|
Heritage Lodge No. 730 G.R.C. Celebrating 25Years of Research! |
||
|
My how time flys! Heritage Lodge is about to start it’s 25th anniversary. Several special events have been planned to mark this auspicious occasion. The highlight of the year will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2002, exactly 25 years since it was instituted by Grand Lodge. It will be our annual Ceremony of Installation, together with a special banquet. The guest speaker will be none other than M.W. Bro. Robert E. Davies, P.G.M. and our Grand Secretary. M.W. Bro. Davies was the Grand Master who officiated at the consecration ceremony. The picture on the cover of this issue was taken by R.W. Bro. Paul Farrell this past winter. It depicts the tinsmith’s shop at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto. Situated above the store is the lodge room. It has been furnished to match the early 1800’s that the village represents. |
Sept. 9, 1977, by authority of M.W. Bro. Robert E. Davies, Grand Master. The Lodge was instituted Sept. 21, 1977, under direction of R.W. Bro. Charles F. Grimwood, D.D.G.M., Waterloo District. On Sept. 23, 1978, M.W. Bro. Robert E. Davies proclaimed The Heritage Lodge, Numbered 730 on the Register of the Grand Lodge, duly constituted in accordance with ancient usage. At that time 65 had been added to the original 104 Charter Members. The high hopes engendered by the founding members of The Heritage Lodge for future progress moved forward, earnestly endeavouring to follow the objects laid down in our charter. Those aims and objectives, defined after hours of deliberation; were focused on one or two established |
|
|
Heritage also under took to have a Coat of Arms designed by R.W. Bro. Jack Pos, the lodge’s first Worshipful Master. This included getting government approval for the Coat of Arms. The lodge then had a banner made with the Coat of Arms as it’s focal point. The banner is proudly hung at all of the regular lodge meetings. |
 |
objectives. No attempt was made to embrace all of the basic objectives at the outset. Our energies have been directed along two main
channels: * Second, special projects implemented to challenge and
inspire participants. Some of the projects The Heritage Lodge has
undertaken include: |
|
As we go forward into our next 25 years, it is but only fitting that we look back on our first 25 years. The desire for the creation of an Historical Lodge was felt by a number of Masons concerned about apparent erosion of our heritage and apathy towards its preservation. Quantities of memorabilia was being lost because there was no procedure for restoration or preservation of important links with our past. The concept was introduced at a Regional Masonic Workshop in 1976. The interest generated provided incentive to proceed with organizational meetings held in homes, offices and temples, climaxing with a 1977 landmark meeting at the University of Guelph. Prominent speakers addressed the merits and possible obstacles of the proposed objectives. Following a careful analysis of the failure of similar Masonic research organizations it became obvious that an enduring type of organizational structure was needed to provide continuity and permanence. What better choice than the basic structure of the Craft Lodge which has endured vagaries of time for centuries? A Petition for a Warrant of Constitution was signed by 104 Charter Members at a formal ceremony on May 18, 1977. The Heritage Lodge came into being Under Dispensation |
The development of a play "The Birth of Our Grand Lodge", which was presented in full period costume to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of our Grand Lodge; "Heritage of Masonry" display, comprising thousands of Masonic artifacts, delighted more than 2,000 Masons who were privileged to view some of their historical past; Relocation and restoration of a pre-Confederation Lodge Building into the Black Creek Pioneer Village; The Heritage Lodge Annual Banquet has evolved into an annual social and educational
evening which our members and visitors look forward to each year; Restoration and re-dedication of the William Mercer Wilson Monument at Simcoe in conjunction with Norfolk Lodge No. 10; Payment for replacement of the gravestone of "The Unknown Brother" at Jordan Station, along with support and involvement with Niagara District in the re-dedication ceremonies; Printing Annual Proceedings, which includes the complete text of educational papers presented at our meetings and banquet; looked forward to with anticipation each year by all recipients; Establishment of a Masonic Museum" became a reality in 1996 after we donated $5,000 to Grand Lodge in this undertaking. On that occasion, M.W. Bro. C. Edwin Drew spoke of a desire to "see the Library and Museum grow into an entity of which the Brethren of this Grand Jurisdiction will be truly proud". A principal aim, to encourage Lodge Historians and Scholars to be more active in their respective Lodges, is an intangible and ongoing objective. By holding two of our meetings away from our home temple we hope to encourage Masons in other parts of the Province to develop an interest in Research and History. |
|
|
Lodges of Instruction |
||
|
The following are the proposed dates for the fall of 2002. All Master Masons are encouraged to attend any of the following sessions; Friday, September 27 7:30 p.m. - Chatham |
||