A perusal of copies of the minutes of Masters Lodge in its first few years makes interesting reading. For instance, among the novelties of the proceedings may be noticed that the sixpence fines in 1770 were devoted to having “the Tyler purchase a pair of genteel snuffers for the use of the lodge. These were delivered on the 20th of June, with a bill of which sixpence was still due. This balance was finally made up by Brother Hogan, who arrived at the lodge meeting an hour late. This fine thus released the Lodge from the burden of debt for `genteel snuffers`. Brother Hogan, in consequence of the enforcement of the by-laws as to his fine, demanded that his name be erased from the membership roster of the Lodge which was accordingly done so that “he is no longer to be looked upon as a member.”

On January 27, 1772, it was “resolved that the Lodge furnish the Tyler with twelve pint bowls out of the funds of the Lodge, which he is accountable for; for if any is broke, the person breaking one is to pay eight pence for the same. Brother Van Rensselaer is to furnish the Tyler with two quart bowls, which if broke is to be paid for by the person breaking the same.”

On St. John the Evangelist's Day of the same year, a donation was made by the Lodge towards the purchase of an organ for the Reverend Mr. Munoro of St. Peter's Church.

One of the distinguished members of Masters Lodge was Brigadier-General John Starke. On January 8, 1778, the Revolutionary War officer petitioned the Lodge for the honors of Masonry. He was balloted upon and presenting himself was initiated. The total initiation fee was 5 pounds, 12 shillings, which included 4 shillings for extra lodge activities. The following year the fee for initiation was raised to 16 pounds, 12 shillings. The report to the Grand Lodge on June 18, 1784, showed that John Lansing, Jr., was Master; Jacob John Lansing and Robert Henry were the Wardens, and P. D. Beekman was Secretary. The total membership at the time was 91 brothers.

New members of Masters Lodge, as well as many older ones, have heard the phrase “The Holy Saints John.” When is the expression “Saints John” used and when is it “Saint John”? All lodges are dedicated to the memory of the Holy Saints John. In this instance it is plural because we allude to two Saints John: Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist.

The use of the singular is confined to one place in the ritual. In the reply to the first question in the First Degree, we find the singular Saint John, because here we allude to Saint John the Almoner, who was so called because he occupied his time by caring for the poor and the sick.
The Holy Bible on the altar of every Masonic Lodge should be opened as follows:
First Degree: 133rd Psalm--(The lesson of Harmony).
Second Degree: 7th Chapter of Amos. 7th and 8th verses--(The Working Tools of Fellowcraft).
Third Degree: Ecclesiastes, 12th Chapter, 1st to 7th verses--(Advice on active Life).

The Bible occupies the most important and essential station in our Lodge Room, for without it, all Masonic functions would be nullified. Other stations in the Lodge may be filled with substitutes. There is no substitute for the Bible.