Greetings and Message
M.W. Bro. Norman E. Byrne
The Grand Master
As Grand Master, I congratulate Nickel Lodge Nº 427 on achieving 100 years of service to the craft and to the Sudbury community.
Nickel Lodge has an illustrious past, the result of building on a solid foundation.
It is our sincere wish that as the Lodge prepares to enter the 21st Century, it will continue to lead and direct Masons in the Sudbury area, as it maintains its status as a focal point in strengthening masonic philosophy and teachings to generations yet unborn.
Congratulations and best wishes!
Greetings & Message
R. W. BRO. J.D. INNES
District Deputy Grand Master
Sudbury Manitoulin District
May I extend my congratulations to Nickel Lodge as you celebrate your 100th Anniversary. A review of the history leads on to the expectation that the future will be bright and positive.
Having observed the present officers and knowing that there are other members with talent and energy, I’m sure of the future success of your Lodge! No organization can afford to “rest on its laurels”; however, I believe that we must keep our membership active by encouraging the participation of as many of our newer members as circumstances may permit and by so conducting ourselves in our community, work and social lives that others may be attracted to our fraternity.
Again, heartiest congratulations!
A History
of
Nickel Lodge, A.F. & A.M.
Nº 427 G.R.C.
1891-1991
compiled by:
R. W. BRO. J.D. INNES
V. W. BRO. S.A.H. CRESSEY
W. BRO. E.T. BENEDICT
W. BRO. W.B. WALKER
W. BRO. T.H. LLOYD
W. BRO. R.A. DEVER
W. BRO. R.J. FONTAINE
BRO. M.A. DOWLING
BRO. K.J. LAROSE
Edited by:
BRO. K.G. ALEXANDER
On the occasion of its
100th Anniversary
Celebrated October 19, 1991
Instituted October 13, 1891
Constituted November 2, 1892
JUNE 4, 1891 – SUDBURY JOURNAL
A meeting of the masonic brethren of Sudbury and vicinity will be held in McCormick’s Hall on Monday evening next, to make final arrangement for the immediate inauguration of a masonic lodge. It is important that every member should be present.
NOVEMBER 7, 1891 – SUDBURY JOURNAL
Nickel Lodge, A.F. and A.M., U.D., was fairly started last night, a large number of Masons being present from North Bay, Mattawa, and other points. Amongst those present were W.R. White, P.D.D.G.M., Pembroke;
D.R. McFarlane, D.D.G.M., Ottawa District, Quebec; R.A. Klock, P.G.S.; W.H.Burgess, G.S., and H.A. Washburn, W.M., Nipissing Lodge. A full list of officers will be given later. The lodge starts out with a fair membership, a large number of applications, and with every appearance of being successful. The regular meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month.
**********************
These two notices in R.W. Bro. James A. Orr’s newspaper (started March 5, 1891) announced the beginning of a rich and colourful history for Nickel Lodge. After our first 100 years we still meet on the first Wednesday of each month, and we give every appearance of being successful.
This brief journey through the past 100-year history of Nickel Lodge will begin with a short biographical tribute to R.W. Bro. W.H. Howey, the “Grand Old Man of Masonry” in Sudbury. The historical drama will be presented as it unfolded within the walls of the various location regarded as home by the brethren of Nickel Lodge.
Thus:
Warren Block: 1891-1894
Cochrane Block: 1894-1919
Borrough’s Block: 1919-1938
10 Cedar Street: 1938-1973
Belrock Temple: 1973-Present
R.W. Bro. William Harvey Howey
A son of Harvey and Mary Ann (Markle) Howey, William Harvey Howey was born in Norfolk County, Ontario, on October 6th, 1855. Growing up on his father’s farm in Norfolk County, he began the long years of education in the district schools, later attending the public school of Simcoe, where he prepared for McGill University. Here he pursued his medical studies and took his degrees, Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery with the class of 1878. On September 23, 1879, William H. Howey married Florence Rozeltha Ward of Delhi. During the four years between his graduation and his connection to the railway, he practiced near his home in Norfolk County.
In December, 1882, the Canadian Pacific Railway, then carrying on extensive building operations in Northern Ontario, offered him the position of medical officer on their staff, his work consisting in the medical and surgical care of the man employed in building their road from North Bay west, a company number from twenty five hundred to three thousand. He accepted the offer and his pay was to be $75 a month with everything found. When he first visited the present site of Sudbury on St. Patrick’s day, 1883, driving sixty miles ahead of the construction gang of the Canadian Pacific Railway, he found there one log cabin and one log stable in process of construction. It was on Dominion Day, 1883, that Mrs. Howey joined the Doctor to become the first permanent settlers to arrive in Sudbury. when she arrived, they ate their first meal at Henry Smith’s log “Sudbury Hotel” which was on the site of the old City Hall. It was also in July of 1883 that Dr. Howey became an assistant to Dr. Girdwood and help build the first hospital on “Pill Hill”, (Queen’s Athletic Park area).
On January 13, 1886, Dr. Howey delivered a baby boy at the Hudson’s Bay Post, near present day Naughton. The Howeys became the boy’s godparents and was christened Arthur Howey Ross. This boy learned to skate on Simon Lake, using skates made from old files by the Indians and a hockey stick fashioned from a birch branch. It was this boy who grew up to launch the Boston Bruins Hockey Club in 1924.
From June, 1883 to the fall of 1886, the Doctor was located in Sudbury, then for three years he was in North Bay, still in the service of the railroad. In 1889, he returned to Sudbury and severed his connection with them. He was then appointed surgeon for the Dominion Mineral Company and the H.H. Vivian Company. He held his association with the former company for three years and with the latter, five years. in 1900, he was appointed surgeon for the Mond Nickel Company, in which capacity he served for nine years. When he severed this connection, he went into private practice in Sudbury. Dr. Howey was also one of the “company of 100 associates” who formed a petition to incorporate Sudbury as a town in 1893.
Dr. Howey’s eminent qualifications in his particular field had received recognition in various ways. In 1911, he was appointed to the Provincial Board of Health of Ontario, and he discharged the duties of this important office for sixteen years, until the Board was abolished in April 1927. He was also vice-president of the Acme Drug Company; a member of the Ontario Medical Society; a member of the District Medical Society; for many years, he was the jail surgeon; and served for a time on the Sudbury Town Council.
Dr. Howey was the first to discover the enormous nickel deposit, now known as the Frood Nickel Mines, the largest in the Sudbury District. It happened that the Doctor went out with a searching party to hunt for the police magistrate (Andrew McNaughton), who had become lost in the country. While on the search, he ran across this mountain of ore and he then proposed that a claim be staked, but the director of the Geological Survey advised him that the ore was without value and he let the matter drop. Today, this mine’s value is reckoned into the millions of dollars and the good Doctor could have picked up the land at a dollar per acre.
Dr. and Mrs. Howey at one time owned a very beautiful piece of acreage between two lovely lakes, Ramsey and Nepahwin, where in the midst of their two hundred and twenty five acres, they had a summer residence, Idylwylde. This property was acquired by a country club for their golf links and on August 4, 1923, the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club began playing, using the Howey camp on Lake Ramsey as a clubhouse. Dr. Howey was also a member.
Dr. Howey’s masonic part of his life was just as fulfilling as his private or public life. His first lodge was King Hiram Nº 78 G.R.C., located at Tillsonburg Ontario. It was here that he was initiated on March 9, 1881, passed on April 13, 1881 and raised on June 8, 1881.
In 1891, Dr. Howey, along with twenty six other masons, became a charter member of what was to be Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. and as a point of interest in the register book, his register number appears as number one. He became Nickel Lodge’s first Worshipful Master from November 6, 1891 to December 27, 1893. In 1897-1898, Dr. Howey took another step in Craft Masonry and became the District Deputy Grand Master of Nipissing District No 18.
Even after his climb through the various steps of craft masonry, he stayed very active in Nickel Lodge. One good example is that he sat as installing Master for nineteen of our Worshipful Masters. This is an achievement which has yet to be equalled. Over the years, he sat on various committees of the Lodge and also assisted the various Worshipful Masters in the works of the degrees.
Dr. Howey’s masonic attention did not only pertain to Nickel Lodge or Craft Masonry for he was also a Royal Arch Mason. He was a member of Tuscan Chapter Nº 95 of the Royal Arch. In 1896, he held the position of Scribe N in that Chapter.
If George Washington is said to be Father of the United States because he was the first President and if John A. MacDonald is said to be the Father of the Dominion of Canada because he was the first Prime Minister, then Dr. William Harvey Howey must be the Father of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. because he was the first to sign the Lodge register, he was the first Worshipful Master of Nickel Lodge and the first member of Nickel Lodge to become a District Deputy Grand Master.
In closing, Dr. William Harvey Howey gave forty-five years of his life to the Sudbury area. He was a physician of the old school with young ides; a man who vigorously braved the trying period of pioneer times. It was here that he spent his lifetime and gave to the utmost of his talents. He was something more than a doctor in the North. He was a pillar of strength and encouragement; a noble figure and a unique character.
Dr. Howey fell victim to a paralytic stroke and though, for a short time, he recovered sufficiently to be up and about, his health was uncertain. Dr. William Harvey Howey passed to the Grand Lodge above on March 20, 1929.
Dr. Howey was truly a great Mason. He carried out all the fundamental principles and tenets of Freemasonry to their fullest. All Masons can hold their heads high knowing that they belong to the same brotherhood that guided Dr. Howey through his life and hope that we can guide our lives in much the same manner. As for members of Nickel Lodge Nº 427, we can truly be proud to have such a man, as Dr. Howey, to start us off as our first Worshipful Master. We the members of \Nickel Lodge Nº 427 are truly blessed and in Dr. Howey’s debt.
Compiled by: W. Bro. E.T. Benedict
The successful efforts of R,W. Bro. Dr. Howey, R.W. Bro. J.A. Orr, W. Bro. G.H. Smith, and twenty four other charter members of Nickel Lodge, resulted in Grand Lodge granting a dispensation to Nickel Lodge on October 13, 1891. At the Grand Lodge Meeting in London in 1892, the Board recommended a warrant be given to Nickel Lodge. The Warrant of Constitution was delivered and presented to Nickel Lodge on November 2, 1892. Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was now in Nipissing District No.18 which included lodges at Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, Sundridge, Parry Sound, North Bay, Sudbury, and Manitoulin Island.
Warren Block 1891 – 1896
The colourful beginnings of Nickel Lodge are aptly described by W. Bro. Wm. McDonald in his early history of the Lodge presented at its 25th anniversary celebration on November 22, 1916.
Historical Sketch of Nickel Lodge No 427 G.R.C., Sudbury, Ontario
In the beginning, Nickel Lodge was conceived in the Hearts of a few devoted Masons who, having enjoyed the Privileges of the Masonic Art in other parts, were anxious to establish a branch in the New North Town of Sudbury. It was some 8 years after the “Grand Old Man” of Masonry had discovered this town, which important event took place on March 17, 1883. The discover of Copper Mines in 1886 and afterwards of the rich deposits of nickel in this district made the interval a time of business boom and meanwhile, the population of the town and vicinity increased so rapidly, that it was no longer a dangerous experiment to think of founding those Institutions which make for the Moral betterment of men. Early in the year 1891, a group of Masons met and devised the plans out of which the Lodge evolved. It was, no doubt, an easy matter to settle on the name. The housing of the child entailed greater labours. The erection of a new frame building known as “Warren Block”, on Cedar Street, where W. Bro. D.L. McKinnon’s Wholesale now stands, gave the opportunity to secure the first “Home”. This same building has been converted into the more substantial and businesslike “ToughBlock”, on Durham Street. It is said that the lumber of this first home was manufactured in a sawmill operated by W. Bro. J. A. Sharp, who, together with Bros. Howey, Orr, Smith, Evans, and some others who are not who well known to us today, was instrumental in making the first move towards the founding of the Lodge.
The furnishings of this Hall were secured by dint of much ingenuity. The Altar itself was quite a work of Art, involving 110 hours of skilled labour for completion. Evidently, the “24 Inch Gauge” was not placed in the hands of the workman ere he began those labours. It cost a vast sum of money for those days and ought to be treasured for its intrinsic as well as for its sacred and sentimental value.
The Pedestals were also the product of local industry though not by any means as costly as the Altar. The Building itself was not at all comfortable. The roof leaked badly and necessitated the use of pans to catch the drip in rainy seasons, those the same pans became furnished amusement and diversion in the performans of the Ceremonies of the Lodge, particularly in the First Degree. The Hall was heated by a stove which had a reputation of disappearing without authority or permission from the Lodge, a serious fault indeed. The adjoining Hall and rooms were occupied by other fraternal societies, dealing with the Odd Fellows and the Sons of England in connection therewith finding mention in the earlier records. On the whole, the brethren showed considerable and commendable zeal in fitting and furnishing these quarters as well as they did, in spite of many difficulties which lay in their way.
The circulation of the Petition enrolled 27 Master Masons in the Town and vicinity who were desirous to gain permission from Grand Lodge for Instituting Nickel Lodge. Nipissing Lodge, Nº 420, G.R.C., North Bay, in whose jurisdiction these members lived, gave the necessary Recommendation to Grand Lodge. Evidently, there was no opposition from any source and as everything moved with speed and precision, by the month of November, A.L. 5891, the Hall was complete and furnished and all necessary Preliminaries had been discharged, so that the Inaugural Meeting was held on the 6th day of November, which Day and Event we all met in this Special and Emergent Meeting to celebrate and commemorate.
It will be of interest and instruction to quote for you the minutes of that Inaugural Meeting in full.
Minutes of Inaugural Meeting of Nickel Lodge Under Dispensation Held on November 6th, A.L. 5891
Officers:
W. Bro. W.H. Howey
W. M. Bro. J.A. Orr
S. W. Bro. A.H. Smith, J.W.
Members:
Bro. H. Curran, Bro. J.M. Austin, Bro. R. Johnstone, Bro. W. Anderson, W. Bro. J.A. Sharp, Bro. J. Miller, Bro. T. Evans
Visitors:
R.W. Bro. W.R. White D.D.G.M. Pembroke — Nº 129 G.R.C.
R.W. Bro. D. McFarlane D.D.G.M. Eddy — Nº 41 Q.R.
V.W. Bro. R.A. Klock Mattawa — Nº 405 G.R.C.
V.W. Bro. W.H. Burgess Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
V.W. Bro. H. Kerr St. John — Nº 68 G.R.C.
W. Bro. H.A. Washburn, W.M. Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. W.B. Aird Richelieu — Nº 60 Q.R.
Bro. S. Douglas Mattawa — Nº 405 G.R.C.
Bro. M. Rothschild Mattawa — Nº 405 G.R.C.
Bro. J. DeSousa Mattawa — Nº 405 G.R.C.
Bro. R.S. Plaw Mattawa — Nº 405 G.R.C.
Bro. H.J. Reid Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. S.A. Huntington Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. W.R. Boucher Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. R. McNight Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. A.R. Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. J. McAvenna Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. A.H. Beath Nipissing — Nº 420 G.R.C.
Bro. G. Harwood Keystone — Nº 412 G.R.C.
Total attendance: 29
The Lodge was opened in the First Degree at 7:45 o’clock with V.W. Bro. R.A. Klock in the East, V.W. Bro. Burgess in the West, and V.W. Bro. H.A. Washburn in the South.
V.W. Bro. Klock then read the Dispensation granted by Most Worshipful, the Grand Master, to the brethren therein named constituting them a Masonic Lodge under the Name and Title of Nickel Lodge, after which the principle officers were duly inducted into their respective offices viz:
Worshipful Master, W. Bro. W.H. Howey
Senior Warden, Bro. J.A. Orr
Junior Warden, Bro. A.H. Smith
The Worshipful Master appointed subordinate officers as follows:
Bro. R. Johnstone, S.D.
Bro. W. Anderson, J.D.
Bro. H. Curran, I.G.
Bro. C. Ford, Tyler
Bro. J.M. Austin, Secretary
Bro. J. Purvis, Treasurer
Bro. S. Rondeau, Chaplain
Bro. J. Miller, S.S.
Bro. T. Evans, J.S.
Those who were present of the above named brethren were then duly inducted into their respective offices.
V.W. Bro. Klock, R.W. Bro. W.R. White, R.W. Bro. McFarlane and W. Bro. W. Washburn then addressed the brethren, giving them some very sound and appropriate advice, congratulating them upon their inauguration and prophesying for Nickel Lodge a very bright future.
W. Bro. Howey and Bro. Orr also made a few remarks and on behalf of the Lodge, thanked the visiting brethren for their kind assistance and the good wishes they had expressed for the welfare of Nickel Lodge.
It was moved by Bro. S.W., seconded by Bro. S.D. that the Applications of Messrs. A. Paul, A.W. Watson, Frank Cochrane, John S. Walker, Max. Rothschild, W.R. Griffith, Jas. Hughes, Christopher Robert Reid, James White, David Jacobs, and Frank Addyman be received and placed on the Minutes to be balloted for at the next Regular Meeting, for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry.
The W.M. appointed Bro Rondeau, W. Bro. Sharp and Bro. Smith a committee to make the necessary enquiries on the application of the above named candidates for Initiation, to report thereon at the next Regular Meeting.
It was moved by the Bro. S.W., seconded by the Bro. J.W. and adopted that a hearty vote of thanks be tendered Mattawa Lodge Nº 405 for their kindness in bringing their Jewels and Regalia. Conveyed by the W.M. and acknowledged in suitable terms by V.W. Bro. Klock.
W. Bro. Washburn then suggested that before the Lodge is closed, the contribution box be placed upon the Altar and an opportunity given the brethren to exercise their distinguishing characteristics by contributing whatever they might feel disposed to give to the funds of the new Lodge the proceeds of which amounted to $32.20.
The W.M. on behalf of Nickel Lodge thanked the brethren for their very generous donation.
Bro. S.W. invited guests to an Oyster Supper at the National Hotel.
The Lodge was closed in Harmony in the First Degree at 8:40 p.m.
W. Bro. Washburn presiding.
Receipts: $32.20
Confirmed in open lodge, December 2nd, A.L. 5891
W.H Howey, W.M. S. Rondeau, Secretary Pro Tem
The Minutes of this Inaugural Meeting may be taken as a good example of the care with which our records have always been kept. The acting Secretary, Bro. S. Rondeau, was a Brother of my own cloth and the first regular minister of the congregation which I now serve in this Town. His hand is displayed in the word “induct” by which he describes the official appointment of the officers, for it is not according to “Ancient Usage” to install the principal officers nor invest the subordinate officers of a Lodge acting “Under Dispensation”.
We need not give any other minutes in full but we may refer in some detail to the proceedings as we find them recorded during this first year of labour. It may be better to speak of different features separately. For instance, you will notice that the time of opening and closing the first meeting might indicate that the brethren of those days were wont to retire very early from their labours. This impression gains strength from the fact that the time recorded for the second meeting was only 55 minutes, but “Shades of Stalwarts” when the first Regular Meeting was held on December 2nd, work continued from 8:05 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Nor was this unusual. Frequently they burned the midnight oil to complete their labours. The record for the year stands at an Emergent Meeting held June 10th when the lodge first conferred a Third Degree and the session lasted till 2:30 a.m. The unwritten records tell no tales. But we may surmise that on such occasions, if the ancient brethren spent any reasonable time at the Fourth Degree, they might have been able to get home in good time for breakfast, provided their wives were not given to early rising. They on occasion, the work must have been done with much dispatch for there was one meeting at which a First Degree was conferred in the record time of 35 minutes for the whole performance. But this work was done on a Saturday evening and one remembers that there must have been a great regard for the Sabbath in those days. Business naturally occupied a larger place in the meetings than at a later period. Regalia was purchased and suitable furniture obtained, particular mention being made of the Chairs secured for the Principal Officers. Dues were set at the moderate rate of $0.25 per month. One item of particular interest is found in the meeting of May 4th, 1892. It was moved and adopted “That no intoxicating liquors be used in the Lodge rooms or anterooms, connected therewith”. Thus Nickel Lodge anticipated by almost a quarter of a century that wave of Temperance sentiment which has ultimately brought a similar Resolution into effect in the whole Province. Then you will notice that even in those days when the high cost of living was unheard of, there were ultra zealous Temperance men who were for regulating those who would no doubt make gluttons of themselves in the matters of food since drink was banished, for it was directly moved by the S.W. Bro J.A. Orr, seconded by Bro. John Miller, “That no refreshments be served at any meetings of the Lodge”. Wiser counsel must have prevailed for this extreme Temperance measure was considered to be away ahead of the times and was deliberately rejected.
Enthusiasm for the Work must have been the “Distinguishing Characteristic” of the Masons of that day. You will remember the long list of Petitions read at the inaugural Meeting. These were all passed at the first Regular Meeting and four of them initiated. We note that Bro. A. Paul, a merchant of the earlier days, now resident in Winnipeg, was the first Candidate to be made a Mason by Nickel Lodge. Bro. Paul was also the first member to be passed to the Second Degree and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason therein. These ceremonies took place on January 19th and June 10th, 1892. But we must not think that the Lodge was indiscriminate in the acceptance of candidates in order to increase the membership, for in January of that year, two applicants were blacked by the Ballot. It was not an uncommon thing to work two degrees on the one night and on August 3rd, the whole three degrees were conferred between 8:15 p.m. and 1:55 a.m. Those who have a distinct recollection of our August meeting this year of light 5916, when we sweltered in our shirtsleeves to perform our simpler tasks, we have some idea of what it meant for the bewhiskered giants of these days to preserve the dignity and decorum of the proceedings while the thermometer ws flirting with the Nineties. The Master of those days stood to his task and post most faithrully and was ably assisted by W. Bro. Sharp. There were but two meetings during that first year when W. Bro. Howey was absent; once, when he was in attendance at Grand Lodge, (which, by the way, was held in the City of London, as it was in the twenty fifth year) and another in October, when professional duties called him away a the last moment. The Minutes show that he left a good substitute on the latter date in the person of R.W. Bro. W.R. White, afterwards, M.W. Bro. the Grand Master, who happened into town that day and was pressed into service at the solicitation of Bro. S.W. Tradition informs us that the distinguished visitor conferred the Third Degree on a candidate and, no doubt, to make sure that the former Work was well done, since the Lodge was but new to that Work, he incorporated most of the ritual of the other degrees as well as that of the Sublime Degree. W. Bro. Orr relates this incident with a very considerable degree of pride, even to this day. “He saved the Day”. The R.W. Bro. who had been present at the inauguration, congratulated the brethren on the very fine appearance of the Lodge Room.
Among the good material incorporated in the membership that first year we note particularly R.W. Bro. C.R. Reid, V.W. Bro. R. Dorsett, V.W. Bro. D.L. McKinnon, W. Bro. J.R. Gordon, Jas White, and Bro. The Hon. Frank Cochrane.
The first Masonic funeral was held on January 13th, 1892, when 16 members assembled to march in solemn procession after the remains of Bro. Aird, who, though not a member of Nickel Lodge, was interested in the beginnings of Masonry in the Town. May I be allowed to call your attention at this point to the fact that the last Masonic funeral held under Nickel Lodge at the end of the quarter of a century, was to show our deep respect and love for one who was a charter member, a first officer, a faithful brother and member of the Lodge he loved, all these years, the late Bro. Thomas Evans. Many others have ascended to the “Grand Lodge Above” during the interval, but none more faithful than he, none better loved and respected.
It only remains to give you the particulars of two very important and distinctive meetings which were Red Letter events. First, and Emergent Meeting was held on April 15th, 1892 to receive the M.W. the Grand Master, John Ross Robertson, who showed a deep interest in the success of Masonry in the North Country in those days. There was an attendance of 38. The M.W. G.M. delivered a most interesting Lecture, the subject of which was “A Hundred Years with the Craft in Canada” with incidents and anecdotes of Craft Life. The Address was suitably acknowledged by the M.W. and the Lodge closed at 10:30 p.m. No doubt the spread afterwards occupied more time.
Secondly, the Regular Meeting of November 2nd, 1892, at which there was an attendance of 36, to welcome the D.D.G.M., Rt.Wor. Bro. Isaac Huber of 18th Masonic District (Nipissing) who was accompanied on this visit by Rt. Wor. Bro. W.H. Hurst (Not Prime Minister of Ontario) D.D.G.M. of Nº 17 Algoma District. The meeting opened promptly at 8 p.m. The D.D.G.M. examined the Lodge Records. Regalia and Bylaws (which had been adopted at a previous Emergent Meeting) “That the Grand Lodge had granted a Warrant of Constitution to the brethren of the Lodge confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Lodge under the Title or Denomination of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. He then read the Warrant. The D.D.G.M. proceeded according to ancient usage to constitute the brethren into a Regular Lodge, consecrating and dedicating the same according to “Ancient Usage.”
A Board of Installed Masters was then formed and Wor. Bro. Howey was duly installed as Worshipful Master, Bro. Orr as Senior Warden, Bro. Smith as Junior Warden and they and the other Officers invested with the insignia of their offices. Afterwards, brethren retired to the Refreshment Rooms where they partook of “An Abundant Repast.” The visiting Brethren were specially happy in their remarks and abundant in their congratulations to the brethren of Nickel Lodge.
Thus was the youngest scion of Mother Masonry safely and successfully launched in this new Northland, a land even then full of abundant promise and overflowing optimism. Thus did the choice of a distinctive and appropriate Name and Denomination make prophecy that this Lodge would stand for all that was most worthy and valued among the interest of good men and true in this North. And most splendidly has Nickel Lodge fulfilled the best anticipations of those who had her interests most closely at heart in those days.
By April of 1894, the condition of Warren Hall had deteriorated, and serious water damage was caused to the lodge furniture. In May of that year, [W. Bro. Howey, W. Bro. Orr], and V.W. Bro. Dorsett became a committee to interview Bro. Frank Chocrane with a view to secure a new Lodge Room in the new block he was building. Negotiations with Bro. Cochrane were successful and by October 1894, the Nickel Lodge Brethren held their last meeting in Warren Hall.
[Note: The ranks in the original text showed R.W. for Bro. Howey and Bro. Orr though it was noted above that, “In 1897-1898, Dr. Howey took another step in Craft Masonry and became the District Deputy Grand Master of Nipissing District Nº 18.” Either the date was wrong, or the ranks were.]
Cochrane Block 1894 – 1919
On Wednesday, November 7th, 1894, the first meeting was held in the new Masonic Hall in the Cochrane Block.
There were 29 members and 5 visitors present, a total of 34. This was the official visit of R.W. Bro. T.J. Sacret, D.D.G.M. of the 18th District.
In December of that year, a motion passed naming the new hall Victoria Hall. By 1895, a Lodge Seal had been purchased.
The ensuing years appeared to have been given over to obtaining carpet and furniture for the new Hall. Several motions presented in 1897-1898 were designed to force Bro. Cochrane to provide more heat for the Lodge Room. The highlight of 1897 was the election of R.W. Bro. Howey as D.D.G.M. of the 18th District. R.W. Bro. Howey was the first member of Nickel Lodge to serve his district in this capacity.
Nickel Lodge members provided support to two requests for the formation of new lodges: one at Sturgeon Falls, 1897; and a second at Little Current, 1902.
In 1903, Nipissing District Nº 18 received a new distribution of lodges: Keystone, Savet; Nipissing, North Bay; Nickel, Sudbury; Dyment, Thessalon; Sturgeon Falls; Doric, Little Current; and Temiskaming, New Liskeard. R.W. Bro. Dr. R.H. Arthur of Nickel Lodge, became the first D.D.G.M. of the rearranged boundaries.
With Nickel Lodge establishing itself as the strongest in the District, its members moved to exercise real charity. In 1905, a motion was adopted that placed a contribution box on the altar at Installation Night, with proceeds going to the Home for Incurable Children and the Hospital for sick children. In 1908, a Charitable Fund (to be kept separate from other funds) was established, with each member paying $1.00 per year. The Fund was to be used for such charitable purposes as the W.M. might see fit or the Lodge direct.
In September of 1909, a list of the Brethren in good standing was placed in the cornerstone of the new Presbyterian Church. Technology arrived in 1913 with the installation of a telephone for the use of Lodge Members.
It was in Victoria Hall that Nickel Lodge celebrated its first Past Masters’ Night on Wednesday, October 23, 1912. There were 11 Past Masters present. The evening saw the Past Masters confer three Third Degrees under the direction of V.W. Bro. R. Dorsett. The next recorded Past Masters was held on the Emergent Meeting of October 22, 1913 with W. Bro. J.S. Gill occupying King Solomon’s Chair. There was no other Past Masters’ Night for the next 10 years.
September 2, 1914 saw a motion recorded that Nickel Lodge show its appreciation of the valour of Major Cressy and Captain Cochrane who offered themselves for service in the first Canadian Contingent. By 1916, 25 Brethren of Nickel Lodge were “doing their bit in uniform.”
November of 1916 saw two memorable events in the history of Nickel Lodge. First was a November 1 resolution of Nickel Lodge recommending to Grand Lodge the Petition of 37 Master Masons of Copper Cliff for the institution of a new Lodge in their town, to be known as Algonquin Lodge. This was the first “Swarm from the Hive.”
The 154th Emergent Meeting of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. held on November 22, 1916 was the Lodge’s 25th Anniversary. There were 40 members an 52 visitors present. R.W. Bro. Dr. W.H. Howey acted as Worshipful Master for the evening. Worthy of note is the fact that every Past Master for the Lodge’s first 25 years was alive and available for service.
To mark the 25th Anniversary, the Past Masters formed a Past Masters’ association, with R.W. Bro. W.H. Howey as its first President. The Association was formed for mutual benefit and advisory purposes. In addition, a Masonic Library was established in the Lodge Rooms for the use of Lodge Members.
In 1917, Nickel Lodge sold a piece of property at the corner of Elm and Lorne Streets to the Library Board for $4,000.00. The Lodge had originally paid $3,000.00 for it. This was the Lodge’s first successful Real Estate venture.
On March 5, 1919, a petition was presented to the Lodge by W. Bro. G.A. Hoag requesting support for the formation of a new Lodge in Capreol, to be called National Lodge. The motion passed and the recommendation was given.
The last meeting to be held in the Cochrane Block was on Wednesday, April 16, 1919. R.W. Bro. J.A. Orr occupied King Solomon’s Chair as he had on the occasion of the first meeting in the Cochrane Block in 1894.
Burrough’s Block 1919 – 1938
The first meeting in the Burrough’s Block Lodge Room was held on May 3, 1919. The Dedication of the new Lodge Room took place on May 14, 1920 under the direction of the Most Worshipful, Brother F.W. Harcourt, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada, Three other Grand Lodge Officers, and R.W. Bro. L. Dibblee, D.D.G.M. of the 18th District. There were 96 members and 72 guests present, a total of 168. Visitors came from across Canada and the Northern United States.
M.W. Bro. F.W. Harcourt was the first Grand Master to officially visit Nickel Lodge. He so impressed the Brethren with his kindness, wit. masterly eloquence and lofty ideals, that he was made an Honorary Member of Nickel Lodge on a motion passed on July 7, 1920.
The period spend in the Burrough’s Block seems to have been one occupied by three recurring issues:
- The purchase of land for the erection of a Masonic Temple;
- The division of the 18th District;
- The passing to the Grand Lodge Above of several of Nickel Lodge’s earliest members.
1. The purchase of land. Although the General Purposes Committee of Nickel Lodge had negotiated a 5-year lease at $70.00 per month with the owners of Burrough’s Hall, the Brethren soon longed to erect their own Masonic Temple. In May of 1926, the Worshipful Master appointed a committee of 5 to study a possible site, the style of building, and its costs. At the July 7 meeting, the committee reported to the Brethren that the premises known as the Wilson and Greenwood Block, Cedar Street, could be purchased for $17,500.00 with a cash payment of up to $6,000.00. With the completion of the Auditor’s Report in December of 1926, the purchase of the Wilson Greenwood Block was completed. The Worshipful Master appointed the newly presiding W.M., Sec. W. Bro. W.A. Evans, and Bro. P. Morrison a committee to take charge of the newly acquired property.
The search for a site to erect a Masonic Temple continued in 1930 with the purchase of a site on Minto Street for $4,700.00. This property was eventually sold to Mr. T.S.G. Pollack in December of 1937.
A motion passed on November 3, 1937, gave the Trustees of the Lodge’s Cedar Street property full power to sell, option, lease, mortgage, or otherwise deal with the said property known as the Empire Block. At the April 6, 1938 meeting, it was reported that arrangements had been made with the Workers’ Compensation Board for the leasing to it of the second floor of the Cedar Street property of the Lodge for a period of 10 years at a monthly rental of $160.00. The Committee also reported that it had made arrangements through the Trustees for the borrowing of the necessary money for the alteration of the Cedar Street property… and changing of the third floor so as to provide a Lodge dining room… the report was received and adopted. The erection of a Masonic Temple would have to wait for 35 years.
2. The division of the 18th district. The second issue of importance was the effort to divide the 18th District. The issue was raised at the January, 1926 meeting, when a communication from R.W. Bro. J. Fowler requested an expression of opinion as to a division of the District for the information of the D.D.G.M. The request was referred to the Past Masters for consideration.
At the February 3 meeting, a letter from the Past Masters’ Association recommended a division of the District as follows:
The Western part to include Sault Ste. Marie, Thessalon, Blind River, Gore Bay, Little Current, and Espanola. The Eastern part: Sudbury, Chapleau, Hornepayne, Copper cliff, Capreol, Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, and Mattawa. An open vote in Lodge unanimously approved the recommendation of the Past Masters.
In Marc, 1927, R.W. Bro. H.F. Goodfellow read a petition favoring a division of the District with Keystone, Algoma, Hatherly, Dyment, Penewobikong, Espanola, Gore Bay, and Doric Lodges forming one District and the remaining Lodges, the other district, with the dividing line midway between Copper Cliff and Espanola. A counter petition opposed any division. A motion passed that the W.M. and the Secretary be empowered to sign on behalf of the Lodge favouring the division of the District.
The issue was not raised again until May, 1932 when a letter from the District Secretary again requested opinion on the division of the District. It was again referred to the Past Masters’ Association for consideration. The Past Masters’ Association proposed its own recommendation for division but its resolution that it was not considered expedient that any division be made at the present time was passed in Lodge. This resolution was reinforced at the May 17, 1933 meeting when it was moved, seconded, and passed “that Nickel Lodge opposes any division of the District at the present time.” This vote put this issue to rest for some years to follow.
3. The passing to the Grand Lodge above. The stay at the Burrough’s Block saw many of the Lodge’s pioneer Brethren pass to the Grand Lodge above:
March 23, 1929: R.W. Bro. William Harvey Howey
November 18, 1931: R.W. Bro. James A. Orr, P.G.R.
December 25, 1931: W. Bro. W.A. Evans
May 3, 1932: M.W. Bro. Fred W. Harcourt, P.G.M.
October 16, 1933: Bro. William McVittie
October 25, 1934: R.W. Bro. James A. Sharp
March 9, 1936: R.W. Bro. Christopher R. Reid, P.D.D.G.M.
In addition, some other highlights must be noted:
January 3, 1923: Nickel Lodge supports petition of certain Brethren in Chapleau for the formation of a Lodge under the name of “Lorne.
November 28, 1923: The first Past Masters’ Night to be held in 10 years, 110 in attendance. W.M. Bro. G.H. Davidson in King Solomon’s Chair.
December 27, 1924: Motion passed that the Past D.D.G.M.’s of this Lodge have their photos taken and hung on the walls of the Lodge, and the Lodge to take care of the expense.
June 15, 1927: Algonquin Lodge consented to confer the work of the evening.
July 6, 1927: National Lodge consented to confer the work of the evening.
September 14, 1927: Espanola Lodge consented to confer the work of the evening.
December 27, 1929: Wor. Bro. Joseph S. Gill acted as installing Master to install his son, Bro. J. Richard Gill as Worshipful Master of Nickel Lodge.
July 6, 1932: R.W. Bro. W.J. Cressey assumed the gavel, so that he might preside during the initiation of his son, Samuel Arthur Herbert Cressey. The offices of Jr. Deacon and Inner Guard were respectively filled by Bro. W.E.W. Cressey and Bro. F.J. Cressey: brothers of the candidate.
January 29, 1936: By command of the Most Worshipful, the Grand Master, the altar was draped so to continue for three months out of respect to the memory of His Majesty King George V, who passed away on January 20, 1936.
November 3, 1937: The R.W. the Grand Secretary requested at the direction of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba that Nickel Lodge confer the Second and Third Degrees on Bro. William James Coates Noble, a member in good standing in St. John’s Lodge Nº 4, G.R.M. The Lodge complied with the request.
The 597th Regular Meeting of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was held on August 3, 1938. This was the last Lodge Meeting to be held in the Burrough’s Block. A total of 40 in attendance. The chairs were filled, as far as possible, by those who had occupied them or been members at the May 7, 1919 meeting. W. Bro. W.E.W. Cressey sat as Worshipful Master.
10 Cedar Street 1938 – 1973
The 598th Regular Meeting of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was held on September 7, 1938. This was to be the first meeting to be held in the new Lodge Room at 10 Cedar Street. in attendance: 75 members, 23 visitors for a total of 98.
The 375th Emergent Meeting of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was held on October 19, 1938 for the purpose of dedicating the new Lodge Room at 10 Cedar Street. In attendance were: Most Wor. Bro. W.J. Dunlop, the Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. E.G. Dixon, Grand Secretary; Rt. Wor. Bro. S.D. Spence, D.D.G.M.; 65 members, 81 guests for a total of 146.
The February 1, 1939 meeting saw Most Wor. Bro. W.J. Dunlop the Grand Master, made and Honorary Life Member of Nickel Lodge.
The early years of occupancy at 10 Cedar Street saw several Nickel Lodge Brethren enlist for service in the armed services:
1940
V.W. Bro. S.A.H. Cressey
Bro. J.A. Smart R.C.A.F.
Bro. E.C. Fleming Army
Bro. E.J. Cleland
1941
Bro. Jack Williams
Bro. T.A.V. Tremblay
Bro. J.N. Metcalfe
Bro. A.J. Dolphin
1942
Bro. K.R. Sutherland
Bro. A.E. Boyle
Bro. P.L. Bonsall
W. Bro. M.J. Tamplin
Bro. C.H. Beaumont
Bro. H.J. Jones
1943
Bro. G.L. Carlton
The September 6, 1944 meeting passed a motion that the General Purposes Committee forward 300 cigarettes monthly to each of our members in the Armed Forces overseas.
In May of 1945, a Service of Thanksgiving was held to celebrate Victory in Europe, and in December of that same year, the W.M. was able to extend a warm welcome to certain members present who had been recently released from Armed Forces’ Service.
With the war effort behind them, the Brethren of Nickel Lodge settled into business as usual at 10 Cedar Street.
Once again, three major areas were to occupy the labours of the members of Nickel Lodge.
- The search for a permanent home for Nickel Lodge in the form of a Masonic Temple;
- The division of the District;
- The celebration of three Lodge Anniversaries: 50th, 60th, and 75th.
1. A new home for Nickel Lodge. In the late 1960’s, many Masons discussed the need for a new Lodge building. 10 Cedar Street had served its value well from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. It was a money earning property but needed complete renovation to bring it up to modern day standards. The older members found the three long steep sets of stairs to the third floor lodge rooms almost impossible. Parking was very difficult to find. The Lodge rooms and Lodge offices were small, especially for the overflowing crowds on the free meal nights when 120 to 200 members attended. The revenue was decreasing as new modern facilities and office space came on the market and the tenants moved out.
As a result, a purchase was made of a beautiful piece of property, the remainder of the Bell estate, comprising the home and some out-buildings. Politics immediately entered the scene and the property was forced out of the hands of the Masons. Once the spark for a new home was ignited, Masonry moved ahead. Every one looked for a new property and many ideas were put forward. A small group wanted a monument to Masonry for the Sudbury District and this was chosen over prudence. The Memorial Hospital had been helped in its founding days by the Masonic order and to the the hospital board, they turned for land, wither lease or purchase. The original plans were altered by a suggestion of the hospital and a revenue producing section was added.
Unfortunately, the early 1970’s saw inflation take control, 20% or better and the new building suffered. Harold Saville, a Mason and a local architect was retained to draw up plans with a certain fixed price in mind. Sudbury mining was booming an the contractors were demanding very high prices. After reducing, rearranging and re-bidding, Belanger Construction was awarded the contract as low bidder on July 13, 1972 commencing work in August. Many meetings were held with always the same plea: reduce costs.
The corner stone was put into place in September, 1973 and the Lodge dedicated on November 3, 1973.
The three Sudbury Lodge, Nickel, Sudbury, and Bethel, joined forces with Tuscan Chapter and Mavar Preceptory were invited to join in with money and zeal to build this joint Lodge building under the title of the Belrock Masonic Temple Corporation. The Ladies of the Eastern Star, always supportive of their Masons, helped the building with gifts and loans. Before the building was completed, Algonquin and Friendship Lodges of Copper Cliff, needing a new home in the future joined the organization.
Worshipful Brother Alex Scott of Nickel Lodge headed the corporation as chairman ably assisted by Worshipful Brother William Walker who quietly carried the large load first when Alex had a heart attack and later when Alex moved from the area. The remainder of the board was chosen from the other Masonic bodies. The corner stone was laid by three senior Masons, two of them from Nickel Lodge: Right Worshipful Brother Russel Home and Very Worshipful Brother W. Ernie W. Cressey.
Most Worshipful William R. Bailey and Most Worshipful J.A. Irvine dedicated the Lodge with Worshipful Brother J.D. Innes toasting Grand Lodge. A presentation was made by Very Worshipful Brother W.E.W. Cressey.
Cost overruns were a problem with building in the early 1970’s and the Temple Board could do little but borrow money to complete the new building.
As we enter the centennial year of Nickel Lodge, the building is completely free of debt but still requires some volunteer help to keep operating.
The building is definitely a memorial to Masonry in the Sudbury District.
Prepared and submitted by:
W. Bro. Thomas H. Lloyd
2. The division of the district. This issue was again revived in 1958 with a letter from W. Bro. G. Barnett, District Secretary, regarding a District Meeting on the splitting of Nipissing West District. The matter was again referred to the General Purposes Committee and the Past Masters’ Association for consideration and input. At the District Meeting at Penewobiking Lodge on May 31, 1958, it was noted 7 to 6 to oppose splitting Nipissing West at this time.
On April 3, 1963, a motion passed that affirmed Nickel Lodge was in favour of the division of Nipissing West District and that the following Lodges comprise one of the said Districts: Algonquin, Friendship, Bethel, Sudbury, Nickel, National, Espanola, Doric, and Gore Bay.
The matter lay dormant till 1971, when a committee composed of R.W. Bro. J.R. Horne, R.W. Bro. H. Deeth, R.W. Bro. W.J.C. Noble, and W. Bro. H. McCraken recommended a motion to divide Nipissing West into two separate Districts. The motion passed unanimously.
West Lodges
Keystone, Nº 412
Dyment, Nº 442
Algoma, Nº 469
Penewobikong, Nº 487
Lorne, Nº 622
Hatherly, Nº 625
Woodland, Nº 680
Elliot Lake, Nº 698
Bethel, Nº 699
East Lodges
Nickel, Nº 427
Doric, Nº 455
Gore Bay, Nº 472
Espanola, Nº 527
Algonquin, Nº 538
National, Nº 588
Sudbury, Nº 658
Friendship, Nº 691
It was not a settled issue until 1976 when R.W. Bro. A.A. Roseborough was elected D.D.G.M. for Nipissing Centre District (comprised of the proposed Western Lodges(1971)). On December 1, 1976 a motion by R.W. Bro. W.J.C. Noble and R.W. Bro. J.R. Horne was unanimously passed which renamed Nipissing Centre as the District of Sudbury-Manitoulin.
3. The Celebration of three anniversaries.
The 50th Anniversary of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was held on the 405th Emergent Meeting of the Lodge on September 16, 1942.
The Most Worshipful, the Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. J.A. McRae was in attendance, along with R.W. Bro. F.K. Allen, D.D.G.M. for Nipissing District Nº 18 and R.W. Bro. E.G. Dixon, Grand Secretary.
There were 65 Lodge members and 75 visitors for a total present of 140.
Nickel Lodge A.F. & A.M.
Nº 427 G.R.C.
60th Anniversary
1892-1952
Sudbury, Ontario
The First Twelve Past Masters of Nickel Lodge Nº 427
Front row left to right: W. Bro. W.H. Howey, W. Bro. W.A. Evans, R.W. Bro. J.A. Orr, W. Bro. D.L. McKinnon, V.W. Bro. R. Dorsett, W. Bro. A.H. Smith
Back row left to right: R.W. Bro. W.J. Cressey, W. Bro. L.V. Rorke, W. Bro. J.S. Gill, R.W. Bro. R.H. Arthur, W. Bro. J.R. Gordon, R.W. Bro. C.R. Reid
The 574th Emergent Meeting of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. held on October 9, 1952, was the 60th Anniversary of the Lodge.
Present: M.W. Bro. J.P. Maher, Past Grand Master, 48 Lodge Members, 21 visitors for a total of 69 in attendance.
Nickel Lodge A.F. & A.M.
Nº 427 G.R.C.
75th Anniversary
1892-1967
Sudbury, Ontario
The 795th Emergent Meeting was held in the Masonic Hall Thursday, November 2nd, 1967 at 7:30 pm for the purpose of conferring the Entered Apprentice degree. The above date coincides exactly to 75 years ago, when on November 2nd, Nickel Masonic Lodge Nº 427 was constituted. In commemoration of this special event, this particular evening has been designated as Nickel Masonic Lodge Past Masters’ Night. All third degree candidates of the 1967 Masonic year received a masonic Bible. The seventy-fifth Anniversary Scroll was presented to the Lodge.
Friday, November 3rd, 1967, the Sudbury Shrine Club paid tribute to Nickel Lodge, with a Social Night, on the occasion of their seventy-fifth Anniversary.
Sunday November 5th, 1967 at 11:15 am all Masonic Brethren were invited to attend Divine Worship at St. Pauls United Church, 131 Regent Street, South with regalia.
From 2:30 to 4:30 pm, Open House was held at the Masonic Temple, 10 Cedar Street, Sudbury. All Masonic Brethren, their wives, families and friends were invited to visit and inspect the Masonic Lodge Rooms. Light refreshments were served.
The 75th Anniversary of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was held on the 795th Emergent Meeting on Thursday, November 2, 1967.
The business of the evening was to celebrate the 75th Anniversary and enjoy a Past Masters’ Night.
In attendance were 85 Lodge Members and 28 visitors for a total of 113.
While dealing successfully with three major concern, the Brethren also worked faithfully at other matters such as:
- Establishing a Masonic Blood bank on March 16, 1949.
- Passed a motion to support the petition to establish a new Lodge named Sudbury Lodge, “…provided that the amount of their fees and dues be similar to our own, and that they be given concurrent jurisdiction.”
- Joined the newly formed Masonic Bureau at an annual fee of $25.00.
- Finally passed an amendment to the Bylaws in June of 1969 which would permit an open vote of the members to determine a call off for July and August.
The 850th Emergent Meeting of Nickel Lodge Nº 427 G.R.C. was held on Wednesday, June 20, 1973. This was to be the last Lodge meeting to be held at 10 Cedar Street, and was presided over by R.W. Bro. J.D. Innes, in the absence of W. Bro. J.P. Edward, the Worshipful Master.
There were 15 members and 7 visitors present, for a total of 22.
Belrock Temple 1973 – Present
insert
At last a permanent home (albeit shared with other Masonic Lodges) was secured. In May of 1973, R.W. Bro. W.J.C. Noble reported that teh new quarters would be ready for Masonic Meetings in September of 1973. On September 5, 1973, Nickel Lodge held its first meeting in the new Belrock Masonic Temple. There were 52 members and 20 visitors present, a total of 72.
As this was the first meeting in the new Masonic Temple, all members entered the Lodge through the preparation room door just as all new members to the craft in Nickel Lodge will enter in the future.
W. Bro. N. Buckman presented a well worn dorr knob from the Lodge Room of 10 Cedar Street to V.W. Bro. W.E.W. Cressey, who was Worshipful Master when the Lodge Rooms at Cedar Street were dedicated in 1938. V.W. Bro. Cressey received a standing ovation, and for once was at a loss for words.
R.W. Bro. J.R. Horne was the first member to open the V.O.S.L., and adjust the lights in the new Lodge.
On Saturday, November 3, 1973, a special meeting was held for the purpose of dedicating the new Masonic Temple. In attendance were Most Wor. Bro. Wm. K. Bailey, Past Grand Master and Grand Lodge officers.
At the November 21, 1973 meeting, W. Bro. A.R. Gilpin presented gavels to the Worshipful Master and his Wardens. The wood in the gavels was obtained from W. Bro. Gilpin’s own wood lot and formed and finished by his own efforts.
With the monumental effort of establishing Belrock Masonic Temple now behind them, the members of the Lodge settled into business as usual once again, with a few highlights leading up to preparation for our Centennial in 1991.
A V.O.S.L. was presented to the Lodge by Bro. P. Gardner to mark his 51 years in Masonry in 1979.
R.W. Bro. C. McNight was presented with a V.O.S.L. as a token of affection of the Lodge, by V.W. Bro. G.H. Roy prior to R.W. Bro. McNight’s departure from the District.
On December 18, 1981, W. Bro. F. Gordon MacLeod was installed. He was piped in by piper John MacLeod.
Our senior Past Master, W. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin (Worshipful Master in 1936) attended Lodge and received the Grand Honours. On November 18. 1987, W. Bro. Gilpin was presented with his pin from Grand Lodge marking his 50th year as a Past Master. The pin was presented by V.W. Bro. J.J. Gilpin.
As 1988 arrived, so did Centennial fever, and the Lodge began to think in terms of preparing to suitably celebrate this important landmark.
In February of 1988, a motion was passed which empowered the Centennial Committee to explore the establishment of Nickel Lodge Bursaries in the amount of $427.00, to be presented to deserving students at Cambrian College and Laurentian University starting in our Centennial year, 1991.
W. Bro. F. Gordon MacLeod presents the first Nickel Lodge Bursary to Susan Woodward, a second year student in the Nursing Programme at Cambrian College.November, 1988 saw the Lodge adopt a tartan designed and created by W. Bro. F Gordon MacLeod, as its Centennial Tartan.
In that same month, W. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin and V.W. Bro. W.E.W. Cressey received pins form Grand Lodge recognizing 60 years in Masonry.
Wednesday, November 15, 1988, Sudbury, Ontario at Nickel Lodge Nº 427 Past Master’s Night, Left to right: V.W. Bro. John J. Gilpin, Wor. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin, W.M. 1936 60 Year Pin, V.W. Bro. W.Ernie W. Cressey, W.M. 1938 60 Year PinThe Lodge entered the computer age in December of 1989 by purchasing and installing a computer system in the Lodge offices.
During 1991, several Brethren travelled to neighbouring Lodges:
February 5, 1991 — Mattawa Lodge Nº 405
February 25, 1991 — Nipissing Lodge Nº 420
March 12, 1991 — Doric Lodge Nº 455
May 25, 1991 — Keystone Lodge Nº 412
The last visit to promote interest in attending Nickel Lodge’s Centennial was to Grand Lodge in July 1991.
W. Bro. J.D. Innes, W. Bro. R.J. Fontaine, V.W. Bro. S.A.H. Cressey, Bro. L. MacTaggart, Bro. R.J. Fleming, and Bro. K.G. Alexander, journeyed to Toronto to promote our Centennial celebration and support W. Bro. J.D. Innes in his successful bid for election to the position of D.D.G.M. for the District of Sudbury-Manitoulin for our Centennial year, 1991.
Nickel Lodge’s Centennial Tartan
During September of 1988, members of the Nickel Lodge Centennial Committee approached me regarding adopting or adapting a tartan for our Lodge’s use.
Why adopt or adapt when we can have our own design? I was, therefore, commissioned, without pay or remuneration, to design a tartan for Nickel Lodge.
The first consideration was the selection of meaningful colours. the following were eventually chosen:
Grey: for nickel
Gold: for our Centennial
Blue: for Masonry and our many lakes and rivers
White: representing purity and our winter snows
Green and Brown: representing our fields and forests
I thought of incorporating other colours, but these were the ones I retained.
The design was a predominant square of grey with the gold lines. The other colours moved and changed until something pleasing to the eye took shape on paper. I then created a trial warp with changes as I warped until i arrived at the present design, and completed the weaving of a scarf.
The completed scarf was presented to the members at the November 1988 meeting and the tartan was approved by those present.
Through correspondence with the Tartan Society of Scotland, I received a proper form to make application to register the Nickel Lodge Centennial Tartan. For 25 sterling, the tartan was officially registered in May, 1989. (Centennial Tartan thread count: 36 grey, 2 gold, 1 grey, 2 gold, 4 grey, 12 blue, 8 white, 2 brown, 12 green).
The first scarf was presented to the Grand Master on his official firit for the dedication of the new Lodge Rooms at Gore Bay.
In this Centennial year, the tartan is available in scarfs, stoles, ties, and cummerbunds. Anybody is welcome to use the thread count to weave a beautiful tartan cloth. By way of interest, there is approximately a half mile* of yard in one scarf. (*This I will give in metric when they change the 24 inch gauge.)
Prepared and Submitted by:
W. Bro. F. Gordon MacLeod
Nursing student Susan Woodward admires a scarf created from the Nickel Lodge Tartan. Creator of the tartan, W. Bro. F.G. MacLeod looks on.A Proud Heritage… A Promising Future
Mayors of Sudbury
The following are members of Nickel Lodge Nº 427, who attained the position of Mayor of Sudbury.
Thomas J. Ryan:
Mayor: 1899, 1900, 1901
Charter Member of Nickel Lodge Nº 427
Frank Cochrane:
Mayor: 1897, 1998, 1902
I: January 6, 1982
P: October 19, 1892
R: December 7, 1898
John McLeod:
Mayor: 1908, 1909
I: March 15, 1905
P: May 17, 1905
R: September 2, 1905
Percy Morrison:
Mayor: 1917, 1918, 1919
I: August 6, 1919
P: January 28, 1920
R: June 16, 1920
Dr. Robert Hugh Arthur:
Mayor: 1922, 1923
I: February 17, 1891
Affiliated with Nickel Lodge Nº 427: February 5, 1986
Joseph Sutherland Gill:
Mayor: 1924, 1925
I: November 7, 1894
P: December 12, 1894
R: July 3, 1895
Charles Bibby:
Mayor: 1928, 1929
I: April 3, 1918
P: June 5, 1918
R: September 18, 1918
William Marr Brodie:
Mayor: 1933, 1934
I: January 20, 1932
P: June 15, 1932
R: March 15, 1932
Prepared and Submitted by:
V.W. Bro. S.A.H. Cressey
Nickel Lodge’s Grand Lodge Officers
- R.W. Bro. William Harvey Howey:
Charter Member: 1891
Worshipful Master: 1892, 1893
District Deputy Grand Master: 1897, 1898 - R.W. Bro. James Alexander Orr:
Charter Member: 1891
Worshipful Master: 1894
Grand Registrar: 1921, 1922 - R.W. Bro. James Abercombie Sharp:
Charter Member: 1891
Grand Pursuivant: 1897
Grand Registrar: 1930, 1931 - V.W. Bro. Richard Dorsett:
Worshipful Master: 1896, 1914
District Secretary: 1903, 1904
Grand Steward: 1904 - R.W. Bro. Christopher Robert Reid:
Worshipful Master: 1897, 1903
District Secretary: 1900, 1901
Grand Steward: 1901
District Deputy Grand Master: 1912, 1913 - R.W. Bro. Robert Hugh Arthur:
Worshipful Master: 1900
District Deputy Grand Master: 1903, 1904 - R.W. Bro. William John Cressey:
Worshipful Master: 1904
Grand Steward: 1924
District Deputy Grand Master: 1928, 1929 - R.W. Bro. Joseph Fowler:
Worshipful Master: 1907
Grand Junior Deacon: 1913
District Deputy Grand Master: 1920, 1921
Grand Representative to West Virginia: 1925, 1931 - V.W. Bro. Robert Spence Mitchell:
Worshipful Master: 1908
Grand Steward: 1920 - V.W. Bro. Reginald Heck Martindale:
Worshipful Master: 1910
Grand Standard Bearer: 1962 - V.W. Bro. Alexander Daniel Meldrum:
Worshipful Master: 1911
District Secretary: 1920, 1921
Grand Steward: 1921 - V.W. Bro. George Herbert Davidson:
Worshipful Master: 1915
District Secretary: 1936, 1936
Grand Steward: 1937 - V.W. Bro. Hugh Smith Berlanguet:
Worshipful Master: 1922
District Secretary: 1928, 1929
Grand Steward: 1929 - V.W. Bro. Charles Bibby:
Worshipful Master: 1924
Grand Steward: 1959 - V.W. Bro. Earl Alexander Martin:
Worshipful Master: 1927
District Secretary: 1949, 1950
Grand Steward: 1950 - R.W. Bro. Alvin Cullis Mudge:
Worshipful Master: 1928
District Deputy Grand Master: 1936, 1937 - R.W. Bro. James Richard Gill:
Worshipful Master: 1930
District Deputy Grand Master: 1949, 1950 - R.W. Bro. Cornellus A. Eby:
Worshipful Master: 1937
District Deputy Grand Master: 1941, 1942 - V.W. Bro. Walter Ernest W. Cressey:
Worshipful Master: 1938
District Secretary: 1941, 1942
Grand Steward: 1942
Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Chile: 1958 - V.W. Bro. Charles Rufus Smith:
Worshipful Master: 1939
District Secretary: 1950, 1951
Grand Steward: 1951 - R.W. Bro. James Russel Horne:
Worshipful Master: 1940
District Deputy Grand Master: 1950, 1951 - V.W. Bro. Moses Ironstone:
Worshipful Master: 1941
District Secretary: 1961, 1962
Grand Steward: 1962 - V.W. Bro. William James Light:
Worshipful Master: 1946
Grand Organist under Lodge Nº 230 (Barrie): 1962 - V.W. Bro. Samuel A.H. Cressey:
Worshipful Master: 1951
Grand Steward: 1990 - R.W. Bro. Albert A. Roseborough:
Worshipful Master: 1953
District Deputy Grand Master: 1976, 1977 - R.W. Bro. Herbert Alfred Deeth:
Worshipful Master: 1957
District Deputy Grand Master: 1961, 1962 - V.W. Bro. Greg Henderson Roy:
Worshipful Master: 1958
District Secretary: 1979, 1980
Grand Steward: 1980 - R.W. Bro. William J.C. Noble:
Worshipful Master: 1960 & 1978
District Deputy Grand Master: 1967, 1968 - V.W. Bro. John Jellicoe Gilpin:
Worshipful Master: 1961
District Secretary: 1967, 1968
Grand Steward: 1968 - R.W. Bro. Frederick Stephen Foote:
Worshipful Master: 1963
District Secretary: 1976, 1977
Grand Steward: 1977
Grand Registrar: 1983, 1984 - R.W. Bro. Cecil Seymour McKnight:
Worshipful Master: 1971
District Deputy Grand Master: 1979, 1980 - V.W. Bro. Maurice Carlyle Coulter:
Worshipful Master: 1975
District Secretary: 1978, 1979
Grand Steward: 1979 - R.W. Bro. John David Innes:
Worshipful Master: 1972 & 2016
District Deputy Grand Master: 1991, 1992
50 Years as a Past Master
(Nickel Lodge Nº 427)
V.W. Bro. Reginald Heck Martindale:
Worshipful Master in 1910, a jewel representing 50 years as a Past Master was presented by V.W. Bro E.A. Martin on December 27, 1960.
W. Bro. John Griffith Lowe:
Worshipful Master in 1912, the 50 years Past Master jewel was presented by R.W. Bro. J.R. Horne who made the presentation on behalf of Nickel Lodge on January 2, 1963.
W. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin:
Worshipful Master in 1936, he was presented with his pin from Grand Lodge, marking his fiftieth year as a Past Master by his brother, V.W. Bro. J.J. Gilpin on November 18, 1987.
V.W. Bro. Walter Earnest Whitaker Cressey:
Worshipful Master in 1938, he was presented with his pin from Grand Lodge, marking his fiftieth year as a Past Master in 1989.
50 Years a Mason
(Nickel Lodge Nº 427)
R.W. Bro. James Alexander Orr:
Initiated on December 27, 1871
50 Years a Mason, December 27, 1921
Bro. David Scott Humphrey:
Initiated on January 6, 1891
Affiliated with Nickel Lodge on May 4, 1892
50 Years a Mason, January 6, 1941
W. Bro. A. Hoffman Smith:
Born 1852, 21 years old 1873
Charter Member of Nickel Lodge 1891
Somewhere between 1873 and 1891, he was initiated into Trent Lodge Nº 38, Trenton
From 1891 + 50 years = 1941
He died in 1943, so he had well over 50 years in Masonry
R.W. Bro Robert Hugh Arthur:
Initiated on February 17, 1891
Affiliated with Nickel Lodge on February 5, 1896
50 Years a Mason, February 17, 1941
V.W. Bro. Richard Dorsett:
Initiated on June 1, 1892
50 Years a Mason, June 1, 1942
Bro. John Wellington Higgins:
Initiated on August 12, 1892
50 Years a Mason, August 12, 1942
Bro. Findlay Duncan McNaughton:
Initiated on February 21, 1894
50 Years a Mason, February 21, 1944
W. Bro. Joseph Sutherland Gill:
Initiated on November 7, 1894
50 Years a Mason, November 7, 1944
R.W. Bro. H.D. Leask:
Initiated on January 8, 1896
50 Years a Mason, January 8, 1946
Bro. Richard Watson Demorest:
Initiated on September 22, 1900
50 Years a Mason, September 22, 1950
Bro. William Jon McCarthy:
Initiated on 1904 (?)
Affiliated with Nickel Lodge on March 1, 1922
Presented with a 50 Year Medal in 1954
R.W. Bro. Fredrick William Colloton:
Initiated on January 4, 1905
50 Years a Mason, January 4, 1955
V.W. Bro. Reginald Heck Martindale:
Initiated on March 1, 1905
50 Years a Mason, March 1, 1955
W. Bro. John Griffith Lowe:
Initiated on May 29, 1905
50 Years a Mason, May 29, 1955
Bro. William Carlisle Cochrane:
Initiated on February 6, 1906
50 Years a Mason, February 6, 1956
Bro. George Earl Templeman:
Initiated on March 15, 1907
50 Years a Mason, March 15, 1957
Bro. Walter Dales:
Initiated on ?
Affiliated with Nickel Lodge on June 5, 1918
Presented with 50 Year Jewel on November 18, 1959
Bro. A.V. Boyce:
Presented with 50 Year Jewel on March 23, 1960, on behalf of St. John’s Lodge Nº 35 of Cayuga
Bro. Thomas Linklater:
Initiated on August 7, 1912
50 Years a Mason, August 7, 1962
Bro. Harry Cuthbertson Sinclair:
Initiated on October 16, 1912
50 Years a Mason, October 16, 1962
W. Bro. Delmar Herman Andress:
Initiated on October 16, 1912
50 Years a Mason, October 16, 1962
Bro. Jouette Wall McVey:
Initiated on January 27, 1915
50 Years a Mason, January 27, 1965
V.W. Bro. Charles Bibby:
Initiated on April 3, 1918
50 Years a Mason, April 3, 1968
Bro. Thomas Vickers:
Initiated on July 3, 1918
50 Years a Mason, July 3, 1968
Bro. George Merle Miller:
Initiated on August 7, 1918
50 Years a Mason, August 7, 1968
Bro. Frederick John Cressey:
Initiated on September 1, 1920
50 Years a Mason, September 1, 1970
V.W. Bro. William James Light:
Initiated on 1923 (?)
Affiliated with Nickel Lodge on July 2, 1930
Presented with a 50 Year Jewel on November 21, 1973
W. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin:
Initiated on February 1, 1928
50 Years a Mason, February 1, 1978
Bro. Percy Gardner:
Initiated on May 9, 1928
50 Years a Mason, May 9, 1978
V.W. Bro. Walter Ernest Whitaker Cressey:
Initiated on October 17, 1928
50 Years a Mason,
Bro. Walter Bernard Seymour Ibbotson:
Initiated on September 18, 1928
50 Years a Mason, September 18, 1978
Bro. Carman Deeke Elliott:
Initiated on February 18, 1931
50 Years a Mason, February 18, 1981
V.W. Bro. Samuel Arthur Herbert Cressey:
Initiated on July 6, 1932
50 Years a Mason, July 6, 1982
R.W. Bro. William James Coates Noble:
Initiated in June of 1937, St. John’s Lodge Nº 4, Manitoba. Affiliated with Nickel Lodge on December 5, 1945
50 Years a Mason, June of 1987
W. Bro. Arthur Ernest Waller:
Initiated on May 18, 1938
50 Years a Mason, May 18, 1988
Bro. Cecil Harold Johnson:
Initiated on June 5, 1938
50 Years a Mason, June 5, 1988
Bro. Raymond John Barnard:
Initiated on September 7, 1938
50 Years a Mason, September 7, 1988
W. Bro. William Brown Walker:
Initiated on March 1, 1939
50 Years a Mason, March 1, 1989
60 Years a Mason
(Nickel Lodge Nº 427)
R.W. Bro. James Alexander Orr:
At the November 18, 1931 Meeting, R.W. Bro. R.H. Arthur paid a touching tribute to the character and kindly spirit of R.W. Bro J.A. Orr, who died at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sudbury, the morning after being confined there on October 16, 1931, in his 84th year and in his 60th year as a Mason having passed his 83rd birthday in September last and having been initiated on December 27, 1871.
W. Bro. John Griffith Lowe:
At the November 18, 1970 Meeting, W. Bro. J.G. Lowe was presented with a 60 Year Jewel. He was initiated in 1905 and became Worhsipful Master in 1912.
Bro. Thomas Vickers:
At the July 5, 1978 Meeting, Bro. T. Vickers having completed 60 years of continuous membership in Nickel Lodge was presented with his 60 Year Pin by his son-in-law, Bro. Michael J. Mulloy.
V.W. Bro. Walter Ernest Whitaker Cressey:
At the November 16, 1988 Meeting, V.W. Bro. G.H. Roy presented W. Bro. W.E.W. Cressey with his lapel pin, marking 60 years in Masonry.
W. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin:
At the November 16, 1988 Meeting, V.W. Bro. John J. Gilpin presented W. Bro. A. Roy Gilpin with his 60 Year pin, marking his 60 years in Masonry.
The Next 100 Years…
The first century of Nickel Lodge has been a colourful and exciting time. Many prominent Sudburians have ranked among our members. As we begin our second century, it might be useful to consider our future.
To be successful, any organization must have the continuing interest of new members who will carry on its established traditions and who will inject new enthusiasm. A masonic lodge has a particular problem in this regard because we are traditionally taught that the applicant must make the approach to us to as to avoid “the improper solicitation of friends.” There have been many worthy men who are not Masons because they have expected to be asked to join and have not taken steps themselves to apply.
The masonic lodges also have a reputation in the outside world for being enclaves for white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (the dreaded wasps) and particularly for being an anti Roman Catholic organization. This idea likely arose from the other misconception about Masonry that it is a secret society and therefore is a clandestine society. This is indeed a misconception! If we were a secret organization, would the masonic symbol be displayed prominently on our buildings? Would our members wear a ring or other jewellery with the masonic symbol on it? Would we be prominent in fund raising for our communities’ charitable causes? No, we are not a secret society, but we do admit that our members are pledged not to reveal certain of the symbolic parts of our ceremony.
It may be that this misconception of secretness has permitted the growth of the “anti Roman Catholic” myth. Perhaps members feared that at confession a Roman Catholic might find himself in a position where he had to divulge the parts of our ceremony that he had vowed not to reveal. To this extent, by refusing in years past to admit Roman Catholics, we have helped to perpetuate the myth.
Suffice it to day, I believe that we all have an obligation to ensure that the world realizes that Masonry is open to all men of good moral character no matter what their race, creed, or colour provided they are 21 years of age and believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.
Sudbury is a very cosmopolitan city, but our masonic lodges have only begun recently to reflect the make-up of the community. We now proudly number among our brethren, members of the Roman Catholic faith and men of other races, but we must decide to what extent we wish to encourage this. Some lodges in Ontario are facing declining memberships because applications are not being made. There is a strong competition for the time of prospective members. In their younger years, most men have young families which require serious time commitments. There are as well career pressures and serious competition from various leisure activities. In addition, there are other service clubs and organizations in the community which actively pursue the recruitment of new members. In these circumstances perhaps it would be appropriate to consider some ideas that might help our Lodge to have an active, viable membership in the future.
We might consider being a little more proactive in attracting new members always within the bounds of propriety and good taste; always recognizing that we are not a service club and that we have venerable and respected traditions to uphold. If a man is morally worthy of carrying the mantle of Masonry, we should not be shy about introducing a discussion of the topic with him. We do not need to recruit him, but surely, making a man aware of Freemasonry and its benefits cannot be a breach of any prohibition.
In addition, we should regard it as appropriate to make our communities more aware of the existence of Freemasonry and its aims, object, and attributes. Grand Lodge approved a public awareness campaign a couple of years ago, resulting in some newspaper ads explaining Freemasonry. It would not seem appropriate to engage in a massive publicity or public relations campaign, but certain modest and tasteful approaches might be made. Certain of our members might seek speaking engagements at various public functions; we might have a booth at fairs; we might have an open house at the Lodge on an annual basis; we might prepare a few paragraphs explaining Masonry in our local paper. There are undoubtedly many other appropriate means to foster understanding of our brotherhood and these could be pursued.
We know the good work that has been done by members of our communities who are Masons. I’m not sure that our communities associate Masonry with the men whom they see accomplishing these good works.
It’s fine to remove impediments to the application process, but we must not ignore the needs of our members once they have been initiated. For too long we have let new members struggle along, virtually on their own. This is not satisfactory and fortunately steps have been taken recently to keep members interested in our Craft. The Mentor system will help in the education and training of new members but personal contact from older members and particularly from the sponsors is essential.
In order to ensure that our Lodge remains viable and active during the next 100 years, it will be necessary to remove our light from under the bushel to enable the public to understand the true value of Freemasonry, so that prospective members will be eager to number themselves among our ranks, and with a solid program of education and meaningful personal contact after a candidate has joined, we can look forward to 2091 with enthusiasm.
Prepared and Presented by
R.W. Bro. J.D. Innes
D.D.G.M. Sudbury-Manitoulin District
Lodge Officers 1991
Worshipful Master — W. Bro. Robert J. Fontaine
I.P.M. — W. Bro. William B. Walker
Sr. Warden — Bro. Squire Ellor
Jr. Warden — Bro. Robert J. Fleming
Secretary — Bro. Lloyd MacTaggart
Treasurer — W. Bro. Thomas H Lloyd
Sr. Deacon — Bro. M.J. Fleming
Jr. Deacon — Bro. R. Chris Kemp
Inner Guard — Bro. Russell R. Price
Sr. Steward — Bro. Kenneth G. Alexander
Jr. Steward — Bro. Dumergue Horace
Tyler — Bro. Thomas G. Trainor
Historian — W. Bro. Russell A. Dever
Chaplain — W. Bro. Eric T. Bennedict
Dir. of Ceremonies — V.W. Bro. S.A.H. Cressey
Asst. Secretary — Bro. Robert J. Stone
Organist — Bro. Milton J. Fleming
The Centennial Committee
Chairman — Bro. Robert J. Fleming
Vice Chairman — W. Bro. Russell A. Dever
Secretary — Bro. Lloyd MacTaggart
Ceremonies — V.W. Bro. S.A.H. Cressey
D.D.G.M. — R.W. Bro. J. David Innes
Entertainment — Bro. R. Chris Kemp
Finance — W. Bro. Thomas H. Lloyd
History — Bro. Kenneth G. Alexander
Printing — Bro. Randy A. Ransom
Publicity — Bro. Gerry Lougheed Jr.
Regalia — Bro. Milton J. Fleming
Transportation — Bro. Robert J. Storie
Photography — Bro. Kevin J. Larose
Aprons & Tickets — Bro. Michael A. Dowling
Master’s Centennial Message
W. Bro. R.J. Fontaine
Worshipful Master of Nickel Lodge Nº 427
History, like the twenty four inch gauge, gives us a daily lesson of admonition and instruction. It recalls to a Mason’s mind what our former Brethren have accomplished with their hour of existence.
In 1781, Robert Burns, while residing in Irvine and contemplating the seriousness of his pleurisy attacks, wrote to his father “A Prayer in the Prospect of Death:”
O thou unknown almighty cause
If all my hope and fear!
In whose dread presence be an hour
Perhaps I must appear!
Burns contemplates what events he would like to redress in his History if he knew he had but one hour before he met with the Great Architect of the Universe.
What Wrongs would you Right; What Hates would you Love; What Errors would you Correct if you had but one hour?
We as Masons, must always make full and plentiful use of our hour while it still is the light of day. In the spirit of our Brethren, who for the past century have been loyal to the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth, we must ensure that there will always be a History to pass down to future generations that All will be proud of and that All will want to emulate. If you were to meet with the Great Architect at this moment, would your last hour be one that Nickel Lodge Brethren would be proud to copy?
Like Burns, we must live for the next hour. The future of Nickel Lodge and Masonry in general lies in our hands… men with hands extended to enrich the lives of others. For the past century, Nickel Lodge Brethren have been pioneers in the use of their hour. In the years ahead, we must continue the tradition and I trust my prayer may be yours… a prayer expressed by Helen Keller in the words “It is for us to pray, not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks… to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts.”
The next hundred years of Nickel Lodge lies in Your Heart and Your Hour.
