Union Lodge No.5 Breaks with Years of Tradition

by Jon Ringel, Junior Warden Union Lodge No. 5

It was a hot June night, seemingly like many others.  The brothers of Union Lodge No. 5 were in the middle of our last stated communication before going dark for the summer (or, as we like to call it, merely going “dim”).  The tradition of going dark for the summer is an old one for Union No. 5, as it likely is for your lodge as well.  Perhaps the closing of lodges in the summer dates back to the same time as our traditional school calendar, which also excludes the hottest months of the year.  Perhaps it is a remnant from the days of widespread farming, in which these months would have most likely been too busy for the average farmer to travel to a stated communication.  Whatever the origin of the practice, it has become so firmly entrenched in the history of Connecticut Masonry that none of the members of Union No. 5 can remember a day when it was not observed.

That fact made it all the more surprising when Senior Warden Stephen Petri stood up during the meeting and made an inquiry into the possibility of “remaining light” this summer.  One of the main reasons for his question was the large number of new brothers the lodge is lucky enough to have welcomed in recent months, who would likely benefit from the continued instruction and fellowship that year-round meetings could offer.  A look at the lodge's bylaws indicated that while no vote was needed to stay open for the summer, a vote was actually needed to go dark.  Armed with this  information, the Worshipful Master prepared the lodge for the most contentious vote it had undertaken in years.

During discussion, it was made clear that some brothers were uncomfortable breaking with the tradition of closing the lodge.  Other brothers argued that the temple was far too hot in the summer for formal dress.  Many others argued that in spite of these drawbacks, the benefits of year-round fellowship and camaraderie would be reward enough.  Everyone seemed to have a valid point to add to the discussion, and by the time we were ready to vote, many brothers seemed overwhelmed by all of the other related issues that had been raised.  One thing seemed sure - everyone felt strongly about it; there would be no casual hand-raising on this vote!

As per the rules, the vote that was actually held was to go dark for the months of July and August, not to stay light.  When the Worshipful Master asked for “all in favor,” seven hands reluctantly went up.  It was clear that this was the first “real” vote the lodge had taken in a long time!  As the first set of hands went down, the Worshipful Master then asked “all those opposed” to going dark to raise their hands.  Immediately, eight hands shot up.  We all looked around the room at one another, somewhat stunned that we had made such a big decision in such a short time.  For the first time in as long as anyone can remember, the brothers of Union No. 5 will be enjoying one another's fellowship all summer long.  Please come and join us!