Armstrong Lodge No. 26

Officers

Byrom Price, PM  Worshipful Master
David Lewis, PM  Senior Warden
Connard Estep, PM  Junior Warden
 Garrett Reihl, Jr.  Secretary
 Kenneth Kincaid, PM  Treasurer
Thomas Laskowski  Senior Deacon
 Eric Warrington  Junior Deacon
Vacant  Senior Steward
Vacant  Junior Steward
 Walter T. Evans  Tiler
Vacant  Chaplain

Past Masters

Byrom A. Price, PM2022
 Thomas E. Laskowski2020-2021 Byrom A. Price2019
 J. David Lewis, III, PM2016-2018Connard R. Estep, PM2015
 Connard R. Estep2014 Michael J. Ratcliff, PM2013
 Michael J. Ratcliff, PM2012 Michael J. Ratcliff2011
 J. David Lewis III, PSGS2010 Forrest A. Boettcher2009
 J. David Lewis III2017-2008Terrence A. Van Gorder, PGTil1998-2007
 Terrence A Van Gorder, PGTil1998 Terrence A Van Gorder1996
 Barry S. Bleacher, PSGD1994 Joseph J. Deptula, Jr.1993
 Joseph J. Deptula, Jr.1992 Robert E Wolstenholme, PSGD1990
 John S. Hanna, Jr., PSGW1989 Robert G. Burgess1988
 Barry S. Bleacher, PSGD1987 Russell H. Cross, Jr.1986
 Thaddeus J. Twardowski1984 Kenneth G. Kincaid, PM1983
 Sheldon L. Edwards, PJGD1977 J. Robert Ashton, PGSB, PGC1975
 Warrem S. Glanden1969 Homer F. Lutton1961

History

Armstrong Lodge No. 26 A.F. & A.M. was chartered on June 27, 1870 and could rightly be called the “mother Lodge” of Newport, because of the rapid rise in membership during the 1940’s and 50’s.

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It would help four Lodges get their start in the Newport area. Included would be Ionic Lodge No. 31 in 1950, Unity Lodge No. 32 in 1955, Christiana Lodge No. 35 in 1963 and High Noon Lodge No. 38 in 1978.

     The events of the last fifty years have shone brightly from the labors of the quarries of Armstrong Lodge No. 26. In addition to the formation of new Lodges they have also had the honor of four of them members being elected Grand Master of Masons in Delaware; Joseph W. H. Watson, served two terms, in 1880 and 1881, Paul Yearsley in 1947, Arthur G. Craig in 1965 and David J. Marianelli in 1989.

     In 1964, PGM Paul Yearsley retired as Treasurer of the Lodge after twenty-two years of service. He was the first DeMolay to occupy the office of Grand Master in 1947. In 1971, PGM Arthur G. Craig retired as Secretary of the Lodge after twenty-three years of service in that office.

     After serving as Senior Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Master, Grand Master-elect Edward P. Sturgis was called from labor on September 15, 1974 about two weeks prior to his scheduled installation as a very young Grand Master at the age of 40. Brother “Ed” was a hard working Master Mason who had been awarded nearly every honor possible as a DeMolay, including the DeMolay Cross of Honor.

     While many brethren have been involved in the in the maintenance of the Newport Masonic Temple over the years, few can equal the tireless efforts of Past Master Raymond Loose and Brother Robert W. Heinel. Though they have been called from labor, their devotion to serving the membership in providing a well-maintained facility will long be remembered and appreciated by the various bodies that use the facility.

     Through the influence of PGM Craig, the early English Table Lodge was reconstituted at Armstrong Lodge. It proved to be a very popular event and it was not unusual to have 250 to 300 brethren in attendance.

     As part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Armstrong Lodge, a public installation of officers was held at the H.C. Conrad High School Athletic Field on June 27, 1970. Much hard work had to be done to make this event a success, as the field had not been in use for some time. In addition, the Lodge furniture had to be moved to the field as well. There were over 200 family members and friends who watched from the bleachers.

     On April 18, 2002 the officers and members of Armstrong Lodge presented a long overdue tribute to PGM Arthur G. “Pete” Craig. This event was well attended and included Grand Master James S. Russell, Jr., nine Past Grand Masters and about eighty other brethren.

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