Text Box: Our Brother David W. Gilbert Bro. David began his Masonic life at 14 years of age, by joining the Valley Chapter of the Order of Demolay in Ansonia Connecticut, and he served as its Master Councilor in 1949. David was initiated an Entered Apprentice on January 19. 1954, Passed to the degree of Fellow craft on February 2, 1954 and was raised a Master Mason by his grandfather in King Hiram Lodge no. 12. In 1972 Bro Gilbert affiliated with Orange Lodge no. 143 and immediately joined the line of officers and served his new lodge as its Worshipful Master in 1978. In 1995 the Grand Master of Masons in Connecticut appointed him to be an Associate Grand Marshall of the 4th Masonic District and served until 1997. He was the Worthy Patron of Queen Esther Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in 1977—1978, again in 1983—1984 and yet again in 2004—2005. In 1992—1993, Worshipful Bro. David was elected and served as the President of the Orange Square Club, the parent organization that led to the formation of his lodge, and in 1996 he was named its “Mason Of The Year” In 1994 he demitted from King Hiram Lodge and made Orange Lodge his primary lodge. In 1970, remembering his Masonic roots, he as the “Dad” advisor revived the Valley Chapter of the Order of DeMolay and brought it to prominence during the next three years. Then he turned his attention to the Order of the Rainbow for Girls and assisted his wife, Grace, in the institution of Orange Assembly no 45 on October 23, 1971, and served as the first Chairman of its Advisory Board, on which he served for four years. From 1972—1979 Bro. Gilbert served on the Connecticut State Grand Assembly Committee. Upon the recommendation of the Supreme Inspector, Bro Gilbert received the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color. In 1974, he was the recipient of the Masonic Service to Youth award by the grand Lodge of Connecticut, and in 1975 he was awarded the DeMolay Chevalier Degree. For over 25 years he and his wife, Grace, had been active in the Masonic camping group known as the National Camping Travelers Association and in 1995—1996 he served as their National Youth Director and was in charge of all youth activities at its national rally in Maine of 1996. He also served as National Youth Director 1998-2002 and 2004-2005. Bro David was also very active in many Concordant bodies of Masonry, but he also served his lodge as its Treasurer for many years and was recently elected Orange Lodge’s Treasurer Emeritus. Last year two major events occurred in Brother Gilbert’s Masonic career. First he received his 50 year pin and certificate from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut but he also took part in raising his grandson, Bro David Edelen, in the same building where he was raised by his grandfather half a century earlier. David W. Gilbert David Williams Gilbert, of Derby, married 54 years to Grace Gilbert, died at home on Monday, August 1, 2005. He was born August 7. 1930, in Derby, son of the late Harry Finley Gilbert and Harriett E. Williams Gilbert Carter. He was a graduate of Derby H.S., Class of 1948 and Broadman Trade School of New Haven. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd of Orange, as well as a former Vestry member. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was the owner of Ideal Engine & Mower in Derby for 35 years. He was also a School Bus owner, operating for Amity School System for 35 years. He was a 50 year member and past master of Orange Lodge #143 A.F. & A.M.-Milford and past associate grand marshal of Grand Lodge of Connecticut. Member of the Masonic Camping Travelers, NCT and served as youth director at five national camping rallies. He was a past master counselor and “Dad” advisor of Valley Chapter, Order of DeMolay and former president and Advisory Board member, Ansonia Assembly #8, Order of Rainbow for Girls. Member and past Worthy patron of Queen Esther #31, Order of the Eastern Star in Shelton. In addition to his wife Grace, he is survived by four Daughters, Deborah Zaleha and husband, William Zaleha II, of Derby. Bonnie and Paul Edelen, of Bolton, Nadine and John O’Brien, of Orange; Trudy and Raymond Lasky of Derby. He is survived by 10 Grandchildren, Hope Zaleha Cotter, Debgorah Zaleha, William Zaleha III, David, Michael and Jonathan Edelen, Jack, Devin and Kaitlyn O’Brien and Nicholas Lasky. He was predeceased by his son, David Williams Gilbert, Jr. We will miss you Brother David.

A Guiding Light