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".
We know full well that grief must have its way: but from grief will be assuaged by the knowledge that your son died as he lived in honour: that he gave his life in a great cause - a life which though brief in years was not lived in vain since life is not measured by length of days but by moral achievement.
We recommend you to the all sufficiency of the Wise Father of Mankind, praying that He may comfort and sustain you in His own wise way: that through that mystic power He gives to those who look to Him, you may be made strong to take up life's work again with trust, fortitude and courage.
While such words of condolence may not have fully dispersed the grief of the family, there can be little doubt that the expression of sympathy, and the sharing of the higher thoughts of life, were within the best traditions of Masonry.
On June 7, 1918 a motion was made and carried that "proper identification cards be procured for Brethren in active service".
A letter of condolence was sent to a brother "who gave his life for his King and Country" (September 6, 1918).
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:
To Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Paul
Almonte
The members of Mississippi Lodge No. 147 A.F. & A.M., G.R.C., Almonte desire to express their sincere sympathy to Bro. Joseph and Mrs. Paul in their sore bereavement through the death of their son, Claire, who fell in France while nobly doing his duty in the defense of Justice and humanity.We know full well that grief must have its way: but from grief will be assuaged by the knowledge that your son died as he lived in honour: that he gave his life in a great cause - a life which though brief in years was not lived in vain since life is not measured by length of days but by moral achievement.
We recommend you to the all sufficiency of the Wise Father of Mankind, praying that He may comfort and sustain you in His own wise way: that through that mystic power He gives to those who look to Him, you may be made strong to take up life's work again with trust, fortitude and courage.
While such words of condolence may not have fully dispersed the grief of the family, there can be little doubt that the expression of sympathy, and the sharing of the higher thoughts of life, were within the best traditions of Masonry.
On June 7, 1918 a motion was made and carried that "proper identification cards be procured for Brethren in active service".
A letter of condolence was sent to a brother "who gave his life for his King and Country" (September 6, 1918).
After the end of the War on November 7, 1919, a motion was made "to procure a suitable tablet for fallen Bros. and an honor roll for returned Bros.".
On July 2, 1940, a special meeting was held to deal with a circular from Grand Lodge regarding refugee children from Britain.
A motion was made on September 6, 1940 "respecting investing some of the Lodge Funds in the 2nd War Loan...but failed to carry". It is, however, recorded in the minutes of February 7, 1941 that the Lodge "purchase three war saving certificates at Bank of Montreal".
The minutes of September 4, 1942 record that Wor. Bro. Alex McDonald "is the first member of No. 147 to be bereaved in this 2nd World War by the death of his grandson on flying duties". At the same meeting, on a more positive note, appears the following:
Under General Business our W. M. gave an account of himself at Grand Lodge held in Toronto, which was the largest gathering of Masons in the history of Ontario. Every state to the south of us being represented & stated also that Ottawa District raised $8,000 for British War Relief Fund and the total for Ontario, since the inception of this Fund, is $230,000.
The minutes of March 3, 1944 report that Grand Lodge continued its work for the war effort. A letter was read from the Grand Secretary pertaining to remittance of "Capital Tax & dues for men overseas". Similarly, on May 5, 1944 the Wor. Master brought to the attention of the Lodge that Grand Lodge "was anxious (that) a Rehabilitation Committee of #147 be formed to take care of what may turn up re our returned brethren from Overseas, who are in the forces".
On June 2, 1945, the end of World War II was heralded by the motion carried unanimously that "the lodge discontinue the purchase of the War Saving Certificate indefinately (sic)".
On July 2, 1940, a special meeting was held to deal with a circular from Grand Lodge regarding refugee children from Britain.
A motion was made on September 6, 1940 "respecting investing some of the Lodge Funds in the 2nd War Loan...but failed to carry". It is, however, recorded in the minutes of February 7, 1941 that the Lodge "purchase three war saving certificates at Bank of Montreal".
At the meeting of March 7, 1941 steps were taken to contribute to the "Grand Lodge British War Relief Fund".
A somewhat odd entry appears in the minutes of February 6, 1942:
A letter from Almonte branch, Canadian Legion that we support their effort for "all out" War effort was ordered filed - as this is of a controversial nature - & strictly against rules of the Masonic Order, however, a letter be sent to Mr. Goodall their Sec'y acknowledging same & replying that it could not be dealt with.The minutes of September 4, 1942 record that Wor. Bro. Alex McDonald "is the first member of No. 147 to be bereaved in this 2nd World War by the death of his grandson on flying duties". At the same meeting, on a more positive note, appears the following:
Under General Business our W. M. gave an account of himself at Grand Lodge held in Toronto, which was the largest gathering of Masons in the history of Ontario. Every state to the south of us being represented & stated also that Ottawa District raised $8,000 for British War Relief Fund and the total for Ontario, since the inception of this Fund, is $230,000.
The minutes of March 3, 1944 report that Grand Lodge continued its work for the war effort. A letter was read from the Grand Secretary pertaining to remittance of "Capital Tax & dues for men overseas". Similarly, on May 5, 1944 the Wor. Master brought to the attention of the Lodge that Grand Lodge "was anxious (that) a Rehabilitation Committee of #147 be formed to take care of what may turn up re our returned brethren from Overseas, who are in the forces".
On June 2, 1945, the end of World War II was heralded by the motion carried unanimously that "the lodge discontinue the purchase of the War Saving Certificate indefinately (sic)".
On Sunday, May 13, 1945 a "Service of Thanksgiving for Victory in Europe" was held, based upon a prescribed format from Grand Lodge.
On October 5, 1945 the W. M. "informed the lodge that he had received a letter from our Ottawa brethren re the visiting of any hospitals in Canada in which our returned brothers may be".
It is reported in the minutes of May 3, 1946 that The Masonic Bulletin contained what was described as a "Model Letter", being a letter which was sent to each returning member (from the War):
The Masonic Rehabilitation Committee of each Lodge has been organized under the direction of Grand Lodge of Canada which we feel is full and sufficient assurance of all work being done by the Committee of each Lodge. We therefore ask of you, returned to civilian life by the grace of the Great Architect of the Universe, to meet your brothers who are members of the Rehabilitation committee, to talk with them and do not hesitate to inform them of any matter you may think they can help you with. Be assured they will do all in their power to help you.
Among the minutes is an original receipt from the Grand Secretary's Office, Hamilton issued to Mississippi Lodge No. 147 for $50 for "Food Parcels for Britain Fund". On October 3, 1947 it is reported that the Lodge received "Several letters of appreciation from England and Wales from persons who had received boxes of food sent by Grand Lodge and credited to Mississippi". Again on December 2, 1949 there is report of receipt of correspondence from Great Britain thanking the Lodge for food parcels received.
On October 5, 1945 the W. M. "informed the lodge that he had received a letter from our Ottawa brethren re the visiting of any hospitals in Canada in which our returned brothers may be".
It is reported in the minutes of May 3, 1946 that The Masonic Bulletin contained what was described as a "Model Letter", being a letter which was sent to each returning member (from the War):
Dear Sir and Brother:
As a member of Mississippi Lodge, No. 147, and a former member of H.M. forces in World War 2, the Rehabilitation Committee of the Lodge wishes to inform you of the gratitude of your fellow members of the Masonic Order for your services to your King and Country. We also wish to assure you of our sincere interest in your efforts to become restored again to civil life at home amongst your loved ones. We offer you any help within our power to grant, but we must have your personal help and co- operation for no one knows your personal problems as well as yourself.The Masonic Rehabilitation Committee of each Lodge has been organized under the direction of Grand Lodge of Canada which we feel is full and sufficient assurance of all work being done by the Committee of each Lodge. We therefore ask of you, returned to civilian life by the grace of the Great Architect of the Universe, to meet your brothers who are members of the Rehabilitation committee, to talk with them and do not hesitate to inform them of any matter you may think they can help you with. Be assured they will do all in their power to help you.
Among the minutes is an original receipt from the Grand Secretary's Office, Hamilton issued to Mississippi Lodge No. 147 for $50 for "Food Parcels for Britain Fund". On October 3, 1947 it is reported that the Lodge received "Several letters of appreciation from England and Wales from persons who had received boxes of food sent by Grand Lodge and credited to Mississippi". Again on December 2, 1949 there is report of receipt of correspondence from Great Britain thanking the Lodge for food parcels received.
On November 2, 1951:
An appeal from the local branch of the Canadian Legion requesting the lodge to buy a vetcraft wreath for use at the cenotaph on Nov. 11. There was no action taken on this appeal, the lodge wishing to continue buying the regular space in the Remembrance Day page of the local paper.
Following is an excerpt from the Grand Master's address as recorded in the notice of monthly meeting of February 6, 1953:
There is a role for Masonry in the re-birth of peace and in the recovery of a clear concept of a proper basis for a full and satisfactory life. Our Fraternity is founded on a belief in the existence and guidance of a Supreme Being, on the brotherhood of Man, and on the recognition of personal liberty.
There are over three and one-half millions of Masons on this continent. What a tremendous influence for good they can exert by precept and example. Let us, as Masons, so live and act that we may encourage and re- establish in ourselves, in our children, and our children's children, the principle that right thinking, right speaking and right acting are fundamental in the highest type of civilization.
On a return visit to Mississippi Lodge on May 6, 1955, Bro. Rev. Dr. J. D. McCrae addressed the brethren for a few moments: "He warned of the dangers facing the world by such things as the terrible power of atomic warfare. If the teachings of Masonry could be felt throughout the world most of the fears of man would disappear".
On February 5, 1960 "Bro. James McCullough, visiting member of Similkameen Lodge No. 95, gave a short talk on Masonry in Europe since 1955 when lodges started operating again after Hitler's ban on Masonic activities in 1937".
It is reported on December 21, 1967 that "Bro. Sedric Mohr read from a paper with a story about the late Bro. Archie McQuade and his part in the battle of Vimy Ridge during the first World War".
Using the limited records available, and with the assitance of Vy. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson, the following is a list of Ruling Masters who were veterans:
There is a role for Masonry in the re-birth of peace and in the recovery of a clear concept of a proper basis for a full and satisfactory life. Our Fraternity is founded on a belief in the existence and guidance of a Supreme Being, on the brotherhood of Man, and on the recognition of personal liberty.
There are over three and one-half millions of Masons on this continent. What a tremendous influence for good they can exert by precept and example. Let us, as Masons, so live and act that we may encourage and re- establish in ourselves, in our children, and our children's children, the principle that right thinking, right speaking and right acting are fundamental in the highest type of civilization.
On a return visit to Mississippi Lodge on May 6, 1955, Bro. Rev. Dr. J. D. McCrae addressed the brethren for a few moments: "He warned of the dangers facing the world by such things as the terrible power of atomic warfare. If the teachings of Masonry could be felt throughout the world most of the fears of man would disappear".
On February 5, 1960 "Bro. James McCullough, visiting member of Similkameen Lodge No. 95, gave a short talk on Masonry in Europe since 1955 when lodges started operating again after Hitler's ban on Masonic activities in 1937".
It is reported on December 21, 1967 that "Bro. Sedric Mohr read from a paper with a story about the late Bro. Archie McQuade and his part in the battle of Vimy Ridge during the first World War".
Using the limited records available, and with the assitance of Vy. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson, the following is a list of Ruling Masters who were veterans:
. Dr. W. M. Johnson. Clifford Robertson- . Edgar J. Lee
- . John L. Ross
. W. Dawson McDowall. John C. Smithson
World War I (overseas)
World War I (overseas)
Army World War I (overseas)
Army World War I (overseas)
Air Force World War II (overseas)
Army World War II (overseas)
. Stewart E. Lee. Robert Harold McMullan. Harry Walker- . D. R. Millar
. Robert L. Hill. O. J. Osborne. John R. Cameron. G. Elmer Goodfellow
Air Force World War II (overseas)
Army (Pre-War)
Air Force World War II (overseas)
Army World War II (overseas)
Navy World War II (overseas)
Navy World War II (overseas)
Army World War II (overseas)
Army World War II (overseas)
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