By John Kriz
On a cool and blessedly dry evening, Harmony Masonic Lodge of New Canaan #67 www.newcanaanfreemasons.com celebrated two hundred years of charity and humble community service at the very place where they first met, now the home of New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. With dinner, dancing and live music, Masons far and wide, as well as many town leaders and supporters, gathered to recognize this important civic group on May 31 – two centuries and a day since its founding.
Rinaldo Magliano Jr., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, said “Masonry is the oldest fraternity in the world, and it’s great to be here at a 200 year anniversary celebration for Harmony Lodge. It’s just a testament to how great Masonry is. It lasted this long, and we’ll be here for 200 more years.”
Harmony Lodge Senior Warden Ted Thomas added, “It’s great to be back on the same property in which Harmony Lodge started their mission of philanthropy here in New Canaan, 200 years and a day ago.”
Harmony Masonic Lodge is one of the oldest groups in town, and welcomes new members. For more information, please see the New Canaan Sentinel’s recent profile at NewCanaanSentinel.com/2025/05/15/harmony-masonic-lodge-still-serving/.
TOWN OF NEW CANAAN
PROCLAMATION
Harmony Lodge 67 200th Anniversary
In recognition of its long history of community service, First Selectman Dionna Carlson issued this Proclamation:
Whereas; Harmony Lodge 67 was granted its charter and dispensation to labor on May 30, 1825 by a group of local citizens who wanted to ensure that New Canaan would be a place where one could volunteer, petition and join an organization such as Freemasonry; and
Whereas; Many of the founding members were from historic and notable New Canaan families, some belonging to the shoe manufacturing trade as well as farmers, merchants, businessmen and entrepreneurs of the parish and town equally contributing to the lodge’s success and its commitment to the upkeep and progress of the town; and
Whereas; The Lodge at 231 Main Street continues Freemasonry’s mission to promote community philanthropy and help donors achieve their charitable goals, a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principle of brotherly love, relief and truth; and, by the outward expression of these through its fellowship, to find ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self; and
Whereas; Over many years, New Canaan’s Harmony Lodge 67 has reached out and given countless donations to organizations and care to residents with financial needs such as widows, children and orphans, keeping families whole and looked after; and
Whereas; The Town of New Canaan is very proud of all the accomplishments of the Freemasons, Harmony Lodge 67 over the last 200 years and assistance given to the residents of our Town.
Now, therefore, I, Dionna L. Carlson, First Selectman of the Town of New Canaan, do hereby proclaim May 31, 2025 as the historic anniversary of Harmony Lodge 67 and Freemasonry in New Canaan and wish continued success forward to the next 200 years.
