Written by Arnie Grot
Thursday, 30 August 2012

Columbia #25. In September, 1911, a committee was appointed to consider repairs to the building they had been occupying for 95 years. The committee found that the building was uninhabitable. A second committee was appointed to acquire plans to build a new Temple at 895 Main Street, which was purchased in 1905 for $575. In December, the Lodge voted to move forward with plans for the new building. A contract was signed with WB E.N. Mackey to build the Temple for $5,430. Architect and Brother William Brainard drew the plans. Both Brother Mackey and Brainard were members of Columbia Lodge. On November 23, 1912, The Grand Lodge of Connecticut dedicated the, then finished, Temple. The dedication was led by Worshipful Master H.T. Clark & Most Worshipful Grand Master Justin Holden. 145 People attended the dedication, including 54 brothers. Following the ceremonies, the Entered Apprentice degree was conferred upon Lewis William Stevenson.

Orient #62. In 1892, Brothers of Orient Lodge began considering building a Temple. In February, 1906, a committee was appointed to explore ways, means and plans to erect such a building. After several years of fund raising, including a $25 donation from St. John’s Lodge #4, the Hall Association was able to secure over $6,000 for the project. In the spring of 1911, Orient Lodge purchased the site and approved plans to adapt the existing building for its use. The Architect was Lester King & the builder was Brother Carl Dean. The excitement in the Lodge about the project was so high, that much of the work was done by brothers of Orient. The building was completed and turned over to Orient Lodge in September of 1912 and the Grand Lodge of CT dedicated the Temple, led by Most Worshipful Grand Master Justin Holden on October 5, 1912

Daskam #86. In October of 1908, Connecticut Freemasons were invited to lay the last stones on the Bulkeley Bridge in Hartford. Daskam Lodge had over 60 members participating in this event. In May of 1909, the Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary by conferring a Master Mason degree with only Past Masters participating. The Lodge also, that year, had the distinct pleasure of burning their mortgage on the Temple. In September of 1911, a monument was laid in St. James Cemetary marking the location of the Daskam Lodge Lot, which was purchased with funds left the Lodge by brother Cooper. In April of 1912, after many months of discussion, the Lodge meeting night was changed from Saturday to Wednesday.