By Steven R. Mullins
Special to the Voice
Annawon Lodge #115 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of West Haven celebrated its 150th anniversary with a gala ball held at Ciello’s, attended by member, families and friends of the Lodge, including Connecticut State Grand Master Joseph J. Porco and City Clerk Patricia Horvath on behalf of the City of West Haven.
During the festivities, Senior Warden Joey McVety, President of the lodge’s Fellowcraft Club made a presentation. He and Worshipful Master Christopher Belous unveilied a replica painting of King Solomon that has belonged to the lodge for decades.
The original portrait of King Solomon is from 1874 and was credited to Flagg and Thompson. The original portrait, frame and pole that protected the frame from the Lodge chairs is on load to the “Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Inc. at 33 Marrett Road in Lexington, MA. The portrait is on display in a different frame for display purposes. The original frame and pole is in storage.
The portrait is currently insured at the 2007 value of $50,000. The lodge is planning to get it reappraised to make sure it is insured for the proper value.
The oil on canvas painting is roughly 10×51/2’ in width and height. It was originally displayed in the lodge room at 304 Center St., where Annawon Lodge was located prior to selling the building to the City of West Haven for a proposed cultural art center in 2008. When the craft moved to its current location, 263 Center Street, the former Father Curtis Council of the Knights of Columbus Building, it was evident that the portrait would not fit in the new location.
The new replica will be on display in the lodge room. Masonic rituals refer to King Solomon in the building of his Temple. Masonic buildings and Masonic Lodge rooms are referred to as King Solomons Temple.
Congratulations from the Andriulli Family