Our History
Freemasonry refers to fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the 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.
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 the diversity found in this senior community.
Early days at the Masonic Home of New Jersey
Photo courtesy of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey
A Legacy of Caring
From a modest home caring for 23 residents to a vibrant village offering a full continuum of care, our journey spans more than a century of Masonic generosity.
The Founding
The Masonic Home of New Jersey was founded when 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.
Doors Open
The Masonic Home was in full operation, caring for 23 residents — the beginning of a tradition of care that would grow for more than a century.
Caring for Children
Donation Day raised funds to start an Orphanage Fund to care for 12 children living at the Home — expanding the mission beyond senior care to embrace the entire Masonic family.
Brotherhood in Action
By 1908, each New Jersey Mason had contributed about $12 toward resident care — a testament to the fraternity's shared commitment to supporting those in need.
Honoring Sacrifice
Concern for the mothers of Masons who lost their soldier sons during World War I extended admission eligibility to them — ensuring that no Masonic family was left behind in a time of great loss.
Growing Facilities
The Masonic Home was continually improved, and by 1924 consisted of 130 single rooms and a fully equipped hospital — providing comprehensive care to a growing community of residents.
The Foundation is Established
The Masonic Charity Foundation was established as a not-for-profit corporation — formalizing the fraternity's commitment to charitable care and creating a lasting organizational structure for the future.
A Transformative Gift
The Masonic Charity Foundation received a landmark $2 million bequest from the estate of Ambrose E. Vanderpoel, a Past Master of Madison Lodge #93 — one of the most significant gifts in the Foundation's history.
A Refined Mission
The remaining children at the Masonic Home were placed in foster care, and the Home's mission became focused solely on caring for seniors — a strategic decision that allowed the organization to deepen its expertise and commitment to elder care.
Fraternal Support
The Order of Eastern Star helped to equip the infirmary with x-ray and fluoroscopic machines — demonstrating the broader Masonic family's ongoing investment in quality care.
Expanding Horizons
Interest from the Permanent Fund — established at the very founding — provided funds to purchase additional acreage, laying the groundwork for future growth and development.
Modern Medical Care
A 95-bed wing was added to the Medical Center — a major expansion that brought modern healthcare capabilities to serve residents' evolving needs.
Grow Memorial Hall
Grow Memorial Hall was completed — funded in full by a generous donation from Harold J. Grow, a grateful relative of a resident, embodying the spirit of giving that defines the Masonic community.
Continued Growth
A 74-bed addition to the residential wing was built, including a greenhouse funded through a bequest from the estate of William G. Rohrer, a member of Trimble Lodge #117 — growing the Home's capacity and enriching residents' quality of life.
Mission 2000
Mission 2000 renovated and enlarged the Medical Center. By this milestone year, the Home was caring for 527 residents — a remarkable growth from the original 23.
Masonic Village at Burlington
With the addition of independent living, 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 — from independent living through end-of-life hospice care.
More Than a Century of Service
From 23 residents in 1899 to a full-service village today, our history is a story of Masonic brothers and sisters coming together in the spirit of charity and care. This legacy continues through the work of the Masonic Charity Foundation of New Jersey.
Historical content and photography used with permission from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey.