| The History of Wolcott Lodge |
| Sunday, 17 February 2008 00:00 |
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The History of Wocott Lodge No. 146 A.F. & A.M.
Preamble
It never was a secret that the greater Wolcott area produced an outstanding group of prominent, and active, Master Masons. An examination of nearby lodges vouched for the fact that a large number of Wolcott men had given leadership in the development and growth in area lodges. This evidence is indeed strong within the records of the four Masonic Lodges in Waterbury and in the lodge of neighboring Bristol.
Methodically and painstakingly he carefully followed the very demanding and difficult task of lodge organization as required by the rules of the Grand Lodge. From personal knowledge and direct information, he created a mailing list of all known Masons residing in Wolcott and in September 1976, he mailed an exploratory letter to that group asking for their reaction toward establishing a Masonic Lodge in Wolcott and their possible participation in that venture. The response was unanimous. Wolcott Masons wanted their own lodge!
Reporting to the Grand Lodge on Septemner 7, 1976, Brother Watts stated that the returns of his exploratory letter indicated a total support would be received from Wolcott Masons and that he therefore requested guidance from the Grand Lodge as to how to proceed. He also requested a group meeting in Wolcott with Grand Lodge representation and Wolcott Masons. On September 27, 1976, the Grand Lodge responded favorably, suggesting a joint meeting as requested, to be scheduled during early December 1976 and to be held in Wolcott. A Grand Lodge Committee chaired by Past Grand Master Irving E. Partridge, was to meet with the potential membership of the proposed Wolcott Lodge. After due arrangement, such a joint meeting was scheduled for December 13, 1976. However, on November 11, 1976, the then Grand Master Chapman notified Brother Watts of the cancellation of that date, but stated "I will supply you with two dates for this meeting to be held in the early part of Januay." The promise was never kept.
Still looking to the possibility of his vision, Brother Watts arranged with Wolcott Grange No. 173, admirably located in the heart of Wolcott on Bound Line Road, for the use of their hall. The cooperaton from our local Grangers was indeed outstanding. On April 19, 1977, the undaunted and indestructible Kenneth B. Watts fired off a salvo at the newly elected Grand Master, Arthur F. Simpson, noting that "since there has been an absence of communication, I would appreciate hearing from you at your earliest convenience." On May 1, 1977, the Grand Master's hand written note simply stated "I'm for it!" and suggested a joint meeting for June 22, 1977. On August 12, 1977, Kenneth B. Watts reported by letter to his Wolcott group on the favorable reaction of the Grand Lodge and called for a joint meeting for August 26th. at 7:30 pm. at which time all who wished to sign the official petition which would make each and every one a Charter Member. More than fifty members did so. {mospagebreak}
The Organizational Period - August 26 to December 13, 1977
The organization's first scheduled meeting was held on August 26, 1977 and it was voted to conduct lodge meetings on the 2nd. Tuesday of each month. Also appointed were the following standing committees:
By-Laws Committee: WB Henry E. Grosch, Chairman Finance Committee: WB Arthur W. Peterson, Chairman Selection of Officers Committee: Br. Charles Rietdyke Chairman
On September 13th., the second organizational meeting was held, at which time the following Brothers were elected: WB Kenneth B. Watts - Master WB Henry E. Grosch - Senior Warden
WB Frank S. Duren - Junior Warden
In order to meet existing and future bills, it was voted that each member be asked to donate $25.00 to the new lodge. This was done.
The Dispensation Period - December 13 to April 6, 1978
On December 13, 1977, the Grand Lodge issued a dispensation to Wolcott Lodge permitting it to operate Masonicly under the chosen name of Wolcott Lodge U.D., thereby allowing it to hold regular Masonic meetings and initiate Masons. It is of interest to record that under Grand Lodge rules, a lodge under dispensation cannot receive any new affiliates. Only those Brothers who have signed the petition, and anyone "raised" (while under dispensation) are to be constituted as Charter Members.
On March 31, 1978, the Master of Wolcott Lodge U.D. reported in writing to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut, the following report which, because of it's historical information must become part and parcel of our history.
REPORT OF ACTIVITIES FOR WOLCOTT LODGE U.D.
WOLCOTT, CT
TO THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE, A.F. & A.M.
OF CONNECTICUT
It has been the concensus of opinion for some years that there was the strong potential and opportunity of further disseminating the light of Masonry through the formation of a Masonic Lodge in the Town of Wolcott, Connecticut. Spearheaded with a constant perserverance by WB Kenneth B. Watts, for over two years, a conclusive survey was made amongst Masons residing in Wolcott and surrounding towns.
A number of meetings held during the Spring and Summer of 1977 resulted in 68 members from neighboring Lodges agreeing that they would petition the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to form a new Lodge to be called Wolcott Lodge. Each Brother volunteered a substantial amount of money to make such a Lodge a financial success and operational, if their hopes and plans became a reality. These Brothers all expressed their wishes to become Charter Members of such a new Lodge.
It is required by Grand Lodge Rules and Regulations that before a dispensation for a new Lodge can be authorized, the Lodge or Lodges having jurisdiction over that territory, must give consent to the formation of another Lodge. Thus the petitioners for the new Lodge notified the four existing Lodges in Waterbury of their intentions and requested approval and consent. Subsequent meetings held by Harmony Lodge No. 42, Continental Lodge No. 76, Liberty Lodge No. 123 and Euclid Lodge No. 135 each resulting in affirmative votes respectively, granting approval for formation of a new Lodge in Wolcott.
Tuesday evening, December 13, 1977, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother Arthur F. Simpson officially presented the Dispensation to Wolcott Lodge U.D. Despite inclement weather, a large number of members enjoyed a delicious dinner preceding the presentation and official opening of Wolcott Lodge U.D. Besides the Charter Members, many Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputies, present and past, and representatives from several neighboring Lodges were in attendance on that memorable night. Wolcott Lodge U.D. has received over $1,200 from its members to assure current and future financial obligations. Charter Members of this Lodge and Brothers from neighboring Lodges have presented or pledged most of the necessary paraphernalia for holding communications and conferring degrees. During the months since receiving a dispensation, five petitioners have made application to Wolcott Lodge U.D. One Entered Apprentice Degree has been conferred and two applicants have been duly elected with two being investigated. The full complement of Officers in Wolcott Lodge U.D. and all its members are working with a sincere determination for spreading the light of Masonry.
Cordially and fraternally submitted,
Kenneth B. Watts, Worshipful Master
R. Stanley Harrison, Secretary
Dated March 31, 1978 (A.L. 5978)
Wolcott Lodge No. 146 -- Constituted October 7, 1978
At the Masonic Temple in Waterbury, on October 7, 1978, the outstanding event of the evening was the presentation and acceptance of the Charter under which Wolcott Lodge No. 146, A.F. & A.M. operates. A first class banquet followed the presentation. In attendance were the Grand Master and his associate Grand Lodge Officers and a host of Brother Masons and their freinds, including the Mayor of Wolcott, The Honorable Joseph Lango.
Summary
At the time of the writing of this history, Wolcott Lodge No. 146 gave decisive evidence of wholesome and healthy growth. Under the administration of several corps of outstanding officers, the Lodge has successfully established itself within the length of its cabletow, and beyond. It cheerfully maintained and increased Masonic appreciation, influence and input in matters of local interest - increased dramatically its membership and operates from its inception on a full year schedule - no vacation. Annual statistics and information culled from annual meetings and membership rolls, hold some specific and detailed reference. They testify that individual, as well as group, efforts are vividly alive within the confines of the Lodge. To our visionary pioneers, Charter Members and all those who contributed their God-given talents in the erection of our visionary Temple, the one not made by human hands, our deep and sincere gratitude. Truly in our Masonic prayer life, we pray in all sincerity and truth: "In Thy name we have assembled and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings". And we know that "where to or three are gathered together in Thy Name, that Thou will be in the midst of them and bless them". That is the secret of Wolcott Lodge No. 146.
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