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.
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.
On December 29, 1865 it is recorded as follows:
An invitation was received by the W.M. from the reception committee of the four lodges in Ottawa, to attend a complimentary dinner given to the Civil Service Lodge, on its arrival there, which was held on St. John's day, 27th inst.
This Ottawa area at that time. And it also illustrates the early fraternal connection which was formed between the city and country lodges.
On June 25, 1866, it was moved that Bro. Mostyn be the delegate to the Grand Lodge meeting to be held in Montreal in July, and that his expenses be paid by the Lodge. No doubt, this meeting was similar to the meeting which now takes place at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The Minutes of June 24, 1867 disclose that the two delegates sent to the Grand Lodge Convention were to be given "$20 out of Lodge funds", presumably for the two of them. One can only speculate what the cost of a room at a respectable hotel at that time might have been!
On November 24, 1871, a communication was received from True Brittons Lodge at Perth inviting Mississippi Lodge to meet with them on St. John's Day. This invitation was accepted, the Secretary being instructed to advise that between 15 and 20 members would attend.
On June 25, 1866, it was moved that Bro. Mostyn be the delegate to the Grand Lodge meeting to be held in Montreal in July, and that his expenses be paid by the Lodge. No doubt, this meeting was similar to the meeting which now takes place at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The Minutes of June 24, 1867 disclose that the two delegates sent to the Grand Lodge Convention were to be given "$20 out of Lodge funds", presumably for the two of them. One can only speculate what the cost of a room at a respectable hotel at that time might have been!
On November 24, 1871, a communication was received from True Brittons Lodge at Perth inviting Mississippi Lodge to meet with them on St. John's Day. This invitation was accepted, the Secretary being instructed to advise that between 15 and 20 members would attend.
gives a pretty clear idea of the number of lodges in the
At the meeting of December 8, 1873, it was proposed to have a Masonic supper on St. John's day; and two of the Brethren moved that all who partake of the supper shall pay their share of the price of the supper. This motion was amended by R.W.D.D.G.M. Dr. Mostyn, that all members of this Lodge who partake of the supper pay their share, and invited guests who will be limited to officers of neighbouring Lodges shall enjoy the same at the expense of the Lodge. This amendment was carried, but at the subsequent meeting of January 2, 1874, two Brethren moved that the resolution adopted at the last meeting which was moved by Mostyn be reconsidered. The upshot was that $50 of the funds of the Lodge were appropriated towards paying for complimentary tickets to members of other Lodges to the Masonic supper, and that a tax be levied on the members of this Lodge for the balance of the expense of the complimentary tickets (which were to be given to all other Brethren, not just Masters and Wardens).
The visitors to the meeting of June 18, 1875 were from Peterboro No. 155, Winchester No. 12, St. John's (Carleton Place) No. 63 and Evergreen (Lanark) No. 209. Reference is also made to a proposed visitation to Eureka (Pakenham) Lodge. On December 27, 1877, it is reported that the Lodge called off early to meet in Eureka Lodge, Pakenham.
An invitation to a pic nic was received from Lodge No. 159 (Richmond) on June 24, 1876.
A distant visitor (I. McKechnie) from Ashler Lodge No. 91, Detroit, Michigan is reported on September 1, 1876.
The minutes of April 2, 1886 contain a rather extensive list of visitors, including one from Scotland and another from Massachusetts. It is, however, likely that the Brethren from those distant Lodges were not merely travelling through the area, but rather more likely that they had already settled in the area, but had preferred to retain the connection with their Mother Lodge. This is not, on the other hand, to suggest that travel was a total impediment to visitation. In fact, there are frequent references to visitors from Madawaska Lodge in Arnprior, the accomplishment of which distance was no mean feat in the mid-1800's. One would speculate that, following the Friday evening Regular Meeting, the visitor would likely remain in the Village of Almonte at least until the next day, and perhaps even continue his travels by train into the City of Ottawa. Such a luxury would be afforded only to a man of means, likely other than a merchant or farmer, who would naturally have the exigencies of business to attend to.
A huge crowd of Brethren (mostly from Arnprior, Carleton Place and Ottawa) met for a Special Meeting of Mississippi Lodge on Sunday, June 26, 1887 "...for the purpose of attending in a body a divine service ...The Brethren were formed in procession and proceeded to St. Andrew's Church when a very able, instructive and interesting sermon was delivered by Bro. The Rev. D. Bennett".
The visitors to the meeting of June 18, 1875 were from Peterboro No. 155, Winchester No. 12, St. John's (Carleton Place) No. 63 and Evergreen (Lanark) No. 209. Reference is also made to a proposed visitation to Eureka (Pakenham) Lodge. On December 27, 1877, it is reported that the Lodge called off early to meet in Eureka Lodge, Pakenham.
An invitation to a pic nic was received from Lodge No. 159 (Richmond) on June 24, 1876.
A distant visitor (I. McKechnie) from Ashler Lodge No. 91, Detroit, Michigan is reported on September 1, 1876.
The minutes of April 2, 1886 contain a rather extensive list of visitors, including one from Scotland and another from Massachusetts. It is, however, likely that the Brethren from those distant Lodges were not merely travelling through the area, but rather more likely that they had already settled in the area, but had preferred to retain the connection with their Mother Lodge. This is not, on the other hand, to suggest that travel was a total impediment to visitation. In fact, there are frequent references to visitors from Madawaska Lodge in Arnprior, the accomplishment of which distance was no mean feat in the mid-1800's. One would speculate that, following the Friday evening Regular Meeting, the visitor would likely remain in the Village of Almonte at least until the next day, and perhaps even continue his travels by train into the City of Ottawa. Such a luxury would be afforded only to a man of means, likely other than a merchant or farmer, who would naturally have the exigencies of business to attend to.
A huge crowd of Brethren (mostly from Arnprior, Carleton Place and Ottawa) met for a Special Meeting of Mississippi Lodge on Sunday, June 26, 1887 "...for the purpose of attending in a body a divine service ...The Brethren were formed in procession and proceeded to St. Andrew's Church when a very able, instructive and interesting sermon was delivered by Bro. The Rev. D. Bennett".
On December 6, 1889 an invitation from the Smiths Falls Lodge was declined due to the "inconvenience of our Railway accommodation". This does not of course suggest that the railway was the only means of long distance travel, but it was clearly the most suitable for people travelling as a body.
Wor. Bro. Dunham the W. M. of St. John's Lodge spoke of the good that generally arose from these fraternal visits and extended a cordial welcome to the members of Mississippi Lodge to visit Carleton Place Lodge. Wor. Bro. F. Dunlop also spoke with much acceptance on the same subject. Bro. McNeil made a few remarks also regarding the good that may take place through frequent visits as did also Bro. Taylor.
The following meeting on July 7, 1893 mentions a communication from Builders Lodge No. 177, Ottawa regarding "an excursion to Toronto and Niagara Falls under the auspices of the said Lodge". To this day, many members of the Craft speak fondly of the times spent with members of other lodges, whether for Masonic undertakings, special dinners and functions, or simply golf and curling outings. It is undoubtedly true that for many of the Brethren the associations one makes in the Craft are life-time associations filled with the personal rewards which come from solid friendship.
On December 7, 1894 Bro. W. Ballantyne visited from St. John's Lodge No. 111, Howick, Scotland.
On June 2, 1893 there is a not altogether atypical reference made
to the merits of visitation:
Wor. Bro. McEwen briefly expressed the pleasure of this Lodge in having so many visitors of Carleton Place and the appreciation of the able services rendered by the visitors in the work done tonight.Wor. Bro. Dunham the W. M. of St. John's Lodge spoke of the good that generally arose from these fraternal visits and extended a cordial welcome to the members of Mississippi Lodge to visit Carleton Place Lodge. Wor. Bro. F. Dunlop also spoke with much acceptance on the same subject. Bro. McNeil made a few remarks also regarding the good that may take place through frequent visits as did also Bro. Taylor.
The following meeting on July 7, 1893 mentions a communication from Builders Lodge No. 177, Ottawa regarding "an excursion to Toronto and Niagara Falls under the auspices of the said Lodge". To this day, many members of the Craft speak fondly of the times spent with members of other lodges, whether for Masonic undertakings, special dinners and functions, or simply golf and curling outings. It is undoubtedly true that for many of the Brethren the associations one makes in the Craft are life-time associations filled with the personal rewards which come from solid friendship.
On December 7, 1894 Bro. W. Ballantyne visited from St. John's Lodge No. 111, Howick, Scotland.
An entry on February 7, 1896 as follows:
Right Wor. Bro. Geo. Tail, P.D.D.G.M. of the Toronto District No. 11 and one of the best known Masons in Canada was introduced with due honors and conducted to the East at the request of the W.M. Bro. Tail gave an eloquent and learned address regarding the symbolism of the Fellowcraft Degree.
On December 27, 1897 the visitors were Rt. Wor. Bro. Geo. E. Josephs, D.D.G.M. (Ottawa District No. 16) and W. Kaufman, Platsville No. 178, both of whom attended upon the installation of Officers for the upcoming year.
Following the visit of the D.D.G.M. on January 5, 1900, the Wor. Master "announced before leaving the chair that those present were requested to return to the Commercial House, where refreshments would be served".
On April 6, 1906 there appears the record of the Lodge tendering its greetings to one J. Lawton, and "to convey the same to his Mother Lodge in Yorkshire, England". Bro. Lawton had previously visited Mississippi Lodge, and had apparently written to the Lodge upon his return to England. The minutes of August 3, 1906 record the receipt of reciprocal greetings from Home Valley Lodge No. 652, Halmfirth, Yorkshire, England.
The minutes of February 3, 1922 illustrate that visiting is a two- way street, so to speak. A communication was read from a Lodge in Hamilton, Ontario notifying the Brethren that a certain brother of the Hamilton Lodge "was a patient in the Rosamond Memorial Hospital and commending him to the care of the Lodge". One likes to assume that the local Brethren took it upon themselves to exercise that privilege of Masonry to visit the sick while in hospital. Just as an aside, the writer noted with interest the reference in the minutes of September 1, 1922 to "the Water Street Hospital", which has long since passed into extinction. Further, at that same meeting, "Wor. Bro. Aspinall who recently returned from overseas on a visit to Scotland gave a short speech telling the Brethren of the privileges and the universality of Masonry as he had seen it both on land and sea".
Following the visit of the D.D.G.M. on January 5, 1900, the Wor. Master "announced before leaving the chair that those present were requested to return to the Commercial House, where refreshments would be served".
On April 6, 1906 there appears the record of the Lodge tendering its greetings to one J. Lawton, and "to convey the same to his Mother Lodge in Yorkshire, England". Bro. Lawton had previously visited Mississippi Lodge, and had apparently written to the Lodge upon his return to England. The minutes of August 3, 1906 record the receipt of reciprocal greetings from Home Valley Lodge No. 652, Halmfirth, Yorkshire, England.
October 2, 1914 marked a visit from R. B. Boyd, Algoa Lodge, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The meeting of February 2, 1917 is illustrative of the ceremony with which visitors to the Lodge were customarily greeted. Apart from the usual introduction of the visitors, it was not (nor is it still) uncommon for the visitors to be invited to give a short address to the assembled Brethren. The pleasure, after all, of visiting is not limited to the enjoyment of the Lodge by the visitors, but also the enjoyment of the visitors by the Lodge. It is especially true, in the case of visitors from other Districts or jurisdictions, that the Brethren will be pleasantly amused and instructed by the advice and anecdotes which a visitor may be good enough to proffer concerning his mother Lodge. In matters Masonic, as in all other intellectual undertakings, comparative enquiry is frequently informative and educational.The minutes of February 3, 1922 illustrate that visiting is a two- way street, so to speak. A communication was read from a Lodge in Hamilton, Ontario notifying the Brethren that a certain brother of the Hamilton Lodge "was a patient in the Rosamond Memorial Hospital and commending him to the care of the Lodge". One likes to assume that the local Brethren took it upon themselves to exercise that privilege of Masonry to visit the sick while in hospital. Just as an aside, the writer noted with interest the reference in the minutes of September 1, 1922 to "the Water Street Hospital", which has long since passed into extinction. Further, at that same meeting, "Wor. Bro. Aspinall who recently returned from overseas on a visit to Scotland gave a short speech telling the Brethren of the privileges and the universality of Masonry as he had seen it both on land and sea".
On June 26, 1923 a simple but meaningful expression of the value of visitation within the Lodge was made by Wor. Bro. Dunlop who "gave instance which whilst absent from Almonte he had recd many Kindnesses from Bro. Masons in several cities & Towns he had visited and also thanked the Brethren for their kindness to him & his family in the hour of Bereavement & Trial". At the previous meeting of June 1, 1923 "Bro. Moore was also called on for a speech & stated how glad he was to note the increasing Brotherly feeling which existed between the Lodge at Carp and the Lodge at Almonte. Wor. Bro. Ragsdale explained how their Lodge at Carp was working under difficulties. But that soon their new Lodge would be ready & all the Carp Brethren hoped that Almonte Brethren would attend their dedication ceremony. Bro. W. D. Samson of Bonchere Lodge No. 122, Renfrew spoke a few words of Good Cheer & thanked the Wor. master & Brethren for their hearty Fraternal welcome accorded to him".
In the earlier days of the Lodge, it was not uncommon for the Master to receive a personalized invitation to visit another Lodge, much like the following (as appears from the minutes of April 3, 1925):
Wor. Master brought forward an invitation which Rt. Wor. Bro. McFarlane had read from Rideau Lodge No. 595 of Ottawa extending to this Lodge Mississippi No. 147 an invitation to visit them & to put on a degree at the Temple in Ottawa on May 14, 1925.
Wor. Bro. Lodge placed the matter before the Officers & Brethren & it was decided that this Lodge Mississippi No. 147 very gratefully accept their kind invitation for May 14, 1925 & that the Sect. write the Wor. Master & Officers of Rideau Lodge No. 595 thanking them & stating that we trust to have a good evg. together on that Date. Wor. Bro. Lodge asked the Brethren who had cars if they would strive to be as generous as in the past & give all poss. assistance.
The minutes of March 5, 1926 included a brief summary of an address given by "Bro. Brown who had recently arrived back from a visit to the old land (Scotland)". He had visited Lodge No. 2 of Cannon Gate, Kilwinning of Edinburgh "at which Bobbie Burns was made Poet Laureate. He also mentioned that the noted James Boswell (friend and biographer of Dr. Samuel Johnson) was Master in 1774 and that the Charter of the Lodge was dated 1737 as being the oldest Lodge in Scotland. The oldest Lodge he mentioned as being in London, Eng., their charter being as early as the year 1717. It is a well known fact that some of the oldest records of Masonary to day are stored away at Kilwinning No. 2, Scotland. Even the very stones in the building had the mark of M.M. chiselled on them". Such reports exemplify the historic significance of visitation, beyond the customary social delights.
In the earlier days of the Lodge, it was not uncommon for the Master to receive a personalized invitation to visit another Lodge, much like the following (as appears from the minutes of April 3, 1925):
Wor. Master brought forward an invitation which Rt. Wor. Bro. McFarlane had read from Rideau Lodge No. 595 of Ottawa extending to this Lodge Mississippi No. 147 an invitation to visit them & to put on a degree at the Temple in Ottawa on May 14, 1925.
Wor. Bro. Lodge placed the matter before the Officers & Brethren & it was decided that this Lodge Mississippi No. 147 very gratefully accept their kind invitation for May 14, 1925 & that the Sect. write the Wor. Master & Officers of Rideau Lodge No. 595 thanking them & stating that we trust to have a good evg. together on that Date. Wor. Bro. Lodge asked the Brethren who had cars if they would strive to be as generous as in the past & give all poss. assistance.
The minutes of March 5, 1926 included a brief summary of an address given by "Bro. Brown who had recently arrived back from a visit to the old land (Scotland)". He had visited Lodge No. 2 of Cannon Gate, Kilwinning of Edinburgh "at which Bobbie Burns was made Poet Laureate. He also mentioned that the noted James Boswell (friend and biographer of Dr. Samuel Johnson) was Master in 1774 and that the Charter of the Lodge was dated 1737 as being the oldest Lodge in Scotland. The oldest Lodge he mentioned as being in London, Eng., their charter being as early as the year 1717. It is a well known fact that some of the oldest records of Masonary to day are stored away at Kilwinning No. 2, Scotland. Even the very stones in the building had the mark of M.M. chiselled on them". Such reports exemplify the historic significance of visitation, beyond the customary social delights.
In the minutes of June 4, 1943 is the following brief outline of the subject of a "Board of Trial":
Wor. Bro. Grant W. Dunlop ... stated a brother should not feel apprehensive in visiting a lodge, & gave a list of questions to Bro. R. France who kindly acted as a brother visiting a strange lodge. He was asked the name & number of his lodge, asked to produce his dues receipt card, & a few questions which all regularly made Masons know.
On December 5, 1947 the Wor. Master welcomed Bro. Sedric Mohr from Aylmer Lodge "who said he had made his home in this district and intimated he might affiliate into Mississippi Lodge".
At the meeting of April 6, 1951, it is noted that "Bro. John McDonald...remarked he would carry back to Scotland the very best report about the way he had been used by Masons in Canada"; and, at the same meeting, "Another few words from W. Bro. Hill of Saskatoon who also was impressed with the excellence of the W.". At a subsequent meeting of October 5, 1951: "Addressing Bro. McDonald of Mother Kilwinning Lodge No. O, Scotland, the W. M. said how much we had appreciated his visit among us for the past year and hoped he would carry fond memories of Mississippi Lodge back to the Old Country and presented him with a Bible from the lodge. In reply Bro. McDonald thanked the members of Mississippi Lodge for helping to make his visit to Canada a friendly one and he would carry fraternal greetings to the Mother Lodge of Scotland". At the same meeting, the following interesting item is mentioned:
A period of Masonic Education was started by the Secretary explaining use of dues cards. Several brethren who had visited different jurisdictions then told of their experiences. Among these were W. Bro. E. Adams, a visit to a lodge in England; W. Bro. Davis of Eganville, a visit to a lodge in St. Petersburg, Florida; W. Bro. T. L. Morton visiting a lodge in Scotland, and Br. McDonald on his visit to lodge in Canada.
The giving of a gift to visiting brethren is not something which could be characterized as a practice of the Lodge. However, in the mid-1990's the combined efforts of Bro. John Fulton and Wor. Bro. Anthony St. Dennis resulted in the development of a lapel pin for Mississippi Lodge. These pins have subsequently been given to visiting brethren as a memento of their brief stay among us.
Wor. Bro. Grant W. Dunlop ... stated a brother should not feel apprehensive in visiting a lodge, & gave a list of questions to Bro. R. France who kindly acted as a brother visiting a strange lodge. He was asked the name & number of his lodge, asked to produce his dues receipt card, & a few questions which all regularly made Masons know.
On December 5, 1947 the Wor. Master welcomed Bro. Sedric Mohr from Aylmer Lodge "who said he had made his home in this district and intimated he might affiliate into Mississippi Lodge".
At the meeting of April 6, 1951, it is noted that "Bro. John McDonald...remarked he would carry back to Scotland the very best report about the way he had been used by Masons in Canada"; and, at the same meeting, "Another few words from W. Bro. Hill of Saskatoon who also was impressed with the excellence of the W.". At a subsequent meeting of October 5, 1951: "Addressing Bro. McDonald of Mother Kilwinning Lodge No. O, Scotland, the W. M. said how much we had appreciated his visit among us for the past year and hoped he would carry fond memories of Mississippi Lodge back to the Old Country and presented him with a Bible from the lodge. In reply Bro. McDonald thanked the members of Mississippi Lodge for helping to make his visit to Canada a friendly one and he would carry fraternal greetings to the Mother Lodge of Scotland". At the same meeting, the following interesting item is mentioned:
A period of Masonic Education was started by the Secretary explaining use of dues cards. Several brethren who had visited different jurisdictions then told of their experiences. Among these were W. Bro. E. Adams, a visit to a lodge in England; W. Bro. Davis of Eganville, a visit to a lodge in St. Petersburg, Florida; W. Bro. T. L. Morton visiting a lodge in Scotland, and Br. McDonald on his visit to lodge in Canada.
The giving of a gift to visiting brethren is not something which could be characterized as a practice of the Lodge. However, in the mid-1990's the combined efforts of Bro. John Fulton and Wor. Bro. Anthony St. Dennis resulted in the development of a lapel pin for Mississippi Lodge. These pins have subsequently been given to visiting brethren as a memento of their brief stay among us.
The first known reference to what is today called the "Travelling Gavel" appears in the notice of monthly meeting for June 7, 1957, wherein it is stated as part of the Agenda: "Members of St. John's Lodge, Carleton Place will be in attendance and will present to Mississippi Lodge the Travelling Emblem, promoting lodge visitations". Customarily, in today's lodge, notice of the visitation is not given. In fact, it is somewhat of an embarrassment to be relished by the visiting brethren to arrive en masse with the travelling gavel in tow (and as many Grand Lodge Officers as possible), to descend upon an unwitting Master (preferably newly installed) to share the fraternity sparked by the transmission of the gavel which is making its way hand-to-hand about the District. Following is taken from the minutes of June 7, 1957:
A Delegation from St. John's Lodge, Carleton Place was admitted to the lodge bringing with them the "travelling altar or emblem" which is being used as a means of promoting inter lodge visitations. Rt. Wor. Bro. A. J. Illingworth explained the altar and how it came into being. It was presented to the Masters and Wardens Association by the Ottawa Valley Shrine Club with the intention that it would be used to promote inter lodge visitations.
The gavel has figured in other ways in matters of visitation. On November 17, 1966, on the occasion of a visit from the Master and Officers of Madawaska Lodge No. 196, Arnprior to exemplify the F.C. Degree, it is reported "At the conclusion of the D. Wor. Bro. Bruce presented a gavel to Wor. Bro. Hudson as a memento of the occasion".
A rather innovative approach to stimulation of visitation was prompted by Bro. Col. Kruger of Dalhousie Lodge on October 6, 1961 when he presented the Lodge with "3 Tiles which are to be returned to Dalhousie Lodge at an Emergent meeting by the Master and Wardens".
On September 20, 1962 "Bro. Leonard Millar (brother of V. Wor. Bro. D. R. Millar) brought greetings from Yukon Lodge No. 45 which he attended while living in the North country". Bro. Leonard Millar later became a District Deputy in the Yukon.
On September 19, 1963 "Bro. James Hopwood of Ayrshire, Scotland a member of Renfrew County Kilwinning Lodge No. 370 was present and was introduced to the brethren assembled and welcomed by Wor. Bro. Hill".
It is recorded that "The Officers and members of Mississippi Lodge payed (sic) a Fraternal visit to Builder's Lodge on Friday Feb. 12. 1965 to conduct a First Degree on Mr. Douglas Gentry Waller. This visit to the Builders Lodge was a part of the program arranged for their Centennial Year as they celebrate 100 years as an active lodge in the Ottawa District". The Masters of some of the recent years have encouraged such visitation to other lodges in the District, and it can safely be said that the rewards are many for those who attend.
The gavel has figured in other ways in matters of visitation. On November 17, 1966, on the occasion of a visit from the Master and Officers of Madawaska Lodge No. 196, Arnprior to exemplify the F.C. Degree, it is reported "At the conclusion of the D. Wor. Bro. Bruce presented a gavel to Wor. Bro. Hudson as a memento of the occasion".
A rather innovative approach to stimulation of visitation was prompted by Bro. Col. Kruger of Dalhousie Lodge on October 6, 1961 when he presented the Lodge with "3 Tiles which are to be returned to Dalhousie Lodge at an Emergent meeting by the Master and Wardens".
On September 20, 1962 "Bro. Leonard Millar (brother of V. Wor. Bro. D. R. Millar) brought greetings from Yukon Lodge No. 45 which he attended while living in the North country". Bro. Leonard Millar later became a District Deputy in the Yukon.
On September 19, 1963 "Bro. James Hopwood of Ayrshire, Scotland a member of Renfrew County Kilwinning Lodge No. 370 was present and was introduced to the brethren assembled and welcomed by Wor. Bro. Hill".
It is recorded that "The Officers and members of Mississippi Lodge payed (sic) a Fraternal visit to Builder's Lodge on Friday Feb. 12. 1965 to conduct a First Degree on Mr. Douglas Gentry Waller. This visit to the Builders Lodge was a part of the program arranged for their Centennial Year as they celebrate 100 years as an active lodge in the Ottawa District". The Masters of some of the recent years have encouraged such visitation to other lodges in the District, and it can safely be said that the rewards are many for those who attend.
Not infrequently, Mississippi Lodge hosted another Lodge for the performance of certain degree work. See for example the minutes of January 16, 1969 wherein it is recorded that "The C. for the evening was Mr. Pember McIntosh, an E.A. from Fidelity Lodge, Ottawa who was to be passed to the F.C.D.". And on December 17, 1970, "Wor. Bro. D. J. McMullan informed the lodge that tentative plans had been made for Arnprior's Madawaska Lodge No. 196 to pay a Fraternal visit to Mississippi Lodge on January 21, 1971, and the Secretary was instructed to send a formal invitation to the Officers and members of Madawaska Lodge". Often the visiting brethren where organized into special degree teams, such as the RCMP Degree team, whose displays of ritual work are well known throughout the District and beyond.
On March 18, 1971, "Bro. Allan McIntosh advised the lodge that if fraternal visits are planned he has vehicles available for 12 to 16 passengers or 30 to 40 passengers".
September 16, 1971: "A visitor to lodge on this occasion was Bro. James E. Turner from Acacia Lodge No. 4, Grand Forks, North Dakota. He promised to carry fraternal greetings from Mississippi Lodge to his lodge in Grand Forks".
November 18, 1971: "Correspondence included a letter from St. John's Lodge, Carleton Place re: the Curling Bonspiel which was turned over to Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson who offered to ice a team of curlers". It is recorded on October 18, 1990 that "...V. W. Bro. J. C. Smithson was one of three Canadians to be inducted in the Governor General's Curling Club...(which ceremony) was taking place this very evening".
May 17, 1973: "V. Wor. Bro. L. C. Sutherland was present at lodge for the first time in forty-four years and he explained how he had introduced the presentation of the V.S.L. to the lodge in Toronto where he affiliated. This has been a custom at Mississippi Lodge for many years".
December 18, 1975: "A letter was read from Bro. Calvin E. Bellamy, Secretary of Bytown Lodge, requesting Mississippi Lodge to confer 2nd and 3rd Degrees on Bro. William Joseph Bryan Smalldridge who had been initiated in Bytown lodge and has now taken up residence in Almonte. Moved by V. Wor. Bro. Alf. Hudson, seconded by Wor. Bro. Lannie Phillips that Mississippi Lodge accept this request and that the brethren call to see Bro. Smalldridge and make him welcome to Almonte".
On March 18, 1971, "Bro. Allan McIntosh advised the lodge that if fraternal visits are planned he has vehicles available for 12 to 16 passengers or 30 to 40 passengers".
September 16, 1971: "A visitor to lodge on this occasion was Bro. James E. Turner from Acacia Lodge No. 4, Grand Forks, North Dakota. He promised to carry fraternal greetings from Mississippi Lodge to his lodge in Grand Forks".
November 18, 1971: "Correspondence included a letter from St. John's Lodge, Carleton Place re: the Curling Bonspiel which was turned over to Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson who offered to ice a team of curlers". It is recorded on October 18, 1990 that "...V. W. Bro. J. C. Smithson was one of three Canadians to be inducted in the Governor General's Curling Club...(which ceremony) was taking place this very evening".
May 17, 1973: "V. Wor. Bro. L. C. Sutherland was present at lodge for the first time in forty-four years and he explained how he had introduced the presentation of the V.S.L. to the lodge in Toronto where he affiliated. This has been a custom at Mississippi Lodge for many years".
December 18, 1975: "A letter was read from Bro. Calvin E. Bellamy, Secretary of Bytown Lodge, requesting Mississippi Lodge to confer 2nd and 3rd Degrees on Bro. William Joseph Bryan Smalldridge who had been initiated in Bytown lodge and has now taken up residence in Almonte. Moved by V. Wor. Bro. Alf. Hudson, seconded by Wor. Bro. Lannie Phillips that Mississippi Lodge accept this request and that the brethren call to see Bro. Smalldridge and make him welcome to Almonte".
April 15, 1976: "Wor. Bro. W. Y. Wood congratulated the officers for their fine work and recounted some of his experiences among fellow Masons while holidaying in Florida".
January 17, 1980: "Bro. Boyd, a visiting member from Newfoundland, was introduced to the brethren and was warmly received".
February 19, 1981: "Bro. Lloyd Connolly reported that he and Bro. Jack Toshack visited the Harmony Lodge No. 25 in Freeport while they were on vacation on the Grand Bahama Island and brought greetings from the Wor. Master E. A. Bastain".
November 17, 1983: "Rt. Wor. Bro. Osborne introduced the Grand Lodge officers who were present and also Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Millar, Past D.D.G.M. of the Yukon, a member of Yukon Lodge No. 45 and also a non-resident member of Mississippi Lodge, his mother lodge. Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Millar past D.D. of the Yukon under the jurisdiction of British Columbia brought greetings of that district". Apart from the undisputed honour of being the brother of V. Wor. Bro. Delmar Millar, Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Millar literally had the distinction of owning a gold mine, the subject of frequent quips upon his visits to his Mother Lodge!
December 20, 1984: "Bro. Mike Seeley commented on some of his experiences visiting lodges outside Canada with special emphasis on the interest shown towards the gold aprons which 100 year old lodges wear in Canada."
January 16, 1985: "Bro. Eldon Munro was duly admitted and was raised to the sublime degree of a M.M., the work being performed by the RCMP degree team in a most proficient manner under the direction of W. Bro. Don Mundy who acted as W.M."
April 16, 1987: "Bro. J. W., Don Downey, advised the brethren that he had visited Cobden Lodge recently, that he had been warmly received and had spent a most enjoyable evening. On this occasion he had met W. Bro. Gordon Duncan, a Past Master of Mississippi."
May 21, 1987: "W. Bro. St. Dennis introduced several guests from The Builders Lodge, included was W. Bro. St. Dennis' father who addressed the lodge with a few words stating how proud he was to be on hand to see his son installed as Master of Mississippi Lodge."
January 21, 1988: "No further business being presented lodge was closed in H. at 7:30 p.m. Many of the members proceeded to Ottawa to make a fraternal visit to Doric Lodge."
January 17, 1980: "Bro. Boyd, a visiting member from Newfoundland, was introduced to the brethren and was warmly received".
February 19, 1981: "Bro. Lloyd Connolly reported that he and Bro. Jack Toshack visited the Harmony Lodge No. 25 in Freeport while they were on vacation on the Grand Bahama Island and brought greetings from the Wor. Master E. A. Bastain".
November 17, 1983: "Rt. Wor. Bro. Osborne introduced the Grand Lodge officers who were present and also Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Millar, Past D.D.G.M. of the Yukon, a member of Yukon Lodge No. 45 and also a non-resident member of Mississippi Lodge, his mother lodge. Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Millar past D.D. of the Yukon under the jurisdiction of British Columbia brought greetings of that district". Apart from the undisputed honour of being the brother of V. Wor. Bro. Delmar Millar, Rt. Wor. Bro. Len Millar literally had the distinction of owning a gold mine, the subject of frequent quips upon his visits to his Mother Lodge!
December 20, 1984: "Bro. Mike Seeley commented on some of his experiences visiting lodges outside Canada with special emphasis on the interest shown towards the gold aprons which 100 year old lodges wear in Canada."
January 16, 1985: "Bro. Eldon Munro was duly admitted and was raised to the sublime degree of a M.M., the work being performed by the RCMP degree team in a most proficient manner under the direction of W. Bro. Don Mundy who acted as W.M."
April 16, 1987: "Bro. J. W., Don Downey, advised the brethren that he had visited Cobden Lodge recently, that he had been warmly received and had spent a most enjoyable evening. On this occasion he had met W. Bro. Gordon Duncan, a Past Master of Mississippi."
May 21, 1987: "W. Bro. St. Dennis introduced several guests from The Builders Lodge, included was W. Bro. St. Dennis' father who addressed the lodge with a few words stating how proud he was to be on hand to see his son installed as Master of Mississippi Lodge."
January 21, 1988: "No further business being presented lodge was closed in H. at 7:30 p.m. Many of the members proceeded to Ottawa to make a fraternal visit to Doric Lodge."
October 19, 1989: "W. Bro. William Chapman introduced V. W. Bro. Lloyd Sutherland. He mentioned this was V. W. Bro. Sutherland's second meeting he has attended in Mississippi Lodge since his third degree. V. W. Bro. Sutherland explained that shortly after moving to Toronto, he affiliated with Acacia Lodge #430. He was installed as master of that Lodge in 1942. He was charter Secretary of Universe Lodge #705 form 1962- 67. He received Grand Honours in 1966. He was also Secretary of Acacia Lodge #430 from 1959 - 62. V. W. Bro. Sutherland also mentioned he was organist for four Lodges in the Toronto area. V. W. Bro. Sutherland produced his bible which he had been obligated on in 1929. He also mentioned W. Bro. Raymond Jamieson was the J.W. at that time. He also told us his two older brothers were members of Mississippi Lodge. V. W. Bro. Sutherland then expressed his wish for the continued success of our Lodge. He was seated to a warm round of applause."
February 15, 1990: Following the ceremony of raising Bros. Mervin Lesway and Lyle Cavanagh to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, Bro. Cavanagh (with the assistance of Bro. Ken Seabrook) "...presented their friends, Bros. Ron Wilson and Ray Schoonmaker, with Canadian emblem pins and Mississippi Lodge hats and T-shirts. Our U.S. visitors gave Bros. Lesway and Cavanagh (the candidates) U.S. pins."
January 17, 1991: "W. Bro. Don Downey gave a brief summary of how the Travelling Gavel is doing. W. Bro. Downey is Chairman of Fraternal Visitation in District #1."
December 19, 1991: "W. Bro. Chapman told us of a recent visit he, W. Bro. St. Dennis and Bro. Ken Draper made to Civil Service Lodge. This special evening commemorated the anniversary of the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (a Mason)."
October 15, 1992: "W. Bro. Chapman then recounted a recent holiday he had been on. He met Brethren from Hyram Lodge, Provincetown, Cape Cod. This Lodge had been chartered by Paul Revere (Governor of the State of Massachusetts). The Brothers escorted W. Bro. Chapman to their Lodge for a tour, of which he was very impressed."
April 1, 1993: "Bro. John Fulton mentioned a visit he had made to Renfrew Lodge. During his stay, he was given a pin, which Renfrew Lodge gives to all 1st time visitors form out-of-district. He thought this would be a suitable gesture for our Lodge to do. W. Bro. Downey appointed him as chairman of a committee to come up with a suitable pin." On April 15, 1993, "Bro. John Fulton showed the design for a Mississippi Lodge pin to the members. He then moved, seconded by Bro. Ken Draper to accept the design. W. Bro. Downey suggested we should now get a price for producing these pins. He will fax the design to Dominion Regalia and have the price for our next meeting."
February 15, 1990: Following the ceremony of raising Bros. Mervin Lesway and Lyle Cavanagh to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, Bro. Cavanagh (with the assistance of Bro. Ken Seabrook) "...presented their friends, Bros. Ron Wilson and Ray Schoonmaker, with Canadian emblem pins and Mississippi Lodge hats and T-shirts. Our U.S. visitors gave Bros. Lesway and Cavanagh (the candidates) U.S. pins."
January 17, 1991: "W. Bro. Don Downey gave a brief summary of how the Travelling Gavel is doing. W. Bro. Downey is Chairman of Fraternal Visitation in District #1."
December 19, 1991: "W. Bro. Chapman told us of a recent visit he, W. Bro. St. Dennis and Bro. Ken Draper made to Civil Service Lodge. This special evening commemorated the anniversary of the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (a Mason)."
October 15, 1992: "W. Bro. Chapman then recounted a recent holiday he had been on. He met Brethren from Hyram Lodge, Provincetown, Cape Cod. This Lodge had been chartered by Paul Revere (Governor of the State of Massachusetts). The Brothers escorted W. Bro. Chapman to their Lodge for a tour, of which he was very impressed."
April 1, 1993: "Bro. John Fulton mentioned a visit he had made to Renfrew Lodge. During his stay, he was given a pin, which Renfrew Lodge gives to all 1st time visitors form out-of-district. He thought this would be a suitable gesture for our Lodge to do. W. Bro. Downey appointed him as chairman of a committee to come up with a suitable pin." On April 15, 1993, "Bro. John Fulton showed the design for a Mississippi Lodge pin to the members. He then moved, seconded by Bro. Ken Draper to accept the design. W. Bro. Downey suggested we should now get a price for producing these pins. He will fax the design to Dominion Regalia and have the price for our next meeting."
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