Brother Lafayette

Brother Lafayette examines the life and Masonic career of a truly unique American hero–Gilbert Du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette.

In August 1824, Lafayette arrived in New York City for what became his final goodwill tour of America. Throughout his thirteen-month trip, a tapestry of parades, banquets, concerts, and public honors unfolded, befitting the last surviving major general of the American Revolution. The country’s Freemasons played a pivotal role in welcoming Lafayette and embraced him not just as a soldier and statesman but as a fellow Mason. In Brother Lafayette, Ruli delves into the Marquis’ often misunderstood connection to the world’s oldest fraternity. With special access to rare Masonic documents, proceedings, newspapers, diaries, and other resources, Ruli develops the most detailed account of Lafayette’s Masonic activities ever published.



“Brother Lafayette is a wonderful book about a “superstar” from the early days of our republic. Gen. Lafayette’s return visit to the US, from July 1824 to September 1825 was triumphant, and Bro. Ruli covers every Masonic event with carefully detailed references. This book is fun to read and will help the reader understand the importance of Bro. Lafayette to our country and Freemasonry. You need a copy for your bookshelf and your lodge needs one in its library.”

. Brent Morris, Ph.D., PM

Patmos Lodge 70, Maryland and Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, England

Chris Ruli