IONIC #110

"MEMORIES" 1870-1970

As contributed by Bro. Joseph Negrelli, JR.
For the IONIC #110 Centennial in 1970

In the beginning, IONIC LODGE #110, A.F. & A.M., was known as Mineral Springs Lodge. On February 19, 1870, the first stated communication was held, under dispensation, and the first order of business was to install its officers. This was accomplished by the Installing Master, Worshipful Brother William Field. The following were installed:

It was on May 2, 1870 that the final communication of Mineral Springs Lodge was held.

On May 20, 1870 a communication was held and the following resolution was presented and accepted, "That the action of the representatives of this lodge in changing the name from Mineral Springs Lodge to IONIC LODGE #110 pursuant to the request of the M.W. Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut is hereby ratified."

From this date forward IONIC LODGE #110 continued to grow in membership and Masonic Stature.

On June 24th, 1870 the minutes of IONIC LODGE read as follows: "The members of IONIC LODGE having assembled with members of Wolcott Lodge #60 and a large number of invited guests, the Grand Officers proceeded to constitute IONIC LODGE #110, install their officers and dedicate the Hall, all of which was done in due and ample form." It is noted that this was done by Most Worshipful Grand Master Bro. Amos E. Cobb.

However the December 4, 1876 minutes reveal "The Charter of IONIC LODGE #110 A.F. & A.M., is arrested from the third Friday in December 1876 to the 5th day of February, 1877, for violation of Masonic Usage and Law. Per order of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Bro. Edward B. Rowe."

From February 19, 1870 when IONIC LODGE #110 was known as Mineral Springs Lodge, our meetings were held in the FOSTER BLOCK which is now known as the WASSERMAN BUILDING, Main Street, Stafford Springs, Connecticut. In this hall we had our beginning, changed our name and had our first installation of officers. On June 6th of that year we held our final meeting in these quarters.

IONIC HALL as it was known to residents of the area at that time was the next home of IONIC LODGE #110. IONIC HALL was located on River Street in Stafford Springs. On June 24th, just thirteen days after our initial meeting in this hall, a ceremony of dedication of the Hall to Masonry was held, at which time Brothers William N, Thompson and Erwin O. Dimmock were Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

Our minutes record that between the dates of February 5th and 16th, 1877, it became necessary to find temporary quarters in the WARREN BLOCK on the upper section of Main Street, Stafford Springs. The records show also that three days following the installation of Worshipful James VanSquier and his associate officers, IONIC HALL on River Street, was destroyed by fire.

The WARREN BLOCK quarters were instituted February 16, 1877 and continued to house IONIC LODGE #110 until February 15, 1878 when a new FIRST NATIONAL BANK building was constructed, which is now known as the Connecticut Bank & Trust Co., building; Haymarket Square, Stafford Springs.

The first Stated Communication at this "Bank Building" location was held March 4, 1878 when Brother W.P. Narey was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

March 9, 1948 marked the first meeting of IONIC LODGE #110 in the Temple of Masons of our parent lodge WOLCOTT #60 in Staffordville, through the kindness of our Masonic Brothers.

On March 14, 1950 our Brother William Foster, Sr., gave us promise of brighter days by his offer to donate the land upon which our present Temple now stands. His only stipulation, "That a suitable building be started within five years." After much hard work by the brothers, funds were raised and the building was started. Today the building is a landmark in Stafford, thanks primarily to the philanthropy of this now 91 year old, 62-year Mason. "Will", as he is affectionately known, ably filled the chair of Treasurer for thirty-six years and is an Honorary Past Master of IONIC LODGE. Truly, the name of Brother Bill Foster will ring loud and clear for eternity in the pages of IONIC LODGE history.

To many of the brothers of IONIC LODGE (far too numerous to list in this small space) go the heartfelt thanks of all who follow after them, for the many hours of labor upon the Temple. It is due in a large measure to these un-named men and their gifts of money, labor and love, that we now enjoy the use of our Temple free of all indebtedness.

On June 30, 1951 the records show "that a Special Communication was held in the First Congregational Church of Stafford Springs. Worshipful Laurence M. Hansen, presiding, who welcomed Most Worshipful Grand Master Clarence O. Lister to the East, together with his suite, The Lodge was then called to refreshment and formed in Grand Procession to go with the M.W. Grand Master through the center of Stafford Springs to our new Temple on East Street, for the purpose of laying the cornerstone in "Due and Ancient form." Space does not allow a complete detailed recording of this momentous event, the records of which are duly recorded in the Archives of the Lodge.

It is recorded that the first candidates to be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in the still unfinished Temple on East Street, on May 27, 1952, were Harold Oliver Pease, Jr., Dennis Leslie Thorgood and William Augustus Foster, Jr. The first two brothers were close relatives of the Worshipful Master Harold O. Pease, Sr., and Brother "Bill Foster, Jr.," is the son of our benefactor "Will Foster, Sr.".

The two pillars now in use in the West were purchased on November 24, 1902 from the G.H. Baker Co., for the sum of $57.58. This company is still operating in Stafford Springs.

Ionic Temple was duly dedicated "to Free Masonry, Virtue and Benevolence," on October 15, 1955 at suitable ceremonies by Most Worshipful Bro. John H. Smith, Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut.

It was on September 12, 1904 that a speech of acceptance was delivered by the Worshipful Master in the presence of Brother Freeman F. Patten, for the gift of two Ashlers, one rough and one smooth. These two pedestals have been preserved and still occupy their proper place in the new Temple. In a letter to the Master and members of IONIC LODGE #110, Brother Patten explained that during one of his traveling experiences, he came upon these two Ashlers and without due regard to the desires of the membership and without authority or consent took the liberty of purchasing the stones and although being of an impulsive nature he hoped that the consensus of the Lodge would be to accept the Ashlers and place them in their proper places, in his behalf.

September 22, 1908 a vote by the members to accept an invitation from the Grand Lodge to participate in the laying of the final stone in the Hartford Bridge (now known as the Buckley Bridge) was carried and a large group attended the ceremonies.

The momentous events at the Johnson Memorial Hospital during the cornerstone laying ceremonies is one of the highlights in the annals of IONIC's history. The Master was notified in May of 1911 that he and the body of Masons were invited by the Hospital authorities to lay the cornerstone. A committee was appointed to formulate plans to rest the granite in its final and proper place. According to the end results of this committee's planning, Fayette Lodge #69 of Ellington, Uriel Lodge #24 of Merrow and Wolcott #60 of Stafford Hollow, all of Connecticut were invited to the exercises as guests. However, the name of the brother who actually labored with the trowel and mortar is unrecorded.

On January 25, 1910, Baker Chapter #74 of the Order of Eastern Star was instituted with Carrie M. Clark as Worthy Matron and David Bissett as Worthy Patron.

June 23, 1914, Brother Martin received a request from the Superintendent of the Masonic Home and Hospital to levy a tax of one cent against the per capita membership to procure an automobile for use in the performance of the duties of his office. It was so voted. It was further voted to levy a one cent per capita tax to swell the Masonic Home Christmas Fund.

On Tuesday June 8, 1920 one hundred and sixty Masonic Brothers assembled to witness the Master Masons Degree as exemplified by the Past Masters on five candidates. Worshipful Past Master Brother James VanSquier (then residing in Windsor Locks, Conn.) was present during this Communication held in celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of IONIC LODGE. Three other Charter Members were still living but unfortunately could not be present. A banquet had been planned to be enjoyed in the dining room of the famous Springs House, but it soon became evident that the facilities would be overtaxed and the room would not accommodate the exploding assembly. It was decided to have Brother Bert Needham prepare and serve a buffet style lunch in the lodge rooms,

The first notation of the presenting of a Past Masters Jewel is recorded in the minutes of December 12, 1922, said Jewel being presented to Worshipful Brother Anson Handy.

The first record of degree work being presented by IONIC LODGE #110 outside of its own Lodge Room, is recorded on March 11, 1953 when the Ionic Fellowcraft Team traveled to Mariah Lodge #15 in Danielson, Connecticut to assist the Officers of IONIC LODGE #110 in exemplifying the Master Masons Degree.

The first semi-public installation of IONIC LODGE #110 officers was held on January 9, 1954 with none other than Right Worshipful Bro. Jack Dennerly doing the honors in the East, installing Worshipful Brother Frederick A. Mathews as Master, together with his corps of officers.

Right Worshipful Brother Alexander N. Chapman, Sr., present Grand Senior Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut came to IONIC LODGE #110 from Corinthian Lodge, Concord, Mass., where he was initiated on October 29, 1929, passed December 9, 1929 and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on January 13, 1930. He became affiliated with IONIC LODGE on April 25, 1950. R.W. Brother Chapman is an articulate person who elects to carry the burdens of Masonry and the Community upon his shoulders. A list of his Masonic achievements while still growing, include Past Master of IONIC LODGE, #110, (1957), Past District Deputy of 9th Masonic District B (1959-60), Past Most Excellent High Priest of Orient Chapter #42 R.A.M., Past Worthy Patron of Baker Chapter #74, Order of Eastern Star (four terms), Worthy Past Patron Order of Eastern Star, Grand Chapter, State of Connecticut, a 32nd degree Mason, Knight Templar and Shriner. He continues to serve his fellow men and Masonry on the Planning Committee and Board of Managers of the Masonic Home and Hospital at Wallingford, Connecticut. On October 10, 1961 R.W. Brother Alex was appointed to be Grand Representative of Scotland near the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut.

June 1928 presented to IONIC LODGE #110 one of the most colorful individuals ever to be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in IONIC LODGE. Twelve candidates were raised that year and Right Worshipful Brother Jack Dennerly was not the least among the twelve men tried and true. His tenure as Master of IONIC LODGE was to cover three years, 1933-1939-1940. He served as District Deputy of the 9th Masonic District in 1947-1948. A testimonial was held in his honor on December 13, 1957 at ionic Temple. In the year 1962 he was awarded the Pierpont Edwards Medal in bronze for Outstanding Masonic and Community service. Brother Jack is a Past President of the Fellowcraft Club having served in 1954-1955. He has also been active in Orient Chapter, R.A.M. In November of 1967 R.W. Brother Jack received Dual Membership with the Duke of Athol Lodge #210, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England. In June 1957 he represented the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut, United States of America at the 250th Anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England and attended the United Grand Lodge Celebration as an official Guest, While faithfully and arduously serving Masonry he has been a credit to the area in which he resides. He is a member of the State Police Auxiliary, stationed at Stafford Barracks; a former Trial Judge until the establishment of the Circuit Court System; he has been employed for many years at the Warren Woolen Mills of Stafford and prior to that was associated with the Athletic Department of the University of Connecticut. Members attending lodge today will attest, that a meeting is not a meeting, unless Brother Jack is found in his seat in the north, bringing us light and wisdom from that dark corner.

Anders Jacobsen was raised in Ionic Lodge #110 on December 18, 1895 during the 25th anniversary year. He became Worshipful Master in 1903 and 1904. Orient Chapter No. 42, Royal Arch Masons was served by him as High Priest in 1910, 1911 and 1912. His other affiliations included Adoniram Council, No. 14 Royal and Select Masters, St. John's Commandery, No. 11 Knights Templar and Sphinx Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. In 1917 he was Worthy Patron of Baker Chapter No. 74, Order of Eastern Star. He also served as Secretary of Ionic Lodge in the years 1900 and from 1938-1944.

For the two years 1924 and 1925 he directed Masonic affairs in the Ninth District as District Deputy. His appointment to a chair in the Grand Lodge came on his receiving the office of Grand Senior Steward in 1931. From there he progressed to the office of Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut. Brother Anders received his Fifty year pin on December 18, 1945.

Like several of our Grand Masters, Andy as he was familiarly known, started life upon the farm. Although born in Hartford January 22, 1874, he early turned to the soil when his father moved to Tolland.

He started his business career shortly after attaining his majority. The grocery business attracted him first. Here he labored from 1896 to 1904. A favorable opportunity presenting itself he became proprietor of a Drug business in 1903 and continued until 1910. His next venture was as owner and manager of a Garage and Service Station. In 1925 he was appointed Postmaster of Stafford Springs. With satisfaction to the government and to his friends he continued to serve, even though the department head was of the opposing party, until 1936. At that
time he started in business as local agent of several insurance companies.

Brother Jacobsens fellow citizens entrusted to him the position of First Selectman among other offices and political responsibilities and Grace Episcopal Church of which he was a member, depended upon him as a Vestryman.

On June 28, 1899, he married Miss Jennie N. Coombe of Stafford Springs. They had one son, Earl Sidney, who was raised by his father in ionic Lodge #110 on June 13, 1922 and presently resides in Orange, Connecticut. Known and trusted by everyone in Tolland and Windham Counties, there never existed a more earnest supporter and defender of Masonry, than our beloved Andy. The greatest part of him was his humanity and his interest in the welfare of all his friends and his fraternity. Ionic Lodge #110 is indeed honored to have had in its history such a man as Brother Anders Jacobsen.

This good man passed on to the Celestial Lodge above on July 3, 1947 and was buried with Graveside Masonic services led by Most Worshipful Howard Middleton.

The list of the faithful and their deeds is endless, but the sharp knife of composition decrees that only a few can be entered in this abbreviated history of the deeds of IONIC LODGE #110. Still the very deeds of these un-named contributors shall be the Memorial to their efforts and passed on to future generations of Masons.

Credit is here given to Wor. Laurence M. Hansen, P.M. (1951), Past Historian of IONIC LODGE #110; were it not for his long and diligent labors in preparing a previous history of the Lodge; this Historian would have had many hundreds of pages of minutes to read and condense.

To Right Worshipful Brother Frederick H. York, Jr., and Brother Senior Warden John B. Chick, go sincere thanks for hours spent in editing this abbreviated history of IONIC LODGE #110.

The BROTHERS of IONIC LODGE #110 have made the History of our Lodge and it is given strictly in charge for future generations to live up to the past accomplishments and to ever endeavor to overcome any shortcomings which might have occurred in these First One Hundred Years.

This then, my brothers, concludes this thumb-nail sketch of the First One Hundred Years of IONIC LODGE #110. Yet, even as this is being written, New History is being made that future generations may record that IONIC LODGE #110 is ever striving to spread The Light of Masonry. At the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Communication in April 1970, Worshipful Brother Frederick H. York, Jr., was appointed Right Worshipful District Deputy of the 9th Masonic District (B), and Worshipful Brother Walter E. Brown was appointed as Associate Grand Marshall for the 9th Masonic District(B}.

So my brothers, history marches relentlessly on into the future and our deeds of today soon become the history of tomorrow.

"Let Brotherly Love Prevail" and may our LIGHT so shine that every brother may be warmed by its radiance for future years to come.