Retrospective: America 250 in Philadelphia, July 27–28, 2026

Leading off a week of celebration with our partners in Washington D.C., the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania welcomed Masonic leaders, brethren and guests from scores of jurisdictions across the United States and around the world to Philadelphia to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

It was fitting that they should gather here. Modern Freemasonry took root in America in Philadelphia in 1731 with the formation of the first Grand Lodge of Masons in North America.

Forty-five years later, just blocks away, the Declaration of Independence gave expression to enlightenment principles that would change the world.

Over two days, our guests explored that history and considered what it asks of Freemasons today.

American Freemasonry: In the Beginning

The gathering opened on Monday, July 27^th in the Masonic Temple of Philadelphia with Dr. Richard “Ric” Berman, noted Masonic historian and twice Prestonian Lecturer, presenting “American Freemasonry: In the Beginning.”

Dr. Berman explored the development of organized Freemasonry in the American colonies and Pennsylvania’s central place in that story. His presentation was followed by a panel discussion on Freemasonry’s relationship to the people and ideas that helped shape the young nation.

A Celebration of America

Monday evening, the Masonic Temple became the setting for an America 250 gala celebrating the people, traditions, and ideals of the nation’s founding.

To the sound of fife and drum, the Officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania entered the Grand Ballroom behind American colonial flags. Beneath the statue of Brother Benjamin Franklin, guests from around the world shared an evening of food, music and fellowship celebrating principles that have endured for 250 years.

Freemasonry Today and Tomorrow

Tuesday turned from Freemasonry’s beginnings toward its future. W. Bro. Tony Harvey, the 2012 Prestonian Lecturer and a leading voice on membership and lodge development, presented “Freemasonry Today and Tomorrow.”

His address and the panel discussion that followed challenged those assembled to consider how Freemasonry can remain vibrant and relevant while preserving the principles and institutions entrusted to us.

Carpenters’ Hall: Founders Then. Leaders Now.

The symbolic centerpiece of the Philadelphia gathering came Tuesday evening at Carpenters’ Hall, where delegates to the First Continental Congress gathered in 1774 and took an early step toward unity among the American colonies.

A year later, Benjamin Franklin met secretly here with a French emissary in an early effort to secure French support for the American cause: support that would ultimately prove critical to American independence.

Within those same walls, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania opened a Special Communication commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary. Pennsylvania was joined by Jonathan Spence, Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England; Yves Pennes, the Grand Master of the French National Grand Lodge; and Grand Masters and representatives from jurisdictions around the world.

The presence of Pennsylvania, England and France held particular meaning given their intertwined histories in America’s founding. Gifts were exchanged, words of friendship offered, and Masonic leaders from across the world gathered in the room where colonial leaders once sought common purpose: a living expression of the Grand Master Brink’s theme, Founders Then. Leaders Now.

One Meal, Many Jurisdictions

The Philadelphia celebration concluded at the Masonic Temple on Tuesday evening with a dinner for visiting dignitaries, their guests and Pennsylvania’s officers. Guests introduced themselves and shared personal reflections on the preceding days, bringing the gathering to a fitting conclusion: Brethren from around the world sitting together in fellowship.

A Moment in a Much Longer Story

In a message presented during the celebration, H.R.H. The Duke of Kent, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, reflected upon the principles shared by Freemasonry and the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, and the bonds those principles continue to create among Grand Lodges throughout the world.

Those bonds were evident throughout the gathering: in the exchange of ideas, the celebration of our shared history, the historic meeting at Carpenters’ Hall and the friendships formed across jurisdictions.

For two days, we remembered the founders who came before us and considered the work that remains for the leaders who follow. All in preparation for the fantastic events that followed in Washington, D.C., July 30 – Aug. 1.