Tompkins Chapel

Tompkins Chapel was built in 1911 in memory of Most Worshipful Daniel D. Tompkins, Grand Master of Masons in 1820.

The Cornerstone was laid by the Most Worshipful Samuel Nelson Sawyer, Grand Master. Most Worshipful Daniel D. Tompkins was elected Governor of New York State in 1807 and served in this capacity for 10 years. In 1816, he was elected Vice President of the United States and served two terms.

Upon entering the lobby of the Chapel, there is a plaque on which the Brotherhood of Masonry is portrayed. This plaque was started by an English Mason, but was not finished until after the Revolutionary War was over. When completed, it was presented to the Grand Lodge as a token of friendship and brotherly love.

The statue of Silence was the first important commission for an original work of art received by the young sculptor, Augustus Sain-Gaudens (1848-1907). The statue was moved to the Masonic Care Community in 1922.

The stained glass windows throughout the Chapel have been donated by Lodges throughout the State. Designed by Tiffany Company in Forest Hills, New Jersey, it is doubtful that they could ever be duplicated.

Attention is called to the ceiling with its multitude of stars and numerous panels dedicated to those Masons who made this Home possible.

The seating capacity of the Chapel is approximately 600. The clock in the tower strikes on the quarter hour as well as the hour. The Carillon in the tower was presented by the Lodges of the Second St. Lawrence District in 1968, and can be heard at Noon and 5:00 P.M. daily.