Granite Lodge No. 119 is a magnificent granite building atop a small hill in Haddam, fronted with giant pillars and a remarkable walkway that leads to the building, consisting of three, five, and seven steps. The lodge was established in the 1870's and has been active for many years. The building was formerly Brainerd Academy, built in 1839, a college preparatory school. After the school closed, it was donated by a brother to the town under the stipulation that the second floor be used as a masonic meeting place.
On January 28, WM Russ Todd, opened at 7:30 pm on the Enter Apprentice Degree, to bring a candidate from darkness into light. Their degree was well attended, including several Past Masters, a Paster Master of Estuary Lodge, Old Saybrook, and the District Deputy, RW Francis Destefano and his Associate Grand Marshall and father, WB Dominc Distefano.
Ralph Ely was received into the lodge and conducted by Senior Warden Mike Cooley. Brother Mike provided an excellent display of floor work throughout the evening.
After Ralph was placed in due form, WM Todd gave him his obligation in a flawless manner. RW Bill Baroni presented the working tools and taught him their uses. Brother Ely was presented the first section lecture by brothers Michael Jascot and Michael Cooley in fine fashion. I then was able to present the second section lecture for this degree for brother Ely which was followed by WB Jason Conroy giving the charge.
With lodge closed, snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, was enjoyed with great fellowship and conversation. Another Entered Apprentice Degree is planned for just a couple months from now. Granite Lodge is a very active that, and is striving to grow in brotherhood.
Getting to know new and established brothers of the lodges in Connecticut is one of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling.
Ryan Howard
Warren Lodge #51
