M.W. Arthur H. Carlstrom Biography 2009

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.

For many years, Art earned his living as purchasing agent, shipping and traffic manager, and finally as office manager at the Hallden Machine Company of Thomaston. He went to work at Midland-Ross Janitrol Aero Division of Plymouth which eventually became Honeywell International.

Bro. Art is a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church and has served on several of their committees. His activities in assisting the board of trustees and church treasury are well noted.

The beginnings of Art’s Masonic endeavors are traced to when he joined Doric Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Waterbury. He served Doric as Master Councilor, and went on to achieve every award that the Order of DeMolay bestows. He was created a Chevalier, and has been afforded the Cross of Honor, Legion of Honor, and the Grand Lodge Service to Youth Award. He has served as Grand Commander of the Connecticut Court of Chevaliers, and is a long-time member and current president of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut DeMolay Foundation, Inc. Brother Art is also an Honorary Member of the International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay

His foretaste of Masonry left Art wanting more. He took the next step and petitioned Euclid Lodge No. 135, Waterbury, where he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 19, 1964. The lodge was in need of a chaplain, and Art jumped right in. He went through the chairs, serving as Master in 1971. After leaving the Oriental Chair, he settled back into his natural habitat as treasurer. After 15 years in the northeast corner, Art was thrust back into the west in 1986, and was serving as Master again until Euclid Lodge ‘threw in the trowel’ on November 29, 1988. WB Carlstrom then affiliated with Union Lodge No. 96, Thomaston, and served as Worshipful Master. But just eight years later, history repeated itself. Brother Art has called St. Paul’s Lodge No. 11 home ever since.

Constantly seeking further light, Companion Carlstrom entered the York Rite, eventually serving as High Priest on a number of occasions for his Royal Arch chapters. He is a past Thrice Illustrious Master of his Council of Royal & Select Masters, and a past Eminent Commander of Clark Commandery No. 7. When Clark Commandery associated with New Haven Commandery, its association continued to sponsor the annual Ascension Day Service, and Sir Knight Art is a faithful contributor for the festivities.

He is a life member of the Order of High Priesthood, and the Order of the Silver Trowel. He is a member of Connecticut York Rite College No. 17, and Connecticut Priory No. 28, Knights of York Cross of Honor.

Brother Art is a member of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Waterbury and Lafayette Consistory. He received the Arthur M. Brown, 33°, Meritorious Service Award from the Connecticut Council of Deliberation, the governing Scottish Rite body of the state. He has also been coronated a 33° Scottish Rite Mason by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Olivet Chapter No. 29, Order of Eastern Star has had the pleasure of his service as Patron a number of times. He also served as chairman of the then Welfare of Lodges Committee, now a part of the Legal Matters Committee. Brother Art was appointed District Deputy in 1981 and 1982, years that saw five other District Deputies who eventually became Grand Masters. He is also a member of  Sphinx Shrine.

The Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze was bestowed upon RW Carlstrom in 1989. Brother Art was appointed to the Grand Lodge progressive line of officers as Grand Junior Steward by MW Gustaf Bodine in 2001. Art has served as Deputy Grand Master in 2008-2009, and was elected in October to become Connecticut’s 163rd Most Worshipful Grand Master.

It all started for Art with the Order of DeMolay. He is happy to continue his DeMolay service as president of the Connecticut DeMolay Foundation. He served as State Master Councilor in 1956, while Past Grand Master Chuck Fowler was SMC of the state of Washington. Art is happy to be the first Connecticut Past State Master Councilor to become Connecticut’s 163rd Most Worshipful Grand Master.