The Northern Contellation Lodge 291, located in Malone, N.J., was organized during the autumn of 1852, according to "Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York."

A.F. & A..M. means Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. From Master Mason: "In old England, it was defined as 'a system of morality, veiled in allegory (or a story) and illustrated by symbols.'

" Masonry is a course of moral instruction which uses both allegories and symbols to teach its lessons. For instance, our symbols for the Entered Apprentice Degree are the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel.

"Today, Freemasonry is defined as 'an organized society of men symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building.' This means applying Masonic principles will make you a better person."