Kerr Lodge No 230

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Hearty greetings from all our members to Brothers of the craft and those seeking to learn more about Freemasonry and our Barrie lodge in particular.

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History of Masonry in Canada 
 

History of The Grand Lodge in Canada

On the 10th of October, 1855, a meeting of lodges was held in Hamilton. Each of the more than 80 lodges in Canada were invited and 41, representing Masons from Montreal to Windsor, attended.A resolution calling for the formation of a Grand Lodge for Canada, free from the Mother Grand Lodge, was ruled out of order by Deputy Grand Master Ridout. (Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Provincial Grand Master, was opposed to the plan and did not attend). However, after adjournment, another meeting was held and the Grand Lodge of Canada was formed by the members. The next morning the officers were elected and W. Bro. Wilson was confirmed as Grand Master. The officers were installed by M.W. Bro. Hon. H.T. Backus, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, on November 2nd, 1855.When the Grand Lodge of Canada was formed in 1855, the colony of Canada was made up of what are now the provinces of Ontario and Québec. When the two rival Grand Lodges of Upper Canada and Lower Canada amalgamated in 1859, our Grand Lodge included nearly all of the lodges in both Canada East and Canada West.In 1869, sixteen lodges in Québec formed the Grand Lodge of Québec. The rest of the lodges located in la belle province remained in the Grand Lodge of Canada. In 1874, the Grand Lodge of Canada withdrew from Québec.There were no doubt many protests about Ontario’s Grand Lodge calling itself the Grand Lodge of Canada when, by 1875, there were six other Grand Lodges in the country—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Québec, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.In 1885, a committee of the Grand Lodge of Canada recommended that its name should be changed to the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Canada in the Province of Ontario. The new name was adopted in 1887.

Canadian Masonic History Major dates

1738 – The first Masonic lodge in the colony of Canada is constituted in Annapolis, Nova Scotia.

1755 – The Lodge of the 8th or Kings Own Regiment of Foot is issued a field warrant. This lodge brings Masonry to Niagara in the late 1700s.

1795 – The first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Upper Canada is called. Also in this year the civilian lodge in Niagara, originally called St. John’s of Friendship, is re-warranted as Lodge No. 2.

1802 – The Schismatic Grand Lodge at Niagara is formed.

1823 – The Book of Constitutions is printed in Kingston, Ontario.

1855 – The Grand Lodge of Canada East  is formed in order to separate colonial Masons from the Mother Grand Lodge in England.

1859 – The Grand Lodges of Upper Canada and Lower Canada amalgamate.

1866 – The Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia is formed.

1867 - The Dominion of Canada is established on July 1st. Freemason Sir John A. MacDonald becomes Canada's first prime minister. The Grand Lodge of New Brunswick is formed.

1869 – The Grand Lodge of Québec is created.

1871 – The Grand Lodge of British Columbia is formed.

1870- Kerr Lodge No. 230 established 

1875 – The Grand Lodges of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are founded.

1887 – The previously named Grand Lodge of Canada, located in Ontario, officially changes its name to the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario.

 

Common Questions Answered

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Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It has existed in its current form since 1717 and men of good character throughout the past 300 years have been attracted to it. Freemasonry does not solicit membership: your relative formed a positive opinion of the organization and petitioned for membership. He was investigated as to his morals and character and found at the time of his petition to be living a life consistent with the high purposes and aims of the organization. Hopefully he maintained that standard throughout the balance of his life.

 

Sometimes I see "G_d" written by Masons instead of the complete name of the Deity. Why?

 

    Actually, it's not only writings by Masons where you'd see this. Many Orthodox Jews will not write the Name of Deity in full in any place other than a liturgical usage for fear that the paper on which it is written might be destroyed in a manner that would constitute profanation of the Name, in violation of the third Commandment. Because Masons take their religious obligations seriously, those Masons of the Jewish faith may do this in a much larger percentage than the general population.

 

Why are Masons involved in laying the cornerstones of buildings? Are all members of Masonry taught 'operative' masonry skills?

 

    Some of the ceremonies of Freemasonry involve instruction in the ancient arts of geometry and mathematics as well as types of columns used in buildings of the past. There are in Freemasonry about the same percentage of 'operative' masons as there are in the population at large

 

    Because Freemasonry is non-sectarian and the heir to the historical tradition of building, is the appropriate organization to dedicate the cornerstone of a public edifice. Of course, many churches invited the Masons to solemnize their cornerstone laying, in addition to the religious ceremonies.

 

Some Masons wear their rings with the compass points facing outward while others wear theirs with the compass points pointing toward them. What's the significance of each?

 

    There is no proscribed manner but for many, there are subtle allegories to which they attach great meaning.

 

    As one example, some brethren have said that to wear the ring with the points out, toward the finger tip was to proclaim to the world that a person was a Mason. To wear the ring with the points in, toward the wrist was to remind the wearer that he was a Mason. In these instances, there is sometimes an additional admonition that one wears the ring with the points in until the wearer no longer had to be reminded of their Masonic obligations - and thus those who've received this admonition most likely wear their ring with the points inward still!

 

    There are also some who'll say that one wears the ring as he last saw the Square and Compasses: if a Master or Past Master, it would be with the points 'away' from the wearer as his duties would require him to be 'behind' the altar thus looking from top to bottom. Who knows? 

 

    How the ring is worn is not nearly as important as what it means to the wearer. A Mason should wear his ring should with pleasure to himself and honor to the fraternity!

 

What are those aprons and metal collars and badges Masons wear?

 

    A Scottish Masonic Apron like any organization, Masons have various badges of rank and honor. Each has a different and distinctive meaning. The various accruements will also depend on the Masonic body being represented. Still further, there are unique differences based on geographical history and sometimes even personal desire.

 

 

 

"It really isn't "secretive," although it sometimes has that reputation. Masons certainly don't make a secret of the fact that they are members of the fraternity. We wear rings, lapel pins, and tie clasps with Masonic emblems like the Square and Compasses, the best known of Masonic signs which, logically, recall the fraternity's early symbolic roots in stonemasonry. Masonic buildings are clearly marked, and are usually listed in the phone book. Lodge activities are not secret--picnics and other events are even listed in the newspapers, especially in smaller towns. Many lodges have answering machines which give the upcoming lodge activities.

 

But there are some Masonic secrets, and they fall into two categories. The first are the ways in which a man can identify himself as a Mason--grips and passwords. We keep those private for obvious reasons. It is not at all unknown for unscrupulous people to try to pass themselves off as Masons in order to get assistance under false pretenses. 

 

 

The second group is harder to describe, but they are the ones Masons usually mean if we talk about "Masonic secrets." They are secrets because they literally can't be talked about, can't be put into words. They are the changes that happen to a man when he really accepts responsibility for his own life and, at the same time, truly decides that his real happiness is helping others.

 

It's a wonderful feeling, but it's something you simply can't explain to another person. That's why we sometimes say that Masonic secrets cannot (rather than "may not") be told. Try telling someone exactly what you feel when you see a beautiful sunset, or when you hear music, like the national anthem, which suddenly stirs old memories, and you'll understand what we mean.

 

"Secret societies" became very popular in America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There were literally hundreds of them, most people belonged to two or three. Many of them were modeled on Masonry, and made a great point of having many "secrets." Freemasonry got ranked with them. But if Masonry is a secret society, it's the worst-kept secret in the world!

 

 

Secret Organization?

 

The oft-repeated answer given by Masons is that Masonry isn't a secret organization but rather an organization with secrets. In fact, Masonry's only 'secrets' are its modes of recognition. 

 

Any organization which is SO visible in the community and the world can hardly be considered 'secret'! The buildings used for meetings are generally quite clearly marked for all to find. In many parts of the world, there are even street signs as one enters the city/town/village helping those interested to find Masonic buildings. There are thousands of sites on the Internet, there are listings in phone books, and there are public events held regularly. Secret? Hardly!

 

Because of the history of Masonry - drawing from the Master Builders of the middle ages - the lessons of brotherly love, fidelity, and charity are taught in an allegorical format which is kept private and is for those who are involved only. The secrecy practiced by Masons today is no more secret than meetings of the Board of Directors of a corporation.

 

Those opposed to secrecy - for whatever reason - question the need for this, but the simple answer is that it is part of the 'fabric' of a nearly four hundred year old organization - and that makes it very unique.

 

Please also see our page devoted to this topic exclusively.

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Related to Knights Templars?

 

In short, not at all likely! Three hundred years ago, an organization was given it's 'credibility' by its associations with the ancient past so forming groups would attempt to create a historical link to earlier times - even if such links had no basis in fact whatsoever. Antiquity gave recognition, even if it was manufactured. In earlier times too, there were many 'degree systems' which existed throughout Europe, one of which ultimately became a part of Freemasonry. The explanations of the fourth degree's connection with basic 'craft' Masonry (the first three degrees) and the entire (current) Knights Templars organization would take volumes and is far beyond the scope of this web site. Further, differing authors over time have had different opinions on the matter.

 

The history of the original Knights Templar is also shrouded in the mists of time. One of the most powerful organizations of the late 1200s, it was effectively eliminated as a result of a power play between church and state leaders. Many of its members simply 'disappeared' and many theories have since arisen, where attempts are made to link the Templars to various locations including a fortress in northern France and, most popularly, Scotland including Rosslyn Chapel. However, despite the fanciful beliefs and varied theories, no proof for any of these assumptions has been forthcoming - and they remain merely theories notwithstanding the sometimes impassioned pleas that there really are 'facts' (including things like the 'proven' chambers still unopened under Rosslyn Chapel etc.)

 

In centuries past, Masonic writers would freely attribute their lineage to the sometimes popular Knights Templar. With advanced knowledge of actual historical facts - and despite popular writers' theories - there is no definitive proof of a connection between Templars and Freemasonry. Some information on the Knights Templar can be found on our site here.

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Lodge Organization?

 

Masonic lodges are organized much as any other organization. The primary officers (three or five in most lodges) are elected by the membership and serve during the term for which they were elected (nearly always one year - although some may be reelected to the same position in a succeeding year). The primary officer (the Master of the Lodge, referred to by the title of "Worshipful Master" as a mark of respect) is similar in many ways to the President or presiding officer of any organization. He appoints other officers to carry out the work of the lodge as well as committees etc.

 

We've added a page here explaining the powers and duties of the Master further. One of the fascinating things about Freemasonry is that the absolute power of the Lodge's Master is rarely abused - and at the end of his term, he relinquishes his authority to another who will fill that position while he joins the honored ranks of "Past Master", having served his lodge honorably and well.

 

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MAKING A MASON AT SIGHT

 

In the year 1858, an article on Masonic law written by Dr. Albert Mackey was published in the American Quarterly Review of Freemasonry (vol. ii, page 230) containing a distinct enumeration of the "Landmarks" of Freemasonry. From that time to this, they have been widely debated. Some Grand Lodges accepted all, some none, and some seemed to pick and choose. Among them was "#7 - The prerogative of the Grand Master to make, masons at sight." In effect, a Grand Master could - without the usual Masonic ceremonies and without having the usual ballot - use the power of his office to declare a man to be a Mason and to waive any/all of the 'normal' processes which normally lead to such a thing.

 

A short FAQ can do no justice to this topic which has been debated with billions of words by thousands of Masons. With the much more frequent shortening of time between degrees (from what was usually three months now down to one day), the sometimes-used justification of time demands on important personages has been ameliorated. The concept of honoring an individual by (with his permission, of course) simply 'declaring' him to be a Mason is not always accepted by rank and file Freemasons but Grand Masters know only too well that precious few members acting - obviously - in a gross unmasonic way could sabotage a petition proceeding through the normal process when a highly visible individual is involved.

 

As a result, the Grand Master - if permitted by his jurisdiction - may use this option in certain cases. General of the Armies Douglas MacArthur, for example, became a Mason in this way - as did entertainer Danny Thomas. Both are excellent examples of men who, having received this very distinct honor, went on to serve the fraternity visibly and with great pride to themselves and honor to Freemasonry.

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How to Join Freemasonry

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favourably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.

 

The mission of Freemasonry is to promote a way of life that binds like minded men into a worldwide Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth: and, by the outward expression of these, through its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, to find ways in which each may serve his God, his family, his country, his neighbours and himself."

 

This list is true for "most" states" and as such there may be some variations.

 

Keep in mind, Masons do not solicit for members, the decision to become a Mason is your own.

 

If you are seeking Membership YOU MUST ASK a Mason or a Masonic Lodge for an application.

 

You must be a man at least 21 (18 in some jurisdictions) years of age.

 

You must be of good moral character.

 

You must have a personal belief in a Supreme Being (the definition of a Supreme Being is up to you)

 

You must be a Resident of your province for 12 months (in most cases).

 

You must decide to become a Mason of "your own free will and accord"

 

You will need to express your personal interest in joining the Fraternity.

 

You must be dedicated to providing for your family

 

You must have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others and possess a desire to help others through community service and universal benevolence.

 

You must be willing to sign a Petition, stating your age, occupation and place of residence.

 

There are NO religious, political or racial restrictions for membership other than the aforementioned belief in a Supreme Being, as any discussion of religion or politics is strictly forbidden in a Masonic Lodge.

 

Admission is decided by ballot. 

 

To petition a lodge, the first step is to find one close to you, which you can do here. Once you have selected a lodge (or several) reach out and make contact. This is particularly important if you do not know a member of that lodge. Reach out and contact the lodge secretary who would be happy to speak to you about upcoming activities and/or open houses.