Thomas M. Maxwell II

2014

Simon R. LaPlace

2013

Gary W. Arseneau

2012

James T. McWain

2011

Charles A. Buck, Jr

2010

Arthur H. Carlstrom

2009

Robert J. Stika

2008

William L. Greene

2007

Charles B. Fowler, Jr

2006

George S. Greytak

2005

Joseph J. Howard

2004

Clifford F. Stamm

2003

Walter G. Kaechele

2002

Gustaf R. Bodin

2001

Leonard F. D'Amico

2000

Roger W. Read

1999

Stanley R Sheldon, Jr.

1998

William F. Carpenter

1997

Charles W. Yohe

1996

Samuel B. Walker

1995

George Pangborn

1994

Kenneth B. Hawkins, Sr.

1993

Louis Vander Eyk

1992

Richard A. Hodgson

1991

Roland H. Gardner

1990

Gail N. Smith

1989

John Gonsalves

1988

Norman Getchell

1987

Dennis L. Elkins

1986

Arthur W. Kratzert

1985

Herbert L. Emanualson

1984

Frederick H. Lorenson, Jr.

1983

Christophcr T. Wyld

1982

John T. Sturges

1981

Morris I. Budkofsky

1980

Carl J. Anderson

1979

James M. Desmond

1978

Arthur F. Simpson

1977

Alexander N. Chapman

1976

R. Stanley Harrison

1975

Wesley F. Gomez

1974

William F. Saars

1973

William C. Neu

1972

Merle P. Tapley

1971

Carl O. Carlson

1970

William F. Booth

1969

Gail L. Smith

1968

Harry E. Bellini

1967

William Wyman

1966

William Campbell

1965

Irving E. Partridge

1964

Frank H. Linsley

1963

Ernest R. Dayton

1962

Paul D. Cullier

1961

Russell H. Milnes

1960

Gordon Christie

1959

Albert H. Ruwet

1958

Conrad Hahn

1957

J. Hull Manwaring

1956

John H. Smith

1955

Thom W. Corby

1954

George S. Hull

1953

Robert H. Nisbet

1952

Clarence 0. Lister

1951

Fred C. Hasselmeyer

1950

Phillip J. Jones

1949

Louis S.Thomas

1948

Charles A. Ramage

1947

Earl K. Haling

1946

Henry K. Plumb

1945

Ansel A. Packard

1944

Carleton W. Tyler

1943

Anson F. Keeler

1942

Walter M. Pickett

1941

William E. Hanmer

1940

Thomas H. Desmond

1939

Morris B. Payne

1938

Anders Jacobson

1937

Arthur F. Lewis

1936

Ernest L. Prann

1935

James E. Brinckerhoff

1934

Samuel A. Moyle

1933

Sherwood Henry Raymond

1932

Howard M. Middleton

1931

Elbert L. Darbie

1930

George R. Sturges

1929

Robert S. Walker

1928

Theodore Foster

1927

Arthur N. Nash

1926

Walter T. Arnold

1925

Winthrop Buck

1924

Arthur M. Brown

1923

Frank L. Wilder

1922

Charles W. Cramer

1921

Charles C. Perkins

1920

Wallace Simon Moyle

1919

William Frye English

1918

Leonard Nickerson

1917

Thomas McKenzie

1916

Clarence R. Austin

1915

Edgar H. Parkman

1914

Wilbur Samuel Comstock

1913

Justin Holden

1912

Randolph Butler Chapman

1911

Fred A. Verplanck

1910

Weston G. Grannis

1909

Edward Eugene Fuller

1908

Andrew James Hallock

1907

Benjamin Franklin Turner

1906

Asa Parker Filch

1905

George Elmer Parsons

1904

Leon M. Woodford

1903

Arthur C. Wheeler

1902

Frederick Sylvester Stevens

1901

John 0. Rowland

1900

George Gordon McNall

1899

Frank Wayland Havens

1898

George A. Kies

1897

James Henry Welch

1896

Henry Orange Warner

1894-1895

Samuel Bassett

1893

Hugh Sterling

1891-1892

Clark Buckingham

1890

John Henry Swartout

1889

John Waller Mix

1888

Henry Howe Green

1886-1887

Dwight Waugh

1884-1885

Frederick Hemingway Waldron

1883

James McCormick

1881-1882

John Henry Barlow

1880

Israel Martin Bullock

1879

Dwight Phelps

1878

Edward Bailey Rowe

1876-1877

William Wallace Lee

1874-1875

Luke Adolphus Lockwood

1872-1873

James Lewis Gould

1871

Asa Smith

1870

Amos Erastus Cobb

1869

William Storer

1867-1868

Eli S. Quintard

1865-1866

David B. Bostwick

1864

Alvan Pinney Hyde

1862-1863

Howard B. Ensign

1860-1861

John Clark Blackman

1859

George Frederick Daskam

1858

William Lyman Brewer

I856-1857

Theodore Spencer, Jr.

I855

David Clark

1853-1854

William Elihu Sanford

1851-1852

Benoni A. Shepherd

1850

Avery Cook Babcock

1848-1849

Horace Goodwin

1846-1847

Henry Peck

1843-1845

Aner Bradley

1842

Dyer Throop Brainard

1838-1841

William H. Ellis

1835-1837

Leonard Hendee

1834

Thomas Hubbard

1831-1833

James M. Goodwin

1828-1830

Daniel B. Brinsmade

1826-1827

Elizur Goodrich, Jr.

1825

Ralph Isaac Ingersoll

1823-1824

Lyman Law

1821-1822

Oliver Wolcott

1818-1820

Solomon Cowles, Jr.

1816-1817

Stephen Titus Hosmer

1798-1815

William Judd

1791-1797

Pierpont Edwards

1789-1790

Thomas McCauley Maxwell  II    Biography                January 15, 2015

I was born in San Marcos, Texas in 1940 and moved to Waco, TX following my father’s return from WW II, where he was a Captain in the Army Air Corps, European Theater.  My mother was a member of the Eastern Star and my grandfather and father were members of Waco Lodge, No. 92 in Waco, Texas.  My father was also a Texas 32º Scottish Rite Mason.  Our most noteworthy ancestor (ggggreat grandfather) is Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) American lawyer, author, and poet, who wrote the lyrics to the “Star Spangled Banner”.

In 1970 Nancy Carole and I married in New Canaan, Connecticut and have resided in Sandy Hook/Newtown since 1973 where we are active members of Trinity Episcopal Church.  During our years at Trinity we jointly taught Sunday School (Comparative Religions) served on numerous committees, and sang in the adult choir.     

Nancy hails from French and Scottish ancestry and recently retired as a French teacher in Newtown.  We have three grown sons.  Our oldest son, Thomas McCauley III, is an All American collegiate boxer and served in the U.S. Peace Corps/Moldova, Eastern Europe and lives in Texas employed by a major corporation.  Scott Kirkpatrick, our second son, is an Eagle Scout and is an attorney in California.  Our youngest son, Daniel Fielding is also an Eagle Scout with Bronze, Gold and Silver palms and is currently residing in Washington.  In August, 2008 I raised Daniel as a Master Mason (Maxwell, 6^th generation) and shortly thereafter he began his service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Platoon Leader.  He was deployed to Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan where he was promoted to the rank of Captain.  Daniel is currently an Officer in Doric Lodge, No. 92 in Seattle and enrolled in an MBA program with George Washington University.   We have one grandson, Carson, 15 months, one grand-daughter Avery Rose, 12 months with a baby sister on the way, due in May, 2015.

After graduating from Waco High School and Texas A&M, interviews with the CIA led to Foreign Service for three years and four months as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer.  I served in Malaysia and Nepal, where I taught physics and math at Sekolah Menengah Pertukangan (technical high school) and worked in rural community development.  I also taught at a blind school and authored an algebra/geometry book in Malay and manually typed it in Braille.  For three years I lived in a small house in a rural hamlet a few miles above the equator, with a dirt/slab floor, no running water or indoor plumbing and windows without glass or screens. 

When I finished my Peace Corps service, I backpacked home (solo) through Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Western Europe.  My Peace Corps years and journey back to the United States covered over 30 countries (circling the globe twice), mostly in underdeveloped countries. 

Upon my return to the United States in 1968, I moved to New England to build a new life.  I secured a teaching position at Wilton High School and completed two graduate degrees in counseling/educational psychology at Fairfield University. I worked 38 years at Wilton High School and retired in 2006.  In 1974, I started my private counseling practice which is still active today.  In September, 1972 I moved from the classroom to work in the Department of Counseling and Psychology at Wilton High School.  My work involved personal counseling, group counseling, educational program guidance, Student Assistance Team, crisis intervention, emphasis on college guidance, testing and strategic educational and career planning, National Honor Society advisory board, National Association of Secondary Schools & Colleges teams, CAPT and SAT Coordinator, Class Advisor and special education athletic coach.  For 34 years I was the military liaison for Wilton High School to all branches of our Armed Forces and served Western Connecticut as a Blue & Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy receiving Honorary Membership in the Class of 2001.

FREEMASONRY:  I am the 5^th generation of Freemasons in the Maxwell clan, which dates before the Civil War that includes Virginia, Texas and Connecticut.  In early 1974 I petitioned for membership in the Masonic Fraternity.  During my Masonic journey of 40 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity and the honor of serving as the presiding officer of 15 different Masonic Bodies.  It all began on the night of May 15, 1974 when I was initiated as an Entered Apprentice at Hiram Lodge, No. 18, Sandy Hook, CT. I was Raised on June 26, 1974 and served as Worshipful Master, 1979 and 1990. In 1981 and 1982 I served as Associate Grand Marshal and as District Deputy of Masonic District Two-B in 1986 and 1987.  I served as the Grand Lodge Representative to India, 2000 - 2011 and Grand Lodge Representative to Texas, 2008 - Present.  I received the Peter Nichols Award, Outstanding Masonic Service, 1992 - Master’s Achievement Award, 1979 and 1990 - General David Wooster Medal in Silver, Exemplary Service to Humanity, 1996 - Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze, Distinguished Masonic Service 1998 - Daniel Beard Masonic Scouter Award 2008 and currently I am serving as Most Worshipful Grand Master 2014 - 2015.  I am an Honorary Member of St Peter’s Lodge. No. 21 in New Milford and hold membership in Harmony Lodge, No. 42 in Waterbury where my Scottish Rite Valley of Waterbury is also located.

ANCIENT & ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE:  Doric Lodge of Perfection, served as Thrice Potent Master, 1983 - Ionic Council, Princes ofJerusalem, served as Sovereign Prince, 1985 - Corinthian Chapter, Rose Croix, served as Most Wise Master, 1980 & 1984 - Lafayette Consistory, S.P.R.S., 32º, served as Commander-in-Chief, 1996-1998 and Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33º - Honorary Member of the Supreme Council A.A.S.R. of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction on September 27, 1988 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Connecticut Council of Deliberation - Arthur M. Brown, 33º Meritorious Service Award, 1985 - First Lieutenant Commander, 1999 and A.A.S.R. Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Abbott Scholarship Committee, State Committee Chairman, 1986 - 2011.

YORK RITE:Eureka Chapter No. 23, Royal Arch Masons, served as Most Excellent High Priest 1980 and 1988, Order of High Priesthood, 1980 and Chairman of the Grand Custodians in 1988 - Wooster Council No. 28, Royal and Select Masters, served as Thrice Illustrious Master, 1984-1986 - Council of Anointed Kings (Order of the Silver Trowel), 1984 - Crusader Commandery No. 10, Knight Templar, served as Eminent Commander 1986-1988 - Ephriam Kirby Citation in Bronze, Distinguished Masonic Service, 1988 - Knight Crusader of the Cross, Knight Templar, 1986 - Knight Crusader of the East, Knight Templar, 1987 - Associate Regent of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, Order of the Purple Cross, Toronto, Canada 1994 - Connecticut York Rite College No. 17, served as Governor, 1984 - Connecticut Priory No. 28, Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH), served as Eminent Prior, 2002 and served as Most Puissant Grand Master, Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut, 1991.  Honorary Member Grand Councils of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New  Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. 

APPENDANT BODIES:  National Sojourners, Inc. Hartford Chapter, No. 56 - Heroes of ’76, 2011 - Royal Order of Scotland, 1991 -Red Cross of Constantine, served as Puissant Sovereign, 2001, Apostles Tabernacle, No. XXVII, served as Very Eminent Preceptor in 2005 - Mohawk Council No. 28 Knight Masons of the U.S.A. (Charter member) served as Excellent Chief, 1985 - Nathan Hale Council No. 78, Allied Masonic Degrees, served as Sovereign Master, 1992 - Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, Connecticut College, 1985 - Pyramid Shrine, No.9 A.A.O.N.M.S. 1990 – Present - Auvergne Honorary DeMolay Chapter, 2011.

Boy Scouts of America:  Joined Cub Scouts in 1947 (Waco, Texas) and earned the Eagle Scout Award in 1957.  Order of the Arrow - 1955, Explorer Silver Award - 1958, God and Country Award - 1956, Arrow of Light Award - 1951, 50-Miler Award -1956, Tiger Cub Coach Award - 1982, Den Leader Award - 1987, Webelos Den Leader Award - 1991, ’92 &’93, Cub Scouter Award - 1982, Cubmaster Award - 1984 Scouter’s Key, Scouter’s Training Award - 2003, Commissioner’s Key, Commissioner’s Arrowhead Honor Award - 2003, Distinguished Commissioner’s Award - 2009, National President’s Scoutmaster Award of Merit - 2000, National Heroism Award - 1994, Silver Beaver Award - 2005, Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award - 2008 and Order of the Arrow - Vigil Honor,2006.  Distinguished Service Award, Scatacook District - June 9, 2010 and four Woodbadge Leadership Courses.  With strong support I initiated the Connecticut Masonic Scouters Association and the Eagle Scout Commendation Award in 2009 and the Masonic Youth Committee with the Grand Lodge Youth Award for Heroism and/or outstanding Humanitarian Service in 2012.

To serve as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut is one of the greatest challenges and honors of my life and I pledge to diligently work toward restoring solidarity, compassion, fairness, transparency, harmony, honorable/effective two-way communication and the Spirit of Freemasonry within our Grand Jurisdiction.  I also pledge that the Craft will quickly experience their renewed ownership in the new direction of our Grand Lodge. So Mote it Be.

Thomas McCauley Maxwell II

Most Worshipful Grand Master 2014 - 2015

Brother Simon R. LaPlace

Simon Royal LaPlace was born in Hartford, on February 7, 1950 to Jeanette  (Owen) and William Bissell LaPlace. Simon’s first taste of Masonry was as a youngster when he would see his father on "lodge night." It was "don't ask, and I won't tell" back in the fifties. In the 1960's he briefly got acquainted with DeMolay when he took his initiatory degree. He wouldn't receive his DeMolay degree for another forty years, through special dispensation approved by Executive Officer Harry Needham.

In 1970, his uncle, Carl O. Carlson, drove around with "MWGM70" license plates, a "Most something or other." His aunt, "Didi" LaPlace Carlson was head dietician at the then Masonic Home, wherever that was.

What Simon didn't know then was that not only were his father and uncle Masons, but that his grandfather and greatgrandfather had also been raised in the same lodge, Trinity Lodge No. 43, Deep River. And from the early Bissells was an interesting character, Ozias, who was raised in 1756 at St. John's Lodge No. 2, Middleton, and a charter member of American Union Lodge during the Revolutionary War.

Simon grew up in Deep River and was educated at local schools. He went off to Ithaca, New York, to the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, graduating in 1972. A short career managing in a chain of restaurants convinced him it was better to come home and return to the family retail home furnishings business, established by his great-grandfather in 1897.

Great-grandfather William G. got as far as Senior Warden of Trinity Lodge No. 43 in 1897. The next year, on Dec. 23, 1898,Simon’s grandfather, also Simon Royal LaPlace, joined Trinity Lodge, and served as Master in 1915. Simon’s father, William B. LaPlace was also a Past Master of Trinity Lodge No. 43 in 1951.

In 1973, Simon married Deborah Kathryn Larson. After a while, their son, Julian Royal LaPlace, came along, and after his graduation from University of California at Berkeley, Simon had the pleasure of raising Julian a Master Mason in his lodge

On May 14, 1994, Simon was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Freemasonry intrigued him, and he hardly missed a meeting. He voluntarily moved where the elders put him, first as Junior Deacon, the next year, Secretary, then Senior Warden and finally Worshipful Master in 1998, where he stayed for the next four years.

After his first two years in the East, he was appointed District Deputy by MW Leonard F. D'Amico, and reappointed by MW Gustaf R. Bodin, and MW Walter E. Kaechele. He is a member of Washington-Burning Bush Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch Masons, Middletown, where he is a Past High Priest. Simon is also a member of Columbia Council No. 9, Royal and Select Masters, Haddam; Connecticut College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis; and Nathan Hale Council No. 78, Allied Masonic Degrees.

He is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in the Valleys of Hartford and Norwich. 

In 2005, he was appointed Grand Junior Steward by MW George S. Greytak. Also, in 2005, he helped consolidate Pythagoras Lodge No. 45, Old Lyme; Siloam Lodge No. 32, Old Saybrook; and Trinity-Mt. Olive Lodge No. 43, Deep River, into Estuary Lodge No. 43, Old Saybrook, and served as Charter Master. In 2005, Simon closed the 108 year old family business, and he's been a full-time Mason ever since.

MW Simon has been active on Grand Lodge committees, and stops by all committee meetings whenever he can. In December 2006, MW Chuck Fowler appointed him Editor-in-Chief of Connecticut Freemasons, which he has successfully published.

MW Simon is proud to declare, "I am a Blue Lodge Mason." His travels as a Grand Lodge officer have taken him to all of the Blue Lodges in the state.

MW Brother Simon was installed as the 167th Grand Master of Connecticut on April 8, 2013.

Brother Gary W. Arseneau

Gary W. Arseneau was a Valentine to Rudolph and Ella Arseneau, born February 14, 1950. Gary lived most of his youth in Southington,  graduating from Southington High School in 1968.

He attended Connecticut School of Electronics in New Haven, was elected class president, and graduated at the top of his class in 1971. That same year, he married high school sweetheart Christine Martino.  The couple settled in Southington and Gary started his career in electronics. In 1980 the adopted a baby girl, Elise, and Gary and Christine were active in Southington Southern Little League and Boy Scouts.

In 1975, Gary began night school, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1986. Since 1996, Gary has been employed at Greenwald Industries as engineering manager.

Brother James T. McWain

Born December 23, 1938 on the family dairy farm in Norton, Vermont, James T. McWain lived there with his parents, Morris L. McWain and Bertha Haley McWain, and grandparents, Joseph A. Haley and Mamie LaPointe Haley. He attended high school at Island Pond, Vermont, where his parents moved after selling the farm after World War II.
Jim played baseball and basketball on the high school teams, and was very involved in winter skiing and waterskiing. Jim began working in his uncle's grocery store while in the eighth grade and continued until his graduation in 1956.

In 1975, Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Kandice Ann Salzman (please call her Kandi!). They have three children, Charles A., III, Christopher J. M., and Sarah Frances.

It was natural for Charlie to join Ansantawae Lodge No. 89. MW Charlie took his degrees in quick succession, his EA on October 1, 1976; his FC on October 8, 1976; and his MM, raised by his father, on October 29, 1976. And yes, he did learn his lectures. A superb ritualist, his progress was such that his father was privileged to seat him in the Oriental Chair in 1985.

During Charlie’s year in the East, Ansantawae Lodge’s 125th year anniversary history was published. He presented the dozen brothers he raised with a copy, and it became a popular item to own.

Charlie has been involved in several Grand Lodge committees, and has always been an active participant in the Fourth District Blue Lodge Council. He served as RW District Deputy for Masonic District 4-B. After his tour, he was a natural candidate to go into the Grand Lodge line. On April 12, 2010, he was installed our 164th Most Worshipful Grand Master. His expertise and popularity allowed for Hejaz Grotto No. 42, MOVPER to host his being made a Prophet-at-Sight. Charlie had affiliated with Olive Branch Lodge No. 84 while he was moving up the line in Ansantawae Lodge. Later this lodge merged with Hiram Lodge No. 1, which explains why you occasionally see Brother Buck wearing his apron in the inside of his coat! He is also an Associate Member of the Masonic Lodge of Research.

Companion Charlie was exalted in Milford Chapter No. 49, RAM, and greeted in Adam Sattig Council No. 35, R&SM. He was knighted in Hamilton Commandery No. 5, KT, in 1987. A skilled ritual participant in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of New Haven and Lafayette Consistory, Illustrious Brother Buck was coronated a 33° Honorary Member of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in 2005. MW Charlie is very proud of that great honor.

Regarding issues facing our craft today, Charlie noted how honored he feels to have had the chance to have been chosen a District Deputy. He said, “Once I was asked to consider the Grand Lodge line, I  looked forward to the challenge. “We’re more open about what we do, and who we are. Youth is a big key. We’re definitely getting younger, but we need to be prepared to meet the challenge of the ‘profane’ knowing as much as we do, and  wanting more,” he added.

Asked what he perceives as the greatest need of the fraternity today, he replied, “We are everywhere, today. We’re in books, on movies, and all over the Internet. We need to be prepared to meet the needs of those who seek us out, and answer those who question us. It’s a new age. We can’t hide under a bushel, anymore. We can’t afford to be idle in a cyberspace age,” he concluded.

Brother Arthur Henry Carlstrom was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on January 15, 1937, the son of Henning and Lena Carlstrom. He attended local public schools graduating Crosby High School in 1954.

Brother Carlstrom served his nation in the United States Army from 1959 through 1961. He was joined in holy matrimony with Miss Marilyn Hubbard, and this union brought forth two daughters, Judith and Cynthia. Although the plans that were set forth by Art and Marilyn were cut short by her untimely passing, Art’s grandchildren are the love of his life.

Most Worshipful Brother Stika served the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Connecticut as its 162nd Grand Master in 2008. His Masonic career spanned thirty-four years during which time he was honored as a recipient of the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze. He passed away on Monday, October 6, 2014.

Robert J. Stika was born on June 29, 1944 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the eldest of five sons of A. John Stika and Doris Marie Gray Stika. Two of Bob’s brothers are also Masonic brothers. Bob’s dad died in 1981 and his mom in 1984.

Educated in the Kenosha public schools, Bob graduated Mary D. Bradford High School in 1962. He attended Kenosha Technical Institute, receiving an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on data processing. He graduated in the first data processing class and, yes, they did have computers back then.

Bob’s working career began in 1964 at the Electronics Supply Office, Great Lakes, Illinois. The single significance of this move was his introduction to his future wife, Sandy. Bob joined the US Navy in September 1965, and Bob and Sandy became engaged the following Christmas. They married in August 1966.

After boot camp, Bob was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia for eight years, working as an electric accounting machine operator, computer programmer, and systems analyst. He transferred to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. After 4 years in the Active Enlisted Plans Branch as a programmer/analyst, Bob transferred to the US Naval Facility, Royal Air Force Base, Brawdy, Wales, United Kingdom for what he considers two of the best years of his naval career. His appreciation for history resulted from this tour of “Great Britain,” as opposed to simply “England.”

Bob transferred to the Naval Submarine School, Groton, Connecticut and the ADP Division as leading chief and eventually division director. His retirement from the Navy came on October 15, 1985. While on active duty and for several years after, he was heavily involved with the Junior Bowling Association of Southeastern Connecticut and director of the junior bowling program at the Groton Submarine Base.

After retirement, Bro. Stika worked for several companies as a civilian contractor to the Naval Underwater Weapons Center (known to most as Sound Lab). In 1997 he was employed by Computer Sciences Corp. as a programmer analyst and then as a project manager in General Dynamics. Bob fully retired in 2006 at the ripe old (?) age of 62.

When Bob met Sandy in 1964, she worked days and he worked midnights, so he didn’t get much sleep. After they married and moved to Norfolk, Sandy wanted a pet, so they got a cat.  Unfortunately, it got out one day and was killed by a car, so Sandy decided it was time to tell Bob they were going to have a different kind of ‘pet.’ Son Bill was born in June 1967. Then they got their first dog. In March 1970, daughter Anne was born on Bob’s grandparents’ Golden Wedding anniversary.

After retirement from the U.S. Navy, the Stika’s settled in southeastern Connecticut – Bob had a job offer, and had told his kids that wherever they started high school they would finish there. Bill and Anne being only 3 years apart, that turned into a 7 year commitment. By that time Bob was well-established in his present home and job. Also, Sandy has worked for the Navy Exchange for nearly 30 years. (Those using the gas station on the base see her there, probably more than Bob does).

Bob Stika petitioned Somerset Lodge No. 34, now Somerset-St. James No. 34, in 1980 on the recommendation of Bro. Henry (Hank) Reel, so this is all Hank’s fault. The investigating committee included WM Ken Ayers, Senior Deacon Bruce Jaxheimer, and RW C.A. Duke. As Bob says, “they had the chance.  Now look at what happened!” Asked to join the officer line, Bob dragged his heels for two years because he was on active duty. He finally consented in 1982. Because of others being transferred and other circumstances, Bob was installed Worshipful Master in 1984.

After his year as Master, Bob was installed chaplain but spent so much time as Senior Deacon that he was elected Junior Warden the next year. He progressed back into the Oriental Chair in 1988. Deciding not to be Master again, Bob volunteered to take the secretary’s station, which he has held for 14 years.

In 1991, Bro. Stika was appointed as District Deputy for District 8A, with WB C.A. Duke as his Associate Grand Marshal. During his term as District Deputy he was extended an honorary membership in King Solomon Lodge No. 7 in Bellows Falls, Vermont. The next year he became a dues-paying member.

In 1999 then Most Worshipful Grand Master Roger W. Read asked Bob to succeed him in the Grand Lodge line. Not really knowing what he was getting into, Bob said yes. After installation as Grand Junior Steward in 2000, he started learning a life-changing lesson too late, “Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!”

Bro. Stika is a member of the Valley of Norwich, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Hejaz Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R.; York Rite bodies in Stonington; New London Masonic Club; National Sojourners, Inc., New London Chapter; and served as a member and Master of the Naval Submarine Base Fellowcraft Degree Team for over twenty years.
He joined Nemrod Grotto, primarily because of Duke and his balloons. Bob became a clown with the unit, almost before he was initiated. He gave up clowning around – in costume – because of health problems.

Other service to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut includes: member of the ad-hoc secretary’s committee under the chairmanship of RW Russ McClelland; current chairman of the configuration control board of the Grand Lodge website.

Bob Stika has enjoyed life as a Freemason for the brotherhood he has found and the friends he has made. Bob feels Freemasonry is the greatest organization in the world and advises everyone to follow his slogan: FREEMASONRY – LIVE IT!

MW Bill is married to Sandra (Clocher) Greene who he affectionately calls "Chipmunk".  Sandie was from Salem Massachusetts where she lived all her life prior to marrying Bill.  They met in April 1983 in Burlington, Vermont, at the New England Square Dance Convention, and were married in October of the same year.  MW Bill has eight children; daughters Cathy Greene and Heather Dancosse of Connecticut; Susan Boehm of New Jersey (a Past Worthy Advisor of Willimantic Assembly No. 26, Order of the Rainbow for Girls); Stepdaughter Cheryl Christensen of Colorado; and sons John Boehm, a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army Airborne; Stephen Boehm of North Carolina; and the late Donna Greene, and David Boehm.  Bill and Sandie have fourteen grandchildren.

Bill’s Masonic career began on November 12, 1983 when he was raised as a Master Mason in Uriel Lodge No. 24 of Merrow Connecticut.  He served Uriel Lodge as Master in 1987 and 1992.  He is a dual member of Ionic Lodge No. 110 of North Windham Connecticut where he served as Master in 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998 and 2000,  and received the Master's Achievement Award for each of these eight years.  He is also a member of Eastern Star Lodge No. 44 of North Windham.  He is a Past Right Worshipful Master of the 9th District Actual Past Masters Association, and Past President of the 9th District Blue Lodge Council, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for many years.  In 1991 Bill was named as Mason of the Year for the Ninth Masonic District by the Blue Lodge Council.

Bill Greene served the Grand Lodge of Connecticut as Right Worshipful District Deputy of Masonic District 9B in 1993 and 1994.  He was appointed to serve on the Prince Hall Recognition Committee in 1989 by Most Worshipful Gail N. Smith.  He served on the Masonic Education Committee for many years; and as Chairman of the Publicity and Public Relations Committee for several years.  In 1999, Bill was appointed Grand Junior Steward by Most Worshipful Roger W. Read.  He is the Grand Representative to Delaware from Connecticut.

He is a member of Trinity Chapter No. 9, Royal Arch Masons in North Windham. He served as High Priest of now dissolved Orient Chapter No. 42 in Stafford Springs in 1989-90, 1991-92, and 2000-2001.  Bill served as Most Excellent Grand High Priest in Connecticut in 2001, and a member of the Connecticut Convention of Anointed High Priests, serving as Most Excellent President in 1996-97, and is Grand Representative to Massachusetts.  MW Bill has served on many of the committees of the Grand Chapter and was active in drawing up the resolution to recognize the Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons of Connecticut, Prince Hall Affiliation, accepted by both Grand Chapters in 1994.

Brother Bill is a member of Olive Branch Council No.10, Royal and Select Masters, in North Windham, serving as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1996-97, and 1997-98.  He is a member of the Connecticut Council of Anointed Kings (Order of the Silver Trowel), and Grand Representative to Kansas.
 
Knighted in St. John's Commandery No. 11 of North Windham, Bill served as Eminent Commander in 1991.  He is Chairman of the Knights Templar Educational Foundation, Division of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut, and a Life member of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.  In 2000 Bill was awarded the Knights Templar Cross of Honor from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar.  He is a member and Past Knight Crusader of the East in the Connecticut Knights Crusaders of the Cross.

Brother Bill is a member of the Connecticut York Rite College No. 17, and Connecticut Priory No. 28, Knights of the York Cross of Honor.

He is a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons in the Valley of Hartford and a Charter Member of the Nathan Hale Consistory; a Noble of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Newington, and belongs to two Shrine Clubs, Sphinx Moslem of Northeastern Connecticut and Sphinx Omar of Manchester; the McCoy's Hillbilly Clan No. 117; and the Highlander Clan No. 78.  He is a prophet in Hejaz Grotto of North Haven.

Bill is member of Laurel Forest No. 130, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North Windham, serving as Scribe for seventeen years, and as Grand Tall Cedar in 2004 and 2005.  Brother Bill is a member of Mohawk Council No. 28, Knight Masons U.S.A.; and Nutmeg Order No. 17, Sword of Bunker Hill.

Bill is a member of Rainbow Court No. 20, Order of Amaranth in North Windham, serving as Royal Patron, in 1989, 1990, 1993, 2003 and 2005.  He served as Grand Royal Patron of the Grand Court, Order of Amaranth of Connecticut in 1994-95.  He is a member of Climax Chapter No. 98, Order of Eastern Star in Merrow, having served as Worthy Patron in 1991-92; and a member of Vashti Shrine No. 2, Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem in East Hartford, serving as Watchman of Shepherds in 1992-93, and 1996-97.

Bill enjoys working with young people, especially the Masonic Youth groups in Connecticut.  He is Chairman of the Advisory Board of Willimantic Assembly No. 26, Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and a member of the Advisory Board of Norwich Assembly.  The Order of Rainbow is something very dear to the heart of Brother Bill.  He is so proud of all the girls and their accomplishments.  In 1990, through Willimantic Assembly, he was presented with the "Grand Cross of Color" by the Supreme Assembly for Distinguished Services to the Order.  He is also a past member of the State Executive Officer’s Staff of the Order of DeMolay in Connecticut and is holder of the DeMolay Appreciation Medal.  In 1998 he was awarded the "Service to Youth Award" from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut.  No one could be prouder of this honor.  Brother Bill served for several years as a Cub Scout Master in Manchester, and as an Adult Advisor for the Girl Scouts.

Brother Bill's hobbies include photography, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, cooking, and traveling.  His wife Sandie and he have visited all but one of the fifty states, six of the provinces of Canada, and have been to Mexico.  They are members of National Camping Travelers (NCT), District 1, Chapter 6.  In addition, they enjoy the Ballet, Ice Skating, and the theater, as well as Country Western music and Square Dancing.  Bill and Sandie also support endangered wildlife species programs.

Charles Bryan Fowler, Jr., better known as "Chuck", is a native of the Evergreen State of Washington. He was born and grew up in Yakima in the heart of the fruit country. As a young man, he began his involvement in the Masonic family by joining Yakima Chapter, Order of DeMolay, which he served as Master Councilor in 1953. An active and enthusiastic DeMolay, he was elected State Junior Councilor in 1955 and received the Degree of Chevalier in 1957. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle on a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship which required him to participate in summer training cruises. He holds the distinction of having been elected to the office of State Master Councilor in 1956 while at sea on a battleship. In 1958, at the age of 21 years, he was raised a Master Mason, with the assistance of his father, in Mount Adams Lodge No. 227, F. & A. M. in Yakima. In 1960, he received the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U. S. Navy and assigned to duty on an Escort Destroyer. He spent a total of ten and a half years in the Navy, serving in two nuclear submarines, and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He left the Navy and joined Combustion Engineering in 1970, working on various field assignments at commercial nuclear power generating stations, before relocating to the home office in Windsor, Connecticut. He retired from ABB Combustion Engineering after 23 years of service.

While residing in Nebraska, he regularly attended Washington Lodge in Blair, and was responsible for the institution in Blair of Centennial Chapter, Order of DeMolay, for which he received the DeMolay Zerubbabel Key. He served as Chapter Advisor for two years before moving to Richland, Washington, in 1973.

In Richland, he attended Richland Lodge frequently, and immediately became a member of the Advisory Council of Richland Chapter, Order of DeMolay. In 1974, he was appointed a District Deputy to the Executive Officer for DeMolay in Washington, responsible for Chapters in Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, and Walla Walla.

Upon moving to Windsor, Connecticut in 1975 for what he continues to hope will be the last move for a long while, the DeMolay Executive Officer appointed him Director of Membership. He served as an Area Governor from 1977 until 1985, and has also served as Director of Educational Assistance and Director of Ritual for Connecticut DeMolay. From 1981 to 1988, he was Chapter Advisor of Pinemeadow Chapter, Order of DeMolay, and in 1985 received the DeMolay Guild of the Leather Apron Award as Connecticut Advisor of the Year. In 1986 he was presented with the DeMolay Medal of Appreciation and with the DeMolay Cross of Honor. He served as Chairman of the Advisory Council of Pinemeadow Chapter from 1988 to 1992. He was also Secretary-Treasurer of the Charles M. Gerdenier Preceptory of the DeMolay Legion of Honor from 1981 to 1990. In 1991, Brother Fowler received the collar of an Honorary Member of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay, and in 2000, he was presented the William Campbell Medal for Distinguished DeMolay Service from Connecticut DeMolay.

In Windsor, Brother Fowler also soon began attending Washington Lodge No. 70, A.F. & A M. and transferred his membership from the state of Washington. He has since regained membership in his mother Lodge as a dual member. Appointed to the officer line of Washington Lodge in 1982, he advanced through every station and served as Worshipful Master in 1989, during which year he earned the Master's Achievement Award. He also served as a member of the Grand Lodge Masonic Youth Activities Committee from 1983 through 1986. In 1990, he was presented with the Grand Lodge Service to Youth Award. He is currently Secretary of Washington Lodge and in 1998, upon the recommendation of Most Worshipful Grand Master William F. Carpenter, he was appointed to the Grand Lodge Officer line. In April 2006, Brother Chuck was installed as Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut.

In 1981, Companion Chuck was exalted in Gideon Welles Chapter No. 50, Royal Arch Masons, and immediately became an officer. That chapter consolidated with two others to become Pythagoras-Welles Chapter No. 17 in 1985, and in 1986 he became the second High Priest of the new Chapter. Upon consolidation with Delta Chapter No. 51, the Chapter is now known as Pythagoras Chapter No. 17, which he currently serves as Treasurer and Trustee. He was Excellent Recorder of the Connecticut Convention of Anointed High Priests for several years, and served as Grand Custodian of the Sixth Capitular District for three years beginning in 1987. He served as Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Connecticut from 1993 to 2002. In 1995 he was honored with the Ephraim Kirby Award for Distinguished Masonic Service, and in 1998 with the General Grand Chapter Bronze Medal Award.

Continuing his progress in the York Rite, he was received and greeted into Wolcott Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, where he served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1990, and was Recorder for several years. He served as Grand Recorder of the Grand Council from 1993 to 2002, and is now Grand Recorder Emeritus. Also in 1993, he received the Knight of Ish Sodi award of the Grand Council. He was also Scribe-Treasurer of the Connecticut Council of Anointed Kings (Order of the Silver Trowel) from 1993 to 2005.

Knighted in Washington Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar in 1981, Sir Knight Fowler served as Commander in 1987 and is now serving as Recorder and Treasurer for both the Commandery and its Past Commanders Association. He served as Editor of the Connecticut Supplement of Knight Templar magazine in 1986 and 1987. In 1989, upon the recommendation of Right Eminent Grand Commander Russell D. Ramette, he was appointed to the Grand Commandery line through which he progressed until he was elected and installed in 1997 as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Connecticut. He is a member of the Knight Crusaders of the Cross, Knight Preceptors, the Grand Master's Club of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, and serves on the Board of the Connecticut Division of the Knights Templar Educational Foundation.

Brother Chuck is a Past Venerable Master of the Masonic Veteran Association of Connecticut, Past Pre-Eminent Governor of Connecticut York Rite College No. 17, Past Excellent Chief of Mohawk Council No. 28 of the Knight Masons of the U. S. A., Secretary of Nathan Hale Council No. 78 of the Allied Masonic Degrees, and Secretary of Connecticut College of Masonic Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis. He is also a member of Hartford Chapter No. 56 of the National Sojourners and Connecticut Priory No. 28 of the Knights York Cross of Honour. He received the Order of the Purple Cross from the York Rite Sovereign College in 2002.

Brother Chuck joined the Scottish Rite in 1972 in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon the institution of Nathan Hale Consistory in 1985, he transferred his Scottish Rite membership from Omaha to the Valley of Hartford where he served as Most Wise Master of Cyrus Goodell Chapter of Rose Croix in 1998. In 1999, Illustrious Brother Fowler was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33º, by the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

For many years, Chuck was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Nuclear Society. While completing his service in the U. S. Naval Reserve, he worked with the young men and women of the Barque Eagle Division of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, serving for two years as Commanding Officer.

Barbara Rae Jamieson of Centralia, Washington, became Mrs. Charles B. Fowler in 1960. Better known as "Muff", she graduated from Western Washington State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She was employed by the Windsor Board of Education and is active in the Windsor Woman's Club, having served as Co-President. The Fowlers have three children and seven grandchildren. Daughters Jill and Amy were members of Warehouse Point Assembly No. 12, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and son Charles is a Past Master Councilor of Pinemeadow Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Chuck and Muff are active members of Grace Episcopal Church in Windsor.

CHARLES BRYAN FOWLER, JR.