Connecticut Masonic Hall Damaged By Arson Fire

Photo: Connecticut State Police and NBC Connecticut

by Christopher Hodapp

Connecticut State Police are searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for an arson fire that damaged a Masonic hall this past weekend. 

According to NBC Connecticut, at 9:43 AM Saturday, firefighters were called to the scene at Fayette Lodge 69 in Ellington, Connecticut. The lodge was empty at the time, but neighbors spotted smoke coming out from under a doorway and called 911. 

A man was spotted walking away from the building wearing dark clothing and a black knit hat. It was reported today that he has been identified, and police are attempting to find him.

Members report that the lodge has been vandalized at least twice before this in recent months, and there is concern that these incidents may have all been perpetrated by the same person.

Fayette Lodge 69 before the fire. (Facebook page)

UPDATE MARCH 30, 2023:

Lodge members report that damage to the ground floor was substantial, as was smoke and water damage throughout the building.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by the neighbors across from the lodge who spotted the fire to raise $10,000 in order to offset the insurance deductibles and repair damage to the building and its contents. CLICK HERE to donate.