Franklin Lodge #20, F. & A.M. was organized under dispensation on December 20, 1856. The First Worshipful Master was James H. Hoyt. The lodge was chartered on May 25, 1857, and on July 8th of that year, the charter was received and officers were elected with Stanton Hazard serving as Worshipful Master. Franklin Lodge is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island which was formed in 1791.
Franklin Lodge has been meeting at its present location, 20 Elm Street, in Westerly since the late 1950's. Numerous meeting places preceded this location, two of which are worth mentioning briefly: the Pawcatuck Academy Corporation's Hall on "Cooky Hill" which is now Union Street, and its long-time meeting place on High Street at the Barber Memorial Building.
Franklin Lodge takes its name in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who was not only a significant American Patriot, but an early Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania's Masons.
Franklin Lodge has been meeting at its present location, 20 Elm Street, in Westerly since the late 1950's. Numerous meeting places preceded this location, two of which are worth mentioning briefly: the Pawcatuck Academy Corporation's Hall on "Cooky Hill" which is now Union Street, and its long-time meeting place on High Street at the Barber Memorial Building.
Franklin Lodge takes its name in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who was not only a significant American Patriot, but an early Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania's Masons.
Preserving the Past While Building for the Future:
The Westerly Masonic Temple Restoration
In the heart of Westerly, Rhode Island, stands a testament to both historical preservation and forward-thinking stewardship. The Westerly Masonic Temple at 20 Elm Street has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging from issues with water damage to a modernized facility ready to serve the Masonic community for generations to come.
The story begins in 1896 when this magnificent Victorian home was constructed as the executive residence of Arthur M. Cottrell Jr. and Kate Virginia Cottrell. The Cottrell family owned C.B. Cottrell & Sons in nearby Pawcatuck, Connecticut, where they manufactured printing presses in partnership with Harris Graphics. This three-story mansion, complete with servant quarters on the third floor, represented the prosperity and craftsmanship of the era.
The building’s Masonic chapter began in 1948 when the newly incorporated Westerly Masonic Foundation acquired the Cottrell property. The Foundation’s purpose was clear: to provide lodge rooms, meeting places, and facilities for the Masonic Fraternity and affiliated organizations in Westerly.
By 1957, the Foundation had secured a $35,000 mortgage to construct a significant addition including a Lodge Room (oriented due East & West in Masonic tradition), offices, and dining areas. Franklin Lodge #20 held its first meeting in December 1957, beginning nearly seven decades of continuous Masonic activity.
Today, the temple serves as home to Franklin Lodge #20 Free and Accepted Masons, Deborah Chapter #9 Order of the Eastern Star, Narragansett Commandery #27 Knights Templar (now meeting at Hope Lodge but still with significant ties to the Temple in Westerly), and Westerly Assembly #7 International Order of Rainbow for Girls. As Franklin Lodge Historian Right Worshipful Raymond Geer notes, “Every nook and cranny of the building is filled with Masonic history!”
In 2014, the Foundation faced a sobering reality: extensive water damage threatened their historic temple. What could have spelled disaster instead became the start of the most ambitious restoration project in the building’s Masonic history.
The restoration began under the leadership of Worshipful Brett Marggraff, who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Westerly Masonic Foundation. The project continued under Worshipful Robert Caron, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Property Manager. The success depended heavily on Franklin Lodge Trustees W. Eric Ross, W. David Shafovaloff, and Right Worshipful Jerry Duhamel Jr., whose diligent stewardship of Lodge investments allowed for significant financial contributions, enabling the Foundation to undertake these critical improvements.
The restoration project addressed both the immediate water damage and long-term modernization needs. Work began with establishing proper drainage to prevent future water infiltration—the essential foundation for all subsequent improvements.
A major 200-amp electrical upgrade in 2018 provided the power capacity for modern equipment throughout the building. New HVAC systems were installed in the dining room and Lodge Room in 2021, ensuring climate control while protecting the building’s contents. The kitchen achieved commercial certification, enabling the Foundation’s community involvement, including its booth at the Washington County Fair.
The second-floor apartment received a complete restoration in 2020. The dining room was transformed with the painting of the walls in 2020, and new flooring was installed in 2022, while the old Commandery locker room was converted into a functional conference room that same year. LED lighting and dimmers were installed in the Lodge Room in 2020, combining improved functionality with energy efficiency.
The driveway and parking lot were repaved in 2019, along with new parking lot lighting for safety. A new roof was completed in 2021, protecting against the elements that caused the original crisis. New doors enhanced accessibility and security in 2023, including a new door at the handicap-accessible side entrance. A BBQ pit installed in 2019 provides opportunities for outdoor fellowship. In 2024, the replacement of all six third-floor dormers and trim added to the exterior restoration of this Victorian structure.
At this point in 2025, the Westerly Masonic Temple stands as a model of how historical preservation and modern functionality can coexist. The Foundation has positioned itself to maintain this architectural treasure while serving both its Masonic families and the broader Westerly community through enhanced facilities and capabilities.
The transformation demonstrates what can be accomplished when a Masonic community commits to preserving its heritage while embracing the future. Under dedicated leadership and supported by member generosity and volunteer spirit, the Westerly Masonic Foundation has ensured that this 1896 mansion will continue to house Masonic light and fellowship well into the 21st century.
The cornerstone laid in 1958 promised a permanent home for Freemasonry in Westerly. That promise has been kept, and the foundation—both literal and figurative—has been strengthened for the generations yet to come.
Submitted by R:. W:. Daniel Rzewuski with contributions from R: W:. Raymond Geer and W:. Robert Caron
The Westerly Masonic Temple Restoration
In the heart of Westerly, Rhode Island, stands a testament to both historical preservation and forward-thinking stewardship. The Westerly Masonic Temple at 20 Elm Street has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging from issues with water damage to a modernized facility ready to serve the Masonic community for generations to come.
The story begins in 1896 when this magnificent Victorian home was constructed as the executive residence of Arthur M. Cottrell Jr. and Kate Virginia Cottrell. The Cottrell family owned C.B. Cottrell & Sons in nearby Pawcatuck, Connecticut, where they manufactured printing presses in partnership with Harris Graphics. This three-story mansion, complete with servant quarters on the third floor, represented the prosperity and craftsmanship of the era.
The building’s Masonic chapter began in 1948 when the newly incorporated Westerly Masonic Foundation acquired the Cottrell property. The Foundation’s purpose was clear: to provide lodge rooms, meeting places, and facilities for the Masonic Fraternity and affiliated organizations in Westerly.
By 1957, the Foundation had secured a $35,000 mortgage to construct a significant addition including a Lodge Room (oriented due East & West in Masonic tradition), offices, and dining areas. Franklin Lodge #20 held its first meeting in December 1957, beginning nearly seven decades of continuous Masonic activity.
Today, the temple serves as home to Franklin Lodge #20 Free and Accepted Masons, Deborah Chapter #9 Order of the Eastern Star, Narragansett Commandery #27 Knights Templar (now meeting at Hope Lodge but still with significant ties to the Temple in Westerly), and Westerly Assembly #7 International Order of Rainbow for Girls. As Franklin Lodge Historian Right Worshipful Raymond Geer notes, “Every nook and cranny of the building is filled with Masonic history!”
In 2014, the Foundation faced a sobering reality: extensive water damage threatened their historic temple. What could have spelled disaster instead became the start of the most ambitious restoration project in the building’s Masonic history.
The restoration began under the leadership of Worshipful Brett Marggraff, who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Westerly Masonic Foundation. The project continued under Worshipful Robert Caron, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Property Manager. The success depended heavily on Franklin Lodge Trustees W. Eric Ross, W. David Shafovaloff, and Right Worshipful Jerry Duhamel Jr., whose diligent stewardship of Lodge investments allowed for significant financial contributions, enabling the Foundation to undertake these critical improvements.
The restoration project addressed both the immediate water damage and long-term modernization needs. Work began with establishing proper drainage to prevent future water infiltration—the essential foundation for all subsequent improvements.
A major 200-amp electrical upgrade in 2018 provided the power capacity for modern equipment throughout the building. New HVAC systems were installed in the dining room and Lodge Room in 2021, ensuring climate control while protecting the building’s contents. The kitchen achieved commercial certification, enabling the Foundation’s community involvement, including its booth at the Washington County Fair.
The second-floor apartment received a complete restoration in 2020. The dining room was transformed with the painting of the walls in 2020, and new flooring was installed in 2022, while the old Commandery locker room was converted into a functional conference room that same year. LED lighting and dimmers were installed in the Lodge Room in 2020, combining improved functionality with energy efficiency.
The driveway and parking lot were repaved in 2019, along with new parking lot lighting for safety. A new roof was completed in 2021, protecting against the elements that caused the original crisis. New doors enhanced accessibility and security in 2023, including a new door at the handicap-accessible side entrance. A BBQ pit installed in 2019 provides opportunities for outdoor fellowship. In 2024, the replacement of all six third-floor dormers and trim added to the exterior restoration of this Victorian structure.
At this point in 2025, the Westerly Masonic Temple stands as a model of how historical preservation and modern functionality can coexist. The Foundation has positioned itself to maintain this architectural treasure while serving both its Masonic families and the broader Westerly community through enhanced facilities and capabilities.
The transformation demonstrates what can be accomplished when a Masonic community commits to preserving its heritage while embracing the future. Under dedicated leadership and supported by member generosity and volunteer spirit, the Westerly Masonic Foundation has ensured that this 1896 mansion will continue to house Masonic light and fellowship well into the 21st century.
The cornerstone laid in 1958 promised a permanent home for Freemasonry in Westerly. That promise has been kept, and the foundation—both literal and figurative—has been strengthened for the generations yet to come.
Submitted by R:. W:. Daniel Rzewuski with contributions from R: W:. Raymond Geer and W:. Robert Caron