Day Spring Lodge A.F.
& A.M., was instituted by virtue of a Warrant granted May 15, 1794
by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut to the
following named petitioners: Samuel Bellamy, George A. Bristol, Amasa
Bradley, Tully Crosby, Ezra Kimberly, Levi Tuttle, Leverett Kimberly,
Simeon Goodyear, and Job Munson, and the following officers were
therein appointed: Samuel Bellamy, W.M.; George A. Bristol, S.W.;
Amasa Bradley, J.W. The Lodge was organized "at a Special Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, holden at the house of Bro. Samuel
Bellamy, at Hamden, on Tuesday, 30th of December, A.L. 5794. Present,
M. W. William Judd, G.M.; Peter Johnson, S.W. pro-tem; Trihand
Kirtland, J.W. pro-tem; Elihu Sanford, Treasurer pro-tem; David
Daggett, Secretary, pro-tem."
The house of Brother Samuel Bellamy, where the
Lodge was organized, stood a short distance north of the
Congregational Church at Mt. Carmel, on the present site of Andrew’s
Hall. This house was built by Samuel Bellamy’s father in 1742 and
was still standing in 1875. The old Farmington canal, opened in 1825,
passed just in front, while a few ancient looking poplars before the
house, stood on the west bank.
Here our brethren of "ye olden times"‘
assembled in their first lodge room to perform their labors in the
solemn rites of Masonry.
The minutes of the first
communication are as follows:
-
"Day Spring
Lodge held agreeable to the Master’s order, Monday evening, Jan. 12,
A.L. 5795. Members present at Bro. Bellamy’s: Bro. Samuel Bellamy,
Master; Bro. Geo. A. Bristol, S.W.; Bro. Amasa Bradley, J.W.; Bro.
Ezra Kimberly, Sec’y.; Bro. Job Munson, Treas.; Bro. Simeon
Goodyear, Bro. Levi Tuttle, Bro. Leverett Kimberly, Bro. Luman
Frisbee, Tyler. Proposed, Elias Hotchkiss, By Bro. Simeon Goodyear, by
our Worshipful Master; they to be initiated the next Lodge evening.
The next communication was held Thursday evening, January 22.
At the Grand Lodge session held in May, 1796 the several
subordinate Lodges were numbered agreeably to the dates of their
respective charters, and Day Spring Lodge received the number
"30."
The Grand
Lodge was instituted in 1789 and all subordinate lodges in existence
at that time were required to deposit their original charters with the
Grand Lodge and receive new charters granted by the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut. It is worthy of mention that, although Day Spring Lodge
is numbered "30" in the list of lodges, it still retains its
original charter, bearing date of May 15, 1794. Only fourteen charters
in use at the present time, issued by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut,
bear earlier dates than ours, and none are over four years older.
It is recorded that on "June 26, A.L. 5798,
the Brethren met according to adjournment, for the celebration of St.
John’s Day, and convened to the meeting house where a sermon was
delivered by Bro. Balden."
On the 28th of February, 1805, it was "voted
that the Lodge be removed to the house of Mrs. Barber, and that
hereafter the Lodge meet at said place." The house of Mrs.
Barber, according to good authority, stood directly south of the
Episcopal Church, then in Mount Carmel. Here Jesse Tuttle, John
Hubbard and Roswell Lee occupied the Master’s chairs during the
eleven years the Lodge was held in that place. The Apron Jesse Tuttle
wore as Master has been presented to Day Spring by his grandson, Bro.
Grove Tuttle, Adelphi Lodge, No. 63.
On January 28, 1813, it was "voted that our
stated Lodges be on the Monday preceding the full moon in each month,
at 5 o’clock p.m., except whenever the moon shall fall on Monday,
that shall be the day according to the proposition of Bro. Elam
Bradley, made last Lodge Dec. 24, 1812."
At a communication held December 18, 1815,
"Bro. Whiting proposed that the Lodge be removed before our next
Lodge night." The Lodge voted to remove to the house of Bro.
Eliphalet Gregory, and on January 8, 1816, the Lodge met and occupied
their new room. The house was situated a short distance west of the
Centerville Cemetery, and was for a time open to the public as a hotel
or tavern. The building was destroyed by fire in 1854. Recent
excavations have uncovered the old well which supplied the traveling
public with water for many years.
In October, 1818, Bro. Jeremy L. Cross, Grand Lecturer, visited the
Lodge and delivered the Lectures of each degree to the Brethren in
such a manner that they "voted to subscribe for 3 copies of the
emblematic monitor by the Grand Lecturer, Bro. Cross, and also to
employ him two days more."
That the Lodge banquets of those times differed
somewhat from those of modern times, especially in their composition,
is shown by the following record: "April 5, 1819, two Gallon
Wine, $2.00; 2 lbs. crackers, .25; dried beef, .30; total,
$2.55." There were eighteen brethren present at this collation,
and it is reasonable to believe that the Brethren did not convert the
purpose of refreshment into intemperance or excess.
No records of communications appear after May 18,
1829, until May 2, 1836, when a meeting was held at which Rio.
Leverett Hitchcock was chosen Master, Dr. C. F. Foote, S.W. Julius S.
Tolles, J.W.; Elain Warner, Treas.; Lewis Goodyear, Sec’y.; Leverett
Hotchkiss, S.D.; James Wiles, J.D.; Eli Hull, Tyler and Steward. This
communication adjourned to "our next regular communication in
October next." And this closes the record until the resuscitation
of the Lodge Friday even, December 2, A.L. 5870.
The Charter of
Day Spring Lodge was surrendered to the Grand Lodge May 8, 1839, by
Bro. Leverett Hitchcock.
In 1870, Bro. Norris
B.Mix, desiring the re-establishment of Day Spring Lodge, obtained of
the fo11owing named brethren, their signatures to a petition for a
restoration of the old Charter; Leverett Hitchcock, Roswell F.
Stillman, Edwin W. Potter, Norris B. Mix, Gilbert S. Benham, Jessie
Cooper and Brainerd T. Ives.
In May, 1870, Bro. Mix visited the Grand Lodge at
Hartford and procured the Charter, Bros. Leverett Hitchcock and
Chauncey B. Foote being at this time the only surviving members of the
Lodge when the Charter was surrendered.
After reorganizing, the Lodge occupied a room in
the Sacket Hotel, on the northeast corner of Whitney Avenue and
Dixwell Avenue.
On the 4th of March, A.L. 5875, Day Spring Lodge
came into an elegant Lodge room, occupying the upper floor of Bro.
Jesse Warner’s new building, which was dedicated by the Grand Lodge
in due and ancient form. Here the Lodge prospered and made wonderful
progress.
After occupying this room for more than thirteen
years, the Lodge moved into a beautiful and commodious hail, situated
in the Town Hall. On October 10, A.L. 5888, it was dedicated by the
Grand Lodge. M.W. Bro. John W. Mix was Grand Master. In the evening
Day Spring conferred the Master’s degree. R.W. Bro. C. E. Prince,
District Deputy was present and made his official visit to the Lodge;
and there was a large assembly of brothers from different parts of the
State.
On November 14,
1894, Day Spring Lodge celebrated its centennial, and it was an
occasion long to be remembered by those present. Addresses by
prominent Masons, the conferring of the Master’s degree by the Past
Masters of the Lodge upon Herman D. Clark (who afterwards became
Worshipful Master of the Lodge), and magnificent banquet, were the
principal features of the occasion.
Since the restoration of the Charter in 1870, the
Lodge has been located on three of the four corners of the two
principal streets of Centerville; first, the northeast; second, the
southeast; and third, the northwest corner.
Upon the membership list of Day Spring Lodge are
found the names of some of the most prominent men in the affairs of
the Town, and in not a few instances of men identified in military and
civil affairs in Connecticut. Bro. Samuel Bellamy and Br. John Hubbard
were officers at one time in the Grand Lodge.
Col. Jacob Whiting, prominent in the war of 1812,
Col. Roswell Lee, the commandant at Springfield Mass., during 1812-15,
was a Past Master of Day Spring Lodge, and first Master of Hampden
Lodge in Springfield. Roswell Lee Lodge, also in Springfield, is named
for him, and is one of the largest lodges in the United States.
Others prominent in the early Lodge were Jesse
Tuttle, Judge Jared Bassett and Leverett Hitchcock. To Brother Norris
B. Mix belongs the credit of reorganizing the Lodge in 1870, and
securing the ancient Charter. Bro. Mix was a Past Master of Wooster
Lodge, No. 79, in New Haven, but affiliated with Day Spring Lodge and
became its first Master after reorganization. His Masonic life covered
half a century, and his death in 1903 closed the earthly career of an
honest citizen and an upright Mason. His kind words and noble deeds
will long be remembered by his brethren.
The Lodge has taken part in several public Masonic
functions, notably those of the Centennial of the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut in 1889, and again at the laying of the final stone of the
Hartford Bridge across the Connecticut River on October 8th, 1903, at
which time Day Spring Lodge had thirty-three men in line, in a
procession composed of over five thousand Masons.
On May 15th, 1919, the Lodge celebrated its 125th
anniversary by having a "ladies’ night." A large number of
brothers, with their families, were present. The newly-formed
Eellowcraft Club had the affair in charge, and the evening was one
long to be remembered. There was instrumental music, and addresses by
several brothers, including Worshipful Bro. Samuel A. Moyle, District
Deputy for the fourth Masonic district. Souvenir trowels were
presented to the brothers and their guests, and refreshments were
served, followed by dancing in the Town Hall. In the latter part of
the year 1919 a Masonic Temple Association was formed, incorporated
and officers elected. During the year 1920 the Temple Association
purchased a plot of land, fronting on Whitney Avenue 191 feet,
extending back a depth of 150 feet, for $3,000.00.
November 19, 1922, a Building Committee of five was
appointed to secure detail plans for a building; Egbert P. Stover,
chairman; A. Edson Ralph, Frederick W. Dietter, Charles P. Loller and
George L. Clark.
In June, 1923, a Drive Committee was appointed,
under Worshipful Brother James T. Martin as chairman of the committee.
Under this organization the work of the drive was put through in
excellent form, and resulted in pledges for $28,000.00; $8,000.00 of
which was cash.
On June 21, 1924, a Field Day was called to
excavate for a building according to accepted plans, at an estimate of
sixty thousand dollars. Ground was broken in due form, and during the
day 165 were present. Much work was accomplished. The ladies furnished
dinner at noon, also provided Saturday dinners during the time the
work was being carried on. The success of the undertaking is due
largely to their untiring efforts and encouragement.
On October 11, 1924, the cornerstone was laid by
the officers of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. A very
impressive address was delivered by Most Worshipful Brother Arthur M.
Brown. His words did much to give power and grandeur to the exercises,
words so well chosen, which found response in the hearts of the
brethren, placing their efforts on the high plane of sacrifice and
noble endeavor.
The contents of the box in the cornerstone were:
By-Laws and Roll of Members of Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, A.F. &
A.M.; By-Laws and Roll of Members of Alice Chapter, No. 76 0.E.S.;
Constitution and By-Laws of Grand Lodge of Connecticut, A.F. &
A.M.; Constitution and By-Laws of Grand Chapter of Connecticut, O.E.S.;
Honor Roll of those who contributed financial assistance in the
building of our new Temple; Honor Roll of those who donated their time
toward the building or our new Temple; Souvenirs of the One Hundred
and Twenty-fifth Anniversary of Day Spring Lodge, No. 30, A.F. &
A.M. Celebration; Program of Cornerstone Laying Day; Copies of New
Haven Daily Papers; Masonic Directory New Haven and vicinity, 1924;
Various coins of the day; Various Masonic Publications; photos
covering the breaking of ground of our new Temple, showing the
progress of the work; Program covering entertainment given which
brought in the first revenue toward our new Temple, which
entertainment was given in 1913.
On Tuesday evening, December 2, 1925, the members
of Day Spring Lodge No. 30, assembled at the Temple at 6 P.M., where a
very fine banquet was served. At this time we had as guests the Grand
Lodge officers, the Masters of all Lodges in the Fourth Masonic
District. We also had as guests the Honorable Brother Brainerd,
Lieutenant-Governor of the State of Connecticut. Approximately 225
brothers were present at the banquet.
After the banquet the members adjourned to the
Lodge Room, where the Grand Lodge officers dedicated the same in due
and ancient form.
During the building of our Temple, one thought has
predominated. "The Temple," and that for which it stands,
into which has gone the sacrifices of men and women who have counted
it an honor to serve. Thus the building of our Temple becomes one of
the important landmarks in the history of Masonry.
Saturday evening, December 19, 1925, the Temple was
opened to the public. Souvenir booklets were distributed containing a
short historical sketch of the Town of Hamden, and its early relation
to Masonry.
And then after a few years came the so-called
"Depression Era" with its attendant trials and tribulations.
But, that has also passed and again is heard the knock of the initiate
through the Lodge Room.
A special Communication was called by Worshipful
Master J. Coy Reid on June, 1940. This meeting took place in the
afternoon and was dedicated to the "Old Timers." Special
efforts were made to bring our older brethren to Lodge and the Lodge
was well repaid for the effort. Old pictures, relics and mementos of
former times were on display. Grand Master William E. Hanmer and other
Grand officers were present, and the Entered Apprentice degree was
conferred by the Officers of Day Spring Lodge. Moving pictures were
taken of the brethren and a splendid dinner ended the festivities of
the day.
One of the most notable events in Day Spring’s
history took place in May, 1941. A reception and testimonial dinner
was held in honor of Worshipful Brother Harry D. Alling who had
completed 33 consecutive years as Secretary of our Lodge. A crowded
Lodge Room and Banquet Hall bore evidence of the popularity of
"Harry."
Grand Master Walter M. Pickett and other Grand
Officers were present on this occasion and added their praises to ours
in recognition of the splendid record of loyalty and service given to
our Lodge by Worshipful Brother Alling.
"A Century and
a half of history"
We end our labor with a thought and a prayer for
our brethren who have passed on and presented their work to the Grand
Architect. We revere their memory and cherish the precious heritage
they have bestowed on us.
The Historical Committee
Richard P. Todd, Chairman
Egbert P. Stover
Harry D. Alling
Augustine B. Reynolds
