Danbury's Mysterious Free Masons Open Their Doors

The Free Masons are one of the oldest fraternal organizations on Earth. For years I've fascinated by this brotherhood and it’s secrets.

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Recently, I published an article about the Free Masons, using the Danbury Lodge as the jumping off point. It was called “Chasin’ Masons, What Goes on Behind the Doors of Danbury’s Masonic Lodge on Main Street?”

In the article, I pointed out that many Masons have risen to great power. In fact, there have been 14 U.S. Presidents that were Free Masons. I wrote about how Free Masons are constant targets of conspiracy theorists, that they’ve been tied to the Illuminati, and rumored to be the organization behind the dreaded “New World Order.”

My article got the attention of the Danbury Free Masons and one of them contacted me. His name is John Arrizi and we have friends in common. John extended me an invitation to come down and see for myself. I accepted his invitation and went for a tour and Q&A on Wednesday (4/6/22).

He contacted me to quell the notion that Free Masons have something to hide. I've been talking about the Masons and conspiracy theories for years on my radio show (The Ethan & Lou Show on I-95). Arrizi gave me a lot of access (not total) and answered my many questions.

Inner Sanctum - Behind the Curtain on Danbury's Mysterious Free Masons

John Arizzi is the sitting Worshipful Master for Danbury’s Union Lodge #40 of the Ancient Free and accepted Masons. Arizzi described his role to me in layman’s terms, saying that in any other organization, he’d be called the President. This position is voted on every year by the group, and Arrizi has held the position multiple times. Arrizi was my tour guide into a world many people never see, the inner sanctum of Danbury's Free Masons.

The Danbury Free Masons meet in a building at 337 Main Street. The building was originally the Meeker mansion. The Meekers were the prominent Danbury family who ran Meeker's Hardware. It's worth noting, that a separate Masonic Lodge is headquartered in the same building, Lodge 39. Lodge 39 is originally from Georgetown, CT but when their member numbers dwindled, they sold their building and moved to Danbury.

I appreciate the access and hospitality John showed me but it's not enough, it will never be enough for me and others. I don't know what my gut tells me about Free Masonry. In all likelihood, these brothers are community group rooted in bettering themselves and their surroundings. But, what if there were more? What if there was something worth hiding? If there were something to keep under wraps, they'd certainly not tell a dude like me.

Additional photos:

Lou Milano

Above is an old photo of the Meeker mansion.

Lou Milano

Masons from years gone by.

Lou Milano

A handwritten letter by a Mason, crafted in 1778.

Lou Milano

The old entrance to the temple. Inside is some insurance company, John tried to explain this to me but I could not wrap my head around it. Some company, that has something to do with insurance has an office in the same building and above their door in giant letters it says "Masonic Temple." Riddle me that.

Lou Milano

The new entrance, just steps from the old one.