W for Wooster Lodge

WOOSTER Lodge #10 of the Masons

January 23, 1781, was the date of the first charter of the Mason’s Wooster Lodge #10. An application had been submitted by Asa Bigelow, Eliphalet Bulkeley, John Watrous, and Henry Champion (who was named the first Master of the Lodge). These founding members had served in the Connecticut Line Regiments during the American Revolution. The first installation of officers took place on June 6, 1781, at John Taintor’s tavern on the northeast corner of Lebanon Avenue and Broadway in Colchester.  

The Wooster Lodge of the Masons will be celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2031 and has seen many changes over the years.  They are located at 236 South Main Street in Colchester in the building formerly known in the 1930’s-1950’s as the Colchester Theater. 

The program you see below contains the menu that was served at one of the Wooster Lodge’s celebratory banquets.  The description of festivities of a banquet that took place around the same time period in the 1920’s, were described as follows:

“…(the) banquet was served at the Grange Hall and prepared by the Sisters of Wooster Chapter O.E.S. The traditional march around the green to Divine Services at the Congregational Church preceded the banquet.  The banquets included singing by a male quartet joined by some of the young ladies of the Eastern Star.  Brother E. H. McCall, Jr., recited “The Mother Lodge” and a poem “Jennie” by Rudyard Kipling, receiving great applause. Brother William Gerhardt and his fiddle seemed as one as they poured forth their sweet music. An orchestra furnished music during the banquet and also for dancing later in the evening. Brother Bailey, ever willing, was called up to prompt for the young dancers."

 

The members of Wooster Lodge # 10, Colchester, Connecticut, compiled a history of their organization covering the years between 1781-1981. Please click on the link below to read more about their past.

History of Wooster Lodege #10, Colchester, Connecticut 1781-1981