death on May 20^th, 1834 in Paris, France (at the age of 77) Lafayette had contributed much of his life to fighting for freedom in both France and the United States.

Marquis de Lafayette was quoted to say, “Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.” As we at Lafayette 652 approach our 100 year anniversary, we are proud to carry with us the name of such a great man.