HISTORY OF DASKAM-COLUMBIA LODGE No. 25 A.F. & A. M.

Masonry in Glastonbury 1995 – 2001

Background

Masonry in Glastonbury started informally with the settling of Glastonbury in the late 1600s. Columbia Lodge No. 25 A.F. and A. M. was first organized in 1793 in Stephney, now known as Rocky Hill. In 1817, land and a building were purchased in South Glastonbury and the lodge moved there.

 

In the 1850s, the Columbia lodge membership and interest in North Glastonbury expanded and in January 1858, the Lodge secured a ten-year lease from Mr. Azel Chapman for a hall in the Glastonbury Hotel. The Lodge was furnished at an expense of $520. In September 1858 a petition to the Grand Lodge for a new charter was granted and Daskam Lodge No. 86, named in honor of the then Grand Master, Most Worshipful George F. Daskam, was established. The properties of the Lodges were divided so that the building and real estate in South Glastonbury were to remain with Columbia Lodge, and all other properties were to belong to Daskam Lodge.

For the many years since that time, Daskam and Columbia Lodges worked separately but in harmony to promote the tenets of Masonry in Glastonbury and elsewhere in Connecticut. Daskam-Columbia Lodge #25

In 1994 a committee was formed to investigate the possibility of reuniting the Daskam and Columbia Lodges. After considerable planning, on May 24, 1995, Grand Master Samuel Walker, presented a new charter for Daskam-Columbia Lodge #25. Brother Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. was the first elected Master of this Lodge.

In its first full year 1996, Daskam-Columbia Lodge #25 was lead by the new officers installed on December 16, 1995. These officers enthusiastically accepted the challenge to proudly carry forward the banner of Daskam-Columbia # 25 based on the rich heritage and traditions of Masonry in Glastonbury. The first five years as Daskam-Columbia were a period of transition for the Lodge and our brothers. Not only did our brothers have to earn each other’s trust but they also had to wrestle with the reality of the financial drain of maintaining two Lodge buildings. The Lodge financially operated at a deficit. The Lodge used the North Temple at 2639 Main Street as its primary meeting place until September 1998. During this time, occasional degree work was conducted at the South Lodge at 895 Main Street. A committee was formed to explore options for the Lodge buildings with W.B. Herbert E. Grommeck as Chairman. After looking at several other buildings in town, including the old Grange Building on Naubac Avenue and the DeGemmis on Main Street among others, this committee concluded that these options would leave the Lodge with worst financial strain than it had already.

The members of the Building Association accepted the recommendation that both Lodge buildings be put up for sale with the understanding that if a buyer was found for one building, the options committee would be reactivated to explore either renovating the other Temple or building a new Temple on another site. A potential buyer placed an option to buy on the North Temple in 1997. The option depended on town approval for a then unpublicized development, which also involved two adjacent houses and an adjacent piece of property.

In the spring of 1998, the development was revealed with CVS Pharmacy is the tenant. Building Association President Mario Accornero ably took on the task of representing the Lodge’s interests in all the proceedings through the various committees. Passions were high in the town of the pending demolition of three “historic” buildings, which went completely unnoticed and deemed not worth the cost of renovation by other potential buyers, as a possible desecration of Glastonbury’s heritage.

Fortunately, Mario had complete documentation of the history, construction and condition of the North Temple to combat such a shotgun approach to preserving heritage. Our 1998 Master, Arnold Grot, contributed to the debate by writing a letter to the Glastonbury Citizen and speaking at a public hearing on the CVS development. His comments not only mirrored Mario documentation but also emphasized that the sale of this building would serve to preserve what Masons consider a greater aspect of the town’s heritage; specifically the proceeds of the sale would ensure the presence of Masonry in Glastonbury and the continuance of our charitable works.

The town approved the CVS development and the building subsequently sold in the summer of 1999. Before the North Temple was demolished, it served in a training exercise for the volunteer firefighters of the Glastonbury Fire Department. The new CVS Pharmacy has the 2639 Main Street address of the old North Temple.

During the summer of 1998, Mario worked on a proposal for the renovation of the South Temple at 895 Main Street while Herb headed a committee to develop the possibility of building a new Temple elsewhere in town based on the assumption that the South Temple could also be sold. Mario also lead a committee that prepared the South Temple to become the permanent meeting place for Daskam-Columbia. New windows, a new fire door, painting, cleaning and new drapes brighten the reception of our Brothers in September. In addition, an inventory of all furniture and supplies in both lodges was made with plans to use the better things, store some items and sell what the Lodge or tenants of the building no longer needed. The September 2, 1998 Lodge meeting was followed by a highly emotional Building Association meeting. Passionate presentations and intense debate on both proposals ensured that the Tyler remained alert in the anteroom. This debate continued at the annual Building Association meeting in December. It was apparent, however, that even with the sale of both Temples, Daskam-Columbia did not have the resources to buy land and build a new Temple any where in town as visible or convenient as the Temple in South Glastonbury.

Plans for renovation and expansion of the South Temple proceeded slowly through the various town committees needing to approve the project. Mario Accornerio again exhibited dedication to Masonry and extreme patience by representing the Lodge at all the town committee meetings. Approval by the town was finally granted in the summer of 2001. Mario worked with the architect and builder to finalize the plans and provide a cost estimate. The Lodge brothers gave final approval to the 20 by 30 foot expansion and renovation project in October. Approximately 70% of the estimated construction and renovation project will be funded by the proceeds from the sale of the North Temple. The rest of the funds will come from the Building Association’s investments. Lodge furnishings will be purchased through an honorarium fund. By the fall of 2001, nearly $5,000 had been given to this fund. Those contributing at least $500 can specify a name to be honored on a plaque that will be prominently placed in the newly expanded Temple. Plans are being prepared for rededication of the Temple by Brother Walter E. Kaechele, the 2002-2003 Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut, in the fall of 2002.Work of the LodgeThese first five transition years also witnessed a renewal in charitable works that blossomed through the synergy of the active brothers of the merged Lodge. The Masters continued the rich tradition of ensuring the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut at the Daskam-Columbia annual Awards Night each May. Our charitable work expanded through the efforts of many dedicated brothers. Our Secretary, Bob Smiley Flint coordinated an annual April Sunday morning breakfast with, and for the benefit of, the South Church’s Youth Group’s Habitat for Humanity Project. Bob Nordstrom instituted Sunday morning charity breakfasts, which became monthly affairs by 2000. An annual breakfast with the St. Luke’s Youth Group was established that year. In the fall of 2001, Glastonbury Grange #26 joined with the Lodge to help and benefit through the second Sunday morning charity breakfasts. A breakfast with the First Church’s Youth Ministry will be added in 2002. Bob Nordstrom also coordinated many Tag Sales at the Lodge during these years. The sales not only brought in money for our charitable works fund, but also enabled the Lodge, and many brothers, to clean out surplus items that we no longer had room to store. Senior Deacon Don Wills spearheaded a very successful Art Action on June 2, 2001.

A growth in brotherhood was also apparent. Chaplin Gerry Thompson and his wife Betty hosted an annual picnic each July at their summer home in Noank. Our Lodge brothers took a trip to the George Washington Masonic Memorial in September 1997 where Brother David Söderberg was passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft. In October 1999, our brothers traveled to New Hampshire Lodge as well as witnessed the beautiful New England foliage. A visit to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was the highlight of a Lodge trip to Philadelphia in September 2001. In a fishing trip from Shaw’s Cove in July 2001, Worshipful Master Walter Grube caught the biggest fish, and only sea bass, of the trip. Walt tactfully declined to be photographed with his catch. Walt also instituted Setback Nights as annual events that were governed by Grube’s rules. District Deputy Bruce Chamberlin was one to question at the 2001 night the implementation of these rules, which Walt seemed to remember primarily to his advantage.

After more than a half century of caressing the ivory keys for Masonry in Glastonbury and elsewhere about Connecticut, Brother Ed Nordstrom retired as the Daskam-Columbia Organist at the end of 2000. Worshipful Master Grube elevated Brother Ed to the prestigious level of Organist Emeritus at our May 2, 2001 Awards Night. Brother Ed was presented with an Organist Emeritus apron at a Blue Lodge Council meeting on October 29 to the ovation of his many friends within the Sixth District. Brother Ed’s music continues to resound at special functions of the Lodge, including the Installation of our 2002 Officers and our 2001 Christmas program.

 

The decline in Lodge membership that preceded the merger continued during these years. Unfortunately, the Lodge saw more broken links in the Masonic chain and more brothers taking demits or being dropped for non payment of dues than there were new brothers raised or brothers affiliated with the Lodge. Two of the broken links were due to the passings of Chaplin Emeritus Emerson C. Reed in January 1998 and of Past Master Charles L. Lincoln, Jr. in July 1999. Besides being the first Master of the merged Daskam-Columbia Lodge, Brother Lincoln was well known for his ritual work as well as being the master chef of the Lodge. Brother Reed was a friend and mentor to many brothers. He installed and tutored many Masters in Daskam, Columbia and Daskam-Columbia Lodges.

 

Elected and Appointed Officers for 1996
Worshipful Master Herbert E. Grommeck
Senior Warden W.B. Walter Grube
Junior Warden Arnold S. Grot
Treasurer W.B. Austin M. Avery
Secretary W.B. Robert W. Flint
Assistant Secretary W.B. George N. Seely
Senior Deacon Paul F. Blake
Junior Deacon Brian F. Jones
Senior Steward Jordan D. Smith
Junior Steward Peter Hunt
Chaplain R.W. Gerald F. Thompson
Chaplain Emeritus W.B. Emerson C. Reed
Marshal Michael D. D’Atellio
Organist Edward Nordstrom
Tyler Warren E. Bristol
Historian W.B. Emerson C. Reed
Trustees
R.W. Gerald F. Thompson – 1 yr
R.W. Mario. L. Accornero – 2 yr
R.W. Carl L. Edgerton – 3 yr

 

Elected and Appointed Officers for 1997
Worshipful Master W.B. Walter Grube
Senior Warden Arnold S. Grot
Junior Warden Paul F. Blake
Treasurer W.B. Austin M. Avery
Assistant Treasurer W.B. Henry Killam
Secretary W.B. Robert W. Flint
Assistant Secretary W.B. George N. Seely
Senior Deacon Walter E. Shannon
Junior Deacon Peter J. Hunt
Senior Steward Anthony J. Gesnaldo
Junior Steward John R. Heacock
Chaplain R.W. Gerald F. Thompson
Chaplain Emeritus W.B. Emerson C. Reed
Marshal Michael D. D’Atellio
Organist Edward Nordstrom
Tyler Warren E. Bristol, Jr.
Historian W.B. Emerson C. Reed
Trustees
R.W. Carl L. Edgerton – 1 yr
R.W. Gerald F. Thompson – 2 yr
R.W. Mario. L. Accornero – 3 yr

Elected and Appointed Officers for 1998
Worshipful Master Arnold S. Grot
Senior Warden Paul F. Blake
Junior Warden Peter J. Hunt
Treasurer W.B. Austin M. Avery
Assistant Treasurer W.B. Henry Killam
Secretary W.B. Robert W. Flint
Assistant Secretary W.B. George N. Seely
Senior Deacon W.B. Walter Grube
Junior Deacon Walter E. Shannon
Senior Steward David E. Söderberg
Junior Steward John R. Heacock
Chaplain R.W. Gerald F. Thompson
Chaplain Emeritus W.B. Emerson C. Reed
Marshal Andrew A. Barnard
Organist Edward Nordstrom
Tyler W.B. Wenthrop Jenson
Trustees
R.W. Mario. L. Accornero – 3 yr
R.W. Gerald F. Thompson – 2 yr
R.W. Carl L. Edgerton – 1 yr

Elected and Appointed Officers for 1999
Worshipful Master Paul F. Blake
Senior Warden Peter J. Hunt
Junior Warden W.B. Walter Grube
Treasurer W.B. Henry Killam
Secretary W.B. Robert W. Flint
Assistant Secretary W.B. George N. Seely
Senior Deacon W.B. Arnold S. Grot
Junior Deacon David E. Söderberg
Senior Steward Ryan W. Henderson
Junior Steward Robert C. Nordstrom
Chaplain R.W. Gerald F. Thompson
Marshal Andrew A. Barnard
Organist Edward Nordstrom
Tyler John R. Heacock
Historian W.B. Arnold S. Grot
Trustees
R.W. Gerald F. Thompson – 1 yr
R.W. Mario. L. Accornero – 2 yr
R W.B. Herbert E. Grommeck – 3 yr

Elected and Appointed Officers for 2000
Worshipful Master Peter J. Hunt
Senior Warden W.B. Walter Grube
Junior Warden W.B. Arnold S. Grot
Treasurer W.B. Henry Killam
Secretary W.B. Robert W. Flint
Assistant Secretary W.B. George N. Seely
Senior Deacon W.B. Stephen P. Mcmahon
Junior Deacon Donald A. Wills
Senior Steward W.B. Paul F. Blake
Junior Steward Robert C. Nordstrom
Chaplain R.W. Gerald F. Thompson
Marshal Andrew A. Barnard
Organist Edward Nordstrom
Apprentice Organist David E. Söderberg
Tyler John R. Heacock
Historian W.B. Arnold S. Grot
Trustees
R.W. Mario. L. Accornero – 1 yr
W.B. Herbert E. Grommeck – 2 yr
R.W. Gerald F. Thompson -3yr

Elected and Appointed Officers for 2001
Worshipful Master W.B. Walter Grube
Senior Warden W.B. Arnold S. Grot
Junior Warden W.B. Paul F. Blake
Treasurer W.B. Henry Killam
Secretary W.B. Robert W. Flint
Assistant Secretary W.B. George N. Seely
Senior Deacon Donald A. Wills
Junior Deacon John A. Waterhouse
Senior Steward Roger L. Dock
Junior Steward Robert C. Nordstrom
Chaplain R.W. Gerald F. Thompson
Marshal Andrew A. Barnard
Organist David E. Söderberg
Organist Emeritus Edward Nordstrom
Tyler John R. Heacock
Historian W.B. Arnold S. Grot
Trustees
W.B. Herbert E. Grommeck -1 yr
R.W. Gerald F. Thompson -2 yr
R.W. Mario. L. Accornero -3 yr

Grand Masters attending Awards Night
1995 – Samuel B. Walker
1996 – Charles W. Yohe
1997 – William F. Carpenter
1998 – Stanley S. Sheldon, Jr.
1999 – Roger W. Read
2000 – Leonard F. D’Amico
2001 – Gustaf R. Bodin

ARNOLD S. GROT, PM – HISTORIAN
DECEMBER 5, 2001