When there are so many details that we cannot grasp the main idea, we say that “we cannot see the forest for the trees.” By the same token, Albany Masons enter and leave the Maiden Lane Temple without so much as a glance at the many interesting relics there displayed which have a particular bearing on the craft's ancient and fairly modern history.

For instance, in the lower lobby of the temple, to the right of the foot of the stairs is an actual block of stone cut in the original quarries of King Solomon's Temple, and presented to the local Temple by Brothers Dayton Ball and Alfred A. Guthrie of Temple Lodge No. 14 of Albany, and certified as genuine by Royal Solomon Lodge No. 293 of Palestine.

It was evidentially intended to be used as the corner-stone of the present Masonic Temple, as it arrived in Albany, March 19, 1895. The present corner-stone was laid June 24, 1895, refuting the biblical quotation: “The same stone which the builders refused is become the head stone in the corner.” At any rate, there it is for everyone to see, enclosed in a glass case.

Another historic document, with an element of mystery, is the Masonic apron and Indian scalp contained in a glass frame which hangs on the south wall of the card room. It is the gift of Fred C. Waters, a former sergeant in the 18th U.S. Infantry, stationed, in 1882, at Fort Assiniboine, Missouri. Briefly, Sergeant Water's letter, also in the frame read as follows:
His regiment had captured a band of hostile Indians, among whom was their chief, “Eagle-Who-Looks-at-the-Sun.” Recognizing the Masonic emblem worn on the tunic of the soldier's uniform, and by means of the sign language, the Indian conveyed to him that he, also, was in possession of Masonic regalia. Opening his pouch, he displayed a silk Masonic apron and the scalp of the Indian chief whom he had killed in battle and from whom he had appropriated his “medicine pouch.” As far as Mr. Waters could ascertain, the owner was not too familiar with its significance. Sergeant Waters then began negotiations for the ownership of the priceless documents. He offered as high as $30 in cash – all he had on his person – but to no avail. However, braving regimental wrath and possible imprisonment, he obtained possession with the judicious gift of a bottle of whiskey and a suitable amount of tobacco. The Indian chief could not withstand this tempting offer, and capitulated, with the result that he, Chief Eagle, received the custody of some real “fire water,” and Sergeant Waters became the owner of the precious souvenir. And there the mystery stands, today. Was the dead chief a member of the Masonic fraternity, or did it come into his possession through the robbery or murder of its rightful owner?

It is a documented fact that Joseph Brant, the famous Mohawk Indian chief was a Mason, becoming the first Master of Lodge No. 11 in Mohawk Village, N.Y., on Feb. 12, 1793. He had been made a Master Mason in London, England, on April 26, 1776. On his return from Europe, he became a member of St. Patrick's Lodge, of which his great friend and benefactor, Sir William Johnson was Worshipful Master. It is known that Chief Brant frequently visited Albany and it is possible, that he may have visited Masters Lodge.