Beginnings
In 2010, under the direction and encouragement of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Rising Sun Lodge #15 of Free and Accepted Masons was chartered by the consolidation of Haddonfield-Cherry Hill Lodge #15, Henry S. Haines Lodge No. 253 and Mizpah-Haddon Heights Lodge #253. Two of those Lodges were already meeting in the venerable Haddonfield Masonic Temple and with the consolidation, the Masonic Temple in Haddon Heights was closed. In 2013 Lazarus Lodge #303 moved into the Temple and remains today. The Masonic Temple has undergone significant renovations after the consolidation and improvements to both the interior and exterior of the structure are planned for the future. As the original cornerstone of the Temple structure was originally laid on June 22, 1921, and rededicated in 2021, the Temple is now officially in its second century of existence.
Our Name
Why did we choose Rising Sun as the name for our Masonic lodge?
Brother Freemason Benjamin Franklin (yes THAT Ben Franklin, of kite-flying electricity experimenting fame) is recorded in history as using the term "Rising Sun" in reference to witnessing the formation of our country. James Madison, at the end of the Constitutional Convention, in 1787, recorded for posterity and placed in the Federal Record, the commentary he heard Franklin express.
"Whilst the last members were signing it [i.e. the Constitution] Doct Franklin, looking towards the President's Chair, at the back of which a rising sun happened to be painted, observed to a few members near him, that Painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art a rising from a setting sun. I have said he, often and often in the course of the session, and in the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the president without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: But now at length, I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun."
- James Madison
When our lodge was constituted by the consolidation of three lodges in our 18th Masonic District in 2010, we also were optimistic about the future that this consolidation would bring to our brotherhood. So, as Ben Franklin expressed his optimism at the foundation of our country, we expressed our optimism by choosing the name "Rising Sun".
Philosophy
Harmony is the ultimate strength of our ancient institution. Brothers of different beliefs, creeds, and stations in life can achieve disinterested friendships with each other through the harmony so frequently inculcated in our lodge. The result is that our bond as brothers is strong and lasting. This further propels us to actively seek ways to strengthen our unity and promote the happiness and welfare of one another.
Henry D. Moore
If you have ever visited Rising Sun Lodge, or its predecessors in the Haddonfield Masonic Temple, and specifically the lodge room on the upper floor, you may have observed mounted just outside the lodge room doors a large portrait photograph of a distinguished gentleman, dressed in the fashion of a century ago. No plaque marks his accomplishments or the reason his portrait hangs so prominently. Unless you inquired of a knowledgeable brother, therefore, you might not know his name and significance. Henry Dean Moore (he went by Harry), farmer, industrialist, soldier, and philanthropist, was responsible for the impressive Greek Revival-style temple which is the home of Freemasonry in Haddonfield, and for much more.
