FREEMASONRY
Bro. Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Letters to Constant Circa 1803
Freemasonry is an ancient and honourable society. Its principles are built upon standards of conduct in an ever-changing world. It is a body of knowledge and system of ethics based upon the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, country, and fraternity.
“… in the first decades of the eighteenth century, and, indeed, in London, a society came into public notice, which apparently had arisen earlier, but about which no one knew how to say whence it came, what it was, and what it sought.
It spread, notwithstanding, with inconceivable rapidity and traveled over France and Germany, into all states of Christian Europe, and even to North America.
Men of all ranks, regents, princes, nobles, the learned, artists, men of business, entered it; Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists were initiated and called one another Brother .”
Freemasonry is an ancient and honourable society. Its principles are built upon standards of conduct in an ever-changing world. It is a body of knowledge and system of ethics based upon the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, country, and fraternity.
“… in the first decades of the eighteenth century, and, indeed, in London, a society came into public notice, which apparently had arisen earlier, but about which no one knew how to say whence it came, what it was, and what it sought.
It spread, notwithstanding, with inconceivable rapidity and traveled over France and Germany, into all states of Christian Europe, and even to North America.
Men of all ranks, regents, princes, nobles, the learned, artists, men of business, entered it; Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists were initiated and called one another Brother .”
About Us
History of St. Alban’s Lodge A.F. & A.M No. 514 G.R.C.
St. Alban’s Lodge, Toronto, was instituted on the 16th of June 1913, by M.W. Bro. Aubrey White, Grand Master, who was assisted by a large number of distinguished brethren. R.W. Bro. F.W. Harcourt, K.C. was placed in the Chair as the Worshipful Master. The workings of the Lodge, while under a Dispensation, were most successful.
Having had its Warrant granted at the meeting of the Grand Lodge held at Niagara Falls, Ontario, in July 1914, the Lodge was constituted and consecrated by M.W. Bro. W.D. McPherson, K.C., Grand Master, on October 19th 1914. On this occasion the lodge room was beautifully decorated, and many prominent brethren were present, including many of the Masters of the city lodges.
The name selected for the Lodge is an interesting one in Masonic lore and was well chosen. St. Alban was proto-martyr of England, as the legend sets forth. He was born in the third century at Verulanium, now St. Alban’s, in Hertfordshire, England. In his youth he visited Rome and served seven years as a soldier under Emperor Diocletian.
On his return to Britain, he embraced Christianity, and was the first who suffered martyrdom in the great persecution which raged during the reign of that Emperor. Freemasons of England have claimed St. Alban as being intimately connected with the early history of the fraternity in that country.
In an old manuscript it is said: St. Alban loved Masons well and cherished them much, and made their pay right good; for he gave them two shillings per week and four pence to their cheer; whereas before that time, in all the land, a Mason had but a penny a day and his meat until St. Alban mended it. And he got them a charter from the King and his Council to hold a General Council, and gave it to name Assembly. Thereat he was himself and did help to make Masons and gave them good charges.
If the brethren of the Lodge will live up to the ideals so beautifully exemplified in the life of the proto-martyr, St. Alban, then will they truly be Masons in spirit as well as in name.
St. Alban’s Lodge, Toronto, was instituted on the 16th of June 1913, by M.W. Bro. Aubrey White, Grand Master, who was assisted by a large number of distinguished brethren. R.W. Bro. F.W. Harcourt, K.C. was placed in the Chair as the Worshipful Master. The workings of the Lodge, while under a Dispensation, were most successful.
Having had its Warrant granted at the meeting of the Grand Lodge held at Niagara Falls, Ontario, in July 1914, the Lodge was constituted and consecrated by M.W. Bro. W.D. McPherson, K.C., Grand Master, on October 19th 1914. On this occasion the lodge room was beautifully decorated, and many prominent brethren were present, including many of the Masters of the city lodges.
The name selected for the Lodge is an interesting one in Masonic lore and was well chosen. St. Alban was proto-martyr of England, as the legend sets forth. He was born in the third century at Verulanium, now St. Alban’s, in Hertfordshire, England. In his youth he visited Rome and served seven years as a soldier under Emperor Diocletian.
On his return to Britain, he embraced Christianity, and was the first who suffered martyrdom in the great persecution which raged during the reign of that Emperor. Freemasons of England have claimed St. Alban as being intimately connected with the early history of the fraternity in that country.
In an old manuscript it is said: St. Alban loved Masons well and cherished them much, and made their pay right good; for he gave them two shillings per week and four pence to their cheer; whereas before that time, in all the land, a Mason had but a penny a day and his meat until St. Alban mended it. And he got them a charter from the King and his Council to hold a General Council, and gave it to name Assembly. Thereat he was himself and did help to make Masons and gave them good charges.
If the brethren of the Lodge will live up to the ideals so beautifully exemplified in the life of the proto-martyr, St. Alban, then will they truly be Masons in spirit as well as in name.
HISTORY OF BAY OF QUINTE LODGE NO. 620 G.R.C
In October 1955, the late V. W. Bro. H. Babbit prepared a document “The Early History of Bay of Quinte Lodge.” Because of its relevance, much of its material has been included in this paper. Some thirty-two years had elapsed since Bay of Quinte Lodge was organized, and the Worshipful Master suggested that V. W. Bro. Babbit relate a few incidents in connection with its formation.
First let us take a brief glance at the early history of the Craft in the home counties bordering on the Bay from which the Lodge took its name. Masonry first came to the district with the formation of St. James’ Lodge in the King’s Rangers Regiment at Cataraqui, now Kingston, in 1781. It received its warrant from the Provincial Grand Lodge at Quebec and worked till about 1812. The first Master was Major James Rogers and his Regiment was often called Rogers’ Rangers. The Senior Warden was Captain John Walden Myers. Different spellings of the name appear in early masonic and military documents. It is interesting to note that twenty years later Captain Myers was the first Worshipful Master of Thurlow, now Moira Lodge at Belleville. He was also the founder of Belleville, having built a mill and started a settlement at the mouth of the Moira River, known as Myer’s Creek. The name was changed to Belleville in 1816.
The first settlers on the Bay of Quinte were Loyalists, and many were Masons. They entered an unbroken wilderness without roads except aboriginal trails and faced untold hardship and great privations for the sake of their convictions. It is therefore to be expected that the Craftsmen among them would long for Masonic fraternity and as soon as possible would take steps to organize Lodges in their settlements. St. Johns’, Kingston held its first meeting in August 1794. A Lodge was formed at Fredericksburg the same year, and at Belleville in 1801, Bath in 1803, Picton in 1811, Napanee in 1812 and at Carrying Place in 1818. This last was “United Lodge” and later moved to Brighton, where it still works. These were the pioneer Lodges of the Bay of Quinte and the forerunners of the nearly forty Lodges working in the district today. The “County Lodge” movement in Toronto started about 1920 for the purpose of bringing together as Charter Members, the many brethren from the old home counties, living in Toronto, but not affiliated with any of the Toronto Lodges. It was thought that this would enable them to take a more active and useful part in Masonry and also strengthen the fraternal ties with the Lodges in the home district. Both the Craft and the individual members have benefitted from the movement.
It was on the occasion of the Consecration of Grey Lodge on November 10th, 1922 that the suggestion for the organization of Bay of Quinte Lodge was first made. The Grand Master, Most W. Bro. W. N. Ponton conducted the ceremony and during his remarks at the end, spoke with enthusiasm of the forming of new Lodges such as Grey. Then addressing V. W. Bro. George Kingston from the chair, he said, “V. W. Bro. Kingston, couldn’t you undertake the organization of such a Lodge here amongst Masons in Toronto from the Belleville District?”
V. W. Bro. Kingston was greatly impressed by the Grand Master’s suggestion and lost no time in acting on it. During the next few days, he phoned and interviewed a number of brethren, and called an informal meeting for November 18th. The proposal for the new Lodge was favourably received and after some discussion it was decided to have another meeting on November 28th. Plans were made to canvas other eligible brethren and have them attend this meeting.
V. W. Bro. Kingston had served as the Worshipful Master of St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 16 in 1907 and was later appointed Grand Steward. He is looked upon as the father of the Lodge because of his keen interest in pilgrimages to lodges in the Bay of Quinte area. He arranged for the presentation of an item of lodge furniture on each occasion.
Bay of Quinte Lodge had four meeting places over its 78 years history:
1923 to 1937 – Yonge Street Masonic Temple, 888 Yonge Street
1937 to 1964 – York Masonic Temple, 5 Eglinton Avenue East
1964 to 1969 – York Masonic Temple, 1100 Millwood Road
1969 to 2001 – Thornhill Masonic Temple, Thornhill
Over the years Bay of Quinte Lodge produced several notable Masons. In 1956 R. W. Bro. Arthur Langman, was elected Grand Junior Warden. Several members served as D.D.G.M. In 1943 the W. M. was W. Bro. William K. Bailey, an affiliated member who had been initiated in December 1925 in Sterling Lodge No. 69 in Hastings County. He subsequently served as D.D.G.M., then as a member of the Board of General Purposes, was elected Deputy Grand Master in 1969, and finally Grand Master in 1971.
M.W. Bro. T. John Arthur, initiated into Caledonia Lodge No. 637, was an affiliated member who was very active in Bay of Quinte Lodge for many years. He was appointed an Honorary Past Grand Master in 1987 in recognition of his many years of service to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario. Quinte St. Alban’s Lodge is the proud possessor of a portrait of this most distinguished brother.
Through the 1990s it became more and more difficult for the Lodge to maintain sufficient membership for viability as a Lodge. Nevertheless, in 1998 a very successful observance of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary was held under the leadership of W. Bro. Kevin Anthony, the Worshipful Master at the time.
In the year 2000 the Lodge began actively to seek amalgamation with another Lodge. In 2001 W. Bro. Alan Donovan was serving a second term as Master (he had served previously in 1988). He later became the last D.D.G.M. of Toronto District 3, before the Toronto Districts were realigned in 2006.
On May 28, 2001, Bay of Quinte Lodge No. 620 G.R.C. amalgamated with St. Alban’s Lodge No. 514 to form Quinte St. Alban’s Lodge No. 620, and a new page was turned on the long history of distinguished service to Freemasonry in Ontario.
In October 1955, the late V. W. Bro. H. Babbit prepared a document “The Early History of Bay of Quinte Lodge.” Because of its relevance, much of its material has been included in this paper. Some thirty-two years had elapsed since Bay of Quinte Lodge was organized, and the Worshipful Master suggested that V. W. Bro. Babbit relate a few incidents in connection with its formation.
First let us take a brief glance at the early history of the Craft in the home counties bordering on the Bay from which the Lodge took its name. Masonry first came to the district with the formation of St. James’ Lodge in the King’s Rangers Regiment at Cataraqui, now Kingston, in 1781. It received its warrant from the Provincial Grand Lodge at Quebec and worked till about 1812. The first Master was Major James Rogers and his Regiment was often called Rogers’ Rangers. The Senior Warden was Captain John Walden Myers. Different spellings of the name appear in early masonic and military documents. It is interesting to note that twenty years later Captain Myers was the first Worshipful Master of Thurlow, now Moira Lodge at Belleville. He was also the founder of Belleville, having built a mill and started a settlement at the mouth of the Moira River, known as Myer’s Creek. The name was changed to Belleville in 1816.
The first settlers on the Bay of Quinte were Loyalists, and many were Masons. They entered an unbroken wilderness without roads except aboriginal trails and faced untold hardship and great privations for the sake of their convictions. It is therefore to be expected that the Craftsmen among them would long for Masonic fraternity and as soon as possible would take steps to organize Lodges in their settlements. St. Johns’, Kingston held its first meeting in August 1794. A Lodge was formed at Fredericksburg the same year, and at Belleville in 1801, Bath in 1803, Picton in 1811, Napanee in 1812 and at Carrying Place in 1818. This last was “United Lodge” and later moved to Brighton, where it still works. These were the pioneer Lodges of the Bay of Quinte and the forerunners of the nearly forty Lodges working in the district today. The “County Lodge” movement in Toronto started about 1920 for the purpose of bringing together as Charter Members, the many brethren from the old home counties, living in Toronto, but not affiliated with any of the Toronto Lodges. It was thought that this would enable them to take a more active and useful part in Masonry and also strengthen the fraternal ties with the Lodges in the home district. Both the Craft and the individual members have benefitted from the movement.
It was on the occasion of the Consecration of Grey Lodge on November 10th, 1922 that the suggestion for the organization of Bay of Quinte Lodge was first made. The Grand Master, Most W. Bro. W. N. Ponton conducted the ceremony and during his remarks at the end, spoke with enthusiasm of the forming of new Lodges such as Grey. Then addressing V. W. Bro. George Kingston from the chair, he said, “V. W. Bro. Kingston, couldn’t you undertake the organization of such a Lodge here amongst Masons in Toronto from the Belleville District?”
V. W. Bro. Kingston was greatly impressed by the Grand Master’s suggestion and lost no time in acting on it. During the next few days, he phoned and interviewed a number of brethren, and called an informal meeting for November 18th. The proposal for the new Lodge was favourably received and after some discussion it was decided to have another meeting on November 28th. Plans were made to canvas other eligible brethren and have them attend this meeting.
V. W. Bro. Kingston had served as the Worshipful Master of St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 16 in 1907 and was later appointed Grand Steward. He is looked upon as the father of the Lodge because of his keen interest in pilgrimages to lodges in the Bay of Quinte area. He arranged for the presentation of an item of lodge furniture on each occasion.
Bay of Quinte Lodge had four meeting places over its 78 years history:
1923 to 1937 – Yonge Street Masonic Temple, 888 Yonge Street
1937 to 1964 – York Masonic Temple, 5 Eglinton Avenue East
1964 to 1969 – York Masonic Temple, 1100 Millwood Road
1969 to 2001 – Thornhill Masonic Temple, Thornhill
Over the years Bay of Quinte Lodge produced several notable Masons. In 1956 R. W. Bro. Arthur Langman, was elected Grand Junior Warden. Several members served as D.D.G.M. In 1943 the W. M. was W. Bro. William K. Bailey, an affiliated member who had been initiated in December 1925 in Sterling Lodge No. 69 in Hastings County. He subsequently served as D.D.G.M., then as a member of the Board of General Purposes, was elected Deputy Grand Master in 1969, and finally Grand Master in 1971.
M.W. Bro. T. John Arthur, initiated into Caledonia Lodge No. 637, was an affiliated member who was very active in Bay of Quinte Lodge for many years. He was appointed an Honorary Past Grand Master in 1987 in recognition of his many years of service to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario. Quinte St. Alban’s Lodge is the proud possessor of a portrait of this most distinguished brother.
Through the 1990s it became more and more difficult for the Lodge to maintain sufficient membership for viability as a Lodge. Nevertheless, in 1998 a very successful observance of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary was held under the leadership of W. Bro. Kevin Anthony, the Worshipful Master at the time.
In the year 2000 the Lodge began actively to seek amalgamation with another Lodge. In 2001 W. Bro. Alan Donovan was serving a second term as Master (he had served previously in 1988). He later became the last D.D.G.M. of Toronto District 3, before the Toronto Districts were realigned in 2006.
On May 28, 2001, Bay of Quinte Lodge No. 620 G.R.C. amalgamated with St. Alban’s Lodge No. 514 to form Quinte St. Alban’s Lodge No. 620, and a new page was turned on the long history of distinguished service to Freemasonry in Ontario.
History of Quinte St. Albans Lodge
The Amalgamation History
The history of the amalgamation began on May 5, 1999, with a regular meeting of St Alban’s Lodge, attended by 10 participants. During this meeting, the idea of a significant change for the lodge was first introduced. Three potential directions were considered: closing the lodge, merging with other lodges, or amalgamation. The challenges of low attendance, questionable officer progression, and only 47 paying members prompted the decision to explore amalgamation options with other lodges.
By October 18, 1999, talks with the Vaughn Lodge were ongoing, and the Wellington Lodge was approached to adopt dual membership with St Alban’s. Additionally, the Remembrance Lodge offered to accept any members if St Alban’s were to close, waiving membership fees. A proactive outreach strategy was adopted, with efforts to visit various lodges and gauge their interest in amalgamation. On this date, it was also noted that 18 lodges were projected to go dark in the year 2000.
By April 10, 2000, discussions with Vaughn Lodge continued, with the pressing need to fill officer positions becoming a significant issue. A formal committee for seeking amalgamation was established. On May 29, 2000, talks with Bay of Quinte Lodge were officially mentioned, led by WB James McDowall, the Worshipful Master of St Alban’s.
In October 2000, the amalgamation committee was awaiting confirmation from Bay of Quinte Lodge regarding their members’ approval and the formation of their own official committee. During this time, an initiation application was received from Mr. Benjamin McAlister, who would later become the Worshipful Master of the amalgamated lodge.
By 2001, significant progress had been made. The Grand Master appointed RW Bro Terrence Shand as chair of the Amalgamation Committee, signaling the process was gaining momentum at the highest Masonic level. At the February 12, 2001 meeting, terms for the amalgamation were set:
- The new lodge would be named Quinte St Alban’s Lodge, retaining Bay of Quinte’s number 620.
- Bay of Quinte’s by-laws would be adopted.
- The Worshipful Master of Bay of Quinte, Bro Alan Donovan, would become the Master of the new lodge.
- Meetings would be held on the 4th Monday at Thornhill Temple, the previous home of both lodges.
- The lodge would become a member of Toronto District #3.
- The first installation of officers would take place in October 2001, with WB James McDowall, the former Worshipful Master of St Alban’s, becoming the Immediate Past Master (IPM).
- The lodge would continue the tradition of the St Alban’s Lodge gathering, which in 2001 was scheduled in Mount Albert, Ontario.
- By March 12, 2001, the decision was made official with a motion passed to finalize the amalgamation on May 28, 2001, with the blessing of Grand Lodge. On March 26, all St Alban’s members were invited to attend the official visit at Bay of Quinte, and the final meeting for St Alban’s was scheduled for May 14.
On April 9, 2001, RW Bro Nabil Farid made an official visit to St Alban’s, where, with members of Bay of Quinte present, the last degree was conferred, and Mr. Benjamin McAlister was initiated into Masonry. This marked the last official meeting of St Alban’s on May 14, 2001, which was filled with reflection and fond memories.
The Amalgamation Ceremony took place on May 28, 2001, at the Thornhill Masonic Temple. Bay of Quinte Lodge hosted the last regular meeting, and at 7:30 PM, the members of St Alban’s Lodge were formally received. The Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Terrence Shand, officiated the ceremony, which was attended by Grand Lodge officers, including the Director of Ceremonies and the Chaplain. The amalgamation was declared official, with the members of St Alban’s Lodge joining the Bay of Quinte Lodge, which became the continuing lodge under the new name Quinte St Alban’s Lodge #620.
Later that year, W.Bro. Tedy Abramovici became the first member initiated into the new amalgamated lodge and, in 2012, the first Worshipful Master to have been initiated into Quinte St Alban’s Lodge.
Since the amalgamation, the lodge has celebrated several notable achievements, including:
- Successful efforts to initiate new members.
- Hosting the Gathering of Lodges Named for St Alban’s in 2013, chaired by RW Bro Roy Harrison.
- Organizing two major trips to Holguin, Cuba, where members participated in meetings and hosted large Masonic dinners.
- Twinning with the Calixto García Lodge and Roberto Luis Ferrer Lodge and providing them with two full suitcases of Masonic regalia.
- Hosting annual summer picnics before the pandemic, bringing together members, their families, and friends.
- As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Quinte St Alban’s Lodge, we are proud to carry on the traditions of our predecessors from St Alban’s and Bay of Quinte. We remain committed to upholding the values of the Masonic Craft and ensuring their legacy continues to thrive for future generations.
The Amalgamation History
The history of the amalgamation began on May 5, 1999, with a regular meeting of St Alban’s Lodge, attended by 10 participants. During this meeting, the idea of a significant change for the lodge was first introduced. Three potential directions were considered: closing the lodge, merging with other lodges, or amalgamation. The challenges of low attendance, questionable officer progression, and only 47 paying members prompted the decision to explore amalgamation options with other lodges.
By October 18, 1999, talks with the Vaughn Lodge were ongoing, and the Wellington Lodge was approached to adopt dual membership with St Alban’s. Additionally, the Remembrance Lodge offered to accept any members if St Alban’s were to close, waiving membership fees. A proactive outreach strategy was adopted, with efforts to visit various lodges and gauge their interest in amalgamation. On this date, it was also noted that 18 lodges were projected to go dark in the year 2000.
By April 10, 2000, discussions with Vaughn Lodge continued, with the pressing need to fill officer positions becoming a significant issue. A formal committee for seeking amalgamation was established. On May 29, 2000, talks with Bay of Quinte Lodge were officially mentioned, led by WB James McDowall, the Worshipful Master of St Alban’s.
In October 2000, the amalgamation committee was awaiting confirmation from Bay of Quinte Lodge regarding their members’ approval and the formation of their own official committee. During this time, an initiation application was received from Mr. Benjamin McAlister, who would later become the Worshipful Master of the amalgamated lodge.
By 2001, significant progress had been made. The Grand Master appointed RW Bro Terrence Shand as chair of the Amalgamation Committee, signaling the process was gaining momentum at the highest Masonic level. At the February 12, 2001 meeting, terms for the amalgamation were set:
- The new lodge would be named Quinte St Alban’s Lodge, retaining Bay of Quinte’s number 620.
- Bay of Quinte’s by-laws would be adopted.
- The Worshipful Master of Bay of Quinte, Bro Alan Donovan, would become the Master of the new lodge.
- Meetings would be held on the 4th Monday at Thornhill Temple, the previous home of both lodges.
- The lodge would become a member of Toronto District #3.
- The first installation of officers would take place in October 2001, with WB James McDowall, the former Worshipful Master of St Alban’s, becoming the Immediate Past Master (IPM).
- The lodge would continue the tradition of the St Alban’s Lodge gathering, which in 2001 was scheduled in Mount Albert, Ontario.
- By March 12, 2001, the decision was made official with a motion passed to finalize the amalgamation on May 28, 2001, with the blessing of Grand Lodge. On March 26, all St Alban’s members were invited to attend the official visit at Bay of Quinte, and the final meeting for St Alban’s was scheduled for May 14.
On April 9, 2001, RW Bro Nabil Farid made an official visit to St Alban’s, where, with members of Bay of Quinte present, the last degree was conferred, and Mr. Benjamin McAlister was initiated into Masonry. This marked the last official meeting of St Alban’s on May 14, 2001, which was filled with reflection and fond memories.
The Amalgamation Ceremony took place on May 28, 2001, at the Thornhill Masonic Temple. Bay of Quinte Lodge hosted the last regular meeting, and at 7:30 PM, the members of St Alban’s Lodge were formally received. The Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Terrence Shand, officiated the ceremony, which was attended by Grand Lodge officers, including the Director of Ceremonies and the Chaplain. The amalgamation was declared official, with the members of St Alban’s Lodge joining the Bay of Quinte Lodge, which became the continuing lodge under the new name Quinte St Alban’s Lodge #620.
Later that year, W.Bro. Tedy Abramovici became the first member initiated into the new amalgamated lodge and, in 2012, the first Worshipful Master to have been initiated into Quinte St Alban’s Lodge.
Since the amalgamation, the lodge has celebrated several notable achievements, including:
- Successful efforts to initiate new members.
- Hosting the Gathering of Lodges Named for St Alban’s in 2013, chaired by RW Bro Roy Harrison.
- Organizing two major trips to Holguin, Cuba, where members participated in meetings and hosted large Masonic dinners.
- Twinning with the Calixto García Lodge and Roberto Luis Ferrer Lodge and providing them with two full suitcases of Masonic regalia.
- Hosting annual summer picnics before the pandemic, bringing together members, their families, and friends.
- As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Quinte St Alban’s Lodge, we are proud to carry on the traditions of our predecessors from St Alban’s and Bay of Quinte. We remain committed to upholding the values of the Masonic Craft and ensuring their legacy continues to thrive for future generations.
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Supporting Our Community: Strengthening Bonds Through Charity and Masonic Values.
RICHMONDHILL COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
The Richmond Hill Community Food Bank is a non-government, independently run non-profit agency, founded to provide temporary emergency food assistance to those in need. Our strength is the generous support of the people of Richmond Hill, Thornhill and Maple, corporate supporters, food drives by churches and schools, and our staff of amazing volunteers.
BAY OF QUINTE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
In October 1955, the late V. W. Bro. H. Babbit prepared a document “The Early History of Bay of Quinte Lodge.” Because of its relevance, much of its material has been included in this paper. Some thirty-two years had elapsed since Bay of Quinte Lodge was organized, and the Worshipful Master suggested that V. W. Bro. Babbit relate a few incidents in connection with its formation.
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Ontario Masons Magazine
Ontario Masons Magazine is the official publication of the Grand Lodge of Ontario. We celebrate the life and times of our members through stories and reports.
Toronto Don Valley District Masons
Toronto Don Valley District covers the central part of the GTA and includes the City of Toronto proper, with boundaries spanning from the Don River Valley (DVP & 404) to Dufferin Street, and the waterfront to Thornhill.
Ontario Masons
The Mother Grand Lodge in England was understandably slow to forward warrants, certificates, and complete other tasks for lodges in Canada, given the distance between England and its colony.
Masonic Life
The term “lodge” itself comes from the structures which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, they lived in these lodges and worked at carving stone.
But a Masonic lodge is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.
Family of Freemasonry
Beyond the symbolic lodge, there are a number of additional Masonic-affiliated organizations.
The three most well-known appendant bodies are:
Shriners International
32º Scottish Rite Freemasonry
York Rite
Each of these appendant bodies hold as its membership prerequisite that a man remain a Master Mason in good standing.
Past Masters
A Past Master is a Mason who has previously served as the Worshipful Master, the highest leadership role in a Masonic Lodge. They bring valuable experience and wisdom, having overseen the lodge’s operations and upheld its traditions. While no longer in an active leadership position, they continue to mentor, preserve the lodge’s history, and offer guidance to current and future leaders, ensuring the lodge’s stability and continuity.
| Year | Past Master Name |
|---|---|
| 2001-02 | R. W. Bro. Alan Donovan P.D.D.G.M |
| 2003 | W. Bro. Bruce Gasson |
| 2004-05 | W. Bro. Lyle G. Painter |
| 2006 | W. Bro. Christopher A. Aaltonen |
| 2007 | W. Bro. Vincent Lombardo |
| 2008-09 | W. Bro. Benjamin J. McAlister |
| 2010-12 | W.Bro. Vincent Lombardo |
| 2013 | W.Bro. Tedy Ambramovici |
| 2014 | W.Bro. Romeo Igancio |
| 2015 | W.Bro. Jonathan Macala |
| 2016 | V.W.Bro. Richard Carveth |
| 2017-18 | W.Bro. Pierre Ghattas |
| 2019 | W.Bro. Salam Haddad |
| 2020-22 | W.Bro. Kurt Estrada |
| 2023 | W.Bro. jame Hugo Bond |
| 2024 | W.Bro. Kurt Estrada |
| 2025 | W.Bro. Jhon Michael Saturio |
A Past Master is a Mason who has previously served as the Worshipful Master, the highest leadership role in a Masonic Lodge. They bring valuable experience and wisdom, having overseen the lodge’s operations and upheld its traditions. While no longer in an active leadership position, they continue to mentor, preserve the lodge’s history, and offer guidance to current and future leaders, ensuring the lodge’s stability and continuity.
| Year | Past Master Name |
|---|---|
| 2001-02 | R. W. Bro. Alan Donovan P.D.D.G.M |
| 2003 | W. Bro. Bruce Gasson |
| 2004-05 | W. Bro. Lyle G. Painter |
| 2006 | W. Bro. Christopher A. Aaltonen |
| 2007 | W. Bro. Vincent Lombardo |
| 2008-09 | W. Bro. Benjamin J. McAlister |
| 2010-12 | W.Bro. Vincent Lombardo |
| 2013 | W.Bro. Tedy Ambramovici |
| 2014 | W.Bro. Romeo Igancio |
| 2015 | W.Bro. Jonathan Macala |
| 2016 | V.W.Bro. Richard Carveth |
| 2017-18 | W.Bro. Pierre Ghattas |
| 2019 | W.Bro. Salam Haddad |
| 2020-22 | W.Bro. Kurt Estrada |
| 2023 | W.Bro. jame Hugo Bond |
| 2024 | W.Bro. Kurt Estrada |
| 2025 | W.Bro. Jhon Michael Saturio |
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