M.W. Andrew J. Hallock 1907

Andrew J. Hallock

The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge will seem strange without the presence of Past Grand Master Andrew J. Hallock. This distinguished and actively interested Grand Officer was born in Bantam, Connecticut, October 6, 1861, and received his higher education in the Litchfield Academy. His early occupation was in connection with the building trade with residences in New Milford and Bethel. Later he became manager of a grocery concern in Danbury. Removing to Bridgeport he continued in the same business until, because of health, he gave that up and became connected with the city highway department.

His admission to Masonry occurred in Bethel when he was made a Master Mason in Eureka Lodge, No. 83, August 20, 1889. In 1894 and 1895, he served his Lodge as Master. Because of his residence in Bridgeport he demitted from Eureka and affiliated with St. John's Lodge, No.3. When dual membership became possible, he again affiliated with Eureka in 1930.

Fairfield County was looked after by him ~R District Deputy from 1896 to 1898, inclusive. Being appointed Grand Junior Steward in 1899, he reached the position of Grand Master in 1907. Seldom if ever was he absent from the Grand Lodge Annuals from the time he was Master of Eureka Lodge in 1894 until his death. Many have been the committees on which he served. As a Custodian of the Work and as a member of the Committee on Rules and Regulations he will be long remembered.

Because of his office as Grand Master he became a member of the Board of Managers of the Masonic Home in 1907 and the next year was elected a member of the, Board. He continued to be thus elected until in November, 1921, he was appointed Superintendent upon the resignation of Most Worshipful John O. Rowland. The development of our Home and Hospital from a 'modest establishment to its present proportions was his greatest and most lasting work.

Exalted in Eureka Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M., November 11, 1894, he was High Priest from April, 1899, to April, 1900. His membership in Wooster Council, No. 28, R. & S.M., is dated from April 1, 1923. Knighted in Crusader Commandery November 22, 1907, he withdrew in 1914 and affiliated with Hamilton Commandery, No.5. His membership also included the Scottish Rite Bodies and Lafayette Consistory, Pyramid Temple of Bridgeport, Stellar Chapter, No. 55, O. E. S., and the Grotto. He had represented the Grand Lodge of New York near the Grand Lodge of Connecticut since 1907. The office of Venerable Master of the Masonic Veteran Association was held by Brother Hallock from 1923 to 1927, inclusive.

While seeking a rest in his summer home in Southbury, he became suddenly ill and passed away September 3, 1933. Services in charge of Rev. Donald W. Green were first held in the Auditorium at the Home at noon on September 6. Later, in the Congregational Church, after Scripture reading' by the pastor, Rev. E. G; Zellars, the Grand Lodge took charge. The Masonic committal service was rendered by Brother Hallock's life-long friend, Most Worshipful Brother Weston G. Granniss, Past Grand Master. Many members of the Fraternity were in attendance at the church, including the Grand Master' and Grand Officers, together with representatives from many Bodies and Orders. The burial was in the Home Cemetery.