| A Brief History of Momauguin Lodge No. 138 (1981) |
| Written by Charles Tirrell |
| Friday, 23 November 2007 22:52 |
|
A Brief History of Momauguin Lodge No. 138
By R:.W:.B:. William G. Demetriades (Reprinted from the Momauguin Lodge Temple Dedication Booklet - 1981) In recording the history of Momauguin Lodge No. 138, recognition should be made for those deserving Masonic brethren who practiced the virtues of brotherly love and friendship for approximately 51 years previous to the 1981 dedication of this Temple. Beginning in 1906, the members of several area Masonic Lodges who resided in East Haven, gathered together for an annual dinner at the Wilcox Pier Restaurant in Savin Rock. This annual tradition continued until the year 1929 when several local brethren had a dream of a lodge in the community of East Haven. During that year, a visitation was made to the home of Grand Master George Sturges (no relation to our present Grand Master John C. Sturges), and plans were tentatively instituted for the formation of a new Lodge. The name of Momauguin was agree upon and entered as a title, along with the name of W:.B:. Ellsworth E. Cowles, a Past Master of Adelphi Lodge No. 63, to serve as our first Master. The name of Momauguin Lodge was chosen from the tribe of the Momauguin Indians who owned and governed all of the land, which now constitutes East Haven and North Haven. Parcels of this area were sold to the settlers and this area eventually became the town of East Haven. Momauguin Lodge was constituted and dedicated on March 15, 1930, with M:.W:.B:. Ebert L. Darbie presiding as Grand Master, who also installed our first complement of line officers. Momauguin Lodge has made several moves since its original quarters in the Old Olsen Building, which was occupied from 1930 to 1959. From there, the Lodge moved to the Christ Church Parish House, holding their meetings there until 1962. From 1962 until 1964 the meetings were held at the Epiphany Chapel in New Haven. In1964 our members used the facilities of Widow's Son Lodge No. 66 in Branford until 1966. During that year Christ Church’s old building was purchased on Main Street, East Haven and was used until 1973 when the redevelopment of downtown East Haven forced the lodge to vacate the Temple, which was considered by many as a historical landmark. Again the members of Widow's Son Lodge were gracious enough to allow Momauguin Lodge to meet at their Temple until 1974 when the lodge purchased the property, which is our present location. Many structural and interior alterations have been made and many hours of labor were donated by our more active members. As a result of these efforts we now have a beautiful Lodge room that we can be proud of. Our only recent discouragement came when we had to sell the property in 1976 and rent the facilities from the present owners, who also operate Goodies Hardware Store. This was primarily due to the sharp and sudden increase of town taxes and a decrease in our membership through attrition. But it remains the feeling that whatever the future holds, there shall survive and triumph a proud Momauguin Lodge. It is noteworthy to mention that of the hundreds of members that took their obligations at our alter in some 51 years, only 3 have had the distinct honor and privilege of becoming Grand Lodge Officers. R:.W:.B:. Earl J. Fitzpatrick was the only member who became a District Deputy and served from 1965 until 1967. We also had two members who served as Associate Grand Marshals and they were W:.B:. Frederick S. Swanson, now deceased, who served from 1965 until 1967. The second was W:.B:. William G. Demetriades, who was appointed in 1980 and will remain in office until April 1982. Over the years we have had many honorable and distinguished members, particularly those who served our country during World War II. We are thankful that not one of our veterans lost their life while on active duty and that they all returned home safely. Suffice it to say that we may well be proud of the progress made during our past 51 years, but more so that we here and now thank the Almighty Architect of the Universe for the privilege of being a member of this illustrious fraternity, which on life's darkest moment extended the hand of brotherly love and friendship. [Minor grammatical and spelling mistakes were applied] |
