About Us

Based in New York City, El Qalam Lodge #86 is an internationally recognized and globally respected lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons, dedicated to the masterful practice of speculative Freemasonry, while simultaneously exploring the Moorish perspective. Our ultimate objective is to analyze and integrate these two disciplines, the better to provide an effective means to process the information overload that constitutes the contemporary cultural landscape.

Mission

The motto of El Qalam Lodge #86 is Emolior Te Ipsum, which, translated from the Latin, equates to "Improve Yourself." As a whole, El Qalam adheres to this maxim by striving to make “Good Men Better.” Our cornerstone philosophy, and consequently our mission, is to help each man improve individually, thereby enhancing the fraternity as a whole; we endeavor towards the optimization of the microcosm and macrocosm, respectively.

Vision

The vision of El Qalam Lodge #86 is to see our fraternal order thrive en masse in this Age of New Media by promoting mutually beneficial discourse throughout the Masonic diaspora. Internally, we favor the critical analysis of the Craft’s dogma through respectful debate, with the subsequent incorporation of these tried-and-true principles of morality into our daily lives. We undoubtedly look forward to scaling this process with a combination of agility and accountability.

The Power of Brotherhood

Values

The core values of El Qalam Lodge #86 are deftly encapsulated by the acronym T.H.U.S. As a unit, we are circumspect in thought and deed as we endeavor toward Masonic transcendence. Collectively, these ethical ideals represent the metaphorical substructure of our Lodge.

Truth

El Qalam Lodge #86 counts its commitment to the pursuit of truth as paramount among its core values. The Lodge realizes this important objective through straightforward communication with our brethren within, as well as with the requisite gravitas necessary for the broader fraternal arena. Veracity is the bedrock of our business, and on this point, we stand firmly on the square.

"Three things that cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." - Buddha

Honesty

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." – Thomas Jefferson

As truth can often be subjective, honesty, when informed by context, complements and often supersedes truth. In this sense, honesty is a cardinal moral tenet of everything that we do. We take great pride as gentlemen, Freemasons, and Moors in conducting ourselves with the utmost rectitude. Therefore, honesty and candor are key elements of El Qalam Lodge #86.

Unity

"Unity is the secret weapon of the wise." – Franklin Delano Roosevelt

El Qalam Lodge #86 treasures the long term relationships that develop between members of the Craft. There is immense strength is the bonds that are forged over time. As a unit, we look to create and cultivate an environment of trust, wherein each constituent member can evolve, while simultaneously driving the evolution of the Lodge itself. The ensuing fellowship is the ever-present fuel that propels El Qalam forward towards elevation of the Masonic arts.

Synergy

"Synergy-the bonus that is achieved when things work harmoniously." -Mark Twain

The word synergy can be most accurately described as “the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.” As is the case with any well-formed body, El Qalam Lodge #86 truly embodies that ideal, and benefits from conscientious communication and a collaborative culture. Furthermore, the intrinsic team-building dynamic of Freemasonry fosters a strong focus on improvement, a concept that continually drives El Qalam Lodge #86 daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization with a global footprint that emphasizes morality, integrity, and fidelity.

What are the requirements for becoming a Freemason?

A candidate must be a man of good character, believe in deity, and be recommended by a brother in good standing.

Are Freemasons a secret society?

Often speciously described as a "secret society," a more accurate characterization of Freemasonry is a society with secrets, as most brothers openly acknowledge membership.

Do Freemasons have specific religious beliefs or affiliations?

Freemasonry requires one to profess belief in a higher power; however, the organization is not affiliated with any specific religion. Men of all religious backgrounds are welcome.

Are there female Masonic organizations?

Traditionally, Freemasonry has been an all-male institution. However, there are female organizations aligned with Freemasonry, such as the Order of the Eastern Star.

Get in touch

If you would like any additional information regarding El Qalam Lodge No. 86, or any of the aforementioned topics, please use this form to leave your contact information, and a brother of the Craft will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. Peace.

Phone

718-288-2200

Email

info@elqalamlodge86.org