St. Albans Lodge #38, Branford, was founded in 1771, just five years before the Declaration of Independence was written, making it one of Connecticut's oldest Masonic lodges. St. Albans currently meets in Branford sharing the building with Widow's Son Lodge #66 after selling their lodge and property in Guilford.The brothers of St. Albans Lodge meet the first and third Tuesdays at 8 Eades Street in downtown Branford, at 7:30 p.m., this year under the watch of Worshipful Master Lawrence H. Anvik.
The lodge is average in size but has a unique internal decor. The walls are all concrete blocks which reminded me of the operative masons of our past. They are tall and coated with a type of glaze or paint giving them a jade like appearance. The Worshipful Master and his officers sit in wonderfully carved chairs and their is a glowing "G" in the East. Also on display is a piece of stone that came from the White House. It contains the original mark of an operative stone mason from the original construction over 200 years ago. It was donated by Brother Douglas W. Orr the architect of the current lodge building who worked on the White House renovations during the Truman years. Orr was vice chairman of the commission of renovations of the executive mansion. The guest speaker on the night of my visit was Brother Ron Goldwyn, former secretary of the Masonic Lodge of Research. Ron spoke about WB George Washington and the Star Spangled Banner. Ron has been a member of the fraternity since 1959 and a Past Master of five different lodges. He spoke about the origins of Francis Scott Key's poem, In Defense of Fort McKenry," and the development of the "Star Spangled Banner."
George Washington was made a Master Mason on August 4, 1752. He was only 20 which is interesting because according to the Grand Lodge of England, one had to be at least 21 years old to be initiated. One can only speculate but many lodges of that era worked without charters. An interesting fact is Brother Washington is one of only two presidents who were president and Master of their lodge at the same time. The other was Harry Truman.
Once Brother Ron was finished, the lodge proceeded to close. Afterward, the brothers got together for coffee and snacks and enjoyed some quality fellowship.
Remember brothers, get out and travel yourself to a neighboring lodge or to one on the other side of the state. Either way, you find that it is a truly rewarding experience.
