The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) was founded in 1958 by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. It is an entity of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York with its 15 Directors being appointed serially by the Grand Master and elected by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York at its annual convocation. Originally established by the Grand Lodge of New York, the forerunner of the MMRL was known as The Masonic Foundation for Health and Human Welfare and it played a major role in the defeat of rheumatic fever. The MMRL’s current focus is on Cardiovascular Disease, principally focused on Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sudden Death syndrome, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In recent years, Masonic jurisdictions of many states have joined with the Grand Lodge of the State of New York to further its important humanitarian work.

The Laboratory is administered by a Board of Directors and the Executive Director. The Board of Directors consists of up to 15 distinguished Freemasons elected to three-year terms. Their selection is based upon their outstanding business and professional experience. They all serve the Laboratory without compensation.