Hiram Lodge #1, A.F. & A.M.
The olde lodge at New Haven
chartered 1750
New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Hiram Lodge #1, A.F. & A.M.
The Olde Lodge at New Haven
Chartered 1750
New Haven, Connecticut USA
Lodge News
The Annual DeMolay Grand Master's Class was held in February at Hiram Lodge #1 in honor of our own Brother, Bruce Belmore the MW Grand Master of Masons in CT. Close to 100 people attended the two degrees performed by the State officers and young men of DeMolay. Four new members where initiated and the day was capped off with the Flower Talk given by the Deputy State Master Councilor. The boys were in perfect form as the two degrees were presented in excellent form. Thanks to all the brothers who attended and congratulations to Bruce!
The Annual Installation of Officers opened the New Year on January 12th 2023. Brother Al Johnson was installed as this year's Worshipful Master for Hiram Lodge #1. Our own MW Brother Bruce Bellmore, current Grand Master of AF&AM of Connecticut, was in attendance and presiding. He, RW Brother Sal Ferrigno as Marshall and RW Brother Bob Moon as Chaplain, Installed the officers in excellent form. There was a wonderful dinner beforehand organized by our new JW and Tyler with help from the Stewards. Then the 125+ people ascended the many steps to the big room for the official ceremony. It was an excellent evening to thank WB Scott Atkins for serving in 2022 and wish WB Johnson the best of luck for 2023.
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At our Annual Awards Night in October, the lodge honored brothers for their years of service with RW Brother Len Bucher achieving 60 years of service to Freemasonry! We also honored retired Fire Captain, John Twohill from the New Haven Fire Dept. with the Grand Lodge's "First Responder" award. This was the first of these awards given by the lodge and we hope to continue it for years to come. The night continued as RW Brother Nicholas Ives, chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education, presented WB Keith Macdowall with the Master's Achievement Award for his year in 2021. The Grand Master, Bruce R. Bellmore, then also presented WB Keith with the Grand Lodge's Oliver Walcott Award for outstanding service to the community. Keith has been instrumental in CT Special Olympics in the past and has focused on community service for decades. While Master of Hiram lodge, we performed many hours of service under his leadership. Keith's example will inspire the lodge for generations of new leaders, scheduling at least one community service projects a month during his term of office.
Special thanks to our Junior Warden, Brother Al Johnson and his officers who put on a great dinner for the event. Thanks to Brother Gerry Nero, from Annawon Lodge, who also was a guest chef for the evening!
At a recent awards night at Trumbull Lodge #22, our own RW Brother Sal Ferrigno received the Pierpont Edwards Award in Bronze for distinguished Masonic Service. Brother Ferrigno's mother lodge is Trumbull #22 and he is a 22 year member of Hiram Lodge #1. Pictured in the photo are other Peirpont Medal holders who came to support Brother Ferrigno that night including RWB Bob Moon and MWB Bruce Bellmore who presented the honor. Brother Sal's family was also in attendance along with close to 100 others for the occasion. Since this was a lodge Awards Nights there were also incremental pins and a First Responder award given out. It was a great night for Masonry! Congrats to all.
The members and Advisors of Sleeping Giant Chapter, Order of DeMolay pose with their recent awards at their meeting on July 12. The boys just returned from their Annual Conclave at Post University the previous weekend. The chapter initiated 3 new members and won the Conclave competition this year. That event is Connecticut DeMolay's Annual Meeting and included, sports, ritual and teamwork competitions that challenged every member. The new State Master Councilor, Jack Campbell, is also from the chapter. Congrats to our own "Dad" & Brother Sal Ferrigno, the Chapter Chairman and his dedicated group of adult volunteers. Nice going Sleeping Giant DeMolay!
On June 7th, Brothers from Hiram Lodge #1 attended the 14th annual CT DeMolay Foundation's Golf Tournament. Held at The Farms Country Club in Wallingford, Hiram was once again a Tournament Sponsor. Eight brothers participated in this great event which raises money for the masonic youth organization. Although the wind was gusting, a beautiful, cool day was enjoyed by the almost 100 golfers. Many raffle and golf prizes were awarded and the event was a big success. This was the 14th year of this event and it keeps growing every season. Hiram Lodge is very proud to be a sponsor of this great event and of Connecticut DeMolay.
At our most recent Entered Apprentice Degree in May, we initiated three new members into Hiram Lodge #1. The room was filled with some visiting brothers from around the state who came out to witness the ceremony. Included were members of Oriental lodge #6, Prince Hall, F.&A.M. among many others. R:W. Brother Glenn A. Jacques, our District Deputy, along with W.B. Nick Barnes his A.G.M., were in attendance for our Annual Lodge Inspection. The lodge officers did a fine job portraying "Hiram" ritual and we had some new faces doing some big parts. Thanks to all the brothers who worked hard to make this a special night.
At the recent meeting of the Blue Lodge Council of the 4th District, our own Junior Warden, Brother Al Johnson received the honor of "Maitres De La Table Medal", from the Master of Saint Alban's Lodge #38 and his officers. WB John Kelly and his members presented Al with this prestigious honor for all the meals and food preparation he helped the lodge organize. Al has stepped up to assist the lodge at their "Robert Burns Night" and other important functions. Tonight was no exception, as MWGM Bruce R. Belmore arrived for dinner with many grand lodge officers their to present a "Town Hall" meeting for all the brothers in attendance. Everyone was satisfied with the delicious dinner and filed into the lodge room for the presentation with full bellies ready to do the work of the district. We say this often, "Thanks for dinner Al"!
On May 7th, 2022, a crowd of brothers and friends gathered at 285 Whitney Ave. for the official Investiture of RWB Glenn A. Jacques as the newest District Deputy in the 4th District. Presiding over the ceremony were MW Grand Master, Bruce R. Bellmore and many permanent members from Hiram Lodge #1 and Ouroboros Lodge. Glenn and WB Francis "Nick" Barnes, the new AGM, were duly invested with all the ceremony due their new positions. Guests of the evening were treated to a lovely ceremony and felicitations brought by friends of the recipients. Prior to the ceremony, a wonderful buffet meal was served. Our very best wishes to Glenn and Nick. Enjoy your term of office! Also pictured here is our own WM Scott Atkins.
On April 10th 2022, Connecticut DeMolay hosted a bowling fundraiser to support the CT Make-a-Wish Foundation. Folks from around the state jammed the Apple Valley Bowl in Southington CT to take part in the event. Brothers of Hiram Lodge #1 participated and we were well represented. The charity was chosen by DeMolay's State Master Councilor, Sebastian Pesquera, as the focus of the organization's fund raising for the year. DeMolay helps young men to learn leadership skills and become good citizens in their communities. We're happy to support the efforts of these you people and joined DeMolays, Rainbow Girls, brothers of the fraternity, family and friends to bowl, raise money and just have a great afternoon trying to make some strikes!
On March 26th 2022, Brother Bruce R. Bellmore was installed as the Grand Master of Masons in the State of Connecticut. Bruce is a 45year member of Hiram Lodge #1 and a Past Master of Hiram, Olive Branch and Cosmopolitan lodges. He is also currently sitting as our chaplain. Bruce is a senior DeMolay from West Haven and is involved in York and Scottish Rite in the area and around the state. We congratulate Most Worshipful Brother Bruce and wish him the very best year as he takes the reins of our craft here in Connecticut. Lets all join to support him in his efforts this year. By the way, don't forget the GALA coming soon on May 1st. Its our party to wish brother Bruce the best for his year!
On March 13th over 100 brothers and family joined together to march in the New Haven St.Patrick's Day parade. It was a chilly day, but no spirits were higher than those in the parade. This year we added a 45 foot semi truck float to carry over 30 more people. It was decorated and amazing! Representatives from all over the 4th district and the state joined in to march with aprons and jewels. Our MWGM Bill Bohman, even joined us. Special thanks to WB Fred Marotti who organized the entire event. He and countless brotheres who constructed the float, cooked the meals and organized and financed the event were all out to seize the day as Masonry made itself known to the fine folks of New Haven. Thanks to Hiram Lodge 1, Trumbull 22, Madison 87 and Annowon 115. Also special thanks to Scottish Rite, Valley of New Haven.
First meeting of the year after the postponed Installation! WM Scott Atkins convenes the lodge for it's stated communication. WB Peter Tomlinson presented our new Master with a beautiful, hand made gavel and all the new Stewards where presented with their chef's jackets by WB Keith Macdowall. At the end of the meeting WM Atkins asked the new officers to gather for a photo. Here are all the new members of the officer line for 2022.
