A brief history of Meridian Lodge #77

Prior to the founding of Meridian Lodge, the small hamlet of Meriden was surrounded by Masonic lodges, Compass #9 in Wallingford, Temple #16 in Cheshire, Harmony #20 in Berlin, and Friendship #20 in Southington, all dating back to the 18th Century.  Thus, many Meriden men could and did become Masons.

Still, as the village grew into a small city, there was desire for a local lodge. In 1815, a petition for such a lodge, supported by Temple Lodge, was presented to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut.  Unfortunately, according to Grand Lodge records, "After full discussion, the petition was negatived".

This was the only attempt for a charter for the city until 1850, due largely to the virulent Anti-Masonic movement, which took hold in the Northeast in the late 1820's.  During this period, not only were new charters not granted in Connecticut, all but sixteen of the seventy-five lodges had either surrendered their charters, or ceased to meet.

Finally, in 1850, another attempt was made, but then Grand Master Avery C. Babcock felt that Masonic law of the time did not allow him that power.  However, at that very session, the law was amended, and, over that winter, a dispensation was granted, and on January 1st, 1851, Grand Master Benoni A. Shepard installed John Parker as the first Master, and the first officers of Meridian Lodge No. 77, the first lodge of masons in the city of Meriden, Connecticut.   At the Annual Communication in May, Meridian Lodge was granted its official charter, the first new charter granted by the Grand Lodge since the advent of Anti-Masonry.  Most of the members of the new lodge had been raised in Harmony Lodge #20, which had moved from Berlin to New Britain.

Since the Charter specified that the lodge was located at  "Meriden Center", meetings were held at the Odd Fellows' Hall.  In 1865, the grand Lodge allowed a move to West Meriden, where most of the brethren resided.  Morgan Hall was rented as a meeting place, and continued to used until 1871, when the top floor of the Palace Block, located at 6-12 West Main Street was selected for the Lodge room.

The Palace Block continued to serve Meridian Lodge for nearly 50 years, until 1921, when Meridian united with her sister lodge, Center #97, to build a Masonic Temple for Meriden.  Until construction was completed in 1928, the two lodges and affiliated bodies met in Norwood Hall, at St. Paul's Universalist Church.  The cornerstone for the new Temple was laid on September 17, 1927, and completed on November 10, 1928. Meridian Lodge held its first Stated Communication in her new home on November 12, 1928.  We meet there, on the first and third Mondays of each month, to this day.

Meridian Lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1901, on January 1st, with a special communication, and a procession to City Hall, where public exercises were held.  The brethren then returned to the Temple, and finally, repaired to the Armory for a grand banquet.

The Centennial celebration of the Chartering of Meridian Lodge was held on May 26, 1951.  Lodge was opened in a special communication, where Grand Lodge officers and other guests were welcomed.  A history of the lodge was presented.  After closing, all attended a grand banquet at the Temple, where various dignitaries spoke.  The following evening, a religious service was held at the lodge's old home, St. Paul's Universalist

The year 2001 marked the beginning of a new millennium, the 251st anniversary of Connecticut Masonry, with the founding of Hiram Lodge No. 1 in New Haven, and the 150th anniversary of Masonry in Meriden, with the founding of Meridian Lodge.  We hope that all masons who are able will join us as we continue serving the Craft in the new millenium!

"SO MOTE IT BE!"