Washington Lodge No. 19: A Masonic brotherhood spanning 233 years

Washington Lodge No. 19, an historic white building near the green on Fan Hill Road, is home to a Masonic chapter dating back to 1791, when its namesake, George Washington, was still serving as our country’s first president.

The original building stood at the northwest corner of Church Street and Monroe Turnpike, right beside Beardsley Hall at the Monroe Congregational Church. It later housed the first Monroe Town Hall before new buildings were constructed and the old one was eventually moved for the widening of Monroe Turnpike.

For the complete story of the building, read historian Kevin Daly’s post on the Monroe Historical Society’s Facebook page.

A wood beam from the old structure hangs from the wall of the current lodge, which was built in 1904, and other pieces of usable lumber were used for the podium at Masuk High School’s graduations.

Steve Ackley, of Derby, whose grandparents had lived in Monroe, remembers when he first became curious of the goings on at the lodge seven years ago.

“Somebody I went to high school with sells life insurance,” Ackley recalled. “When he was selling a policy to me, he had a Mason ring and I asked about it.”

The friend invited Ackley to some meetings, so he could see what the organization was all about.

“It was a good group of guys, who weren’t screwing around. They had good heads on their shoulders,” he said of the members. “I thought they would be good brothers who, if I needed help, would give me sound advice and do all they could.”

The current worshipful master is Jonathan Redwood, of Fairfield. A Mason of 25 years, this is the second time he’s held the elected position, which is typically a one year term.

“We’re a civic organization,” Redwood said. “We try to make good men better and we’re always looking to improve our town.”

Every year, the Masonic lodge donates money to Project Warmth and the Monroe Food Pantry, two programs that help townspeople, who are struggling financially, with heating their homes and paying other utility bills, while putting food on their tables.

This year, Washington Lodge No. 19 presented a $1,000 check for Project Warmth and a $500 check for the Monroe Food Pantry to First Selectman Terry Rooney, Community and Social Services Director Kim Cassia and Eddie Lui, coordinator of the food pantry.

The lodge also donates a laptop computer to a deserving high school student every year, someone who is a civic-minded person, whose family is in financial need.

During the community build for the new Wolfe’s Den playground at Wolfe Park, Masons from the local lodge volunteered, cooking food for participants and helping with the assembling of equipment.

“We want to do more things like that,” Redwood said of the hands-on experience.

On Monday, old newspaper articles and relics from the lodge were on display at a table inside the building.

Nealon picked up a treasurer’s ledger, which has records from 1901 through 1928. The organization also has bylaws dating back to 1864. The first new member signed his name on May 11 of that year and the last entry was written on October 17, 2024.

One notable member of the local chapter was George Griffin of Derby, founder of Griffin Hospital.

A massive display of framed photos of past worshipful masters is on the walls of the stairwell leading to the second floor and around the landing.

The Masonic symbol — consisting of three core elements: the square, the compasses and the letter “G” — is displayed throughout, from stained-glass windows to carvings in wooden furniture and stone.

At its peak in the early 90’s, Washington Lodge No. 19 had 200 Masons. The chapter now has around 90, according to Redwood. Aside from Monroe, many prominent members were from surrounding towns like Shelton and Trumbull.

Nealon said membership is currently growing, adding there was not enough room for more than 200 in the past.

For example, when Lester Knecht, who owned the garage on Route 111, was a member who encouraged his four brothers to join. The ceremony for their final degree had to be held at the Bridgeport Theater, a larger venue — and it was standing room only.

There are three degrees of Masonry: Entered Apprentice, someone who is recommend by at least two current members, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, someone who can travel to any lodge in the world.

Redwood said the goal is for every member to reach the level of Master Mason.

When someone is recommended, members of an investigative committee visit the candidate at his home to make sure he is from a good family and is coming with the best of intentions, according to Ackley.

Ackley said the candidate must learn, memorize and be proficient in understanding the teachings of every degree to advance. Knowledge can include things like ancient stories of the craftsmen symbols.

Meetings can include lessons. For example, Ackley said a Hungarian member could organize a Hungarian night featuring his country’s food and a presentation on the history of Hungarian Masons.

“I like the education and delving deeper into topics you learn for degrees,” Ackley said of being a Mason. “I like the extra education.”

For information or to join Washington Lodge No. 19, attend a meeting and have dinner with its current members. Meetings are held at the lodge, 1 Fan Hill Road in Monroe, on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

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