Connecticut Lodge Confers Third Degree to Candidate at Masonic Temple

By: Edward H. Doneson, P.M.

Through special dispensations granted by both the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, William B. Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge #19 of Pennsylvania’s District “C” was permitted to host Friendship-Tuscan Lodge #145 of Manchester, Connecticut, for the purpose of conferring a 3^rd degree upon their candidate, using Connecticut ritual in Egyptian Hall, Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

Thirty-eight Connecticut brethren arrived for the event, including the Grand Master of Connecticut, William L Greene and his entourage. District Deputy Grand Master William L. Kingsbury of District “C” officiated in the absence of the Pennsylvania Right Worshipful Grand Master Ronald A. Aungst, Sr. Over 100 brethren from the two lodges attended the Friday night meeting in late September, with some travelling as far as Canada, California, and Bermuda to witness the pageantry of the evening.

The event, which lasted nearly five hours, allowed both lodges to display their ritualistic talents. After a host of introductions by Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah’s Worshipful Master, Gil Stein P.M, and a welcome by Connecticut Right Worshipful Grand Master William L. Greene, Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge #19 exemplified the opening and closing of the lodge in Pennsylvania ritual. Stein then explained the normal business of the lodge to the visiting brethren.

Then the Friendship-Tuscan Lodge #145 took the floor and proceeded to show all in attendance why they enjoy travelling such distances as a lodge to confer degrees.

Their 2 ½ hour 3^rd degree was a masterful performance that any lodge in any state would be proud to perform.

The 3^rd degree in Connecticut ritual bears little resemblance to Pennsylvania ritual, as the differences would take a book to describe. After the one-hour obligation of the candidate was completed in formal attire, Friendship Tuscan Lodge changed into costumes and a powerful nine-scene dramatic 90-minute enactment of the Hiram Abif story, with 18 brethren having scripted roles unfolded.

“It was spectacular to witness the 3^rd degree so deftly acted out before your eyes with such style and precision,” Michael Feldsher, senior warden of Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge noted. “The costumes of the twelve fellowcraft, the three ruffians, and the three grand masters complemented the ritualistic performance perfectly,” Feldsher said. “Together the play brought the 3rd degree to life for everyone who witnessed it”.

Feldsher, the incoming Worshipful Master next year, was instrumental in bringing the two lodges together for this event. “It was the Master of our lodge who originally wished that we confer a degree in Philadelphia’s Masonic Temple” said James Wilson P.M., chairman of their Travel Committee and current Junior Warden of Friendship-Tuscan Lodge #145.

“William B. Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge #19 was one of three lodges that was originally contacted to host the event”, Feldsher said. “Upon being contacted, I spoke with members of the Friendship Tuscan Lodge in Connecticut last year, and then convinced the lodge that we should host the event.” Feldsher said.

“Friendship-Tuscan Lodge #145, which was formed in 1962, has a long tradition of travelling to other states to perform degrees,” Wilson said.

“From the very beginning of this lodge, there has been a desire to travel.” John DiCioccio Jr., current Worshipful Master of Friendship Tuscan Lodge #145 noted.

“We have been to Bermuda, all over New England, Canada, and have even performed before in Pennsylvania” DiCioccio said.

“In 1978 we brought down a group to perform this degree for the Leonard Forman Lodge. At that time, we were the first out-of-state lodge to perform a degree in the Pennsylvania Masonic Temple”, Wilson said. “This year, nearly 30 years later, our current Worshipful Master John DiCioccio, Jr, chose to do it again,” Wilson noted.

“This is an annual lodge trip that includes events for both the men and their ladies.” Wilson said. During the event, Friendship Tuscan Lodge #145 sent their ladies to see a local theatre production. A banquet was held the next evening with Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge and their ladies.

Plans are already being discussed for Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge to visit the Manchester, Connecticut lodge next year.

Click here to view the pictures from the weekend events