A History of Mississippi Lodge No. 147: 2019

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Title Page

A History of Mississippi Lodge No. 147
A.F. & A.M., G.R.C. (In Ontario)
Almonte, Ontario
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Canada July 20, 1861

Covering the Period from March 19, 1861 to December 31, 1993
by L. G. William Chapman, B.A., LL.B., P.M. (1983 - 1984)

Written Between: January, 1994 and January, 1997

With acknowledgement and thanks to
Vy. Wor. Bro. John C. Smithson and
Vy. Wor. Bro. D. R. Millar
for detailed review and correction of manuscript

About the Author

About the Author

L. G. William Chapman, B.A., LL.B.

Born in Montreal, P.Q. on December 11, 1948. Son of Group Captain, DSO and Mrs. C. G. William Chapman of Ottawa. Mr. Chapman is senior counsel in Almonte where he has practised law for over 20 years after having completed Articles with Macdonald, Affleck, 100 Sparks Street in Ottawa and the Bar Admission Course at Osgoode Hall in Toronto. He lived in the Toronto area where he attended St. Andrew's College (Aurora), graduating as an Ontario Scholar, Head Boy and recipient of the Headmaster's Medal and Lt. Governor's Award in 1967. In addition to a brief course of study at Alliance Française in Paris, France he attended Glendon Hall of York University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. Thereafter he pursued graduate studies in law at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). During his preparatory years of study and later in law school, he was active in public speaking and debate including Trinity College School (Port Hope), Hart House (University of Toronto) and the McGill International Debating Tournament (Montréal) in which his team ranked third out of 120 participants. His love of Almonte has included over the years active participation in many local groups such as St. Paul's Anglican Church (Warden), Business Improvement Area (Chairman), Business & Professional Association (President), Elizabeth Kelly Library Foundation (a founding Trustee), Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (Policy and Procedure), 78th Fraser Highlanders (Ensign, Fort Glengarry Garrison) and Mississippi Lodge No. 147, A.F. & A.M. (Master, Secretary and Historian). He is a social member of the Mississippi Golf Club, Appleton. He has undertaken many public speaking engagements for local groups and business organizations, as well as offering credit legal courses for Algonquin College. In addition to the company of his good friends and good food, he enjoys piano (Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music), the fine arts and his faithful French bulldog, Monroe.

Introduction

Introduction

The history of Mississippi Lodge No. 147, Almonte, Ontario is of course not a history of Masonry. Rather it is a chronicle of the sometimes mundane, sometimes humorous and often energetic efforts and undertakings of many men who, over the 133 years covered by this history, worked to apply the principles of Masonry to the isolated affairs of a "country Lodge".

The accounts of the early proceedings of the Lodge are substantially factual, and perhaps less than personal, for it was assumed that, apart from a particular interest which any one family may have, the names of most of the early Lodge members would be rather unimportant or insignificant to today's reader. The portion of the history reviewed in the last forty years dwells to a greater degree upon the people involved, since many of those members, or their relatives, are still associated with the Lodge, and their memory or acquaintance is therefore more proximate. There was, of necessity, a limitation on the period covered by the Lodge minutes. The arbitrary decision was made to end December 31, 1993, since the writer began the three-year writing endeavour January, 1994.

That Mississippi Lodge enjoys such a long existence (since 1861) is no small compliment. As institutions go, Mississippi Lodge has more than earned its colours, not to mention the gold braid which adorns the apron of each Brother of the Lodge who has the honour to wear it. Masons are often chided for what is cavalierly dismissed as its "secrets". To the uninitiated, this term embraces far more than was ever intended to remain within the recesses of the Lodge. To the members of the Craft, the Secrets are no more than allegorical symbols of greater moral significance, and to share those Secrets would in fact do little to enlighten the dilettante or casual observer.

For purposes of this historical enquiry, it was originally anticipated that examination of the contents of the minute books would, with some extrapolation, reveal the deeper (perhaps darker) side of the events surrounding the growth and development of the Lodge. On the contrary, true to the Masonic spirit to confine observation to the facts, little is revealed, even upon the closest examination, of much of the background and contextual social currents which precipitated the recorded events. No serious attempt has been made to provide such background, either by reference to contemporaneous social conditions, or by speculation.

What appears in this historical summary is essentially an account, slotted into selected categories, of what was recorded by the studious and conscientious Secretaries of the Lodge. To a degree, each Secretary contributed his particular slant to the record of proceedings, but largely each Secretary acted as a scribe (though the commitment to sanctify and condone in writing the efforts of those who did the job well is apparent throughout). It should nonetheless be apparent from even a cursory examination of this history that our actions in this life are recorded. It may surprise the reader to rediscover in this chronicle some long-forgotten detail which, though perhaps innocuous at the time, is the key to open a floodgate of memories.

The obvious omission from the history is the lack of detail regarding the period for which a Minute Book is missing (1927 - 1939). This is clearly unfortunate not only as general matter, but also because it was a period of great world-wide turmoil. The customary "grape vine" enquiries have been made among the senior members of the Lodge to locate the missing minute book, but without success. Nonetheless, the fact remains that the Lodge survived that difficult period, which is part of the continuing credit to those who served as its officers and members.

It is hoped that this history will provide the members of the Lodge with some information which will embellish not only a knowledge and an understanding of our own Lodge, but also of the Craft as a whole.

The members are also encouraged to take the time to examine that portion of the Minutes pertaining to their particular installation, since it may engender some fond memories of that special night when you entered through the tyled door of Mississippi Lodge No. 147.

Dedicated to the Memory of long-time friend and mentor
L. C. Audette, O.C., Q.C. who said
"I'll believe it when you've written the last word."

Mostyn Biographical Sketches

Mostyn Biographical Sketches

The first Regular Communication of Mississippi Lodge, A.F. & A.M., G.R.C. (In Ontario) was held at Almonte, Ontario on May 24, 1861 (the Lodge was in fact instituted on March 19, 1861). Dr. William Mostyn sat in the East as the first Master of the Lodge. Following is a copy of an article about Dr. Mostyn taken from The Almonte Gazette, Almonte, Ontario on December 1, 1993, written by Shirley Todorski for the "Our Heritage" column, entitled "Dr. William Mostyn left mark on Almonte":

On the morning of Tuesday, March 29, 1881, the people of Almonte slowly became aware that one of their most prominent men was missing. Also missing was the son of another of the town's well known citizens.

The Beginning

Present at the First Regular Communication of Mississippi Lodge of A. F. & A. Masons at Almonte on 24th May, 1861 were:

Bro. William Mostyn, M. D., W. M.
Bro. M. Anderson, S. W.
Bro. I Menzies, J. W.
Bro W. McIntosh, Treas.

Bro. W. Tennant, Sect.
Bro. W. A. Bagsley, S. D.
Bro. I Lang, J. D.
Bro. I. B. Shipman, In. G.
Bro. Thos. Coulter, Tyler

                                17
Laying of the Corner Stone of St. Paul's Church, Almonte

The Minutes of St. John's Lodge report:
     June 15, 1863

A letter having been received from the secretary of Mississippi Lodge, Almonte, asking the members of St. John's Lodge to assist that lodge in the ceremony of laying the corner stone of St. Paul's (Anglican) Church in that place, an emergent meeting was called by the W.M. and without opening the lodge it was unanimously decided to accept of their brotherly invitation. Notices were given to all the brethren as early as possible as the notice to the lodge was short.
The brethren met in their lodge room at 8 o'clock a.m., June 15, 1863 and at once proceeded to Almonte accompanied by music. The St. John's Lodge on arriving in sight of Almonte were met by the brethren of Mississippi Lodge in regalia headed by the Almonte Brass Band. Both lodges proceeded at once to the lodge room of Mississippi Lodge.

Laying of the Corner Stone of the Presbyterian Church, Almonte

Laying of the Corner Stone of the Presbyterian Church, Almonte

The laying of the corner stone of St. Paul's Church was followed two years later by another similar ceremony (as again appears from the Minutes of St. John's Lodge):

June 13, 1865
The following letter was received from the secretary of Mississippi Lodge No. 147 at Almonte: "Acting under dispensation from Grand Lodge and by authority of our Lodge, I give your lodge a cordial invitation to join in the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Free Church (Presbyterian) in this village, to take place exactly at high noon on the 24 inst. As we are making suitable preparations to entertain our visitors you will confer a favour by advising me as early as possible how many we may expect from your lodge. Please extend the invitation to all Masonic brethren within your circle." Signed Chas. E. Field, Secy., Mississippi Lodge No. 147, Almonte.
This record was preceded by the Lodge's own Minutes of May 5, 1865, wherein Bro. W. Mostyn stated "a desire to have the foundation stone of the New Free Presbyterian Church in this village laid with Masonic Honors". Dispensation from Grand Lodge was of course to be sought for the ceremony.

Following is the record of the May 15, 1865 Emergent Meeting:

The Bro. Anderson Debacle

The Bro. Anderson Debacle What started out harmlessly enough at the Meeting of January 22, 1864 was soon to become a rather inflamed and somewhat embarrassing situation for the Lodge and one Brother (Anderson) in particular. At that meeting, it is recorded that Wor. Master Menzies appointed Bros. Mostyn, McDougall and Anderson a committee to draft "an address of condolence to Mrs. Campbell, widow of our late Secretary". Later in that same Meeting, the following events are recorded:
Bro. Anderson proposed that Bro. Archibald be raised to the 3rd degree. The W.M. stated that it was impossible as it was too late. Bro. Mostyn said he had a couple of appointments which had to attend to, and that he had postponed to attend this meeting. Bro. Anderson then commenced a tirade of abuse against all the principal officers of the Lodge and Bro. Mostyn, stating that there was a clique in the Lodge that kept him out of the W.M.'s chair, which was his by right as he was S.W. last year. W.M. called Bro. Anderson to order. He said he was in order and would not be called to order; he said it was a revolting humbug to have the most junior members of the Lodge elected to S.W. and J.W. chairs, that the S.W.'s chair was never filled and never would be filled again as well as he had filled it, he came here this evening to kick up a row that he came a couple of times before, but never got as good a chance as now to give certain persons a chewing up, he used some oaths during his speech and altogether conducted himself most unmasonically.

The Jealous Jurisdiction

On March 18, 1864 a communication from Renfrew Lodge was read in reply to a letter written by Bro. C. E. Field, Secretary of Mississippi Lodge, complaining of violation of constitution by making a mason of a person who lived within the jurisdiction of Mississippi Lodge. Pakenham is distant from Mississippi Lodge by 12 miles and from Renfrew by 26 miles. The reply stated that it was unintentional to infringe upon the rights of Mississippi Lodge, that it was through inadvertency, and that the matter would be properly laid before the Renfrew Lodge at their next regular communication and the proceedings reported to Mississippi Lodge. It was moved that no action be taken on the above matter, but that it be laid over until Mississippi Lodge heard from Renfrew Lodge.

Common Threads in all Minutes

The first meeting of Mississippi Lodge was held at 9:00 o'clock p.m. This custom continued throughout many of the meetings (some of which began at 8:30 p.m). This may indicate that many of the members were farmers, whose daily duties kept them working late in the day, although one has to question why the membership would in that case be agreeable to late meetings if the same members were required to rise early in the morning to attend to farm chores. The alternative explanation is that the members were "men of leisure" who rose late from the comforts of both their table and bed. Many of the meetings are reported to have "Closed in Harmony" as late as 10:50 p.m.

Dues

The Meeting of June 24, 1862 records that annual dues were five dollars.
The timely collection of dues was as common a problem in the 1800's as it is today. For example, in the Meeting of September 1, 1865 (which was the first meeting at which Wor. Bro. Wm. Mostyn assumed his new duties as Treasurer of the Lodge), Wor. Bro. Mostyn moved "that all those who are in arrears be notified that if not paid by next regular meeting notice will be given to Grand Lodge of their suspension". The motion carried, apparently without objection. The same motion was repeated at the Meeting of December 29, 1865. At the meeting of February 12, 1870 the following entry was made:

Unfavourable Reports

An unfavourable report on an Application for Initiation was not unusual; and, the writer recalls even as recently as during the 1980's having spoken to the late Wor. Bro. Raymond A. Jamieson, Q.C. (who died in 1992 at the age of 97 years), who commented that one should be proud to have been accepted into the Lodge, because, he said, not everyone was. This sort of observation may sound somewhat surprising at a time when most Lodges appear only too anxious to welcome new members, but perhaps the observation should be kept in mind if for no other reason than to preserve the respectability which the Craft has enjoyed over the centuries.

Lodge Discipline

On November 11, 1864 it was moved that Bro. Cole be notified to appear at the next regular meeting to show reason why he should not be suspended from the Lodge for non attendance.

At the following Meeting of December 9, 1864 a telegram from Bro. J. K. Cole was received, requesting his business be postponed.

On January 20, 1865, Bro. J. K. Cole appeared at the Lodge and explained his reason for non attendance. The only hint of what the reason was is found in the following record that a committee was appointed "to see Bro. Jas. Fitten and try and settle the difficulties existing between Bro. J. K. Cole and the Lodge". It should be noted that Bro. Fitten had applied for and been granted a demit at the previous meeting on December 9, 1864. While it is of course regrettable that serious differences arise between people, especially members of the Lodge, such events are not singular, even to this day. What is, however, unusual is that the Lodge at that time took it upon itself to attempt to resolve those difficulties, betraying not only the desirable feature of care and concern among the brethren, but also perhaps the license to which the members assumed they were entitled by virtue of their fraternity. It is difficult to imagine personal conflicts being discussed in open Lodge today. At the next meeting of the Lodge on February 10, 1865 the committee on Bro. J. K. Cole's case gave in their report. The report was referred to the Board of General Purposes.

Mostyn Demit

At the meeting of January 4, 1878, an application for a demit by Bro. Mostyn was submitted. A committee was appointed "to wait on Bro. Mostyn with a view of getting him to remain in connection with the Lodge".

On June 14, 1878, "Bro. Munro from the Committee appointed to wait on Bro. Mostyn reported verbally that they had a consultation with Bro. Mostyn and that he concluded to withdraw his demand for a Demit".

This rather peculiar interlude so concludes without further explanation. Suffice it to say that our first Master was not the last to seek a withdrawal from the Lodge under apparently difficult circumstances. We are reminded, however, to attempt to avoid visiting upon the Craft in general and upon the Lodge in particular the punishment we may choose to exact upon a certain member or members with whom we are at variance. Masonry, while generally acknowledged as being supportive of its own, does nonetheless admit and acknowledge that problems may arise, and there are in fact mechanics in place within Lodge ritual which seek to provide the vehicle for reconciliation or abandonment of the problem without disrupting the Lodge. It is, therefore, a commendation of our first Master that he took the high road.

Visitors

Scattered throughout the entire Lodge minutes are references to visits to Mississippi Lodge by other Brethren, and visits by the Brethren of Mississippi Lodge to other jurisdictions. It is common knowledge that fraternal visitation (whether across the globe, around the district or within one's own town or city) is not only rewarding, but in fact something to be viewed as a duty among Masons. Through visitation, we are able to share our interests and broaden our horizons. And in many cases (such as visitation to ill or distressed Brethren), the extension of fraternal greetings may be a great source of joy for both parties. As well, though the ritual of Masonry is generally viewed as universally standard, there are distinctive cultural attributes which enlighten and educate the visitor.
At the Meeting of May 20, 1864 it is recorded that, after Closing, Bro. Clark, Wor. Master of a Lodge in Montreal, instructed the Officers of Mississippi Lodge in the forms of opening and closing the several Lodges in the first, second and third Degrees.

Charity

The Masonic Order does, of course, suffer from some rather unfounded public perceptions, but one thing that Masons are correctly known for is helping one another. It is of course beyond the scope of this work to address the numerous Masonic associations, foundations, committees and resources available for the assistance of brethren, their families and others in distress. There are, however, numerous occasions on which the subject of charity and similar undertakings appear in the minutes with particular relevance to Mississippi Lodge.

The Pakenham Mystery

A record of two letters in the Minutes of May 6, 1892 provides fodder for the imagination. The first is a letter from the Secretary of Mississippi Lodge to M. W. G. M. John Ross Robertson:

     Most Worshipful Sir & Bro.

Enclosed I send you an impress of an inscription taken from a rock on a farm in the township of Pakenham, about eight miles from here. The rock is situated on a knoll in what at one time was a swamp about two (2) miles from the Mississippi River, and half a mile from a tributary of that swamp. This inscription has recently become known to a few members of the craft, and eight of us visited the spot yesterday for the purpose if possible of ascertaining its purport, but we failed in our endeavours; consequently we concluded that the next best thing to do would be to take an exact impression of it and forward the same to you, knowing your superior knowledge of Masonry might lead to some solution of its meaning. Having examined the inscription closely with a magnifying glass, we are perfectly satisfied that the work is of very ancient date.
If any thing is to be done in this connection it will be necessary to take immediate action through fear of the inscription being discovered and probably defaced by the uninitiated. If you consider the matter of sufficient importance to induce you to visit the place, I need hardly add that it will afford the members of Mississippi Lodge No. 147 very great pleasure to accompany you there. Should you conclude to come down please wire by what train, and if not, kindly write your views concerning the matter.

Burials

The three degrees of Masonry exemplify birth, life and death respectively. It is not surprising, therefore, that death and matters relating to it figure significantly in the record of Masonic events. Attendance at funerals, while not considered obligatory, is nonetheless the preferable code of Masonic conduct. The support of a Lodge for a family in this hour of need is without a doubt something which is long cherished. But the attendance also reminds each of us, as we are exhorted by Ecclesiastes, to "remember now thy Creator when the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh. For in the unhappiness of death is the joy and prospect of rebirth through the Supreme Being".
It is no great inductive leap to state that everyone who was part of this Lodge in the latter part of the 1800's is no longer whinnying among us. And a review of Lodge records discloses that the occasion of the burial of many of the members provided a stepping stone for members to express their more profound thoughts and expressions of kindness for the passing member and his family. And so it is that the cycle of life and death is repeated. In each, the other exists. And the mystery of the ritual goes round and round.

Lodge Premises

It was a long time before the Lodge minutes disclosed the exact location of the Lodge. If nothing else, this provided the source of an almost endless guessing game, based upon the few facts which, when pieced together, may have provided the information. For example, at the Regular Meeting of June 6, 1862, it is recorded that an account was received from Mr. James Forgie for rent amounting to $21. The only clue (and it may not even be accurate) about the location of the Lodge Rooms provided here is that the "Forgie Section" shown on the Compiled General Plan No. 6262 of the Town of Almonte is in the area along Ottawa Street east of Martin Street.

Lodge Furnishings

In the Minutes of August 16, 1861, it is reported that:

Bro. J. Dunlop's Bill of $29.20 for Lodge room furniture etc., etc. received and read.

And at the same meeting:


     Bill for tinware etc., etc. received and read.

The obvious observations regarding the Lodge room furniture are:

Masonic Library

At the meeting of February 5, 1909, the following is recorded:

Bro. J. T. Kirkland brought up the question of starting a Library, and after some discussion it was moved by Bro. Kirkland and seconded by Bro. E. C. Robertson that a special committee be appointed to consider the question and report.

On March 5, 1909, the Committee appointed to consider the establishment of a Masonic Library submitted the following report:

World Wars

June 24, 1915 marked the first occasion on which the Minutes recorded a reference to the First World War: "Moved...that a committee be appointed to draft a letter of condolence to be sent the parents of our late Bro. W. J. Sinclair who was killed in action".

On October 1, 1915 it is reported as follows: "Comm from H. Brown notifying the Lodge of the vacating of the rooms occupied by the 42nd Batt on Oct 31st".

On January 4, 1918 the following letter of condolence was sent to Bro. Jos. Paul and Mrs. Paul:

General

An entry on March 26, 1869 undoubtedly marked the beginning of Ever Green Lodge:
It was moved by W. Bro. Mostyn seconded by Bro. Cram that all the Brethren of Ever Green Lodge Lanark who are Members of this Lodge get their demit on payment of dues. Carried.

On December 2, 1870 the following appears:

Moved by Bro. Bagsley and seconded by Bro. J. G. Northrup that the W.M. and Sec have the authority to recommend a petition to the Brethren at Packinham (sic) for to form a Lodge at that place. Carried.

Recent Historical Names

. Greville E. Toshack, initiated July 15, 1910; grandfather of Bro. Jack Toshack, who has acted as Tyler for the Lodge for many years.
. J. T. Kirkland, Master 1911, probably the former Postmaster of Almonte.
. J. K. Kelly, Treasurer 1911, former physician and father of Elizabeth Kelly, first librarian in Town of Almonte.
. G. M. Gemmill, member 1911, perhaps person after whom "Gemmill Park, Almonte" is named.
. Application for Admission made by Raymond Algernon Jamieson (Barrister) on January 6, 1922. On February 17, 1972, it is recorded:
Wor. Bro. R. A. Jamieson was invited to approach the E. and was presented with a 50 year lapel button by V. Wor. Bro. S. H. Morton. In his reply Wor. Bro. Jamieson told those present that he had sat in lodge with Bro. Jason Thrall who was a Charter member of Mississippi Lodge.

Minute Books

```
     .     May 24, 1861        -
```
```
     .     March 22, 1872      -
```
```
     .     January 3, 1902     -
```
```
     .     February 5, 1915    -
```

March 7, 1872
December 6, 1901
January 1, 1915
September 30, 1927

224

Missing October, 1927 - May, 1939

```
.     June 11, 1939       -
```
```
.     June 24, 1958       -
```
```
.     April 21, 1983      -
```

June 6, 1958
March 16, 1983
December 31, 1993
(termination of history)

District Deputies from Mississippi Lodge No. 147

District Deputies from Mississippi Lodge No. 147

```
.     William Mostyn
```
```
.     William Smith
```
```
.     M. R. McFarlane
```
```
.     O. J. Osborne
```

1868 and 1873

1884
1921
1983

Installed Masters of Mississippi Lodge No. 147

```
     .     William Mostyn
```
. J. Menzies
```
     .     Dugald McEwen
```
```
     .     William Mostyn
```
```
     .     Peter McDougall
```
. R. Watson
```
     .     William Mostyn
```
. I. H. Thrall
```
     .     William Mostyn
```
```
     .     William Smith
```
. I. M. Munro
```
     .     William Smith
```
. C. B. Miller
```
     .     John Elliott
```
```
     .     Andrew Dunlop
```
```
     .     William Smith
```

Minute Book Missing from 1927 - May, 1939

It appears from a notice of monthly meeting that Wor. Bro. R. A. Jamieson was Master in 1928 - 1929; and, Senior Officers in that year were Bro. Alf. M. Hudson (S.W.), Bro. Donald B. Taylor (J.W.). On December 18, 1986, V. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson noted that V. Wor. Bro. Alf Hudson had been Master in 1929 - 1930.

Elected Secretaries of Mississippi Lodge No. 147

. M. Tennant
```
     .     Duncan Campbell
```
```
     .     Chas. E. Field
```
```
     .     Wm. McDiarmid
```
. J. Menzies
```
     .     Oscar E. Henderson
```
```
     .     Thos. Coulter
```
```
     .     John W. Elliott
```
. J. M. Munro
```
     .     Robt. Pollock
```
. W. S. Boyd
```
     .     A. B. Merilees
```
. N. Washburn
. M. H. Steele
. W. S. Boyd
. Sam Bradley

Epigrams

Epigrams

Masonry owes me nothing - it has furnished me with inspiration and encouragement through the vicissitudes of life so far. To the many abundant friends it has given me - I say it owes me nothing.
Wor. Bro. W. C. Pollock on receiving his 50 Year Jewel, January 8, 1943.

For more than two centuries, Freemasonry, as we know it, has pursued its peaceful way alone. It has sought no public acclaim; it has asked no help from outside its circle; it has permitted the world to think what it may about its object and its work. Its best advertisement has been the fact that it does not advertise itself or its works. It has had and today has, only one job to perform, only one reason for its existence.