Lost Symbol? To find Masons, look in Lakeville

LAKEVILLE — The Freemasons, in real life, are a bit of a surprise for anyone who only knows them from films and fiction. Northwest Corner Freemasons (or Masons, as they are also known) held an open house Saturday, Nov. 7, to introduce local men to the organization (women are not allowed to join, although they may join the Order of the Eastern Star).

Many area residents have been to the Freemasons’ lodge, perhaps without even realizing it. Since 1934, they have owned the old Lakeville schoolhouse on Route 41, down the road from St. Mary’s Church.

Unlike the Freemasons of legend and lore, the local group (which includes members from all area towns in Connecticut) concentrates mainly on charitable acts and on “taking good men and making them better,†as the three Masonic tour guides explained on Saturday.

On hand were Masons Bob Thompson of Sharon, who is now the grand master of the Montgomery Lodge; Charlie Yohe of Sharon, who is a past grand master of the entire state; and Frank Bauer, a Salisbury native who has been active with the group for three decades.

At present there are about 66 dues-paying members of the Montgomery Lodge, but only a dozen or so are active and attend the meetings. Anyone who wants to join has to request a petition from another member or online (masonicinfo.com/member.htm).

Once a man joins the Masons, he attends meetings, pays the $63 dues and helps with fundraising activities such as the summer lobster sales. Affordable health care is one of the Masons’ main goals (their ranks include the Shriners).

Future tours are being planned. Arrange a private tour by calling Yohe at 860-672-0047.