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Masonic History

Masonic Village at Burlington

Masonic History

Freemasonry refers to fraternal organizations that trace their origins to local guilds of stonemasons from the end of the 13th century. Since their inception, every Mason and Lodge pursues a collective obligation to contribute to charity, and in the 21st century members of Masonic lodges put much of their focus on supporting worthy causes within their local communities. Masons around the globe make charitable contributions to benefit causes in education, health, and the care of seniors.

The Masonic Home of New Jersey was founded over 100 years ago, and the Masons of New Jersey built a tremendous resource for the care of seniors. Now expanded to provide a full continuum of care from Independent Living through end-of-life hospice care, The Masonic Home of New Jersey is now known as Masonic Village at Burlington to reflect this diversity found in this senior community. Here is a quick overview of our long and storied history…

June 11, 1898
The Masonic Home of New Jersey was founded
June 11, 1898
New Jersey Freemasons raised the $24,750 needed to purchase the property through a $2.00 per capita contribution.

The remaining contributions became the Permanent Fund, which has supported the residents ever since.

1899
the Masonic Home was in full operation, caring for 23 residents.
1899
1903
Donation Day in 1903 raised funds to start an Orphanage Fund to care for 12 children living at the Home.
1903
1908
By 1908, each New Jersey Mason had contributed about $12 toward resident care.
1908
1919
Concern for mothers of Masons who lost their soldier sons during World War I extended admission eligibility to them in 1919.
1919
1924
The Masonic Home was continually improved, and by 1924 consisted of 130 single rooms and a “regular hospital.”
1924
1930
The Masonic Charity Foundation was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 1930.
1930
1942
The Masonic Charity Foundation received a $2 million bequest in 1942 from the estate of Ambrose E. Vanderpoel, a Past Master of Madison Lodge #93.
1942
1944
By 1944, the remaining children at the Masonic Home were placed in foster care, and the Home’s mission became focused solely on caring for seniors.
1944
1950
In 1950, the Order of Eastern Star helped to equip the infirmary with x-ray and fluoroscopic machines.
1950
1960
Interest from the Permanent Fund provided funds to purchase additional acreage in 1960.
1960
1978
In 1978, a 95-bed wing was added to the Medical Center.
1978
1984
Grow Memorial Hall was completed in 1984 — funded in full by a donation from Harold J. Grow, a grateful relative of a resident.
1984
1994
A 74-bed addition to the residential wing was built in 1994, including a greenhouse that was funded through a bequest from the estate of William G. Rohrer, a member of Trimble Lodge #117.
1994
2000
Mission 2000 renovated and enlarged the Medical Center, and the Home cared for 527 residents.
2000
2014

With the addition of independent living in 2014, the Masonic Home became Masonic Village at Burlington.

With 66 cottages on site, independent living residents have access to the full continuum of care should their health needs change.

2014
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