M.W. Louis Vander Eyk Biography 1992
Louis Vander Eyk
Through the centuries. Masons in all walks of life have served their Fraternity in ways befitting their physical abilities, and in accord with their natural bent, education and training. The efforts of some have obviously been more successful than others. But each, in his own way, has exemplified the teachings and philosophies learned at their Masonic altar.
To those who are privileged to serve as Grand Master, there is a wealth of opportunity to make a difference in the world and in the lives of their fellow men - - - Mason and non-Mason alike. One hundred and forty-nine men have received this honor in Connecticut and have conducted their lives in ways to bring credit to the Fraternity and betterment in the lives of its members.
Such a man was elected and served as our 146th Grand Master - - - Louis Vander Eyk of Prospect, Connecticut.
Most Worshipful Brother Vander Eyk was born on May 23, 1918, in Waterbury, the son of Lawrence and Cornelia Vander Eyk. He completed his early education in the Waterbury Public School System and graduated from Waterbury High School. He received his B.S. Degree from the University of Michigan in 1940, with a major in Mechanical Engineering.
Brother Lou's gainful employment for the next thirty one and a half years was with the Bristol Company in Waterbury. He retired in 1971 from the Bristol Company as Manager of Plant Engineering. Total retirement, complete with slippers and rocking-chair, was not something which ranked high on Lou's list of things to do, so he looked for alternatives. He found what he was looking for in a position at Taft School in Watertown. Here he spent the next several years putting his Engineering background to good use. In 1983, he retired for a second time with the title of Superintendent of Buildings.
On October 11, 1941, Brother Vander Eyk married Miss Gertrude M. Keenan. This happy union was blessed with two children. A son, James L., who, in 1992 served as Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge No. 33, in Southington. He lives in Plantsville with his wife, Joan. Daughter, Miss Nancy-Lou Vander Eyk , teaches in the Prospect School System. He has one grandson, Matthew.
Mrs. Gertrude Vander Eyk passed away on December 31, 1979. One June 15, 1991, Brother Lou was united in marriage to Kathleen (Iffland) Jewiss.
Brother Louis Vander Eyk was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 18, 1948 in Harmony Lodge No. 42, A.F. & A.M., in Waterbury. He was appointed to his first office as Marshal, in 1953, and progressed steadily through the chairs to serve Harmony Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1959. He served as Lodge Secretary from 1964 through 1990.
Brother Lou was appointed Right Worshipful District Deputy of District 3A, in 1966, by Brother William M. Wyman, Most Worshipful Grand Master. In 1967, he was appointed to a second term by Brother Harry E. Bellini, who had been elected Most Worshipful Grand Master.
He was awarded the Robert W. Walker Medal for Outstanding Service by Harmony Lodge.
Our Most Worshipful Brother's Masonic Affiliations are extensive. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Waterbury and Bridgeport, served as Secretary of the Valley of Waterbury since 1973. He was created and coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33̊, at the Supreme Council Session on September 26, 1979. He is a member of Granite Chapter, No. 22, Royal Arch Masons; Waterbury Council, No. 21, Royal and Select Masters; New Haven Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar; Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Newington; Kaabans Shrine Club, Plymouth; Naugatuck Shrine Club; St. Andrew's Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Jesters, Dimaryp Court; Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Connecticut Forest No. 176; Masonic Veteran's Association, Serving as Venerable Master in 1988; and is a former President of the Waterbury Masonic Temple Corporation.
Brother Vander Eyk has been involved for many years in the civic life of his community. He is a member of the Prospect Congregational Church, where he has served as Deacon, and is presently a member of the church choir. The Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect has had the benefit of his loyal services for more than 41 years. He has served on the School Building Committee; the Board of Directors of the Prospect Cemetery Association since 1962; he has been a Justice of the Peace; Unit Leader and District Training Chairman, Boy Scouts of America; Board member of the Prospect Drum Corps; Charter Secretary of the Central Connecticut Chapter, American Institute of Plant Engineers; and a life-member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Brother Louis Vander Eyk was appointed Grand Junior Steward of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Connecticut, in 1984, by Most Worshipful Brother Herbert L. Emanuelson, Jr., upon the recommendation of outgoing Grand Master, Frederick H. Lorenson. He served faithfully in the several chairs of the Grand Lodge line, which culminated in his election to the Office of Grand Master on April 8, 1992.
As our 146th Grand Master traveled throughout the State during his term, he emphasized Membership growth and Membership retention. He exhorted Worshipful Masters of Lodges and the general membership to "prime the pump" in the quest for new candidates; to encourage Brothers to maintain their membership and to value the privilege of belonging to the "Greatest Fraternity in the World".
Churchman, Civic Worker, and active participant in the affairs of his Community; a prime mover in the spreading the cement of Fraternal Brotherhood throughout our State; Most Worshipful Brother Vander Eyk was well qualified by training and by nature to fulfill the tasks which faced him during his term as Grand Master. He completed the job with honor to himself and to the Fraternity.
For his dedication and energetic performance of Masonic duties; for his loving attachment to family, church, civic responsibility; as citizen and Mason; Louis Vander Eyk has established himself as a responsible, caring member of society, and deserving of recognition.
THE GRAND LODGE, A.F. & A.M., OF CONNECTICUT is pleased, therefore, to award to this Friend and Brother
THE PIERPONT EDWARDS MEDAL
IN BRONZE
for DISTINGUISHED MASONIC SERVICE
