M.W. Earle Kenneth Haling 1946
Earle Kenneth Haling
Born in Baltic, Connecticut, August 20, 1896
Died in Hartford, Connecticut, January 18, 1967
Most Worshipful Earle Kenneth Haling was the son of George F. and Ruth K. Haling. He moved with his family from Baltic to Willimantic in 1915 and resided in that city the remainder of his lifetime. Following his graduation from Windham High School in 1914, he entered the employ of the Windham National Bank of Willimantic. He remained with that banking institution until he was appointed R.W. Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut in 1948 which position he held until his death. His banking career was interrupted for a period of fifteen months during the first World War when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1918 serving in the Medical Corps. Upon his discharge from the Army he immediately returned to his duties at the Windham National Bank. His activities outside of his banking career and Masonic endeavors centered in his Church, Y.M.C.A., American Red Cross, Boy Scouts and many other civic organizations within the City of Willimantic. He was a member and one of the Deacons of the First Congregational Church of Willimantic and served as secretary of the Board of Trustees for many years. He was a member of the James J. Shea Post No. 19, American Legion and served several terms as Historian of that organization.
On October 24, 1922 Brother Haling married Marion D. Ide of Willimantic. To them have been born two children - Robert K. and Dr. Kenneth A. Haling, both graduates of Yale University, all of whom survive him.
M.W. Brother Haling was raised in Eastern Star Lodge No. 44, Willimantic, on February 16, 1921 and served as Worshipful Master in 1924. He served two years as District Deputy of the Ninth Masonic District and was appointed in the Grand Lodge line as Grand Junior Steward in 1938 becoming Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut in 1946.
At the time of his death M.W. Brother Haling was President of the Conference of Grand Secretaries of North America, and had been a member of that organization since 1947.
He was a member of Trinity Chapter No.9, R.A.M., Excellent High Priest in 1950; Olive Branch Council No. 10, R. & S.M., Thrice Illustrious Master in 1927; St. John's Commandery No. 11, Eminent Commander in 1933, Recorder 1934-1953, of Willimantic. He became a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Norwich, Connecticut in 1946. He was coroneted in Boston, Massachusetts on September 28, 1966 as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 330•
He received the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze for Distinguished Masonic Service from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut in 1949. He was a member of St. Andrew's Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Treasurer 1948-1949, Recorder 1950, Sovereign 1960; Connecticut Priory No. 28, York Cross of Honor, 1953; Apostles Tabernacle No. 27, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, 1955, Eminent Preceptor, 1966.
He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; the Order of the Amaranth; the White Shrine of Jerusalem; the Masonic Veterans Associations of Connecticut and Vermont; Sphinx Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Syria Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R.; Tall Cedars of Lebanon;/" and the Patrons of Husbandry.
Eastern Star Lodge No. 44, A.F. & A.M. conducted a Masonic Memorial Service at the Potter Funeral Home on Friday evening, January 20, 1967. Funeral Services were conducted at First Congregational Church, Willimantic, Connecticut on Saturday, January 21, 1967 with large delegations attending from all Masonic and civic bodies. Interment followed in the new Willimantic Cemetery.
To cover all phases of his activities would require a lengthy document. It is certain however that he lived his life as he was charged to do when he was raised a Master Mason. He was a proper object of our favor and esteem and was faithful to his trust. He supported with dignity the character of a Mason, a Husband, a Father, and a Brother. He did not swerve from his duty, violate his vows or betray his trust but was true and faithful and certainly imitated that celebrated Artist whom he at one time represented.
So Mote it Be:
