![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brethren, Today is Groundhog Day, and Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter. With that in mind, I'm especially grateful for those who were able to attend our recent Stated Communication last Tuesday evening despite the snowy conditions. It was good to spend time together in Lodge and to feel the strong spirit of Brotherhood in the room. For those who were unable to attend, we paused during the evening to honor the memory of Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Edward C. Page through the Draping of the Altar, a solemn and meaningful reminder of the legacy we strive to uphold. An Evening of Masonic History Our program for the evening featured Worshipful Brother Axel Mahlke, Associate Grand Marshal for District 8B, who presented an engaging and thought-provoking talk on the Germanic history of Freemasonry. I again extend my thanks to him for sharing his knowledge and enriching our time together. Worshipful Brother Mahlke will be traveling throughout the state this year to visit Lodges and connect with Brothers across Connecticut. He will begin on February 26 with a visit to Hiram Lodge No. 1 in New Haven, which will also be conferring an Entered Apprentice Degree that evening. He is eager to travel with Brainard Brothers. If you are interested in joining him, please let him know so we can coordinate and ensure Brainard is well represented. Committees for the Year Ahead Super Bowl 60 Viewing Party this Sunday A Personal Note of Thanks Birthdays
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![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Join us next Sunday for a fun evening of football, food, and great company as the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60, live from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Brainard Lodge No. 102 is proud to partner with Union Lodge No. 31 to host a Super Bowl 60 Viewing Party at the Bay View Masonic Temple on Sunday, February 8, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with game kick-off at 6:30 p.m. This will be a relaxed, family-friendly evening, and Brothers, families, friends, and prospects are all welcome to join us. Come enjoy spirited conversation, pot-luck appetizers, and the excitement of the biggest game of the year, all while spending time with Brothers from both Lodges in a warm and welcoming setting. Whether you stay for kickoff or the whole game, we hope you will come out and share an evening of fellowship, laughter, and Brotherhood! |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brethren, I hope this message finds you well and that you and your families weathered our recent winter storm safely. Thank you to the Brothers who stepped up to offer a helping hand. As we move into the week ahead, I look forward to gathering again in Lodge and continuing our work together. Our Stated Communication will be held tomorrow evening, Tuesday, January 27, at 7:30 p.m., with dinner beforehand at 6:30 p.m. featuring Italian sausage with penne pasta, salad, rolls, and dessert. I encourage those who are able to arrive early to enjoy the fellowship and conversation before we open Lodge. Tomorrow night’s meeting will feature a special presentation by Worshipful Brother Axel Mahlke, Associate Grand Marshal for District 8B, who will speak on the Germanic history of Freemasonry. His presentation has been well received throughout the region, and I strongly encourage your attendance for what promises to be an excellent evening. Recent Visit to Warren Lodge No. 51 I would also like to share that several Brothers from Brainard Lodge and I recently attended an Entered Apprentice Degree at Warren Lodge No. 51 on Thursday, January 15. We were warmly welcomed, enjoyed fine fellowship, and witnessed a well-conducted degree. Our sincere thanks to the Brethren of Warren Lodge for their hospitality. Super Bowl 60 Viewing Party We will gather again on Saturday, March 7, for a UFC Viewing Party featuring Holloway vs. Oliveira 2. These events give us an opportunity to strengthen our bonds outside the Lodge room and enjoy time together with family and friends. Additional details will follow. Lodge Committees for 2026 This year’s committees will include: • Mentorship If you are interested in serving on a committee, please feel free to speak with me. I hope you will consider getting involved. Birthdays
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![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brethren, I hope this message finds you well. As we begin the week, I would like to take a moment to thank those who helped make our Installation of Officers such a memorable and successful evening. My sincere thanks to Right Worshipful Brother Jim Moran for serving as our Installing Officer. His guidance and presence added greatly to the dignity of the ceremony, and I am grateful for the care and attention he brought to the work. Thank you as well to our Brother Stewards, Stephen Taylor and Dylan Vojick, along with Junior Deacon Mike Cantwell, for the excellent meal and warm fellowship they provided. Their efforts behind the scenes were very much appreciated and helped set the tone for the evening. I would also like to extend my congratulations to our newly installed officers and thank each of you for your willingness to serve. Your commitment of time and effort is essential to the strength of this Lodge, and I look forward to working alongside you as we continue the work of Brainard Lodge No. 102. In Memoriam
Beyond titles and offices, Most Worshipful Brother Page exemplified the values we are taught to uphold as Masons: steadiness, integrity, and a sincere commitment to the betterment of the Craft. His leadership reflected not only knowledge of our traditions, but a genuine care for the Brethren he served. Moments such as this remind us that our time in the Lodge is part of something far greater than any one year or any one man. We stand on foundations laid by those who came before us, and we are entrusted with carrying that work forward with the same care and purpose. Please keep his family, loved ones, and Brethren in your thoughts and prayers as we honor his memory. A Thought for the Month
Birthdays
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![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
BRAINARD LODGE NO. 102 MASTER'S MESSAGE |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brethren and Families, As a reminder, you are invited this Friday to the 8th District Christmas Party, a wonderful evening of fellowship and holiday celebration. This is a free event, and all Masons, friends, and family are welcome to attend. Friday, December 12, 2025 We have a full night planned with dinner, games, prizes, and fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the joy of the season together. In the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item. These donations will support a local food pantry and help families in our community during the holiday season. Your presence helps make our district events successful, and we look forward to a memorable evening as we celebrate the season together. |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Greetings and Happy Holiday Season, Brethren, I hope this message finds you all well. This Tuesday is our Annual Meeting and our only meeting for the month of December. It is also my last Stated Communication as Worshipful Master of Brainard Lodge. I would like to invite you all to attend this meeting. The theme is Holidays in Hawaii. It has nothing to do with the season, but it is my last excuse to wear a Hawaiian shirt in 2025. The dress is Hawaiian-shirt optional "but encouraged"; otherwise, business casual. We will be holding our annual elections, and if all goes as anticipated, the progressive line will not have a Past Master in the officer line. Brother Jon Lamas is poised to take the East and preside over the best degree team in the 8th District. If you did not attend any of the degrees this year, you have missed something truly extraordinary. Our officers have conducted the finest degree work in the 8th District and beyond. We have raised 12 of our own brothers as well as a courtesy Master Mason for Warren Lodge No. 51. This has been an exceptional year for new Masons joining our lodge and experiencing the highest quality degree work. It has been my absolute privilege to preside over these officers, and I will miss holding the gavel as I fade into the sidelines once more. I want to thank all those who supported our outstanding year, and I hope the succeeding line will continue to receive the same support from Brainard brothers and from those who participated from our district and beyond. I want to remind everyone that the 8th District Christmas Party will be this Friday, December 12th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The party is free and open to anyone, so please stop by and say hello. To any Past Masters, December 29th will be the Actual Past Master’s Degree, hosted by Brainard Lodge. Bro. Jon Lamas, our Senior Warden, should be in attendance—confirmation pending election results. Presiding as Master of this lodge has been the best year of my Masonic career, and I am truly humbled to have served this lodge. Thank you all for your support, and I hope to see you soon. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. Fraternally yours, |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brothers, We have received dispensation from the Grand Master to conduct business regarding petitions and balloting during our summer recess. Lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, for the purpose of balloting on petitions. No other business will be conducted, and the lodge will close immediately following the ballot. Come out and cast your vote. Candidates elected will be initiated in September. RWB, Craig E. Pedro |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brothers, We have received dispensation from the Grand Master to conduct business regarding petitions and balloting during our summer recess. Lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, for the purpose of balloting on petitions. No other business will be conducted, and the lodge will close immediately following the ballot. Come out and cast your vote. A relaxing fellowship night will follow. Candidates elected will be initiated in September. RWB, Craig E. Pedro |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Brothers, We have received dispensation from the Grand Master to conduct business regarding petitions and balloting during our summer recess. Lodge will open at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, for the purpose of balloting on petitions. No other business will be conducted, and the lodge will close immediately following the ballot. Come out and cast your vote. A relaxing fellowship night will follow. Candidates elected will be initiated on September 23. RWB, Craig E. Pedro |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Good day Brothers, The height of Summer is upon us. While traditionally Brainard Lodge goes to “Recess” during July and August, I have decided to ride the renewed wave of comradery amongst our brethren and hold Fellowship Nights on the days of our normal stated communications. We will meet the second and fourth Tuesday in the dining hall. Refreshments will be served at 6:30pm and we will depart when the time feels right. The dress will be summer casual and only your presence will be appreciated. We may have some Masonic presentations on the TVs and all philosophical conversations regarding Freemasonry are welcome. We have permission from the Grand Master to conduct business regarding petitions and balloting during our recess. A few of us will open lodge upstairs to read some petitions and assign investigating committees on July 8th, and close immediately after the petitions are read. We will open lodge on the fourth Tuesday in July to ballot on these petitions. If you are interested in attending the ballot on July 22nd, please plan on attending. No other business will be conducted, and we will close lodge immediately after the ballot closes. These candidates will be initiated on September 23rd. Brainard lodge will host Junior Warden’s Night for the 8th District on September 23rd and our own “Big Daddy” Mike Bogden will preside in the East. Please come out and support our district Junior Wardens on this night. If you have not witnessed a Brainard degree this year, you are truly missing out on some outstanding degree work. We are, in my opinion, at the top of quality degree work in the district, and possibly the state. I hope to see you in lodge soon. If your schedule does not allow you to attend the Fellowship Nights, I hope you all enjoy a safe and happy Summer. RWB, Craig E. Pedro |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Greetings Brothers, The weather is finally heating up, and so are the events within our district. First, I am pleased to announce the presentation of our District Deputies and their Associate Grand Marshals. District 8A will host the Presentation of RWB Jason Fletcher and WB Frank Saviano on June 8th at 1:00 p.m. at Somerset St. James Lodge in Preston, CT. District 8B will host the Presentation of RWB Glenn “Stud” Studwell and WB Axel Mahlke on June 21st at 1:00 p.m. at the Bay View Temple in Niantic, CT. Please come out and show your support for our newly appointed RWBs. Union Lodge No. 31 will be celebrating its 230th anniversary on Thursday, May 22nd. Brainard Lodge has purchased 10 tickets, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact RWB Dick Miller to claim a ticket. Dinner will be served buffet-style at 6:30 p.m., with a social gathering beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15 and the event is open to Masons and their guests. I have received permission from the Grand Master to host an 8th District Master Mason event. Brainard Lodge and participating lodges will conduct the first half of the Master Mason Degree at their respective lodges prior to June 9th. Brainard Lodge will conduct its Master Mason Degree on May 27th. The second half will be presented district-wide on June 10th at the Bay View Temple, performed in full costume by members of the 8th District. Brainard Lodge will host the event during a regular Stated Communication, with dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the second half starting at 7:30 p.m. The Grand Master has placed the date on his calendar and may be in attendance. Please be sure to show your support. The officers of Brainard Lodge No. 102 are performing some of the finest degree work in the district. If you have been away from lodge for a while, please consider visiting to support our young officers in action. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I have received many compliments from visitors regarding their impressive execution of duties. Although Brainard Lodge does not traditionally hold a Stated Communication on the 4th Tuesday in June, we will be conducting a Hawaiian Shirt Fellow Craft Degree on June 24th. This will be a Special Communication, and Hawaiian shirts are mandatory! Summer casual dress is acceptable alongside the Hawaiian shirt. Please come and enjoy a festive atmosphere as we support our youngest Entered Apprentices. Stay tuned for upcoming fellowship events while Brainard goes to refreshment during July and August! Thank you, Events CalendarMay 2025*Wednesday, May 7th — Master Mason Degree Rehearsal (Short Form)6 PM (TBD) *Tuesday, May 13th — Stated Communication Dinner: 6:30 PM | Meeting: 7:30 PM *Wednesday, May 14th — Master Mason Degree Rehearsal (Short Form) Time TBD *Wednesday, May 21st — Master Mason Degree Rehearsal (Short Form) Time TBD *Thursday, May 22nd — Union Lodge 230th Anniversary 6:00 PM *Tuesday, May 27th — Master Mason Degree (Short Form) Dinner: 6:30 PM | Degree: 7:30 PM *Wednesday, May 28th — District Master Mason Degree Rehearsal (2nd Half) Time TBD *Friday, May 30th — The Masonic Naval Degree (The Meadows Lodge, East Longmeadow, MA) Degree: 6 PM June 2025*Wednesday, June 4th — District Master Mason Degree Rehearsal (2nd Half) *Sunday, June 8th — District Deputy 8A Presentation at Somerset-St. James Lodge in Preston, CT *Tuesday, June 10th — District Master Mason Degree (2nd Half) *Saturday, June 21st — District Deputy 8B Presentation at Bay View Temple Niantic, CT *Tuesday, June 24th — Fellowcraft Degree (Hawaiian Shirts) |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
This is a reminder that we will be conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on multiple candidates next Tuesday, March 25 at Brainard Lodge #102. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the degree to follow at 7:30 p.m. We’ll be serving Shepherd’s Pie for dinner. All brethren are encouraged to attend and support our newest candidates as they begin their Masonic journey. Please RSVP with our Secretary, RW Brother Richard Miller, at brainard102sec@icloud.com. We look forward to seeing you there. |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
Greetings Brothers, On January 14th, I had the honor and privilege of being installed as Master of Brainard Lodge 102. The Installing Master was Brainard’s own RWB James Moran, Grand Junior Deacon of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut, accompanied by my son, WB Andrew Pedro II, District Grand Lecturer, and WB Seth Beebe, my predecessor from the East. I am grateful to the Installing Team for allowing me to experience being installed by such good friends and family. It has been 11 years since I last sat in the Oriental Chair, and, surprisingly, it felt as though it was only yesterday. The current line of officers is one of extremely high caliber, and I look forward to combining our experience and drive for excellence to make 2025 a year to remember. I would like to invite any brother who has been away from the lodge to attend a meeting so we can meet in person. I would love to hear any ideas you may have to improve the lodge or aid in the retention of members. We are entering a time when the fraternity must evolve and implement the younger generation’s ideas to ensure that Freemasonry remains a relevant and cherished institution. Our values are second to none, and although there are differences among generations, there are still plenty of good men who Masonry can make better. My only regret is that I did not discover Freemasonry at a younger age. I earnestly remind all brothers that you are always welcome in your lodge. Please do not feel that your return, after time away, would result in embarrassment. We are all brothers, and we are your second family. A family member is always welcome home. Our next Stated Communication is on January 28th. For the first time, I will combine technology with tradition by presenting my favorite tracing board through a PowerPoint presentation. The selected symbolism will pertain solely to the Entered Apprentice Degree. Please join us and discover why the lithograph titled “Light and Truth” is my favorite single compilation of Masonic symbolism. Our first degree of 2025 will be conducted on February 11th, a Fellow Craft Degree. An open house dinner will be served by our amazing stewards at 6:30 PM, with the degree commencing promptly at 7:30 PM. Please feel free to bring anyone interested in the fraternity to share the meal with us. Thank you all for your time and attention to this message, and I hope to see you on the 28th. Fraternally yours, |
![]() Brainard No. 102 Grand Lodge Of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. |
| Brethren, This announcement is to inform the members of Brainard Lodge No. 102 that we will be having a Special Communication on Saturday, September 21, 2024 for the purpose of hosting a statewide Fellowcraft Degree. The degree will start promptly at 9:30 AM. Fraternally, Worshipful Master Seth Beebe. |
Brothers,
I am writing to let you know of a date change. We had a Fellowcraft degree scheduled for tomorrow evening, February 27th. Tomorrow evening will be a regular Stated Communication. The new degree date will be March 12th (first meeting in March). The times will remain the same; 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. meeting begins.
Fraternally,
WM Seth Beebe
Brothers,
Due to the inclement weather, I am cancelling tonight's Stated Communication.
Fraternally,
Worshipful Master Seth Beebe
Brothers,
Due to the inclement weather, I am cancelling tonight's degree rehearsal. I look forward to seeing all of you next week as we bring two new members into the fraternity.
Worshipful Brother Tyler Beebe has also cancelled tonight's Temple Association meeting.
I hope everyone stays safe and have a wonderful evening!
Fraternally,
Worshipful Master Seth Beebe.
Good morning Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tonight at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be Casual.
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good evening brothers!
I hope this message finds you well. Just a friendly reminder that we have a MM degree tomorrow (10/25). Dinner will be at 6:30pm, meeting starts at 7:30pm.
See you all there!
WM Mauricio "Moe" Cruz
Greeting brothers!
I hope everyone had a great summer. I am writing this post/email to let the brothers know of a date change. We had a MM degree scheduled for September 27. The new date will be October 25 (second meeting in October). The times will remain the same; 6:30 dinner, 7:30 meeting begins.
Fraternally,
WM Moe Cruz
Good Afternoon Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tonight at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be Casual. We will be having dinner before the meeting (6:30pm). This will be our last meeting before our summer recess.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Evening Brothers,
Disregard the previous email, I had my weeks mixed up.
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Evening Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorrow night at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be Casual. We will be having dinner before the meeting (6:30pm). We will be talking about a few things that we need to get done
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Afternoon Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorrow night at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be Casual. We will be having dinner before the meeting (6:30pm).
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Evening Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorrow night at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be suit and tie. We will be having dinner before the meeting (6:30pm). We will be receiving our MWGM for a fraternal visit, as well as watching a short video.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Evening Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorrow night at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be casual/business casual. We will be having dinner before the meeting (6:30pm).
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Afternoon Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorrow night at the standard time (7:30pm), and the dress code will be casual/business casual. We will be having dinner before the meeting (6:30pm).
We will also be having an officers meeting at 6:00pm.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Evening Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorow (1/25) at the standard time (7:30pm).
I look forward to seeing you all there !
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz
Good Evening Brothers,
I hope this message finds you all well.
We will be having our regular scheduled Stated Communication meeting tomorow tonight at the standard time (7:30pm).
I look forward to seeing you all there !
Fraternally,
WB Mauricio Cruz

