Music at the Masonic Lodge

The Wamponamon Masonic Lodge No. 437, which was established in Sag Harbor in 1858, has been off limits to nonmembers for as long as anyone can remember, save for a single open house last June when the public was invited to see the painted Masonic symbols and celestial imagery on the inner sanctum’s walls and the domed ceiling by John Capello, an artist and member of the Masonic Brotherhood. 

That day, it turns out, was not the one and only opportunity to visit the lodge, as Patrick McErlean, its Worshipful Master, had hinted to The Star last year. On Saturday at 8 p.m., the lodge will host the first of a winter music series, with a concert by Rafaela Gurtler, a jazz vocalist and flutist who grew up in Sag Harbor. 

“It’s a really nice space,” Mr. McErlean said last week, “so we figured, why not use it?” Another event in the series will be a performance by a string quartet, he said, and the Masons may host poetry and other readings as well. 

Four events are planned for the music series, which will conclude in the spring. If they prove popular, “we’ll do them through the fall and winter” next year, Mr. McErlean said, possibly doubling the number of performances in the space, which is not air-conditioned and does not host meetings in the summer. 

Ms. Gurtler, who lives in East Hampton, is a cantor at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton. Last week she promised “a little Valentine’s Day concert” on Saturday, and while the song selection remains a secret, those attending can expect a rendition of the popular jazz standard “My Funny Valentine.” Wayne Sabella and Richie Scollo will accompany her on piano and saxophone respectively.  

Mr. McErlean said last year that he hoped to revive interest in the Masons and add new members to the lodge, which was once a hub of the community. More members, he said, would add muscle to the group’s charitable efforts. 

“We give money to the food bank . . . we could give a bigger scholarship to a local high school student. We’re trying to find our own way of fund-raising that would be both interesting and bring people from the community into the lodge. It would be nice to get members. At the same time, it’s such a beautiful space, and it’s nice to let people come in and see it, and use it.” 

Tickets to Saturday night’s concert at Wamponamon Masonic Lodge, at 200 Main Street in Sag Harbor, are $20. Refreshments will be served.