LODGE OF FIDELITY HISTORY
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PREFACE
The history of LODGE OF FIDELITY has been documented in three booklets.
The first booklet, entitled "Lodge of Fidelity, 75th Anniversary", outlined the
period from 1870 to 1945/46. The second booklet, entitled "100 Years of Lodge
History, 1870 - 1970" again outlined the first 75 years, plus the period 1945/46 to
1970. The third booklet, covers the period 1970 to 1995 and is titled "Lodge of
Fidelity, 125th Anniversary".
This page is made up of a narrative describing the Lodge highlights from
1970 to 1995, including the relocating of the Lodge from the old Masonic Temple located at
111 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, our meeting place from 1914 to 1975, to the present location at
2140 Walkley Road, in the Southeast part of the City of Ottawa; the awarding of the
prestigious William Mercer Wilson Medal to our Secretary Emeritus, Bro. Nicholas Samuel
Mahara; and the unique situation of having three generations of the same family active
members of the Lodge.
During the period 1970 to 1995, Lodge of Fidelity initiated 119 persons.
Records indicate that since 1870, approximately 1300 men have joined Masonry in Lodge of
Fidelity. The membership as of 01 July 1995 stands at 154, made up of 72 Life Members and
82 Dues Paying Members.
LODGE OF FIDELITY HISTORY 1970-1998
As the Lodge of Fidelity enters its second century, it is interesting to
read an account of its founding in 1870. This bit of history has just recently been
discovered (1994) by the historian of Doric Lodge, Rt. Wor. Bro. Ed Hare. In an extract
from the minutes of Doric Lodge #58 of 05 January 1870; "We, the undersigned Master
Masons of the different Lodges set opposite our names, beg to present a Petition to the
Grand Master of Canada, praying for a Warrant of Constitution to hold a Lodge to be named
LODGE OF FIDELITY, and would respectfully solicit your kind and Brotherly
recommendation". The signatures of 16 Master Masons representing the following 5
Ottawa Lodges were affixed to the Petition. The Lodges were: Builders #177; Corinthian
#59; Dalhousie #571ER; Doric #58; and Peterboro #155.
1970
The year 1970 was historic for the Lodge of Fidelity, not only because
it celebrated its 100th Anniversary, but also because in that year the former Ottawa
Masonic District was split into two Districts known as Ottawa District 1, and Ottawa
District 2. The first DDGM of Ottawa District 1 was Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell. His
close friend Rt. Wor. Bro. Kenneth Nesbitt was named DDGM of Ottawa District 2. Lodge of
Fidelity was also fortunate to have as Worshipful Master, Wor. Bro. Howard Clauson.
Fortunate because the Clauson name has been associated with Lodge of Fidelity for many
years.
1970 was a good year for Lodge of Fidelity. In October, Wor. Bro. Jim
Ham Jr. was invested as Jr. Warden by Vy. Wor. Bro. Harold I. Morgan. Wor. Bro. Ham, a
member of the Lodge since 1950 had recently returned to Ottawa from Lahr, Germany, where
he was Charter Master in 1968 of Black Forest Lodge, #901, UVL Germany. In November, we
had the pleasure of presenting to Bro. Dr. Thomas Doyle Higginson his 60 year lapel pin
and card.
1971
At the Regular meeting in January 1971, a motion was presented for the
closing of the Centennial Fund, with all remaining funds placed into the Gardner Fund. A
donation of $1000.00 was made to the Shriners Hospital in Montreal.
In March, with our wives and friends, we sat down to a good old
fashioned supper of Irish stew. In proper style, a receiving line made up of the W.M; the
S.W; the J.W. and their wives, greeted our visitors and guests. Following the supper Wor.
Bro. "Dib" Welby gave a very interesting talk on Masonry in General. This was
followed by Wor. Bro. Jim Ham Jr. explaining the furniture, furnishings and regalia of the
Lodge, in the Lodge room.
An engineering study done in early 1971, concluded that the Temple on
Metcalfe Street was rapidly becoming unsafe and that new accommodation must be considered.
Accordingly, a Committee was set up to investigate. Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alf Pell
was our representative. Later in the year, V. W. Bro. Birkett Lishman, a member of the Committee,
gave a presentation for a proposed new building which would be constructed on Walkley Road
in the Southeast part of Ottawa.
Towards the end of 1971, each Lodge was sent a questionnaire outlining
certain proposal regarding a new Temple. Lodge of Fidelity voted by standing vote on each
item in the proposal. The results were that the members were in favour of a new Temple,
but against the basic building plan as presented, as it was considered there were just too
many deficiencies and limitations.
The May meeting, 1971, saw the installation of Bro. William (Bill) Kirby
Bangs as Worshipful Master; Wor. Bro. Jim Ham Jr. as Senior Warden; and Bro. Jack Pell as
Junior Warden. Vy. W. Bro. Charlie Sharp was the Installing Master. Wor. Bro. Howard
Clauson gave notice that at the next regular meeting he would move that the Lodge By-Laws
be amended to include the words "to be ex officio, a member of all committees"
to the duties of Secretary. M. W. Bro. Stanley Maynard, a PGM of Prince Edward Island, was
made an Honorary member of our Lodge. Vy. W. Bro. Charlie Sharp was presented with the
"dress and undress" regalia of a Grand Steward. He had been the District
Secretary for Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell when he was DDGM in 1970. The year 1971 ended with a
fraternal visit from the Brethren and their wives of Watertown Lodge #49, of Watertown,
New York.
1972
In May 1972, Vy. W. Bro. Sharp, as Installing Master, installed Wor.
Bro. Jim Ham Jr. as Worshipful Master; Bro. Jack Pell as Senior Warden; and Bro. Gordon
Harrison as Junior Warden.
At the September 1972 meeting, we were informed that a site on Walkley
Road, 5.2 acres in size, had been accepted as the location for a new Temple. One month
later, Lodge of Fidelity voted in favour of building a Temple on the selected site.
1973
To assist in the financing for the new Temple, Bro. Jack Pell moved that
our free assets, up to the pro-rated shares of the new Temple fund, be committed to assist
in closing the purchase agreement for the Walkley Road site. On 17 April 1973, the
Committee of General Purposes recommended that the Lodge give the sum of $7,000.00 to the
new Temple Company to enable the purchase of the land on Walkley Road.
May 1973 saw the installation of Bro. Jack Pell as Worshipful Master.
The Installing Master was his father, Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf. Pell. The Master's obligation was
given by Wor. Bro. Bill Pell, the uncle of the Wor. Master. A goodly number of Past and
Present Grand Lodge Officers were in attendance.
1974
1974 opened on a sad note when the members were called to attend the
funeral of Wor. Bro. William (Bill) Pell.
It was announced at the January meeting that the Lodge has raised
$9,000.00 towards the cost of the new Temple. This is 1/3 of our objective.
At the March 1974 meeting, Mr. Nicholas Samuel Mahara was initiated. He
was to become our Secretary for 15 years, 1978-1993. It was also announced that an offer
of $300,000.00 had been received for the old Metcalfe St. Temple. It was accepted.
In May, Bro. Gordon Harrison was installed as Worshipful Master. Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell, the outgoing Master, was presented with his Past Master's jewel by his
father Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell.
1975
1975 started off with a bang. The Lodge made a profit of $2,000.00 from
the New Year's party. We turned this profit over to the New Temple Fund Raising Committee.
The March meeting saw the Past Master's exemplify the Second Degree
under the direction of Vy. W. Bro. Charlie Sharp. The candidate was Bro. Edward (Ted)
Harvey. Wor. Bro. Jim Jones of Chaudiere Lodge presented to Lodge of Fidelity library, 5
volumes of the Masonic Encyclopedia.
An invitation was received from Zetland Lodge, Toronto, to help them
celebrate their Centennial on 21 April 1975. Lodge of Fidelity and Zetland have been close
friends for many years. The Union Jack displayed in our Lodge is a previous gift from
Zetland Lodge.
At the Regular meeting in March, Bro. Barrie Chamberlin moved that the
initiation fee be increased to $150.00. It would include the cost of a Master Mason's
Apron as well as the Grand Lodge Master Mason's Certificate.
The Emergent meeting in May saw the last two lodge candidates , Mr.
Kenneth Leroy Reid and Mr. Julius Isidore Hirst initiated in the Metcalfe Street Temple.
Mr. Hirst, being the junior of the candidates, was the last person to be initiated at the
old Temple.
1975 saw the closing of the Metcalfe Street Temple with the various
Lodges seeking temporary accommodation. Lodge of Fidelity chose to hold their meetings at
Carleton Lodge Carp. Our first meeting took place on 15 September 1975.
Many things change. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham takes over as Editor of
Highlights, and Marquardt Printers take over the printing of the Summons and Highlights
from Westboro Printers.
At the October meeting, Bro. Julius "Chick" Hirst was passed
to the Fellowcraft Degree. He was the first candidate to be processed at Carleton Lodge.
It was a bitterly cold evening as the furnace custodian had not turned on the furnace .
The meeting was very short.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Pell announced that good progress was being made on the
construction of the new Temple. The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro. Eric Nancekevell,
is to lay the cornerstone on 31 October 1975. This proved to be a very auspicious
occasion. In attendance were Rt. Wor. Bro. Raymond Shane, DDGM Ottawa District 1; Rt. Wor.
Bro. Alf Pell, a Director of the Corporation; and many Grand Lodge Officers, also, many
Brethren and wives.
The December 1975 meeting was special with Rt. Wor. Bro. Cecil Howard
being presented with his 50 year lapel pin and card by Vy. Wor. Bro. Harold Morgan. V.
Wor. Bro. Morgan recounted that he had sponsored Rt. Wor. Bro. Howard into Masonry in
Fidelity in 1922. Bro. Hirst was raised to a Master Mason. The evening was much warmer
than that of October.
1976
At the March 1976 meeting, Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell announced that the
contractor for the new Temple had almost finished the interior. This is good news as it
signifies that we can return to Ottawa for our meetings in the Fall. However, to help
lessen the costs, the Brethren will do the interior painting. Bro. Colin Brown donates 200
gallons of paint for this purpose. Lodge of Fidelity calls for volunteers.
On 2 April the Lodge lost one of its pillars of strength when Wor. Bro.
"Dib" Welby passed to the Grand Lodge above.
To honour our financial commitment, Lodge of Fidelity borrows $10,000
from the bank.
Wor. Bro. George Byers was called to the Grand Lodge above on 20 March
1976. He was Wor. Master of the Lodge in 1964/65.
The May meeting held 18 May, saw Bro. Edward "Ted" Harvey
installed as Worshipful Master. The Installing Master was W. Bro. Jim Ham Jr.. Rt. Wor.
Bro. Alf Pell announced that the contractor had completed the interior of the new Temple.
With this news we conclude a year and a half of meetings at Carleton Lodge Temple Carp. We
look forward to meeting in the Fall in the new Walkley Road Temple. We are most grateful
to Carleton Lodge in permitting us the use of their facilities for the past 18 months.
The first meeting in the new Temple was held on 21 September 1976. We
believe we are again following tradition by conducting the first degree in the new Temple.
A motion to purchase a silver plate and present it to Carleton Lodge Carp was approved.
Saturday night, 16 October 1976, was special in that an informal party
was held for our departing Secretary, V. W. Bro. Ted Andrew. Over 100 members and friends
assembled in the Lounge of the new Temple. On behalf of the Lodge, Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey
made a presentation of a well filled wallet to our Brother thanking him for his many years
as an Officer, Worshipful Master and Secretary of the Lodge.
The annual installation and investiture meeting in May saw Bro. George
Clauson installed as Worshipful Master by his father W. Bro. Howard Clauson. W. Bro. Jim
Ham Jr. presented the outgoing Worshipful Master with a new Past Master's Jewel.
1977
We began the Fall of 1977 with a fraternal visit from the Brethren of
Acacia Lodge #705, Ogdensburg, New York. on 8 October. Wor. Bro. Peter Terriah and his
team exemplified a 3rd degree as done in the USA. Very different to our own. Our
Worshipful Master acted as the candidate and was made an honorary member of Acacia Lodge.
At the December meeting it was decided to reactivate the Finance
Committee to revue the Lodge's financial situation and make recommendations for dues
increases as necessary.
1978
In February 1978, Wor. Bro. Jack Pell proposed that the Lodge build a
patio at the rear of the new Temple. Work to be started in late Spring.
Following a detailed review of our financial position, it was proposed
at the March 1978 meeting that the dues be increased to $55.00 per resident and $30.00 for
each non resident. A resident is defined as one residing within the boundaries of the
Ottawa Carleton Region. The initiation fee is to increase to $200.00. The new fees to be
effective on 01 May 1978.
Bro. Robert Glen Gordon was installed as Worshipful Master at the mid
May meeting. The installing master was Wor. Bro. Lyle Francis. Wor. Bro. George Clauson,
the outgoing Master, was presented with a Past Master's jewel by his father Wor. Bro.
Howard Clauson. Of special note is that at this meeting Bro. Nicholas Mahara was invested
as Secretary, a post that he would hold until May 1993.
1979
The 1978/79 Masonic year started on a high note. Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell
was coroneted a 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason in September.
In early November we paid a fraternal visit to Acacian Lodge, #705,
Ogdensburg, New York where our Lodge exemplified a Canadian 3rd degree. Their Wor. Master
acted as the candidate, and was made an Honorary member of Fidelity.
The Official visit of the DDGM, Rt. Wor. Bro. Ross Thomson, in November
saw a record attendance. The Tylers register shows that 179 members and visitors signed
in. The attendance was complemented by the names of 27 Grand Lodge Officers, past and
present, hailing from St. John, N.B. to Eatonia, Sask. The DDGM, was introduced by Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell. A special guest and friend of Fidelity , Rt. Wor. Bro. Reginald Hoddy,
Grand Junior Warden of Ontario, was warmly greeted ,as was Rt. Wor. Bro. Jim Jones, DDGM,
Ottawa District 2.
The December 1979 meeting saw the first of the annual Family nights,
when we invited our wives and friends to join with us for a sit down supper and
entertainment. Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell gave a very interesting presentation on the History
of our Lodge which is now in its 109th year.
A thank you letter from Wor. Bro. Gordon Thomas, Worshipful Master of
Prince of Wales Lodge, #371, was read by the Secretary, thanking the Lodge for our gift as
part of their Centennial celebrations.
At the May meeting. Bro. Gordon Chamberlain was installed as Worshipful
Master. The installing master was Vy. W. Bro. Charlie Sharp who is the uncle of Bro.
Chamberlain.
1980
At the September meeting Wor. Bro. George Clauson was presented with a
beautiful citation from Grand Lodge for his participation in Project H.E.L.P. (Hearing for
Every Living Person), which was an outstanding success.
In December it was announced that Fidelity won the runner's up trophy
for curling for the first time.
At our March meeting, the Finance Committee announced that the
Initiation fee was to be increased to $250.00, $50.00 of which would go to the Life
Member's Fund. The Affiliation Fee remains at $25.00.
The Lodge undertook a new Project in March to raise at least $1,000.00
to assist in purchasing a BURNS water bath at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario,
Ottawa.
It was announced in April that Fidelity has come through again and has
already raised $1186.00 for the BURNS project. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell also announced that the
Patio project is GO. Construction starts in the summer.
In May 1980, Bro. Jim Hatch was installed as Worshipful Master. Wor.
Bro. Jim Ham was installing master. A surprise, but welcome, visit was paid to our Lodge
by Most Wor. Bro. Howard O. Polk, Grand Master and Rt. Wor. Bro. Reg Hoddy, Past
Grand Junior Warden of Ontario.
The Fall 1980 season starts off well with a cheque for $1500.00 being
presented to Wor. Bro. Beach for the BURNS project. As well, the Patio project is well
under way. The BBQ held during the early summer with the members of Doric Lodge was a
resounding success. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell was elected DDGM, Ottawa District 1, at Grand
Lodge in July. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey was selected as District Secretary.
A small group including the DDGM, District Secretary, and the Worshipful
Master, visited Bro. Dr. Thomas Doyle Higginson on his 99th birthday to present him with
his 70 year pin.
The DDGM visit in November was another success, 202 members and friends,
representing 47 GL Officers, 7 W.M's, 50 P.M.'s and 90 members and guests were welcomed by
the Worshipful Master.
We ended 1980 with the annual Family night, including the sit down
supper and entertainment. We especially honoured 15 widows of former Brethren.
1981
1981 started off with an appreciation from the Lodge to Wor. Bro. Ted
Harvey for constructing a special cart to move our regalia to and from the lodge room and
our locker. The wooden stands for the Deacons and Stewards wands were also the work of our
Wor. Bro.
In April 1981 the By-Laws were amended with Life Membership being
changed from 25 years to 35 years. This was necessary to eliminate a perceived imbalance
which would occur in a few years. Wor. Bro. Lyle Francis, the Chairman of the Life Members
Fund suggested that Life Members pay half dues. It was not approved. The Finance Committee
recommended that the Initiation Fee be increased to $300.00 which was approved.
In May, Bro. Jack Hogg was installed as Worshipful Master by Wor. Bro.
Ted Harvey. Wor. Bro. A. Foard, a Past Master of Liberton Lodge #1201, Scottish
Constitution, Edinburgh, Scotland, and a cousin of Wor. Bro. Hogg, presented the new
Worshipful Master with an engraved set of Square and Compasses. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham
presented the outgoing Master, Wor. Bro. Jim Hatch with a Past Master's jewel previously
worn by Wor. Bro. Jim Ham Sr. On 25 May, Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell paid his last visit as
DDGM to Fidelity.
September 1981 was very special for the Lodge for we saw Wor. Bro. Ted
Harvey presented with the dress and undress regalia of a Grand Steward by PDDGM Rt. Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell. Shortly after, Bro. Dr. Thomas Doyle Higginson was visited at his home by
the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Howard O. Polk; Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey, and
Worshipful Master, Wor. Bro. Jack Hogg, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Rt. Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell presented to the Lodge a set of Pedestal Markers for the Wor. Master, the
Senior and Junior Wardens. The proper names for these markers is "antipendia".
At the October meeting Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey made a unique
presentation to the Lodge in the form of a gold plated Infantry Officers dress sword,
formerly owned by a Lt. Col. Caron, now retired. Col.
Caron is Vy. Wor. Bro. Harvey's
Son-in-Law.
An evening of Masonic Education under the direction of Bro. Bruce Holmes
made up the November meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey
presented to the Lodge a podium which he had made for such occasions. This completes his
project of making furnishings for the Lodge.
On the 17 November 1981, we received Rt. Wor. Bill Cook, DDGM, on his
Official Visit. He was introduced by his good friend Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell, who had been
DDGM in 1980. A bequest of $100.00 was acknowledged with thanks from the Estate of our
late Bro. Delbert Fenton. It will be applied to the Life Members Fund. A note was received
from Wor. Bro. Walter Ford informing us that he is now District Secretary of Toronto
District 2.
Bro. Dr. Thomas Doyle Higginson, 100 years of age, was presented with
his 70 year Pin and Card. Our oldest Brother was given a standing ovation. Bro. Secretary,
Bro. Nick Mahara, officially announced the formation of a Lodge Secretary's Association in
Ottawa District 1.
Mr. Norman Grant Allingham submitted an application for membership at
the December meeting. Mr. Allingham was to become Worshipful Master of our Lodge in
1989/90, and subsequently Worshipful Master of Prince of Wales Lodge in 1992/93; 1993/94;
1994/95.
1982
The Regular meeting in January 1982 was special as it was dedicated to
Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell. There were 38 Lodges represented, accounting for 46 Grand
Lodge Officers; 14 Worshipful Masters; 55 Past Masters; and 76 members and friends.
Following the Degree, Vy. Wor. Bro. Sharp gave a very interesting ,and informative address
about Rt. Wor. Bro. Pell. The Tylers Register for the evening showed, that in attendance,
there were 1 PGM; 3 DDGM's; 19 PDDGM's; 4 GS's; 13 PGS; 1PGJW; 1 PGDofC; 1PSW; 1PGR; and
1GP. A wonderful and unique evening.
In February our By-Laws were again amended to reflect rising costs.
Resident dues were raised to $75.00 and non-resident to $35.00.
At the Emergent meeting held on Saturday 29 May 1982, Mr. Norman
Allingham was initiated. The meeting was preceded by a soup luncheon. The candidate
remarked that the day seemed to be the hottest day of the year.
At the September 1982 Regular meeting, we were informed that Bro. Ross
Potter had been inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, in May 1982. Wor. Bro.
Howard Clauson was given a standing ovation on his being coroneted a thirty third degree
Mason by the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
October 1982 saw our Lodge gaining a new member with the affiliation of
Bro. Lorne King, a former member of Fort Prince of Wales Lodge # 19, Fort Churchill,
Manitoba.
In November we added another father/son combination with the initiation
of Mr. Larry Harvey, son of V. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey.
At the emergent meeting in December, Bro. Norman Allingham was raised to
the sublime degree of Master Mason and presented with a masonic lapel pin by Vy. Wor. Bro.
Ted Harvey. This is the first time this presentation has been made. Bro. Harvey intends to
continue this practice. Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell as our Finance Committee chairman gave
notice of motion that our Financial Account be amalgamated with Account #2 (Gardner
Account). This means that from now on there will be only three main Accounts: Operating,
Gardner, and Life Members.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell moved that the Lodge grant Honourary Membership
to our hard working Secretary, Bro. Nick Mahara. The motion carried.
In February, the Lodge honoured Bro. Mahara with a sit down supper and
roast. Wor. Bro. Dudley Fraser, a Past Master of St. Andrews Lodge, and founding member of
the Lodge Secretaries Association presented Bro. Mahara with a suitably inscribed walnut
plaque and scroll on behalf of that organization which is so close to the heart of Bro.
Mahara.
At the meeting in March, Wor. Bro. Ellsworth Wood was presented with a
50 year medallion previously worn by Wor. Bro. James Hill (W.M.1902/03). The medallion was
given to Wor. Bro. Hill in recognition of his 50 years as a Mason (1897/1947).
The installation meeting in May saw Bro. Earl Holtzman assume the chair
of King Solomon. Wor. Bro. Howard Clauson was the Installing Master.
1983
The Official visit of the DDGM, Rt. Wor. Bro. Owen Osborne, in November
started the Fall season off on the right foot. There were 250 members and visitors in
attendance to see Mr. John David Pell, the son of Rt. Wor. Jack Pell, and grandson of Rt.
Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell, initiated into Masonry. Our visitors included 23, 33 degree
Scottish Rite Masons under the direction of Ill. Bro. George Schaef, Active Member,
Scottish Rite.
There was also a large delegation of past and present Grand Lodge
Officers, Shriners, Members of Tunis Temple Shrine Club, and Scottish Rite Masons. The
DDGM was introduced to the members and to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. Jim Ham, a long time
friend of Rt. Wor. Bro. Osborne. This is probably the first, and only time, that higher
concordant bodies were represented in a Craft Lodge by their Masters. Wor. Bro. Jack Hogg
was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Heritage Lodge for his efforts in
promoting Black Creek Village, a Masonic Heritage Project, by the Masons of Ontario.
The meeting in March was again unique to Fidelity in that a special team
of Past Grand Lodge Officers, under the guidance of Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alf Pell, conferred
the Master Mason degree on Bro. David Pell (Alf's grandson).
1984
In 1984 Forget-Me-Not lapel pins were presented to Bro. Dave Pell and
Bro. Bill Dormer by Bro. Peter Pate a visiting brother and former member of Dominion
Lodge, #848, Baden Sollingen, Germany. This is the first, and probably the only time, that
such a presentation will take place in our Lodge.
At our May installation meeting, Bro. Brian Richard Chamberlin was
installed as Worshipful Master by Wor. Bro. George Clauson.
Congratulations to the Lodge. We have won for the first time the Blood
Donor Trophy. This trophy, donated to the Ottawa District by our Wor. Bro. Bill Pell, and
named after Dr. McIntosh, who organized the Ottawa Masonic Blood Donor campaigns, is
awarded to the Lodge reporting the greatest number of Blood Donations during a Masonic
year. In 1984 it was Lodge of Fidelity.
In October we were informed that Bro. Norman Jackson was relocating to
Kingston, Ontario where he is to take up the position of City Solicitor. We wish him well
in his new endeavour.
November saw Rt. Wor. Bro. Gordon Thomas, DDGM, pay his Official visit.
The Dr. McIntosh Blood Donor trophy was presented to the Lodge by the DDGM.
1985
In January 1985 to start off the new year, the Past Masters initiated
Mr. Arthur Allan Johns.
As per custom Bro. Walter Webb was installed as Worshipful Master at the
May Regular meeting. The installing Master was Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey. As Bro. Webb was
a member of the Tunis Oriental Band, a goodly number of his Band brothers were present as
special visitors. Wor. Bro. Brian Chamberlin, the outgoing Master was presented with a
Past Master's jewel previously worn by Col. Wor. Bro. George Rogers (W.M.1930/31). The
annual Bar B Q held on 19 June proved again to be a huge success. Over 120 members,
families and friends enjoyed their steaks, potato, salad and dessert, expertly cooked by
Alf Pell, Lloyd Moar and a host of volunteers.
December 1985 rounded off a good year with our Family night again a huge
success.
1986
At the annual Move -Up night in February 1986, Wor. Bro. Bob Gordon
assumed the chair of Wor. Master and initiated Mr. Maurice Broverman into Masonry.
A special Emergent meeting and Roast was held on 30 April 1986 for Wor.
Bro. Jim Ham. In attendance were PDDGM's Owen Osborne, Bill Cook, Ross Thomson, Ron
Falconer, Alf Pell, Jack Pell; PGM (Sask.) M. W. Bro Sam Leach; Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Heffel,
PGW; Vy. Wor. Bro. Bill Hall, PGD of C; Vy. Wor. Bro. Gordon Ford, PGS.; Wor. Bro. Lloyd
Moar gave a moving address and charge quoting from the final charge at installation, on
the attributes and contribution to Masonry by Wor. Bro. Jim Ham.
At the Regular May meeting, Wor. Bro. Bob Gordon was installed into the
chair of King Solomon for the second time.
To end the spring of 1986/87, another successful Bar-B-Q was held in
early June. The weather co-operated again with us.
1987
The Fall session of 1986/87 started off well with the City of Ottawa
dedicating a small park at the corner of Lynda Lane and Billings Ave. in the Southeast
part of the City to Wor. Bro. Robert Andrew Russell. Over 100 Masons and friends were
present.
A new Grand Lodge project named VOICE (Assistance for Hearing Impaired
Children) kicked off under the Chairmanship of Wor. Bro. Walter Webb.
The Official Visit of the DDGM, Rt. Wor. Bro. Ab. Sewell, in November
was well received. There were 68 members and visitors. A gold watch fob, formerly worn by
Bro. James Tilley Ward and presented to him in recognition of his military service in
1914/18.was turned over to the Ottawa Masonic Temple Corporation to be displayed in
Memorial Hall.
Family Night in December took on a different twist. Short presentations
were made on Masonry in general with speakers from the Shrine, Order of DeMolay, Order of
Rainbow for Girls, Order of Eastern Star, Royal Arch and Scottish Rite. Later, Wor. Bro.
Jim Ham escorted those interested in a tour of the Masonic Temple.
Following the January 1987 Emergent meeting, at which Bro. Maurice
Broverman proved himself in an exemplary manner, the video "The Man Who Would Be
King" was shown in the Lounge. Most interesting.
A bequest of $500.00 was received from Mrs. Alma Howard, the wife of
Bro. Stanley Howard to be placed into the Life Members Fund, and of $200.00 from Mrs.
Audrey Benedict, daughter of Bro. Peter Neilsen.
At the installation and investiture meeting in May, Wor. Bro. Bob Gordon
expressed his sincere thanks to the Brethren for their support during his year as
Worshipful Master for the second time. Bro. Bernard Parsons was installed as Worshipful
Master. Wor. Bro. Bob Gordon as outgoing Master, thanked the Lodge for a suitably engraved
BAR to be attached to his Past Masters jewel. Grand Lodge has recognized our Lodge by
granting Grand Steward Rank to Wor. Bro. Jim Ham. He will now carry the title of Very
Worshipful. Regalia, both formal and informal, was presented by Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf. Pell.
The regalia was previously worn by Vy. Wor. Bro. O.E. "Ted" Andrew, a Past
Master and Secretary of the Lodge. Wor. Bro. Gordon Chamberlain presented to the Lodge, a
Master Mason apron in mint condition, formerly worn by Bro. Percy Munharvey of
Chesterville. This was a gift from the Munharvey family.
1988
The DDGM, Ottawa District 1, Rt. Wor. Bro. Grant Bowman, paid his
Official visit to the Lodge in November. Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey spoke on the recent
funeral of our late Wor. Bro. Bob Gordon. It was one of the largest turnouts of Masons in
recent history. Rt. Wor. Bro. Oliver Benedict, PGW Quebec, was introduced as our Lodge's
newest Honorary Member. He is the son-in-law of our late Bro. Peter Nielsen.
In January 1988 the Lodge presented Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey with a set
of undress regalia of a Grand Steward.
At the April meeting, Bro. Larry Harvey, son of Vy. Wor .Bro. Ted
Harvey, was elected Worshipful Master. A complimentary letter from Rt. Wor. Bro. Ron
Campbell, PDDGM, and Chairman of Project Voice for our District was read thanking the
Lodge for its contribution of $2125.00 to the project.
We were pleased to be informed by Grand Lodge at the May meeting that
our application submitted to Grand Lodge to award the William Mercer Wilson Medal to Bro.
Nicholas Mahara has been approved. This medal is awarded to a member who is not nor will
ever be a Past Master or Worshipful Master. It is regarded as the "VC" of
Masonry ,a nice tribute to our longtime Secretary. Bro. Larry Harvey was installed as
Worshipful Master by his father Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey. Wor. Bro. Bernie Parson, the
outgoing Master was presented with a Past Master's jewel previously worn by our late Vy.
Wor. Bro. Ted Andrew.
In June we were advised that our Lodge had again won the Dr. McIntosh
Blood Donor Trophy for the greatest number of Blood donations in our District over the
past year. The trophy was originally donated by Wor. Bro. Bill Pell, a former Past Master
of our Lodge in memory of Dr. McIntosh who inaugurated the Masonic Blood Donor program in
Ottawa.
The first item of business at the September meeting saw a Notice of
Motion made by Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham that the William Mercer Wilson Medal be awarded to
Bro. Nick Mahara. This motion can only be made after Grand Lodge has approved the
submission by the Lodge. We were very pleased to hear that Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar has been
coroneted a thirty third degree Mason by the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Masonry at
Vancouver on September 8
The November 1988 meeting was unique in that Bro. Nicholas Samuel Mahara
was presented with the William Mercer Wilson Medal by a very distinguished gathering of
Masons. 105 Masons signed the Register. Rt. Wor. Bro. Ed Hare, DDGM Ottawa District 1 made
the presentation. Wor. Bro. Dudley Fraser presented an engraved solid walnut plaque and
scroll on behalf of The Lodge Secretaries Association, of which Bro. Mahara is a founding
member and its President since inception in 1980.
1989
The February 1989 meeting saw something different for our Lodge when Vy.
Wor. Bro. Jim Ham hosted a fourth degree Table Lodge as regularly performed in England and
Germany.
In May, Bro. Norman Allingham was installed as Worshipful Master. Rt.
Wor. Bro. Alf Pell was the Installing Master. The new Master was clothed with a Past
Master's apron previously worn by Wor. Bro. George Byers of our Lodge. He was presented
with a hand carved gavel on behalf of his wife Terry. Wor. Bro. Larry Harvey, the outgoing
Master was presented with a Past Master's jewel previously worn by Wor. Bro. Bob Gordon
(W.M.78/79 and 86/87).
Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar informed us at the September meeting that Wor. Bro.
George Clauson had been coroneted a thirty third Mason at the Supreme Council Meeting of
Scottish Rite Masonry held on 14 September 1989.
An interesting event occurred shortly after the November meeting when 12
Widows pins were distributed to the wives of our former members. These pins were very much
appreciated by the recipients.
A special Grand Lodge Citation Certificate was presented to Vy. Wor.
Bro. Ted Harvey, on behalf of the Masonic Foundation of Ontario, by Rt. Wor. Bro. Ronald
Campbell, PDDGM, for his untiring work throughout the Alcohol and Drug Awareness campaign
to which Lodge of Fidelity contributed nearly $5,000.00. We are #1 in the Ottawa
Districts.
The Installation and Investiture meeting on the 15 May was a one in a
lifetime meeting. Bro. David John Pell was installed as Master of the Lodge by his
grandfather, Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell. Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell, David's father, played a
major part in the ceremony.. In attendance were approximately 80 Grand Lodge Officers and
Past Masters representing 55 Lodges. The attendance Register noted that 284 members signed
in. The new Master was presented with a personal gavel inscribed with the square and
compasses by PGM's M. Wor. Bro. Howard O. Polk, and M. Wor. Bro. Sam Leach. Rt. Wor. Bro.
Jack Pell presented his Son and Masonic Brother, with a masonic ring previously worn by
Wor. Bro. Tom Foulkes, of Sydney Albert Luke Lodge, #558, a close family friend of the
Pell family. A Past Master's jewel previously worn by Wor. Bro. George Byers
(W.M.1964/65), was presented to the outgoing Master, Wor. Bro. Norman Allingham by Wor.
Bro. Bernie Parsons.
1990
Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham then presented to Wor. Bro. Allingham a hand
crafted whisky glass, gold etched with the crest of Fidelity and Wor. Bro. Allingham's
name, a present from Wor. Bro. Jim Hatch, (W.M.1980/81) now living in England and working
in glass under the name "The Crystalmaster". Bro. Mahara read out a Grand Lodge
communication amending Section 148 of the Constitution to read "that the Past
Masters, Masters, and Wardens Association, and the Lodge Secretaries Association are now
recognized by Grand Lodge, and may be referred to in Lodge notices". The background
to this amendment is that our Secretary, Bro. Nick Mahara, was, and is, the mainstay in
forming a Lodge Secretaries Association in the Ottawa Districts. The amendment formally
recognizes the organization after 10 years since its inception in 1980.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell was elected Thrice Puissant Grand
Master of the Ottawa Lodge of Perfection for their one hundred anniversary
year.
1991
1991 started off well with a visit from the RCMP Degree Team, under the
leadership of Rt. Wor. Bro. Don Mumby, raising Bro. Layton Peck as a Master Mason. Most
impressive. This is the first time since 1979 that the Team has visited Lodge of Fidelity.
On February 19, the Travelling Gavel for Ottawa District #1 was passed
to our Lodge by seven members of Carleton Lodge, Carp. Records indicate that this practice
was initiated by Rt. Wor. Bro. Gordon Thomas of Prince of Wales Lodge #371 Ottawa. Lodge
of Fidelity was the first Craft Lodge to receive the Gavel.
The date of this former occasion was 21 November 1978.
At the Emergent meeting in April 1991, Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell pointed
out that the gold plated working tools and the Star in the Centre were crafted by Wor.
Bro. George Byers a skilled machinist at NRC and a Past Master of Lodge of Fidelity. He
was W. M. in 1964/65. He crafted the tools for our 100th Anniversary in 1970. Bro. Harold
Miller was installed as Worshipful Master on May 21. Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey was the
Installing Master. Wor. Bro. George Clauson presented the General Charge. The Past
Master's jewel previously worn by Wor. Bro. Ed Burke was presented to the outgoing Master,
Wor. Bro. David Pell, by his grandfather Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alf Pell. It was pointed out
that Wor. Bro. Burke was a man of many talents, among which he was a champion horseshoe
player, ardent canoeist and superb bird woodcarver, great musician but above all, an
outstanding Mason.
On September 17, 1991, Wor. Bro. Jim Hatch (W.M.1980/81) now living in
England paid a friendly visit. He presented to the Lodge a large crystal Chalice on which
he had beautifully etched with 14 carat gold, the Crest of Fidelity. He was warmly
welcomed. He told of his many visits to British Lodges in and around London where he spoke
about Canadian Masonry.
As part of the effort to make Masonry more visible, Grand Lodge
suggested that Lodges should try to have at least one "Open House". Lodge of
Fidelity opened the Lodge Room and Banquet Hall with a sit down dinner as part of the
April Emergent meeting. Approximately 60 persons joined with us. As part of the evening
festivities, short speeches were given on Masonry, Order of Eastern Star, Order of Rainbow
for Girls, Order of DeMolay. Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham gave a very interesting talk on
Masonry, what it is and what it is not. Wor. Bro. Lyle Francis announced that donations
towards a new Altar Cloth as part of the 125th Anniversary project have been met with good
response.
1992
The Fall Masonic year started off on a sad note. Rt. Wor. Bro. John
Alfred Pell passed suddenly to the Grand Lodge above on 27 July 1992. He will be sorely
missed. A bequest of $5,000.00 to the Life Members Fund, and $1,000.00 to the Masonic
Foundation of Ontario, was announced by Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell, as part of the Estate of
his father, our Brother, Rt. Wor. Bro. Alfred Pell.
Rt. Wor Bro. Jack Pell was elected Potentate of Tunis Temple
Shriners.
With the death of our esteemed Brother, the Lodge found itself without a
Treasurer as Rt. Wor. Bro. Pell had filled this office for 22 years. Bro. Bruce Mallalieu
volunteered his services and was immediately elected as Treasurer.
On May 19, Bro. Maurice Broverman was installed as Worshipful Master.
The Installing Master was Rt. W. Bro. Alf Pell.
August 9,1992 was a great day for Ottawa Freemasonry. This was the date
for the seventh "Soup Kitchen Live" concert in aid of the Ottawa Food Bank.
Lodge of Fidelity was well represented. Bro. Layton Peck, a member of the organizing
committee, as well as the leader of one of the driving "rock" bands which
provided entertainment on Rideau Street for 12 solid hours, was joined by many Fidelity
members who helped gather in the donations. By the end of the day, more than $32,000 had
been collected.
In November, Bro. Mallalieu regretfully announced that he was resigning
from the office of Treasurer as he was being moved to Montreal. We wish him well in his
new endeavour.
The D.D.G.M of Ottawa District1, Rt. Wor. Bro. Bill Burns, accompanied
by Rt. Wor. Bro. Gordon Weedmark, D.D.G.M. Ottawa District 2, paid his Official visit
.During the evening they presented to our Honourary member, M. Wor. Bro. Sam Leach, PGM
Sask., a 60 year bar to his Past Master's jewel. This impressive ceremony was done on
behalf of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan, and Twin City Lodge # 89, GRS, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, the Mother Lodge of Bro. Leach.
1992 closed with another enjoyable Christmas turkey supper, sing song
and a visit from old St. Nick. 1993 opened with the Lodge lights dimmed in memory of Bro.
Harrison Chamberlain, who passed away 16 January. Our late Bro. was the father of Wor.
Bro. Gordon Chamberlain. We cherish his memory.
1993
Like everything else, the quarterly rent paid by the Lodge to the
Masonic Hall Corporation has been increased. The Lodge now will pay $1630.65, making our
Lodge one of the highest renters at 2140 Walkley Rd.
To end the January 1993 meeting, the Worshipful Master presented Wor.
Bro. George Clauson with a 25 year Masonic lapel pin. A tribute was paid to the Lodge by
the Grand Lodge Communication Committee in its February 1993 communiqué stating that
"Lodge of Fidelity, #231, has published on a continuous basis since 1939, in addition
to its Summons, a monthly Newsletter entitled FIDELITY HIGHLIGHTS. Fifty two years and
still going strong. Well done, Lodge of Fidelity". The present Editor is Vy. Wor.
Bro. Jim Ham, who took over from Rt. Wor. Bro. Alf Pell in 1975.
Due to the resignation of Bro. Mallalieu as Treasurer in November 1992,
this office has been vacant for the past three months. Bro. Jovan Rados, one of our newer
Masons volunteered his services, which were quickly, and gratefully, accepted. On the last
day of January, one of our long time members passed away in the person of Bro. Bert
Steele. He will be sorely missed. The Lodge gained a new member in March with the
affiliation of Bro. Ken Bickley from Temple Lodge #649 Oshawa.
An impressive memorial service in April remembered the six members who
have completed their Masonic journey and passed to the Grand Lodge above. The Sacred Roll
was read by Wor. Bro. Parsons with the scripture reading and prayers given by Rt. Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell and Wor. Bro. Hal Miller.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack pell gave notice that at the next Regular meeting he
would move that the Honourary title of Secretary Emeritus be granted to our retired
Secretary Bro. Nick Mahara.
In May, Bro. Lorne King was installed as Worshipful Master. Wor. Bro.
Maurice Broverman was presented with the Past Master's jewel previously worn by Wor. Bro.
Tom Taylor (W.M. 1966/67).
The motion presented by Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell at the April meeting to
grant the Honourary title of Secretary Emeritus to Bro. Nick Mahara was approved
unanimously.
The June BBQ again proved very successful. Over 150 happy members,
families and friends thoroughly enjoyed the superb cooking of our renowned experts, Wor.
Bros. Lloyd Moar and Hal Miller, and the "sous chef" Bro. Wayne Wozny.
A fraternal visit from brethren of Doric Lodge #58 in September proved
most interesting in that the Historian for Doric Lodge, Rt. Wor. Bro. Ed Hare, very
recently uncovered a very old minute in their records of 1870, yes 1870, outlining a
petition to form a new lodge in Ottawa to be called LODGE OF FIDELITY. This information of
great value to our Lodge, begins this volume of our history.
The Secretary read a letter from the Masonic Hall, Corporation informing
the Lodge that the quarterly rent for 1993/94 would increase from $1630.65 to $1911.75., a
sizeable increase.
Prior to the formal opening of Lodge in September, the members and
friends sat down to a sumptuous supper after which our retired Secretary Emeritus was well
roasted, with Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar as Master of Ceremonies. On behalf of the Lodge, Bro.
Mahara was presented with a walnut plaque suitably engraved, thanking him for his 15 years
of service as Secretary. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar informed the Lodge that Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack
Pell had been coroneted a 33 Degree Mason by Supreme Council, AASSR, in Hamilton at the
September Annual Assembly. Congratulations Jack.! Lodge of Fidelity has only three such
distinguished Masons, Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar; Wor. Bro. George Clauson; and Rt. Wor. Bro.
Jack Pell.
In November, the Lodge received Rt. Wor. Bro. Ernest Vos, D.D.G.M.
Ottawa District 1, on his Official visit. The work of the evening was a Fellowcraft Degree
conferred on Bro. Gordon Michael Edwards. During this evening, a distinguished group of
Masons from Corinthian Lodge , North Gower, presented to the Worshipful Master, a
travelling gavel, made from Saskatchewan applewood by a member of Qu'Apelle Lodge #6,
Qu'Apelle Sask. This gavel, as a project of Qu'Apelle Lodge, started on a journey eastward
in 1986. It is hoped that the gavel will reach Newfoundland in the future and then be
returned to Qu'Apelle Lodge. The intent is that each Lodge will use the gavel at one
meeting then move it eastward. The Worshipful Master assured the Brethren from Corinthian
that it will be used once then moved on its journey.
More than 110 members, families and friends helped us end 1993 with
another successful turkey supper and social entertainment. It has also been a good year
for Fidelity with 6 new members joining our Lodge. The membership now stands at 83 Dues
paying members, and 79 Life members. The numbers have been steadily decreasing as the
Lodge gets older. Hopefully, with the infusion of new members, as we have seen in 1993,
this trend will turn around in 1994.
1994
During the January 1994 meeting, the Worshipful Master announced that a
fraternal visit to Lancaster Lodge #207 was planned for February. The aim of this visit is
to move the Qu'Apelle travelling gavel east. A good way to start the 1994 year.
The February Emergent meeting saw the Lodge initiate two new members.
This may be the start of our reversing our declining membership.
The February Regular meeting saw a bit of history portrayed upon Bro.
Gordon M. Edwards when he was presented with the apron previously worn by Rt. Wor. Bro.
Tom Hammel of The Builders Lodge. Wor. Bro. Norman Allingham made the presentation at the
request of Mrs. Hammel.
In late February, the Worshipful Master, accompanied by 15 members of
the Lodge paid a fraternal visit to Lancaster Lodge #207, where the Qu'Apelle travelling
gavel was turned over to continue its journey eastward.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell moved at the April meeting that the Lodge
By-Laws should be amended. He offered to undertake this task and report back at the May
meeting. This will be the first major amendment since 1981 and will reflect the small
amendments of 1989 and 1991.
The Memorial Service in April saw the Lodge remember 6 long time Masons
who completed their journey and passed to the Grand Lodge above.
The Installation and Investiture meeting in May was slightly different
in 1994 in that Wor. Bro. Lorne King will remain in the East as Worshipful Master for
another year. To assist him, each of the Past Master's have volunteered to occupy the
Worshipful Master's Chair for at least one meeting.
The Lodge was honoured at the May Regular meeting with the presence of
the Deputy Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Durward Greenwood, accompanied by the Grand Junior
Warden, Rt. Wor. Bro. Allan Bell, and our D.D.G.M., Ottawa District 1, Rt. Wor. Bro.
Ernest Vos.
Two more candidates have made application for membership. This makes a
total of 5 for this 1994 Masonic year.
A beautiful red oak chest, constructed by Bro. Glenn Melling to hold the
Working Tools was presented to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. Lorne King. We gratefully thank
them.
In June, the weather again co-operated with us and enabled the Lodge to
hold another successful BBQ.
Usually the Lodge is in recess during the month of June. However, a
special Emergent meeting was held in 1994 to confer the Master Mason degree upon Bros.
Bruce Davis and Wesley Herring, both employed by Stats Canada. A team from Stats Canada
under the leadership of Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell enacted a near perfect degree. A unique
experience. At this meeting, Bro. Syd Hill thanked all those who helped make the recent
"Hip Hip Hooray" walk such a success . His team was able to raise over $2,000.00
to aid in research for operations as replacement of the hip and other body joints.
The summer recess was dimmed considerably with the sudden death of Wor.
Bro. William (Bill) Bangs on the 8th of July. Bill was a member of Fidelity for over 25
years and had been our Tyler for a goodly number of those years. He will be sorely missed.
The September meeting started the new Masonic year on the right note,
with applications for membership being received from Mr. Ronald Taylor and Mr. James Lowe.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Ted Williams, D.D.G.M. Ottawa District 1 paid an informal visit to the Lodge
and was received under the Deacons wands and introduced to the Lodge by Wor. Bro. Dave
Pell. The D.D.G.M. and Wor. Bro. Pell were Masters of their Lodges in 1990-91.
Wor. Bro. Gossling of Civil Service Lodge #148, presented to the
Worshipful Master a Founding Members Certificate declaring our late Bro William Bangs a
founding member of Lodge Claudius R. Walker, #1808 Scottish Constitution, Nassau, Bahamas.
The Lodge was delighted to hear that Grand Lodge had appointed Wor. Bro.
Lloyd Moar a Grand Standard Bearer at the 139th Annual Convocation in July. He will carry
the rank of Very Worshipful. The "dress" regalia of a Grand Standard Bearer was
presented by Wor. Bro. Lyle Francis on behalf of the Lodge, a gift from the members. The
D.D.G.M and W. M. warmly congratulated our newest Grand Lodge Officer. A letter was read
by the Secretary informing us that there would be a slight increase in the quarterly rent,
raising it from $1911.25 to $1929.65.
Wor. Bro. Jack Hogg announced that the Bi-Centennial Degree Team from
Ancient St. John's Lodge #3, Kingston, had been invited to exemplify the Master Mason
Degree, in costume, as it was done two hundred years ago. They will make this presentation
at the October meeting.
Bro. Glenn Melling announced there were still tickets available for the
Masonic Charity Ball scheduled for September 24 at the Ottawa Congress Centre. The cost is
$50.00 per person.
The Emergent meeting in early October saw a near perfect degree with the
initiation of Mr. Ronald Taylor. The Worshipful Master's Chair was occupied for the
evening by Wor. Bro. Larry Harvey.
The highlight of the Fall season came in October when the Bi-Centennial
Degree Team exemplified the Master Mason Degree. Wor. Bro. Jack Hogg who is a member of
Ancient St. John's Lodge, occupied the Master's Chair until the Degree Team took over. At
this time Wor. Bro. Hudson Hill assumed the Master's Chair. An excellent evening with more
than 90 members and visitors in attendance.
Fidelity continues to surge ahead with applications for Initiation. As
of October, a total of 6 applications have been received in 1994. A great start for a
banner year.
Mr. James Lowe, the second of our approved applicants was initiated into
Masonry at the Emergent meeting in November. The W. M. for the evening was Wor. Bro.
Bernie Parsons.
At the Regular meeting in November, we were privileged to receive Rt.
Wor. Bro. Ted Williams, the D.D.G.M. Ottawa District 1, on his official visit. He was
warmly welcomed into the Lodge by Wor. Bro. David Pell, the W. M. for the evening. Both
Bro. Williams and Bro. Pell were Masters of their respective Lodges in 1990. The work of
the evening was the passing to the Fellowcraft Degree of Bro. Ronald Taylor. This again
was carried out with great efficiency and feeling. Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar was presented
with the "undress regalia" of a Grand Standard Bearer, a gift from the Past
Masters of the Lodge.
The December Emergent meeting, with Wor. Bro. Maurice Broverman as the
W. M., saw the Fellowcraft Degree given. An excellent evening.
The Regular meeting in December took on its familiar theme with a sit
down dinner of Christmas turkey with all the trimmings, followed by an evening of
entertainment. Our thanks to Bro. Layton Peck for being M.C. and Wor. Bro. George Clauson
at the piano. The highlight of the evening was having the son of Bro. David Mason lead us
in carol singing. A wonderful evening.
1995
The 1995 calendar year carried on where the 1994 year left off. At our
January meeting we initiated two more candidates, Mr. David Coomber and Mr. Frederick
Goodwin. On the 6th of February 1995, a Fraternal visit to Renfrew Lodge #122, was paid by
about 20 members of Fidelity. There they saw Bro. Ron Taylor raised as a Master Mason by
members of Renfrew Lodge and presented with his Master Mason's apron. A different but
enjoyable evening.
The Regular Meeting, held on the 21st of February, saw the Lodge
initiate Mr. Duncan George Lunam, a funeral Director with the firm of Hulse, Playfair and
McGarry. Over the period of Fidelity's existence, the Lodge has had many of the management
of the Funeral Home as members of the Lodge. Among the visitors for the evening were Rt.
Wor. Bro. Kenneth Nesbitt, PDDGM Ottawa District 2,; and V. Wor. Bro. Jim Young, both of
Ionic Lodge No. 526, Ottawa, and close friends of Bro. Lunam, and Wor. Bro. Frank Hare of
Doric Lodge, No 58.
Wor. Bro. Dave Pell occupied the Master's Chair on the 7th of March when
the Lodge bestowed the Fellowcraft degree on Bros. David Coomber and Fred Goodwin. This
evening saw Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell occupy the Senior Wardens chair while his son Wor.
Bro. Dave Pell occupied the Worshipful Master's chair.
Tradition entered the picture for the Regular March '95 meeting when the
members sat down to an old fashioned Irish Stew supper, courtesy of the Worshipful Master
of the evening, Wor. Bro. George Clauson. This custom used to be observed by the Lodge to
celebrate St. Patricks day. The work following the supper consisted of the Fellowcraft
Degree being conferred on Bro. James Lowe. At the end of the evening, Wor. Bro. Clauson
commented that it had been 17 years since he had the privilege of sitting as Worshipful
Master for an evening and thanked Wor. Bro. King.
On the evening of March 29, Wor. Bro. King, assisted by his wife Marion
and many volunteers, hosted a pancake supper with all the trimmings of maple syrup time.
This was followed by a showing of the Grand Lodge video "Friend to Friend", plus
two short videos on the Shrine and the Shriners Orthopaedic Hospitals. A very interesting
and entertaining evening.
For the April Emergent meeting, the officers advanced one chair. Bro.
Glenn Melling, the Senior Warden, exhibited his leadership potential in fine style. Bros.
Davis, Herring and Taylor proved their proficiency as Master Masons. Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack
Pell read a very illuminating, and thought provoking, paper that he had obtained while
visiting a Masonic Lodge in Trinidad some 19 years ago. The theme was as applicable now,
as when the paper was originated. Our Regular meeting on 18 April, when Elections were
held to fill the various office chairs, saw Bro. Glenn Melling elected to Worshipful
Master. This chair is the highest honour the Lodge members can bestow on one of their own.
The Elections were followed by the Memorial service where tribute was paid to three of our
members that had passed to the Grand Lodge above during the past year. One of these, Wor.
Bro. Bill Bangs (W. M. 1972/73), was our Tyler for many years.
May 02 Emergent meeting saw Bros. Coomber and Goodwin complete their
degree work and become Master Masons. Wor. Bro. Harry Coomber of Parvain Lodge #395,
Leamington, Ont., the father of Bro. Dave Coomber was our special guest for the evening.
All in all, the 1994/95 Masonic year has been very rewarding for Lodge of Fidelity and a
wonderful way to observe the first part of the 125th. Anniversary year.
On 16 May 1995, the reins of governance went from Wor. Bro. Lorne King,
who was W.M. for the years 1993/1994; and 1994/1995, to Wor. Bro. Glenn Melling. At this
meeting Wor. Bro. David Pell was installing Master. For the first time in many years, the
Pell name is not included in the forthcoming Lodge Officers list. In appreciation for
serving the Lodge so well during his two years as W.M., the Lodge presented the outgoing
Master, Wor. Bro. Lorne King, with an engraved solid walnut plaque.
With the conclusion of the Installation meeting, the only function left
for the 1994/1995 Masonic year was the BBQ held in early June. As with previous ones, the
BBQ proved successful. Approximately 85-90 Masons, familes and friends enjoyed the steak
dinner plus trimmings cooked by our outstanding chefs Bros Moar, Wozny and Edwards; ably
assisted by the hard working kitchen staff of Bros. Ron Taylor, Graham Oldford, Dave
Coomber, Lorne King, Aubrey DeYoung, Jim Lowe and Glenn Melling. Our thanks to all those
whose help made this evening an outstanding success.
September 1995 rolled around all too quickly. During the summer recess,
the Lodge was saddened to be informed with the passing to the Grand Lodge above, our
esteemed brother Rt. Wor. Bro. Cecil F. Howard (D.D.G.M. 1957), and Brother Robert
Cressman. At the September meeting, the Chariman of the Sick and Visiting Committee
informed the lodge that Vy. Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey was on a very heavy chemotherapy
treatment, but that the prognosis was not encouraging. the Wor. Master declared that Bro.
Dwayne Marshall was suspended for N.P.D. On the brighter side, an Application for
Membership was received from Mr. Daniel Azzi, a student attending Carleton University.
Although no formal degree work was done at this meeting, we had the pleasure of receiving
the Travelling Gavel from a distinguished delegation from Civil Service Lodge, led by
their Wor. Master, Wor. Bro. Dave Smith. We will pass the gavel to Edinburgh Lodge on
their meeting night 04 October. Lodge closed at 9:35 with the brethren adjourning to the
lounge for light refreshments and fellowship.
Due to an unavoidable cancellation by the candidate, the Emergent
meeting on 03 October changed to one of Masonic Education.
On 17 October, the Lodge members assembled at the Masonic centre where
the Lodge was opened and immediately closed in order that the brethren could pay a
Fraternal visit to Acacia Lodge, Westboro, who meet on the same night as we do.
The November Meeting saw our Lodge greet the D.D.G.M. Rt. Wor. Bro. Roy
Hyland, on this his Official Visit. The work of the evening was the conferring of the
Fellowcraft Degree on Bro. Duncan Lunam, a funeral director with Hulse, Playfair and
McGarry Funeral Home. Prior to the work, a favourable report and subsequent ballot was
taken on Mr. Daniel Azzi. As per custom on this night, Lodge opened at 7:00p.m., adjourned
for one hour at 7:40p.m. for luncheon in the dining room, re-convening in the Lodge room
at 8:50p.m. On conclusion of the work of the evening, the DDGM presented Master Mason
certificates to Bros. Dave Coomber, Fred Goodwin, Ron Taylor and Jim Lowe. For the first
time, 25 years Past Master pins were presented to Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar, Wor. Bro. Lyle
Francis and Wor. Bro. Bob Russell. This pin was first authorized by Grand Lodge in 1995.
Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:42p.m.
To end the 125th Anniversary Year, Family Night was held on December 19.
Following and excellent turkey dinner, a very impressive dedication ceremony was performed
under the direction of Vy. Wor. Rev. John Moor. This was to replace the Altar cloth which
was irreparably water stained, with a new one. The ceremony included 6 of the most senior
Past Masters forming a rough circle around the Altar. R. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell removed the
cushion upon which rested the VSL, Square and Compasses, followed by Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd
Moar and Wor. Bro. Russell removing the old Altar cloth. Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham and Wor.
Bro. George Clauson unfolded the new Altar cloth and draped it over the Altar. Wor. Bro.
Gordon Chamberlain placed a new cushion on the Altar where Rt. Wor. Bro. Pell reverently
placed the VSL, Square and Compasses. Bro. Pell then eloquently recited the poem "The
Bible" written by Bro. Edgar A. Guest some years ago and which we use in the
presentation of the VSL to the candidate at his initiation. Following the ceremony,
everyone adjourned to the Lounge for entertainment culminating with the cutting of the
125th Anniversary cake by the Wor. Master. A truly magnificent way to end Lodge of
Fidelity's 125th Anniversary Year. To highlight the year, a small lapel pin was designed
by a Lodge member with authority to purchase a quantity of 500. Each member of the Lodge
was, and will be, given a pin, however, if brethren want another pin to give to friends, a
modest cost of $3.00 will be assessed.
1996
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l996 started with the Regular meeting on the l6th.
A ballot for initiation was taken for Mr. Evan Salter proving favourable. This was
followed with the initiation of Mr. Daniel Azzi. Lodge closed at l0:00 p.m.
On 06 February at the Emergent meeting, Mr. Evan Clifford Salter was initiated into
Masonry. In the absence of Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell, his son Wor. Bro. David Pell, made the
Bible presentation at the Altar. A good evening.
The Regular meeting on the 20th of February took the form of an evening of
Masonic Education with interesting papers being given by Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham who spoke
on "Lodge of Fidelity, the good old days 30-40 years ago". This was followed by
Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell reading the paper he gave at Goodwood Lodge when he was the DDGM
of Ottawa District l in l980/81. The topic was "The Habit of Virtue".
With the lodge entering the last quarter of the l995/96 Masonic year, the March
Emergent meeting saw the Fellowcraft Degree conferred on Bros. Azzi and Salter.
At the Regular meeting in March an "In Memoriam " donation was approved for
our late Brother Dalton Wilson. The work for this evening was the Master Mason degree
conferred on Bro. Duncan Lunam. An Application for Membership was presented by Mr. Edouard
El-Khoury. His sponsors are Bro. Aubrey DeYoung and Vy.Wor. Bro. Jim Ham. To end this
interesting meeting, Rt.Wor. Bro. Jack Pell presented Bro. Lunam with a Masonic square and
compasses lapel pin, part of the traditional pin presentation begun a few years ago by
Vy.Wor. Bro. Ted Harvey.
Step-Up Night was the title of the April Emergent Meeting. On this night Bro. Graham
Oldford (S.W.) was the Wor.. Master for the evening. The other officers advanced one
chair. The work of the evening consisted of proving Bros. Dave Coomber, Jim Lowe, and Fred
Goodwin. The work was excellent. Wor. Bro. Gordon Chamberlain was called to approach the
East where he was presented with the Past Master’s jewel previously worn by Wor. Bro.
William Kirby Bangs (W.M.1971/72).. The story behind this ceremony was that Bro.
Chamberlain had his house broken into and his original jewel was stolen but never
recovered. Of particular significance to Wor. Bro. Chamberlain is that he and Wor. Bro.
Bangs were very close friends for years.
On 08 April 1996, a Service of Remembrance was held at Bell street United Church for
our recently departed Vy. Wor. Bro. Edward "Ted" Harvey who passed to the Grand
Lodge above 05 April, after a long illness. The service, which saw an overflow gathering
of Masons and friends, was conducted by Vy.Wor. Rev. Bro. John Moor, the pastor of Bell
St. United Church, and a close friend of Bro. Harvey. At the service , Wor. Bro. Larry
Harvey gave a very moving rendition of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12. Many members of the Order
of Eastern Star were in attendance as Bro. Harvey had been a member of that Order for
years and held the office of Worthy Patron in 1981/82; 1986/87; 1989/90; and
1992/93." We Cherish His Memory."
The 19955/96 Masonic year is winding down. At the April Regular meeting Bro. Graham
Oldford was voted Wor. Master Elect. An Application for Membership was presented by Mr.
Lloyd Bruce Moar, the son of Vy.Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar. A ballot was taken on the
Application for Membership presented by Mr. Edouard El-Khoury. It was favourable to the
candidate. The annual Memorial Service which followed paid tribute to our departed Bro,
Vy. Wor.. Bro. Ted Harvey who passed to the Grand lodge above on 05 April 1996.
The last Emergent Meeting with Wor. Bro. Glenn Melling as Worshipful Master took place
on 07 May when Bros Daniel Azzi and Evan Salter were raised to the degree of Master Mason.
Wor. Bro. Gordon Harrison (W.M. 1974/75) now living in Rossland , B.C. paid his annual
visit to Lodge of Fidelity.
The Installation Meeting, held on 21 May saw Bro. Graham Oldford installed as
Worshipful Master and the officers advance one chair. A Ballot was taken on the
Application for Membership presented by Mr. Lloyd Bruce Moar and was favourable to the
candidate. He will be initiated in early Fall. The Installing Master for this evening was
Wor. Bro. George Clauson, a close friend of Bro. Oldford. The outgoing Master, Wor. Bro.
Glenn Melling was presented with the Past Master’s jewel previously worn by Wor. Bro.
Edgar Burke (W.M. 1960/61)
To end this Masonic year, a BBQ was held in early June. This year more than 100 Masons,
wives and friends partook of an excellent steak dinner with all the trimmings. Per usual,
the weather cooperated with us for a successful evening. Our thanks again go to Vy.Wor.
Bro. Lloyd Moar and his cooking and kitchen staff for a job well done.
Following the customary summer recess, Lodge reassembled on September 17 for the first
meeting with Wor. Bro. Graham Oldford as Wor. Master .This evening started a very heavy
productive year for Lodge of Fidelity with two new members being initiated. The candidates
were Mr. Edouard El-Khoury and Mr. Bruce Moar. A ballot was held on the Application for
membership presented by Mr. David Andrew Peate. It proved favourable. An Application for
Membership was presented by Mr. John Christopher Hogg, the son of Wor. Bro. Jack Hogg.
The second meeting of the 1996/97 Masonic year was held on 15 October with Wor. Bro.
Maurice Broverman occupying the Wor. Master’s chair. The Wor. Master, Wor. Bro.
Graham Oldford was attending Acacia Lodge , Westboro, which meets on the same night as
Lodge of Fidelity, on the DDGM Official Visit. The work of the evening was the initiation
of Mr. David Andrew Peate. It was an excellent evening and E.A.Degree. A ballot was held
on the Application for Membership presented by Mr. John Christopher Hogg. It proved
favourable . Bro. Leonard Keeney, a member of Black Forest Lodge, No. 901, Lahr, Germany
was welcomed as a visitor.
The Emergent Meeting held on 05 November saw the Fellowcraft degree conferred on Bro.
Edouard El-Khoury.
On November 19, the DDGM Ottawa District 1, Rt. Wor. Bro. Gary Gossling paid his
official visit to Lodge of Fidelity . It was an exceptional evening with 98 members
present, 38 Lodge of Fidelity members and 60 visitors. The work of the evening was to
confer the Fellowcraft Degree on Bro. Bruce Moar. It was well done. An Application for
Affiliation was received from Bro. Leonard Keeney, a member in good standing in Black
Forest Lodge, No. 901, Lahr, Germany. Applications for Membership were presented by Mr.
Marvin Lloyd Mooney; Mr. Robert Helal; and Mr. Korlan Buxton. Towards the end of the
evening, Master Mason Certificates were presented to Bros. Daniel Azzi and Evan Salter.
Past Master Certificates were presented by the DDGM to Wor. Bro. Lorne King and to Wor.
Bro. Glenn Melling. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:10 p.m. after hearing a short
address from the DDGM titled "The Altar". Very interesting.
At the Emergent meeting held 03 December, the Lodge formed another father-son
connection with the initiation of Mr. John Christopher Hogg, the son of Wor. Bro. Jack
Hogg. Bro. Duncan Lunam was presented with his Master Mason certificate.
December 1996, time for the annual Family Night. Before sitting down to the usual
Christmas turkey dinner, the brethren conducted a short business meeting with a ballot for
Affiliation being held for Bro. Leonard Keeney. It proved favourable to the Brother. A
further combined ballot was held on the Applications for Membership presented by Mr.
Robert Anthony Helal; Mr. Korlan Kristoffer Buxton ; and Mr. Marvin Lloyd Mooney. It
proved favourable to the Applicants. Lodge closed at 6:10 p.m. permitting the brethren to
join their families for the traditional Christmas dinner and entertainment. A highlight of
the entertainment was the vocal program presented by a group of young boys from Ashbury
College, including Neil Mason, the son of Bro. David Mason and grandson of Bro. Syd Hill.
We were especially pleased to see many of our widows join with us. To cap off the evening,
Santa Claus paid a welcome visit distributing gifts to all the ladies.
1997
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1997 started with an Emergent meeting on 07
January when Bros. Edouard El-Khoury and Bruce Moar were raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason. The work was well done especially the Traditional History given by our newer
member, Bro. Ron Taylor.
The Regular Meeting in January 1997 was overwhelming with over 95 members and visitors
present. The Lodge accepted the Traveling Gavel from St. John’s Lodge, No.63,
Carleton Place. We also were pleased to have with us a large delegation from Mississippi
Lodge, Almonte. The work of the evening was to see the Entered Apprentice Degree conferred
on Mr. Robert Anthony Helal and Mr. Korlan Kristoffer Buxton. Both proved to be excellent
candidates. In the absence of Rt.Wor. Bro. Jack Pell , the Wor. Master made the Bible
presentation to our new Brothers. The Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:45 p.m.
The February Emergent Meeting proved most interesting in that two more members, Bro
Christopher Hogg, and Bro. David Peate, had the Fellowcraft Degree conferred upon them.
Bro. Michael Jenkins, a visitor, gave a short, but extremely interesting talk on the
genealogy of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, and Military Lodges in
general. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:55 p.m.
On 18 February 1997, at the Regular Meeting , two Application for Initiation were
received. These were for Mr. David Diab Boushey, and Mr. Rodolfo Martin Toledo. The work
of the evening saw the Initiation of Mr. Marvin Lloyd Mooney. Following the Initiation
Ceremony, a 50 year Pin and Card was presented to Bro. Walter Leaver, by Wor. Bro. Lyle
Francis. He and Bro. Leaver had for years been co - workers at NRC . Bro. Nick Mahara ,
our Secretary Emeritus, presented a copy of the Grand Lodge booklet "Towards The
Square" to Bros Jim Mouland(JD) and Dave Armstrong(SD) to assist them in their
progress towards the East. He then presented Bro. Bruce Moar with two volumes of MacKays
Encyclopedia of Freemasonry that had been presented to him many years ago by Vy.Wor. Bro.
Harold Morgan (PGSB) of our Lodge.
The Emergent meeting on 04 March 1997 revived the "Members Night" where all
the Officers chairs, with the exception of that of Wor. Master, were filled with non
officer members. Wor. Bro. Dave Pell occupied the Wor. Master’s chair for the
evening. The work saw the Fellowcraft degree conferred on Bro. Robert Helal. Bro. Ron
Taylor gave an inspiring and very impressive explanation of the Fellowcraft Tracing board.
It was an excellent evening showing all of us that Lodge of Fidelity is in good hands for
the future.
A special fraternal visit to Corinthian Lodge, North Gower, took place on Friday, 07
March 1997 when the Wor. Master, accompanied by 11 members of the Lodge, had the pleasure
of having the members of Corinthian Lodge confer the Fellowcraft degree on our candidate
Bro. Korlan Buxton. A different, but rewarding evening was enjoyed by all.
Another old tradition was revived on the 18th March when the Regular meeting
was turned over to the Past Master’s. In the absence of the Wor. Master, Wor. Bro.
Glenn Melling occupied the Chair and assisted by a team of Past Master’s, directed by
Wor. Bro. Lorne King, conferred the Master Mason degree on Bro. David Peate. To quote one
of the Past Master’s,"We may be getting old, but we still have our skills".
It was distressing to have the Secretary report the suspension of a Brother for N.P.D.;
requests for resignation for personal reasons from Bros. Don Kennedy and Pat Kent; and a
request for a Demit from Bro. Karl Bohringer , a Life member living in Victoria , B.C. On
the plus side, Bro. Kenneth Lee Reid , now living in Smith’s Falls, has applied for
reinstatement. Bro. Reid, a former member of the Military was lost to us for a few years ,
and it was good to have contact with him again. His request will be actioned at the next
meeting.
The Emergent Meeting held on 01 April 1997, was "step-up" night, with the
regular officers advancing one chair. Lodge opened and closed in all three degrees. The
highlight of the evening was a very complete , intensely interesting explanation of the
Master Mason Tracing Board by Rt. Wor. Bro. Grant Bowman. This explanation is rarely
given, and for the majority of the members, it was the first time that they had heard it.
Our sincere thanks to our worthy brother.
Once again it is time for Elections and Memorial service. At the Regular April meeting,
Bro. Layton Peck was named Wor. Master Elect, the other officers advanced one chair. Our
Memorial Service remembered the passing of two of our Life Members; Bro. William James
Woods and Bro. George Amer. "We Will Remember Them". A favourable report was
given on the Application for Initiation presented by Mr. Rodolfo Martin Toledo. The
subsequent ballot also was favourable. An added attraction of the evening was the
play"A Rose Upon The Altar" presented by Chaudiere Lodge. It was well done.
A special Emergent Meeting was held on Saturday morning, 03 May 1997 when Bros.
Christopher Hogg and Korlan Buxton were raised as Master Masons. The obligation for Bro.
Chris Hogg was given by his father Wor. Bro. Jack Hogg, followed by Wor. Bro. Lorne King
obligating Bro. Korlan Buxton . Bro Hogg was invested with the Master Mason apron
previously worn by our late member Dr. Walter Harris, an old friend of the Hogg family.
Bro. Daniel Azzi, one of our newer members, gave a fine explanation of the Apron charge,
while Bro. Dave Coomber followed with an excellent presentation of the Working Tools. Bro.
Greg Borotsik presented the Traditional History in true Fidelity manner. All in all, an
excellent meeting. To end the morning, Bros. Duncan Lunam and David Peate proved their
proficiency in the Master Mason Degree.
Three days later, on 06 May, a second Emergent Meeting was held. This time the Entered
Apprentice Degree was conferred on Mr. David Boushey and Mr. Rodolfo Toledo. Again, much
of the degree work was presented by newer members. Bro. Ron Taylor gave an inspiring
explanation of the North East Angle Charge; Bro. Dave Coomber explained the Working tools
; and Bro. Greg Borotsik, the explanation of the Entered Apprentice Tracing Board.
The Installation Meeting on May 20, saw the reins of governance turn over from Wor.
Bro. Graham Oldford to Bro Layton Peck, the Wor. Master Elect. The Installing Master was
Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell. Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar obligated the new Wor. Master. Wor. Bro.
David Pell invested the line officers, essentially those who advanced one chair towards
the East. Wor. Bro. Graham Oldford was presented with a Past Master’s jewel
previously worn by Wor. Bro. Howard Clauson (W.M.1970/71) by Wor. Bro. George Clauson.
Wor. Bro. Oldford commented on the success of his year when we saw nine new Masons
initiated, and one member reinstated , a worthy achievement.
One of the first pleasant duties of the new Wor. Master was to present Forget-Me-Not-
pins to each brother initiated in the month of May. He plans to honor our brothers in this
manner by recalling the month of their initiation , during his term of office. A surprise
presentation was made to the Wor. Master of a beautiful leather apron case, by his
father-in-law, Bro. Sandahl of Greenfield Park lodge, No. 133, G.R.Q., and by his wife
Elayne. A further presentation was made to Rt. Wor. Bro. Oliver Benedict, an Honourary
Member of Fidelity, of his 50 Years a Mason Pin and card. The presentation was performed
by Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell and Rt.Wor. Bro. Gary Gossling, D.D.G.M.
The Annual BBQ, held on 04 June 1997 climaxed an excellent year. Once again mother
Nature smiled on us with a beautiful day. We greeted more than 100 members, wives and
friends to another excellent steak dinner followed by fellowship in the lounge. A fitting
end to a good year.
Another Masonic year begins with the September meeting. On the 16th, the
Master Mason Degree was conferred upon Bro. Robert Helal. As before, some of the newer
members, namely Bro. David Peate and Bro. Ken Bickley gave excellent presentations of the
Working tools Charge and Apron Charge respectively.
In accordance with his policy, the Wor. Master presented Forget-Me-Not- pins to the
following Brethren whose Masonic Birthdays(Initiation) was in the month of September. They
were: Bro Ed Webster-1945; Bro. Allan Harris - 1948; Bro. John Hunton - 1952; W.Bro.
Gordon Harrison - 1956; W.Bro. George Clauson - 1967; and Bro. Ed.El-Khoury - 1996.
On Tuesday, 07 October 1997, Bro. Marvin Mooney confirmed his desire to progress to the
Fellowcraft Degree. The Secret Work was given by Bro. Bruce Holmes; the S.E. Charge by
Bro. Ron Taylor; the Working Tools by Bro. Peter Rippstein; and the Apron charge by Bro.
Daniel Azzi. Bro. David Peate presented Bro. Mooney with a plastic lapel badge giving his
Name and Lodge number. This is a new project instigated by the Wor. Master to be given to
each Fellowcraft on their being passed.
The Wor. Master announced that the Regular Metting on 21 October would be designated
"Lyle Francis Night" in token appreciation for the many years of service given
to Lodge of Fidelity , and Masonry in general, by our worthy brother. Wor. Bro. Francis
was Master in 1957/58; Chairman of the Life Members Fund for many years; an excellent
ritualist; President of the Ottawa Masonic Corporation 1997/98; Chief Technical
Maintenance Officer of the Ottawa Masonic Centre for many years; 32nd Degree Mason;
Shriner; to name a few of his accomplishments.
On that night, following a scrumptious feast, W.Bro. Francis was presented with a
Certificate of Appreciation from the DDGM, Ottawa district 1, Rt. Wor. Bro. George MacKay;
an engraved solid walnut plaque by Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar on behalf of the Lodge; a and
a letter of Appreciation from Rt. Wor. Bro. Donald Mumby, the former Chairman of the
Ottawa Masonic Corporation and a Member of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes .
As the result of a ruling by the Ottawa masonic Hall Corporation, each Lodge was
responsible for providing their own Tyler, and the compensate him accordingly. The Lodge
selected W.Bro. James Dowd, a member of St. Andrews Lodge to act as our operative Tyler ,
and to pay him the usual remuneration of $30.00 per meeting.
Applications for Initiation continue. Mr. Bruce Stewart, Mr. Jihad Karam and Mr. Jorge
Ambar have made Application for Initiation to become members of the Lodge. The Wor. Master
appointed appropriate Committees of Inquiry.
An Emergent Meeting , held on 02 November, saw Bro. Rodolfo Martin Toledo, passed to
the Fellowcraft Degree. Bro. David Peate presented Bro. Toledo with the lapel badge of
identification as is now the custom of the Lodge.
It is that time of the year again when the Lodge has the pleasure of greeting the
D.D.G.M. on his Official Visit. On 17 November, Rt. Wor. Bro. George MacKay , accompanied
by his District Secretary, Wor. Bro. Anthony St.Dennis, paid their official visit to the
Lodge . The work of this evening is usually a Fellowcraft Degree, however ,due to
unforeseen circumstances , the candidate was unavailable. In his place, Vy.Wor. Bro. Jim
Ham read a paper titled "The Winding Stairs". An Application for Affiliation was
received from Bro. John Adrian Baxter, a retired banker. Favourable reports were received
on the Applications for Initiation presented by Mr. Bruce Ronald Stewart and Mr. Jihad
Karam.It is customary on DD Night to call off for refreshment. This night was no
different. The brethren enjoyed a pot luck meal in the dining room for approx. one hour.
Upon reconvening in the Lodge room, the DDGM presented MM Certificates to Bros. Chris
Hogg, David Peate and Bro. Bruce Moar.
Wor. Bro. Dave Andrews, on behalf of the Past Masters, Masters and Wardens association,
presented the Ken Nesbitt Trophy for Low Gross to Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell, W.Bro. Graham
Oldford, Bro. Wes Herring, and Bro. Craig(St. John’s Lodge). The trophy was won at
the District Golf Tournament last summer.
The D.D.G.M. rounded out the evening with a short talk on "Historic Moments of
Lodge of Fidelity".
The Emergent meeting held 02 December saw the initiation of Mr. Bruce Ronald Stewart.
It was a good evening with most of the work being done by the newer lodge members. W. Bro.
Maurice Broverman occupied the chair of S.W. on very short notice, we thank him. The
evening closed with Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell presenting Bro. Stewart with the VSL upon
which he took his obligation.
Time for Family Night 1997. Prior to sitting down with friends and guests, a few
members opened Lodge at 5:30 p.m. to receive a favourable report on the Application for
Affiliation presented by Bro. John Baxter, and a favourable report on the Application for
Initiation presented by Mr. Jorge Ambar. Ballots were cast separately on the candidates
and proved favourable. A new Application for Initiation presented by Mr. Richard Gregory
Saikaley was received . The Wor. Master appointed the Committee of Inquiry to investigate
and report at the next regular meeting. Lodge was quickly closed so that the members could
rejoin their wives, guests and friends for supper. Over 100 members, guests and friends
sat down to enjoy a wonderful turkey supper , complete with all the trimmings, catered to
by Success chapter , O.E.S. Following the supper a draw was held for an
"Intarsia" carved stags head, made by Bro. Ron Taylor. It was won by Mrs. Elayne
Peck, the wife of our Wor. Master. An evening of sing song and entertainment followed led
by W. Bro. Peck on guitar, and W. Bro. Clauson at the piano. Thoroughly enjoyable. To end
the evening, Santa Claus gave out chocolate gifts to all the ladies , courtesy of Bro. Lee
Reid and Hershey Chocolate Co. We thank them.
Rt Wor Bro Jack Pell was elected Grand Superentendent District 13 Royal
Arch Masons.
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1998 opened at the regular meeting on the 20th
with a tremendous bang - the precision R.C.M.P. Master Mason Team had arrived to give us
the pleasure of seeing them confer the Master Mason Degree on Bro. Marvin Mooney. But
before this was carried out we sat down to a catered supper where Deputy Commissioner
Guiliano "Zac" Zacardelli spoke of the long and close relationship between the
R.C.M.P. and Masonry. Among the head table guests was our Honourary Member , M.W.Bro. Sam
Leach, P.G.M. Saskatchewan, a long time former member of the R.C.M.P. Following the
supper, the R.C.M.P. , under the leadership of Rt. Wor. Bro. Donald Mumby, raised Bro.
Mooney to the degree of Master Mason .
The lodge officers then presented their R.C.M.P. counterparts with one of our
distinctive lodge lapel pins.
We were delighted to have Bro. Bob Cairns from Calgary join with us for the evening.
Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:45 p.m..
The Emergent meeting on 03 February saw the initiation of Mr. Jihad Karam. Again the
newer members did most of the Degree. It was well done.
The Regular Meeting held 17 February, proved to be different . In lieu of any
degree work, the W.M. made arrangements with members of lesser known Masonic Orders to
come and familiarize our members with their Order. We had representation from the Knights
Templar, Scottish Rite, Royal Arch Masons, Royal Ark Mariners, York Rite, The Shrine , and
many others. A most interesting and informative evening. On the more somber side, a moment
of silence was observed for our late Brother Harold Burmaster who passed to the Grand
Lodge Above on 17 February 1998. We will miss him. The Travelling Gavel was presented to
the Wor. Master by a delegation from St. John's lodge, No. 63, Carleton Place. We, in
turn, will be passing it to Edinburgh Lodge shortly. An Application for Initiation was
received from Mr. Kenneth Wilkinson Bowker. The sponsors are Wor. Bros. Graham Oldford and
George Clauson. For some time the Life Members Fund has been without a Chairman. Wor. Bro.
Lyle Francis's offer to fill this vacancy was heartily accepted . After being in existence
for many years, it was decided to close out the Special Events fund. A warm vote of thanks
was extended to the administrators of the Fund, Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar; Wor. Bros. Lyle
Francis and Bernard Parsons. The considerable assets were turned over to the Treasurer to
be placed into the Life Members fund. The Applications for Initiation presented by Mr.
Richard Saikaley and Mr. Simon Dahdouh received favourable reports. They will be balloted
on at the next Regular meeting. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:32 p.m.
The next evening, 18 February, a Masonic funeral service was held for our late
Bro. Harold Burmaster. Bro Burmaster has been a steady member of the Lodge since his
initiation in February 1946.
On 03 March at the Emergent meeting , Mr. Simon Dahdouh was initiated into
Masonry. 21 members were present. The work was done by many of the newer members, ie, Bro.
Dave Coomber - Questions and Working tools; Bro. Dave Peate - Apron charge.
The Regular Meeting held on 17 march saw Lodge of Fidelity's Master Mason 2nd
Degree Team in action for the first time. This team under the leadership of Bros Dave
Peate and Ron Taylor was set up in 1997 to assist other lodges , if called on, to put on
the Fellowcraft degree. Due to circumstances beyond control, the original candidate was
unavailable. However, Wor. Bro. Graham Oldford offered his services for the evening . An
excellent degree resulted . Wor. Bro. Oldford remarked that everyone should have the
opportunity to go through the degrees again as he found a great difference being a
candidate rather than listening. A Request for Demit received from Bro. Victor Archer was
granted - clear, by the Wor. Master. Following the Degree, Wor. Bro. Paul Todd, Chairman
of Masonic Education for Ottawa district 1, presented an interesting paper on "The
Origin of the Grand lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham was
presented with a 25 year Past Master pin by Rt. Wor. Bro. Ernest Vos, PDDGM, Ottawa
District 1, 1993/94. Bro. Ham is the fourth Past Master of our Lodge to be so recognized
since the pin was authorized by Grand lodge in 1995. The other Past Masters so honoured
are Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar, Wor. Bro. Lyle Francis and Wor. Bro. Bob Russell. Bro. Bruce
Holmes was then presented with a 25 year Mason pin . Bro. Holmes was initiated into
Masonry in Nippissing Lodge, No. 420 in 1971 and affiliated with Lodge of Fidelity in 1979
The members of the Lodge Master Mason 2nd degree team are : S.W. - Bro. Ron Taylor; J.W. -
Bro. Dave Peate; D of C - Bro. Daniel Azzi; S.S. - Bro. Chris Hogg; J.S. - Bro. Bob
Stewart; I.G. - Bro. Bruce Moar; Chaplain - Bro. Duncan Lunam; J.D. - Bro. Marvin Mooney
and S.D. - Bro. Dave Coomber. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:26 p.m.
A special Emergent meeting was held on 31 march to initiate three of our new
candidates, viz Mr. Kenneth Wilkinson Bowker; Mr. Jorge Ambar and Mr. Richard Saikaley.
Once again the newer members had the opportunity to participate in the degree which turned
out to be excellent.
The April Emergent meeting, held 07 April, is the usual Step-Up Night. This year
was no different. The Lodge opened to the Master Mason degree with Bro. Rodolfo Martin
Toledo being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason . It was an excellent evening
with many of the parts of the degree being done by the newer members. The officers
occupying the chairs for the night indicate that the future of Lodge of Fidelity is in
good hands.
At the Regular meeting on 21 April, the annual election of officers and memorial
service was held. However this year there were some changes . Due to pressure of business,
the Senior warden declined to advance. This meant that the present Wor. Master ,Layton
Peck, would remain in the East for a second year .Also, the present Secretary, Vy.Wor.Bro.
Jim Ham, gave notice that after 5 years as Secretary, he would be retiring and would not
seek re-election. As a result, Bro. Bruce Davis was elected Secretary. Other officers that
were elected for the 1998/99 Masonic year are : S.W. - Bro. Jim Mouland, J.W. - Bro. Dave
Armstrong, S.D. - Bro. Wayne Wozny, J.D. - Bro. Peter Rippstein, I.G. - Bro. Ron Taylor,
Chaplain - Wor. Bro. Maurice Broverman, Treasurer - Wor. Bro. Hal Miller. As Bro Taylor
cannot hold two positions, he stepped down as Assistant Secretary. In his stead, the Wor.
Master appointed Bro. Dave Peate as Assistant Secretary. The Memorial Service paid tribute
to two Life members that passed to the Grand Lodge Above during the 1997/98 Masonic year .
They were Bro. Harold Burmaster who Entered into Rest on 17 February 1998, and Bro. George
Allan Harris who Entered into Rest on 07 March 1998. We cherish their memory.
On April 30, we again had the privilege of witnessing the Master Mason 2nd degree
Team in action. Bro. Simon Dahdouh was passed to the Fellowcraft degree. The work was
excellent with the candidate being well prepared by his sponsors, Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar
and Bro. Bruce Moar. It was a pleasure to see the ritual performed so well.. The degree
ended with the Team forming up in "VEE" formation on the level immediately in
front of the Wor. Master. Each member then read a stanza of the poem "The Mother
Lodge" by Bro Rudyard Kipling. The poem was printed in a computer generated scroll
format and suitably framed. Across the bottom was printed the name of the candidate and
the date he became a Fellowcraft Mason.. A wonderful moment . Lodge closed in peace and
harmony at 9:17 p.m.
May 19th wound down another great year for Lodge of Fidelity. Four candidates were
initiated since 01 January, with three being advanced to the Fellowcraft Degree.However,
this was the night for the Installation and Investiture of Officers for 1998/99. Rt.Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell was Installing Master. One difference this year was the fact that Wor. Bro.
Layton Peck will be remaining as Wor. Master for a second term. That being the case, the
Installing Master changed the format of the Investiture Ceremony by having each new
officer invested at his Chair of Office. The following Officers were invested: Sr. Warden
- Bro. Jim Mouland: Jr. Warden - Bro. Dave Armstrong; Sr. Deacon - Bro. Wayne Wozny: Jr.
Deacon - Bro. Peter Rippstein: Inner Guard - Bro. Ron Taylor; Sr. Steward - Bro. Aubrey
DeYoung; Jr. Steward - Bro. Dave Coomber; and Wor. Bro. Maurice Broverman as Chaplain.;
Secretary - Bro. Bruce Davis; Assistant Secretary - Bro. Dave Peate. As in past years, the
General Charge was presented by W.Bro. George Clauson., followed by M.W.Bro. Sam Leach
giving the general proclamation. An excellent evening.
To end the Masonic year, another famous B.B.Q was held on 03 June. Although the
turn out was not as great as in previous years , everyone enjoyed an evening of good food
and fellowship.
July 1998 - At the 143 Annual Communication of Grand lodge , held at the Royal
York Hotel in Toronto, July 15-16, Wor. Bro. George R. Clauson , A PM of Lodge of Fidelity
, was elected to the office of District Deputy Grand Master, Ottawa District #1., for the
1998 - 1999 Masonic Year. Wor. Bro. Lorne King was selected as District Secretary. At the
same Annual Communication, Wor. Bro. A. Lyle Francis was appointed a Grand Lodge Officer
with the Rank of Grand Steward., a worthy tribute to a worthy Mason and lover of the
Craft.
Regular meeting, 15 September 1998 - The new Masonic year started off with the
Wor. Master giving a short report of the 143 Annual Communication of Grand Lodge . A
distinguished delegation from Mississippi Lodge #147, led by their Wor. Master, W.Bro.
Brent Reid was escorted into the Lodge by the DOC. W. Bro. Bernie Parsons . After having
Grand honors , they presented the Travelling Gavel to the Wor. Master, W. Bro. Layton
Peck. He thanked the visiting brethren and stated that the Travelling Gavel would be
presented to Prince of Wales Lodge on Friday, 25 September. V.W.Bro. Jim Ham was asked to
retire to introduce the D.D.G.M., Ottawa District #1, R.W.Bro. George Clauson , a member
of Lodge of Fidelity. This was the first visit by the DDGM and it was fitting that he
visit his Mother lodge first. The Wor. Master requested the DDGM to assume the gavel which
was done. The DDGM , after thanking the brethren for their support , requested V.W.Bro. A.
Lyle Francis to join him on the level. He also requested the Wor. Master and V.W.Bro.
Lloyd Moar to join him. The DDGM then requested V.W.Bro. Lloyd Moar to invest our new V.W.
Bro. with a set of Grand Lodge regalia previously worn by V.W.Bro. Ted Harvey. The
brethren then gave Grand Honors led by W.Bro. Parsons. The Wor. Master requested all the
R.W.Bros. to meet him on the level. where he presented bound copies of Bro. Rudyard
Kiplings poem "The Mother Lodge" to the following, R.W. Bill Cook, Brent
Emmerson, Gary Gossling, Ray Grant, Ed Hare, George McKay, Jack Pell and Ted Williams.
There being no further business the members adjourned for refreshments at 9:18 p.m.
Regular Meeting ,20 October Two Master Mason Degrees were conferred .this evening.
Bros Simon Dahdouh and Ken Bowker were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The
work was performed with the usual Fidelity efficiency. V. W. Bro. Lloyd Moar did his usual
commendable job on the "dark work", and V.W. Bro. Jim Ham presented the
"Secrets". The remainder of the work was performed by the officers of the Lodge.
R.W.Bro. Ack Pell, assisted by W.Bro. Maurice Broverman, gave those in attendance a deeper
understanding of the Secrets of the third degree. It proved most interesting, A bound copy
of the poem "The Mother Lodge " was presented by the Wor. Master to each Lodge
brother who had a Masonic Birthday in September and October. Copies were also given to the
visitors of the evening, viz. R.W.Bro. Bud Bevin from Florida, W.Bro. Bill Sylvester and
Bro. Dennis Toth Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:43 p.m.
Regular Meeting, 17 November - As this was the evening when Lodge of Fidelity
welcomes the DDGM, Lodge opened at 7:00 p.m. The Wor. Master requested W.Bro. Glenn
Melling,(DOC), V.W.Bro. Lloyd Moar and R.W. Bro. Jack Pell to retire and escort those
brethren waiting outside the door of the Lodge into the Lodge... At 7:21 the Current years
Masters were escorted into the Lodge by the DOC. Bro. Dave Coomber led the Grand Honors ,
three times. At 7:26 p.m., R.W.Bro. Sam Kalinowsky , DDGM Ottawa District #2, and 19 other
past and present Grand Lodge officers were escorted into the Lodge by V.W.Bro. Lloyd Moar.
Bro. Dave Coomber(S.S.) led the brethren with Grand Honors 7 times. At 7:30 p.m., R.W.Bro.
George Clauson , DDGM Ottawa District #1, was introduced into the Lodge by his good friend
R.W.Bro. Jack Pell Bro. S.S. again led the brethren with Grand Honors 7 times. R.W.Bro.
Clauson was then escorted to the East under the wands of the Deacons. After assuming the
gavel, R.W.Bro. Clauson brought warm fraternal greetings from the Grand Master, M.W.Bro.
William T. Anderson, Grand master of the Grand lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
After thanking the Deacons, the DDGM returned the gavel to the Wor. Master. A letter was
read from bro. harold dewar requesting his demit. Bro Dewar resides in Winnipeg and has
not been active in Masonry for at least thirty -five years. A demit was granted.
Regretfully, we were informed of the passing of Bro Reg Rule on 04 October in Toronto.
Bro. Rule was a Life Member. Also, Bro. Cecil Tate passed to the Grand Lodge above on 11
November. We will remember them. Due to the unavoidable absence of the of the candidate of
the evening through illness in the family , the work of the evening was changed to Masonic
Education . Bro. Junior Deacon read a short paper on the arrangement of the Lesser Lights
and their significance.. This was followed by R.W.Bro. Jack Pell giving a most interesting
talk on his visit to Roslyn Chapel in Scotland and the significance of this chapel to
Masonry. A bound copy of the poem :The Mother Lodge " was presented to each Mason who
had a Masonic Birthday during November. The DDGM, R.W.Bro. George Clauson took a few
minutes to share his feelings about what he termed "a memorable evening", after
which the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 10:23 p.m.
Regular meeting, 15 December - This being the evening of the Annual Christmas
Festive of Brethren and friends, Lodge opened at 5:30 p.m with W.Bro. Layton Peck as W.M.
and W.Bro. Gordon Chamberlain as I.P.M. The meeting was short with only two pieces of
business dealt with. The request for a Demit from Bro. Harold Dewar was granted , as well
as that received from Bro Victor Millard who resides in Orangeville. Both are Life
Members. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 5:42 p.m. when the brethren adjourned to
join their wives, family and friends in the dining room and lounge. The usual excellent
turkey dinner was served by members of the Eastern Star to approximately 100 persons.
Following the dinner, everyone adjourned to the lounge for entertainment and fellowship.
Wor. Bro. Layton Peck led us in singsong followed by a visit from Santa and Mrs Santa. A
number of gifts were won by luck of the draw which proved to be very popular. Our thanks
to Bro. Junior Warden and his team for a very successful and enjoyable evening.
1998 Rt Wor Bro Jack Pell was appointed to the Board of Governors of
the Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston Mass USA.
1999
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Regular meeting, 19 January 1999 - The new year started off on a quiet note. The
Junior Warden informed us that a profit of $32.00 had been made on the Christmas dinner
evening. He was warmly congratulated by the Wor. Master for a job well done. In the
absence of an eligible candidate, Wor. Bro. Paul Todd , Chairman of Education, Ottawa
District #1, presented the second of his three papers on "The Origin of Grand Lodge
in Ontario". It was an excellent paper. We look forward to hearing the final paper..
The Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 8:35 p.m.
Emergent Meeting, 02 February 1999
This meeting took on a different twist. In the
absence of a suitable candidate to be passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft
as planned, the Wor. Master for the evening, Wor. Bro. Graham Oldford
and a large group travelled to Temple Lodge Westboro, where Rt. Wor. Bro.
George Clauson was paying his Official Visit. An enjoyable evening resulted.
Regular Meeting , 16 February
Lodge opened at 7:30 p.m. by Wor. Bro. Layton
Peck, W.M. After the regular business ended, the W.M. invited V.W.Bro.
Jim Ham to assume the Chair of Solomon for the work of the evening, that
of raising Bro. Richard Saikalay to the Degree of Master Mason. Much of
the work was done by “side benchers” rather than regular officers. It
was an excellent evening. V.W.Bro. Ham stated that the last time he had
occupied the Master’s chair was in 1980/81 at the installation
of Wor. Bro. Jim Hatch . An interesting sidelight was when Rt. Wor. Bro.
Jack Pell who presented the Traditional history of the Degree, stated
that this was the first time he had done so , and that he had now completed
every “charge” in the Master Mason Degree . After warmly thanking the
team, V.W.Bro. Ham closed the Lodge in the 3rd and 2nd Degree and
returned the gavel to the Wor. Master, W.Bro. Layton Peck. Lodge closed
in peace and harmony at 10:20 p.m.
Emergent Meeting, 02 March 1999
In the absence of a suitable candidate, the Lodge
opened at 7:30 pm and immediately closed so that the Brethren could proceed to
Goodwood Lodge , Richmond where the DDGM, Rt.Wor. Bro. George Clauson was
paying his Official visit.
Regular Meeting, 16 March 1999
The meeting was opened at 7:30 pm by the Wor.
Master, Wor. Bro. Layton Peck. There being no suitable candidate for
advancement, the evening was devoted to Masonic Education. A 25 year pin
was presented to Bro. Nicholas Mahara , Lodge Secretary Emeritus,
by one of his sponsors , Vy. Wor. Bro. Charles Sharp. The other sponsor ,
Vy.Wor. Bro. Harold Morgan passed to the Grand Lodge above many years ago.
Bro. Mahara was initiated into Fidelity in March 1974 so that this month
was also his Masonic birthday month. The Wor. Master congratulated
Vy. Wor. Bro. Sharp on this his 84th birthday. Bro. Pat MacKey was
also eligible for his 25 year pin . Unfortunately Bro. MacKey’s health
did not permit him to be in Lodge. However, Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham
offered to deliver the pin to Bro MacKey . In the unavoidable absence of Bro.
Dave Armstrong, Junior Warden, Bro. David Peate occupied this chair .
Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:30 p.m. Since
this was close to St. Patrick’s day, the Wor. Master preceded
the meeting with an excellent sit down supper of Irish Stew and homemade
biscuits at 6:30 p.m and following the meeting , ice cream,
doughnuts and coffee. Enjoyable.
Emergent Meeting, 06 April 1999
This meeting is known as “Step-Up” night
when the Officers advance one chair. Accordingly, Bro. Jim Mouland took
his place in the “near east “ as Wor. Master. Bro. Dave Armstrong
occupied the Senior Wardens Chair. In the absence of Bro. Wayne Wozny,
Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham filled the Junior Wardens Chair. Bro. Ron Taylor and
Bro. Dave Coomber filled the chairs of Junior Deacon and Inner Guard.
Lodge opened in the First Degree and immediately advanced to the Second
and Third Degree. Bros. Ken Bowker and Rick Saikalay proved
themselves in the Third Degree by reciting the MM Obligation , Questions
and Penalty . At the request of the Wor. Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell
explained the signs, step , and words of the Degree. Lodge then closed in this
Degree. The same pattern was followed in the Second degree and in the First
Degree. The work was well done and augers well for the upcoming Masonic
year. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting, 20 April 1999
This Regular meeting was devoted to the
Memorial Service and the Election of Officers for the ensuing year..
During the past Masonic year we had an unusual number of Brethren called
to the Grand Lodge Above. They were Wor. Bro. Bill Greene, Wor. Bro.
John Railer, Bro. Cecil Tate, Bro. Reg Rule, Bro. Vincent McLean, Bro. David
York , Bro. Tom Wilkins, Bro. Franklyn Bradford, Bro. Walter Leaver, and
Bro. William Smith.- We cherish their memory-.. The Election of Officers
saw Bro. James Mouland elected as Wor. Master; Bro. Dave Armstrong,
Senior Warden; Bro. Wayne Wozny , Junior Warden; Bro. Peter Rippstein,
Senior Deacon; Bro. Ron Taylor , Junior Deacon; Bro. Dave Coomber, Inner
Guard; Bro. Duncan Lunam , Senior Steward; and Bro. David Peate , Junior
Steward. The Wor. Master then acknowledged the Masonic Birthdays of the
brethren for the month of April. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:00
p.m.
Regular Meeting, 18 May 1999
Installation and Investiture. The meeting opened at
7:00 p.m. with Wor. Bro. Layton Peck in the Chair of King Solomon. The
Installing master will be Wor. Bro. Graham Oldford.. After completing
the short business portion of the evening, the meeting was turned over
to Wor. Bro. Oldford for the Installation of Bro. James Mouland as
Worshipful Master. There was an excellent turnout with the Grand Senior
Warden and the Grand Junior Warden in attendance. They were in town for
the Installation at Luxor Daylight Lodge which was to take place the
next day. Following the Installation and Investiture, the outgoing Wor.
Master presented Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell with a 25 Year Past Master pin
and Bro. Fergus Lawson with his Life Membership Certificate. It was good
to see Wor. Bro. Gordon Harrison who now makes his home in B.C.
Wor. Bro. Peck was presented with a Past Master’s jewel by Rt. Wor.
Bro. Jack Pell one of his sponsors. The other sponsor was
Wor. Bro. Maurice Broverman. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10:15
p.m with the brethren gathering in the dining room for refreshments.
Emergent Meeting , 02 June 1999
This was the evening for the Annual B.B.Q. Although
the weather was rather threatening, a goodly crowd gathered at the Masonic
Centre where the culinary skills of Vy.Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar assisted by Bro
Junior Warden (Bro. Wayne Wozny) and his merry band of “sous chefs”
excelled themselves with steaks, hot dogs , etc.
Regular Meeting , 21 September 1999
The first meeting of the Fall Masonic year got off
to a good start. Wor. Bro. Jim Mouland presented a very comprehensive report
of the 144 th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge held in Toronto in July.
During the summer, our Honorary Tyler, Bro. Orville Manary passed to the Grand
Lodge Above. To fill this vacancy Bro. Colin Brown was invested as Honorary
Tyler by Rt. Wor. Bro. George Clauson . We were informed by the Wor.
Master that Grand Lodge has selected as their Millennium Project a Masonic
Foundation of Ontario program called “Help- 2-Hear”which will have a two
year window. The objective is to establish a two million dollar capital fund
over the next two years . The fund will provide the necessary funding to
continue the research in the early detection of hearing loss in babies and
infants and to guide them through an appropriate treatment strategy. Each
Lodge is urged to raise at least $1,500.00 per year over the next two years.
Vy. Wor. Bro. Jim Ham is the Lodge representative. We are also encouraged
to vigorously pursue the Friend - to- Friend and Brother -to- Brother
campaigns. Our representatives for these campaigns are Vy. Wor. Jim Ham and
Bro. David Peate. It was great to see and hear Rt. Wor. Bro. George Clauson
take over as Lodge Organist after his year as D.D.G.M.. Bro. Lorne King was
presented with the Collar and Apron of a Grand Steward along with the title of
Vy.Worshipful for his handling the duties of District Secretary last year. A
job well done. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:15 p.m.
The Lodge is extremely fortunate in now having seven
Grand Lodge Officers i.e. Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Pell(DDGM 1980/81), Rt. Wor. Bro.
George Clauson (DDGM 1998/99), Vy. Wor. Bro. Charles Sharp(District Secretary
1970/71), Vy. Bro. Jim Ham (Grand Steward 1986), Vy. Wor. Bro. Lloyd Moar (
Grand Standard Bearer 1994), Vy. Wor. Bro. Lyle Francis (Grand Steward 1997),
and Vy. Wor. Bro. Lorne King (District Secretary 1998/99), Grand Steward.
Regular Meeting, 19 October 1999.
In lieu of Degree work, this meeting was devoted to
Masonic Education. Papers were presented by R.W.Bro. George Clauson; V.W.Bro.
Lyle Francis (1st Degree charity Charge); W.Bro. Graham Oldford; W.Bro.
Maurice Broverman gave an extremely interesting paper on the Jewish
interpretation of the word “charity”. There apparently is no direct
translation to the word “charity” in the Jewish language so that his talk
was most informative and different. W.Bro. Layton Peck sent some material
along as he was sick with the flu. W.Bro. Les Richardson of Civil Service
Lodge, and District 1 leader for the Grand Lodge Millennium Project “Help -
2 - Hear”, spoke on this Project which will run for two years , and
hopefully raise over two million dollars for neonatal hearing. Each lodge is
urged to take on a project of their own and raise at least $1500.00 per year
for the years 2000 and 2001. Bro. Dave Armstrong, S.W., gave a moving
interpretation of the Tracing Board lecture in the first degree. All in all, a
different, but most interesting evening. The only drawback was that only 30
members and friends were present .
No Emergent meeting in November.
Regular meeting , 16 November 1999
D.D.G.M. Official Visit.
Lodge opened promptly at 7:00 p.m. by the W.M W.
Bro. James Mouland. W.Bro. Graham Oldford, DOC, was asked to retire and
introduce the delegation of present and past Grand Lodge officers, including
V.W.Bro. Lorne King who received his Grand Lodge appointment as Grand Steward
for the excellent job he did as District secretary , Ottawa District 1, in
1998/99. The DOC retired for a second time to introduce a large group of
Shriners, members of the Oriental Band. Lastly, R.W.Bro. George Clauson
retired to present R.W.Bro. Paul E Todd, D.D.G.M. Ottawa District 1, 1999/2000
on this his official visit.
On completion of the usual business. Lodge was
called from labour to refreshment for the space of one hour so that the
brethren could sit down to a pot luck supper in the dining room .
The J.W.Bro. Wayne Wozny exhibited his culinary skills and assisted by
the wives of some of our brethren, produced a most enjoyable meal and
desserts.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., Lodge reconvened in the
first degree and immediately opened in the Fellowcraft degree. W.Bro. Graham
Oldford read a paper on the Working Tools of the Degree and their symbolism.
It was well received. This was followed by Bro. Ron Taylor giving a flawless
presentation of the Working Tools charge. Lodge was raised to the third degree
. Bro. Daniel Azzi was escorted to the near East by the DOC where he proved
himself a Master Mason. The required questions were asked by V.W.Bro. Jim Ham,
followed by a request from the S.W. for Bro. Azzi to repeat his obligation. An
excellent response by Bro. Azzi. Two of the newer brethren, viz: Bro. Marvin
Mooney and Bro. Kenneth Bowker were asked to come to the near East where they
were presented with their Master Mason Certificates. This was followed by
R.W.Bro. George Clauson giving a very complete explanation of the makeup and
characters on the MM Certificate - interesting. Lodge was closed in the third
and second degrees respectively.
Returning to the first degree, the W.M
requested W.Bro. Walter Webb to approach the near East where he was presented
with his 50 year pin and card by R.W.Bro. George Clauson.. The members of the
Oriental Band were asked to join W.Bro. Webb on the level. He is a member and
leader of the Band. The W.M .told us that in 1985 ,when he was initiated,
W.Bro. Webb was the W.M.
Near the close of the meeting , the W.M. called for
the brethren to observe a moment of silence in memory of our Honorary Bro.
M.W.Bro. Sam Leach , who passed to the Grand Lodge on 09 November. We will
miss Bro. Leach.
As the last speaker, the D.D.G.M. gave a very
interesting and inspiring Masonic paper, it was well received. He then
proceeded to inform us that Lodge of Fidelity had the best turnout at the
Masonic Grand Lodge of Instruction presented at the Ottawa Masonic Centre on
30 October and therefore had won the prize of a camera. This he
presented to V.W.Bro. Jim Ham as the Lodge representative of the Masonic
Foundation of Ontario with the suggestion that it be raffled off at some
future date with the proceeds going to the “Help - 2 - Hear Project”.
Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 10.25 p.m.
No Emergent meeting in December
Regular Meeting , 21 December
The joy of Christmas. Per our custom, Lodge
opened at 5:30 p.m with the required number of brethren in the chairs. Bro.
Ron Taylor was Jr. Warden; R.W.Bro. George Clauson was Sr. Warden; V.W.Bro.
Lorne King was IPM, and W.Bro. Lee Reid was IG. W.Bro. Lee Reid, a long time
member of Fidelity is the W.M. of Osiris Lodge , Smiths Falls. After
dispensing with the usual business, the meeting closed with the brethren
adjourning to the lounge to join the other brethren, wives and friends before
moving to the dining room for the usual Christmas turkey dinner . A crowd of
slightly over 100 people enjoyed the evening which ended with a singsong in
the lounge.
2000
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Regular Meeting, 18 January 2000
We have entered the millennium year and the new
century. We also are into the worst endemic flu season. It is world wide and
affecting seniors more than the younger generation. This may account for us
having only 24 brethren out at our meeting. The Wor. Master programmed this
meeting to be one of Masonic Education with each of the Officers describing
their Office. It was apparent that a great deal of research was applied by the
brethren. The following offices were described , Sr.Warden, Bro. Dave
Armstrong; Jr. Warden, Bro. Wayne Wozny; Deacons, Bro. Peter Rippstein, Sr.
Deacon; Stewards, Bro. Jim Lowe; Inner guard, Bro. Dave Coomber; Tyler, W.Bro.
Jim Dowd; IPM, W.Bro. Norm Allingham; Organist, R.W.Bro. George Clauson;
Historian, W.Bro. Jim Ham; Chaplain, W.Bro. Glenn Melling. A
ballot was held on the Application for Affiliation presented by Bro. Brian
Vansickle, a former member of Prince of Wales Lodge. The ballot was favourable.
Bro. Vansickle was presented with a copy of the Lodge By-Laws and the booklet
- Lodge History , 125 years, 1870 to 1995. Bro. Vansickle presented to the
Lodge, a handcrafted area rug ( approx. 3ft.by 5 ft.) Showing the Square and
Compasses in the centre, surrounded by Masonic symbols in each of the corners.
Bro. Vansickle said that the rug had been in his family for 5 generations.
R.W.Bro. Clauson suggested that the rug be displayed in front of the Master at
each meeting, his suggestion was readily accepted. After hearing a
presentation from the Wor. Master, Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:45
p.m.
Regular Meeting, 15 February 2000
As there was no suitable candidate, the W.M. Wor.
Br. Jim Mouland planned an evening of Masonic Education. Wor. Bro. Douglas
Franklin, Chairman of Masonic Education, Ottawa District 1, a member of St.
Andrew’s lodge, No. 560,. gave a very interesting paper on “Three
Outstanding Canadian Masons .” These turned out to be Rt.Hon. Sir John A.
MacDonald; Lt.Colonel Arthur William Currie; a brilliant WW1 military
officer; and Bro. Miles Gilbert (Tim) Horton, the founder of Tim
Horton’s doughnuts, and a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Team in
the early 40's.. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at approx. 9:15 p.m.
Regular Meeting ,21 March 2000
In preparation for the BIG Chili Cook-Off scheduled
for 01 April at the Ottawa Masonic Centre, the evening started early with a
sit down supper at 6:30 p.m.. The menu of course was Chili. Six hopeful
batches of Chili were tasted by the brethren with the winner being that
prepared by Marlene Clauson. Rt. Wor. Bro. George Clauson and Marlene
will represent Lodge of Fidelity at the “Cook - Off”. The idea behind the
Chili contest is to raise money for the HELP - 2 - HEAR project. The
idea started with Ottawa District 2 issuing the challenge to Ottawa District
1. Each Lodge in each District is permitted to enter one team.
After the meal , the brethren assembled in Lodge
Room 1, for the regular meeting . As there was no candidate , or work, the Wor.
Master planned the evening as one of Masonic Education. Accordingly, this
became “Step Up” night where Bro. Sr. Warden,(Bro. Dave Armstrong) opened
and closed the lodge in the three degrees. Bro. Armstrong gave a flawless
presentation of the Fellowcraft Tracing Board lecture as he has not had the
opportunity to do it this Masonic year. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at
9:15 p.m.
Emergent Meeting, 04 April 2000
The big “Chili Cook-Off’ took place on 01 April
as planned. Unfortunately, our excellent entry of chili made by Marlene
Clauson and Rt. Wor. Bro. George Clauson did not win.
The Emergent evening began with the W. M. Bro. Jim
Mouland welcoming the W.M. of St Andrew’s Lodge,No. 560, Wor. Bro. Don
Lamont, and a goodly numbers of members of that Lodge, plus Bro. Mark Tracy ,
a Fellowcraft Mason who was to be raised to Master Mason by our Lodge members
. The evening went very well. Fidelity members that participated were; Bro
Duncan Lunam - Questions; Bros Rippstein and Parsons - Deacons;
Bro. Dave Coomber - Working Tools; Bro. Glenn Melling Chaplain;
Bro Wayne Wozny - J.W; Bro. Dave Armstrong - S.W; V.W.Bro. Lloyd
Moar - Dark Work; V.W.Bro. Jim Ham - Traditional History; Rt.Wor.
Bro. George Clauson - Signs, etc; W.Bro. Graham Oldford - Secrets; and
W.Bro. Norman Allingham - IPM Charge. The Obligation was given by W.Bro. Don
Lamont. Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:15 pm.[
Regular Meeting , 18 April 2000
Elections and the Memorial service are again upon
the Lodge. The turnout is very small with only 24 brethren and three visitors.
The following Officers were elected: Bro. David Armstrong, Wor. Master Elect;
Bro. Wayne Wozny, Senior Warden; Bro. Peter Rippstein, Junior Warden; Bro.
Ronald Taylor, Senior Deacon; Bro. David Coomber, Junior Deacon; Bro. Stewards
- to be announced ( Bro. Jim Lowe, who would have gone from Jr. to Sr. Steward
declined to move up). Bro. Bruce Davis stated that 200/2001 will be his last
year as Secretary; Wor. Bro. Hal Miller offered his services again as
Treasurer; Bro. Colin Brown was elected as Tyler. Bro. Inner Guard still has
to be filled, probably by Bro. David Peate.
The memorial Service honoured the passing during the
year 01 June 1999 to 30 April 2000 of the following Brethren; Bro. Orville
Manary, Bro. Herb Popp; M.W.Bro. Sam Leach; Bro. George Nelms; Bro. Edgar
Taylor.
The Wor. Master gave a very comprehensive report of
his year as Worshipful Master, particularly thanking all those that gave him
supprt and guidance during his year. Although the Lodge did not have any new
initiations or affiliations, the many evenings of Masonic Education
proved most interesting and helpful to the Brethren.
Lodge closed in peace and harmony at 9:15 p.m.
2001
