History of True Blue Lodge No.98 G.R.C.
>> May 12, 2008
History of True Blue Lodge No.98 G.R.C.
The Charter Members of True Blue Lodge were all former members of Western Light Lodge No. 7, P.R. The first communication of the lodge was held on the evening of March 5th, 1858, by authority of a dispensation issued by the Ancient Grand Lodge of Canada. At this time True Blue was numbered 62. The Grand Master was Sir Alan Napter Mc Nab. V.W. Bro. William Graham was True Blue's first ruling master, and also its guiding hand for a considerable number of years thereafter.
On March 5, 1858, the first candidate, Mr. William Curliss, was initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry.
The lodge's first home was in one of the upper rooms of the Masonic Arms Hotel which stood on the location of the present Imperial Bank, and this continued to be its meeting place for about 16 years.
The first election was held on June 4th, 1858, at which the following were chosen: W.M. William Graham; Treasurer Bro. Gilbert Gilmore; Tyler Bro. John McGeary.
The Installation was held on St. John's Day, June 24th at high noon. V.W. Bro. Solomon Stogdill installed Bro. Graham in the chair of King Solomon, S.D. - Bro. Robert Dick, J.W. - Bro. Wm. Lynas, Sec. - Bro. Wm. Morris, S.D. - Bro. James Murray, J.D. - Bro. B. Hall, I.G. - Bro. Wm. Curliss, S.S. - Bro. Wm. Johnston, J.S. - Bro. Robert Booth plus above Officers.
Two F.C. Degrees and one Master Mason's Degree were then conferred. Lodge closed at 8 pm.
About this time two Grand Lodges then operating in Canada united, and on July 14. 1858, a Warrant of Constitution was issued by the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, assigning the rank of No. 98 to True Blue. The charter has been the lodge's authority to work since then. The charter of True Blue is unique in that it has embodied in it a copy of the original dispensation, with the names of the two Grand Masters, has two numbers and is known as a Warrant of Dispensation.
In June 1859 the lodge received a proposal of Union from Western Light Lodge.
In December 1870, the three chats of King Solomon' Temple were purchase and still adorn the walls of True Blue Lodge.
On July 1st, 1876, a Dominion Day picnic was held with members of Blackwood and Robinson Lodges.
In 1904, True Blue became the Mother Lodge of Peel Lodge No. 468 in Caledon East.
In 1943, the D.D.G.M. R.W. Bro. Howard E. Richmond presented the lodge with the magnificent silk banner inscribed " Western Light Lodge No. 7, P.R. which had been kept in the archives of Grand Lodge and now has an honoured place in the East in True Blue Lodge.
"May the memory of the solid foundation laid by our 'ancient brethren" over one hundred years ago and the continuing labours of those worthy Masons who added to the superstructure inspire us to more noble and unselfish dedication to the Five Points of Fellowship so that our Most Noble Science may shine with Undiminished Lustre throughout the years and add its share to bringing Peace, Harmony and Brotherhood to the world".
On March 5th, 2008 celebrated its 150th Anniversary by re-creating the Lodge atmosphere at its creation. The Lodge was lit only be Eight Candles, representing the eight founding members of the Lodge and a First Degree was performed as the minutes of the first meeting indicated. The M.W. Bro. Allan J. Petrisor, Grand Master of Canada, A. F. & A. M., in the Province of Ontario was in attendance along with many past and present Grand Lodge Officers among which was R. W. Bro. Rea Gibson, D.D.G.M. of Toronto York District.
A memorial experience for all in attendance Thank you
Contributed by: Bro C. Plante
1 comments:
You wrote:
a First Degree was performed as the minutes of the first meeting indicated.
It'd be interesting to know the differences in how this was done, as it was before the GLC codified the ceremonies in, I think, 1859.
I see the Lodge originally followed the English custom of electing only the Master, Treasurer and Tyler.
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