Garibaldi Lodge #542 in the Tenth Manhattan District.
During the first half of the 19th Century there existed in New York four Masonic Lodges whose members were predominately of Latin extraction: L’Union Francaise No.17, La Cincerit No. 373 and La Clemente Amitie Compolite No. 410 working in the French language and La Fraternidad No. 387 in Spanish. Many Italian pioneers, being men of culture, and familiar with these romantic languages, joined these lodges. In 1853, Attilio Massabo, born in Piedmont, Italy, a merchant tailor by trade, was a resident of New York City. He was raised in one of the older Lodges of the Jurisdiction, L’Union Francaise No.17. He and other Italians decided to form a new Lodge, working in their native language – Italian and to name it in honor of Garibaldi whose service had immortalized him with glory akin to that of our great Washington. Garibaldi Lodge No. 542 was established with Attilio Massabo , the first Master; Abraham G. Levy, SW; John B. Harcher, JW; O. Marracini, Secretary. The first Italian speaking Lodge in the United States was born, named after the hero of two worlds. Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was then Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Palermo, thanked the Brothers of the Lodge named for him.
At the time of its foundation the Lodge met in Grand St. near Center St. About 1876 it moved to Bleeker Street and Bowery; in 1877 was transferred to Bowery near Broome Street; in 1880 at the German Masonic Temple, East 15th Street – In 1883 at 23rd Street between 6th & 7th Avenues; in 1884 in a hall in Union Square; in 1886 held its meetings over a saloon at the Northeast corner of 25th Street & 6th Avenue. Some years later it went back to the German Masonic Temple, and in 1894 moved to its present quarters, Masonic Hall, 23rd Street & 6th Avenue where it has remained ever since.
