Compact Lodge No. 402

4th Manhattan District
Grand Lodge of the State of New York

Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty

Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty are said to support a Lodge because it is necessary there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings.

About Us

Compact is an amalgamation of three lodges: Monitor, Mosaic, and Crescent. Monitor originally belong to the USS Monitor, an old Ironclad warship from the civil war. Mosaic was a group of tile workers in the five boroughs, and Crescent had a famous poem written about it by Robert Morris.

Where Are We

Compact Lodge No. 402 meets for its stated communication every second Tuesday of the month in the corinthian room on the 8th floor of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York at 71 West 23rd Street. The building has stood at this location since 1909 but the Grand Lodge of the State of New York itself was founded back in 1782.

BROTHERHOOD

For Freemasons, brotherhood means a deep and enduring bond built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to personal and collective growth. It goes beyond simple friendship, fostering a sense of unity and support among men who are dedicated to living by the principles of integrity, compassion, and truth. Within the lodge, brotherhood creates a space of trust and equality where every man, regardless of background, stands on common ground. This connection inspires members to uplift one another, hold each other accountable, and work together for the betterment of themselves, their lodge, and their communities.

RITUAL

Ritual serve as a powerful tool for personal transformation, guiding men through key life transitions by symbolically marking the death of an old identity and the birth of a new one. In settings like the lodge room, these structured rituals foster growth, reinforce shared values, and build community through exact repetition, performance and symbolism. Beyond their formal context, rituals provide emotional depth, create meaning, and help individuals navigate change with intention and clarity.

EDUCATION

Masonic education within a lodge is essential for deepening a Brother's understanding of the craft’s symbolism, philosophy, and moral teachings. It transforms ritual from mere performance into a meaningful journey of personal development and self-discovery. Through structured study, discussion, and mentorship, brethren gain insight into the allegories of Freemasonry, allowing them to apply its principles—such as integrity, brotherly love, and the pursuit of truth—to their daily lives. This ongoing education strengthens the bonds between members, preserves the tradition, and ensures that the lodge remains a place of thoughtful reflection and purposeful growth.