New Britain herald., 1929-05-11
THI, MASONIC TEMPLE

THE MASONIC TEMPLE
 Masonry today will dedicate it's new temple on West Main street. Architectually the building is one Of the most impressive in the city. 10 members of the order it is monu- ment which fitly indicates the solidity and substantial qualities of the fraternity. For many years Masons of New Britain have dream ed of . temple in conformity with the spirit and progress of their af- filiation. Today that dream comes true.
 In cities throughout the world local temples of the Masonic fra ternity are among the most beau- tiful, The order, as it's name would Imply. suggests the art and science of the builder, and 1t comes natural under the circumstances to construct in such fashion as to correspond with the noble motives imbedded in the tenets of the fraternity. So 1t is gratifying indeed that the Ma.ons of New Britain and vicinity have united here to erect a temple worthily in keeping with the precepts and ideals of the craft.
 The beginning of Masonry. as everyone is aware, is shrouded in the mysteries of history. Long before 1t was the custom for mankind to put down in writing more than the most important clements of dynastic reigns or religious dogma the craft of masonry prospered, and to this day the handiwork of some of their most important work remains. It is believed that the skilled artisans who had in their keeping the con- struction of the monster buildings of stone and cement during antiquity always had a guild of craftsmen. and that these perhaps were the progeni- tors of the order which today girds the world with its places of meeting. One widely prevalent belief is that operative Masonry was established at the construction of Solomon's temple. the guild comprising the stonemasons and architects. Many learned writers have contributed volumes of deductions upon early Masonic history. books which usually are found of interest to Masons only. Su:lice it to say. there is no end of literature upon this worldwide insti- tuition. How, when and where the vast order started can be left to these. Today it has blossomed from lHC HllSlS oi past ltllLul tO lIlI dignity of a civilizins force par ex- cellence. imbedded in ideals and yielding a vast power for the uplift and good works Of mankind.
 Masonry in Connecticut derived it's organic life from the grand lodge in Massachusetts. the St. Johns. of which Paul Revere subsequently, was the grand master. The first charter granted was to Hiram lodge at New Haven, in 1850. By 17S7 seventeen lodges had been formed in the state. the 17th having been F'relleich lodge at Pennington. In addition. the army lodge. American Jnion.' formed at Boston at the beginning of the war for independence. frequently met in Connecticut. In 17S9 the present grand lodge of Connecticut was or ganized. 12 lodges being represent ed. By 1890 the Connecticut lodges had increased to A. with 5000 mem- bers. In 1926 the grand lodge Of the state made an appropriation of $500 for monument to George Washington. an esteemed fellow Mason and Father of his Country.
 Thus if is seen that from the earliest days of the American Re. public. Masonry has been active ir Connecticut: and that leaders of bc. | tne state and nation have beeI affiliated. The fine building Of in, lodges In New Britain is the lates evidence Of that progress which from the earliest days has heen identified with this instti ution throughout the state.