Notes on Irish Constitution Lodges based in Canada

Brethren,

I recently was contacted by Bro Kenneth Lumpkin, thecurrent Senior Steward of St John’s Lodge No 209a onthe register of The Grand Lodge of Antient Free &Accepted Masons of Canada ( in Ontario ). His Lodgeis one of only two Lodges in the CanadianConstitution that still use their original IrishCraft Ritual and he was interested to learn a littleabout the history of The Grand Lodge of Ireland inCanada.

The Grand Lodge of Ireland had a long and successfulhistory of warranting lodges in “foreign”jurisdictions and territories. Military lodges hadcarried Irish warrants all over the world. Whereproblems of distance were concerned, the Grand Lodgehad an open attitude that proved beneficial to theCraft as a whole. It was also prompt in respondingto requests for warrants.

Consequently, the receipt of petitions from Canadarequesting warrants was not at all novel. It causedno flurry in Dublin. Irish regulations restricted theactivities of military lodges, so that they would notdisturb local civilian lodges. This practiceproduced considerable good will, which wasparticularly evident in Canada. English lodges wereknown to assist at the constitution of new IrishLodges, with the concurrence of the Grand Lodge ofIreland.

There was little friction between the two groups. Tobe sure, in October 1854 the English P.G.L. decidedto ask the Grand Lodge of England to try to persuadethe Grand Lodge of Ireland to stop issuing warrants

almost indiscriminately. But as if to show thatthere was no hostility, it at once passed aresolution “that this Provincial Grand Lodge do notinterfere with the action of the lodges holdingwarrants from the Grand Lodge of Ireland at thissession.”

So Brethren, I’ve taken this opportunity to presentsome notes on Irish Warranted Lodges that met withinthe boundaries of Canada, at one time or another.These Warrants include :-

Warrant No 159 I.C. Hawkesbury Ontario.

Warrant issued by The Grand Lodge of Ireland on the15 March, 1844 to Bros William. Robinson, Andrew.McCready and Patrick. McKee. Unusually the threenamed Brethren did not make the initial Memorial,but this was made for them by their Mother Lodge backon the East Coast of Antrim, on the Island ofIreland. We read, in the Minutes of The Grand Lodgeof Ireland, the following:-

7 December, 1843 – Read a Memorial from Lodge 788 (Cairncastle)praying that a new Warrant should be issued to 3 Brethren formerlyMembers of that Lodge, to be held in Hawkesbury, Ottawa district,Upper Canada, said Memorial recommended by Lodges No. 45Glenarm, 106 Larne and 615 Larne. The Board recommend that theApplication be acceded and that a new Warrant be issued asordered. – Confirmed sent 159.

Earlier in the year wefind in the Grand Lodgeletter file thefollowing letter from aBro Daniel Campbell,Secretary of CairncastleLodge No 788 I.C.

Letter from a Daniel Campbellof Cairncastle, Co. Antrimdated 25 May, 1844 stating – “Iwish you would be so kind [as]to let me know what Numberyou sent out to Canada to Br.William Robinson and partnersor if you have not sent one yetI have received a letter from

them saying they have received none and wishes to know thereason. And I can give them none till I get an answer from you. Ihope you have received the pay for Warrant as we got a Note of itbeing forwarded.I am Sir with due respect,Daniel Campbell.

[Good copy of the Seal of St. John’s Lodge No. 788, Cairncastle}

You may be interested to note that the Lodge moved toL’Original in 1872 and that they ran in to some difficulties with The Grand Lodge of Canada in Ontario.

Letter dated 7 Oct. 1872 – Acknowledges permission of G.L. B. toremove to L’Orignal and asks for confirmation from G.L. – forwardsBye-Laws for approval – Asks about prospective candidates and the

G.L. of Canada – G.L. of Canada offered to exchange Warrant.

5 April, 1873 – “I have been directed by a resolution of this Lodge atits last meeting to call the attention of the Grand Lodge to theextraordinary and unwarranted proceedings lately institutedagainst the members of this Lodge by Bro. E.C. Barbor, DistrictDeputy Grand Master of the Ottawa District under the GrandLodge of Canada in issuing an interdict in which Lodges in hisDistrict are forbidden to allow any Member hailing from ourLodge to visit Lodges in his District – Our Members who arescattered all over the Country being thus denied the privileges offraternity naturally exhibited ….” Letter continues requestingthat the matter be brought before the Grand Lodge Board ofGeneral Purposes in Dublin.

1 September, 1890 – Read letter from the G. Sec., of G.L. of Canada,on behalf of Lodge 159 L’Orignal, returning the Warrant of theLodge it having joined the G.L. of Canada and requesting its returnto the members as a souvenir of their connection with the G.L. ofIreland. All Dues having been paid the Board recommends theWarrant to be marked “Cancelled” and returned to the applicants. -Grand Lodge of Ireland Minutes : 2 October, 1890 – Confirmed.

26 July, 1890 – Letter from the Grand Lodge of Canada, Hamilton,Ontario forwarding a copy of a resolution of that Grand Lodge inwhich it was resolved to return the Warrant of St. John’s Lodge,together with the sum of £10. 1s. 1d. the amount owing to the G.L.of I. By the Lodge. Letter continues with a request that the Warrantbe returned to the G.L. of C. after cancellation so that it may beretained as a “Souvenir.”

21 Oct. 1890 – Further letter from the G.L. of C. acknowledgingreceipt of the cancelled Warrant No. 159 which they advised theywould forward to the appropriate Lodge in Canada.

While this Lodge bore a senior number, it was not the

earliest in Canada, but it had a somewhat longerexistence than any other Irish Lodge in the Dominion,namely, 44 years. The Lodge met in Ouimet's Hotel atHawkesbury, six miles from L'Orignal the county townof the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, nearOttawa. While the Lodge was represented at thepreliminary meetings called to set up the Grand Lodgeof Canada in 1855, this Lodge did not, at this time,join that body.

Removed to VANKLEEK HILL, .. .... 1859 where theLodge met with fair regularity until July 1870 in thehome of Hiram Johnston, and then in R.W. Lendrim'shouse.

Removed to L'ORIGNAL, .. July 1870 and mettemporarily in the house of T.O. Steele, removing inNovember to new quarters over T.F. McAvoy's storewhere it continued to meet until a new lodge room waserected on Court Street. In 1872 the presence of thisLodge was brought to the attention of the Grand Lodgeof Canada when the D.D.G.M. referred to the Lodge ashaving "for years past acted in a most irregularmanner ... the erring Lodge has been allowed topursue its course." About this time the Lodge tookthe title `St John's' by which it has since beenknown.

In 1873 the D.D.G.M. issued an edict to the Lodgesunder his jurisdiction directing them to refuseadmission to brethren hailing from St. John's Lodgeuntil a settlement of a number of questions wasobtained from the Grand Lodge of Ireland which "hadtreated our most earnest remonstrances with cool indifference."

The following year an agreement was negotiated for

the merger of St. John's Lodge at L'Orignal withHawkesbury Lodge No. 210 at Hawkesbury, both tosurrender their Warrants and a new one to be issuedby the Grand Lodge of Canada. The Grand Lodge ofIreland did not confirm this agreement.

Removed to VANKLEEK HILL, .. .... 1886 Negotiations were re-opened and on 25 November 1887,St. John's Lodge No. 159 decided to apply for aWarrant from the Grand Lodge of Canada and remove toVankleek Hill.

Joined the Grand Lodge of Canada, 18 December 1888, as No. 21A.

Sent in, 8 August 1890 this was the last of thetwenty-four Irish Lodges in Canada to leave theMother Grand Lodge. In the forty-four years of itsworking as an Irish Lodge 278 members were registeredin the Grand Lodge Register.From the first days a Royal Arch Chapter was attachedto the Lodge. The Irish Chapter Warrant wassurrendered in 1888 and a new Warrant issued, No. 148G.R.C. by the Grand Chapter of Canada. The Lodge alsohad a Knight Templar Encampment attached whileworking at Hawkesbury.(C) From the foregoing,correspondence, you will get some useful insightsinto the early struggles of The Grand Lodge of Canadain Ontario.

Two other lodges were established in this period andthese were St. John’s Lodge No. 209 IC, London,Ontario and as there was no other recognised Masonicauthority in the western half of the Province, theapplicants petitioned the Grand Lodge of Ireland;

warrant 6 May, 1841. The Warrant was issued to BrosSamuel. Peters; John H. Joyce and William. Gunn.

From the Minutes of the Grand Lodge of Ireland : Lodge 2097 April, 1842 – From the Master elect of Lodge 209, for permission tohave the Lodge formed and the Officers installed previous to thearrival of the Warrant which had been forwarded to them by acircuitous route and was not likely to reach its destination beforeJuly or August, 1842, and a recommendation from the Master of

Lodge 83 to the same effect.

The Board [of G.P.] cannot recommend compliance with this request,and it appearing from the documents sent that the Lodge about tobe constituted had on the Authority of the D.G.S’s letter stating that“the Warrant had been issued” met to transact business, the Boardare of opinion that such Meeting was illegal and irregular; and theMembers should be cautioned against repeating it, or adopting anyMasonic proceedings until the Warrant which is the only properAuthority shall have arrived, and the Lodge be regularlyconstituted.

That as the Warrant has probably arrived before any dispensationcould reach them the Grand Lodge declines to issue anydispensation and requests the remittance of £7, the cost of theWarrant be forthwith transmitted.

This second Irish Lodge to be organised in UpperCanada was formed in London, Canada West, when theProvincial Grand Lodge of the Province of Canada Westwas dormant.

When their new Irish Warrant did not arrive within areasonable time the brethren applied to Bro. ThomasDillon in Toronto, D.G.M., for Ireland in CanadaWest, and he issued a dispensation dated 11 January1842 with the stipulation that the Lodge was not tomake any candidates.

"DispensationAgreeable to a letter received from the Grand Lodge of Ireland,dated 4th day Oct. 1841, acquainting us that a Warrant has beentransmitted from the said (Grand) Lodge to form a new Lodge inLondon, UC., you are therefore directed to form yourselves into abody for the purpose of instructing yourselves in Masonry previousto receiving the Warrant. You are clearly to understand that until

you are installed under your Warrant, 209, (that) you are not tocraft or raise anyone to the degree of a Master Mason.""I remain, your respectfully,"Alex. Barber, WM, Lodge No. 83,"James Bull, Secy to 83.""To Samuel Peters, W.M. 209."

Lodge No. 83 was a Lodge working under a fieldWarrant in the 83rd Regiment of Foot, issued by theGrand Lodge of Ireland in 1808 as No. 435, andexchanged for No. 83 in 1811. The Regiment wasstationed in London, at the time, and the D.D.G.M.took advantage of the presence of the Lodge in Londonto get prompt action under the circumstances.

The Minutes of the new Lodge No 209 commence with thedate 1 October 1842, however it is clear thatprevious meetings had been held in William Balkwill'sInn. The missing Warrant was forwarded by Bro. Dillon5 September 1842 and he himself Constituted the Lodge3 October 1842 in the presence of Brethren from LodgeNo. 83.In August 1845, a new Provincial Grand Lodge

was formed at Hamilton with a new P.G.M. but,although invited to unite with it, this Lodge ignoredthe invitation.

Beginning in 1853 there was a trend of opinion infavour of joining the proposed Grand Lodge of Canadaand the Lodge appointed a delegate to attend theMasonic Convention at Hamilton which in due timeestablished the new Grand Body. On the formation ofthe new Grand Lodge, St. John's No. 209 was given anew Warrant dated 13 November 1855 and bearing thenumber 14, later re-numbered 20.

The Grand Lodge of Ireland were advised of the changeof jurisdiction and St. John's request that they bepermitted to retain their Irish Warrant, a requestthat Dublin were only too pleased to grant. Fiveyears later the old Warrant was "purloined" bymembers of the Lodge, who continued as members of No.20 and who applied to the Grand Lodge of Canada forrecognition which they obtained in March 1860, thelandlord letting the new Lodge, calling itself No.209, use the Lodge room. In August 1860 No. 209 wasdeclared irregular by the Grand Lodge and variousmembers of Lodge No. 20 were suspended for belongingto Lodge No. 209. However on 9 December 1862, theGrand Master of Canada, pronounced that No. 209regularly constituted, and ordered them to berecognised by all regular Masons. The next ten yearswas a period of strife between the two Lodges withvarious appeals and counter claims being recorded inthe Minutes.

In 1862 an appeal was made by the off-shoot Lodge tothe Grand Lodge of Ireland "for protection" andDublin instructed its Representative to withdraw from

the Grand Lodge of Canada. As a result all previousedicts were revoked. A duplicate Warrant was issued16 June 1864 however in 1872 the Lodge madeapplication to the Grand Lodge of Canada forrecognition, surrendered the duplicate Warrant tothat Body, 24 July 1872 and received a new WarrantNo. 209A, and granted the privilege of using theIrish Working.

This Lodge had a Royal Arch Chapter attached theWarrant being dated 14 February 1843. In 1858 St.John's, Chapter became No. 6 G.R. Canada. (C)

Memorial for Warrant No. 211 (b) Port Stanley, Ontario.

To the Right Worshipful the Grand Master, Wardens and Brethren ofthe Grand Lodge of Ireland. The Petition of the undersigned MasterMasons Respectfully sheweth -That they are regular Master Masons and have been members ofthe Lodges set opposite to each of their names. That having theprosperity of the fraternity at heart they are willing to exert theirbest endeavours to promote and diffuse the true principles ofMasonry, that for the convenience of their respective dwellings andother good reasons they have agreed to form a new Lodge to benamed Middlesex Lodge No., and have nominated and dorecommend William Dundas Hale to be the first Master, DavidThompson, Sr. Warden and Henry B. Bostwick, Jr. Warden, that inconsequence of this resolution they pray for a warrant ofConstitution to Empower them to assemble as a regular lodge onthe second Thursday of Every Month, at the Village of Port Stanleyin the County of Middlesex and there to discharge the duties ofMasonry in a regular and constitutional manner according to theOriginal forms of the Order and the laws of the Grand Lodge, thatthe Prayer of Your Petitioners being granted They promise a strictconformity of all the regulations and rules of the Grand Lodge. –

Dated this thirteenth day of March A.D. 1850, and of Masonry 5850.[On the reverse]Memorial for New Warrant – Sent Warrant to 209 March 17/51Names of Petitioners William Dundas Hale, St. John’s Lodge No. 209, London C.W.David Thompson, Lion Lodge, Richmond, Ontario CoHenry B. Bostwick, St. John’s Lodge No. 209, London, C.W.John Campbell, St. John’s Lodge, No. 209, London, C.W.John H. Davison, St. John’s Lodge, No. 209, London, C.W.James Thompson Ball, St. John’s Lodge, No. 209, London, C.W.John Henderson, St. John’s Lodge, No. 209, London, C.W.Alban Gregory, Lodge Mount xxxxxx, London C.W.Jas. C. Crystal, St. John’s Lodge No. 209, London, C.W.

We the Master, Wardens and Members of St. John’s Lodge No. 209,London, Canada West do Recommend the above Petitioners as fitand proper persons to govern and conduct a Masonic Lodge asWitness our hands and Seal of our Lodge at London, C.W. 21st March,1850.C.B. xxxxx MasterWm. Moore, S.W.Thomas Francis, J.W.Alex. S. Abbott, Secretary.[Seal]

2 May, 1850 – Read a Memorial signed by seven registered Membersof Lodge 209 London, Canada West, praying for a new Warrant to begranted to them to hold a Lodge in Port Stanley, Co. Middlesex,Canada West. Recommended by Lodge 209 London. The Boardrecommend that a Warrant be granted to Memorialists. Agreed to.

(B) Reissued to `Middlesex Lodge' in PORT STANLEY, (in the County of Elgin, nine miles South of the City of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, 31 October 1850.

William Dundas Hale; David Thompson and Henry B.Bostwick registered 31 October, 1850. No indicationas to Master or Wardens. There follows John Campbell(209); John H. Davison (209); James T. Bald (209);John Henderson (209); Jas. C. Crystal (209) and AlbanGregory (eng) all registered same date, 31 October,1850. Of the nine petitioners, five were from No.209, at London, Canada West. During the Lodges sevenyear existence only the original nine members wereregistered in the Grand Lodge Register.(C)

“This warrant No 211 was returned, to the Grand Lodgeof Ireland on the 21 June 1858, the members havingaffiliated with G.L. Canada.” – Nine brethrenregistered. The lodge members having joined the GrandLodge of Canada as `St. Mark's Lodge', No.53. laterchanged to No. 94.

Warrant No 222 – Toronto.Once again we find another example of local Ulstermen emigrating to Canada, this time to the City ofToronto. They submitted their Memorial with therecommendations of support from their Mother Lodgesin Ireland.

We, the undersigned, being regular and lawful Master Masons ofgood standing, and duly registered in the Grand Lodge of Ireland,and having the prosperity of the Craft at heart, are anxious to exertour best endeavours to promote and diffuse the genuine principlesof Freemasonry; and for the convenience of our respective dwellingsand other good reasons, we are desirous of forming a new Lodge, tobe named King Solomon Lodge. We, therefore, with therecommendation of Tandragee Masonic Union Lodge No. 105respectfully pray for a Warrant empowering us to meet as a regularLodge at Brother John Truman’s Queen Street, Toronto, Canada West

on the second Friday of every month, and there to discharge theduties of Ancient Freemasonry, in a constitutional manner,according to the Forms of the Order, and the Laws of the GrandLodge, and we have nominated and do recommend Brother JohnTruman to be the first Master, Brother David Hopkin to be the firstSenior Warden and Brother Robert Moore to be the first JuniorWarden and Brother William Cassidy to be Secretary of said Lodge,the prayer of this petition being granted we promise strictobedience to the commands of the Grand Master, and the laws andregulations of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

From the Minutes of Grand Lodge of Ireland : Lodge 2226 August, 1846 – Read a Memorial signed by 6registered Master Masons formerly belonging to Lodgesin Ireland, but now settled in Toronto, praying for anew Warrant to be issued to them to be held inToronto, Canada West. The Memorial recommended byLodges 79, and 105 Tandragee and 203 Magherally ofwhich Lodges some of the Memorialists had formerlybeen Members. The Board recommend a Warrant to begranted to Memorialists. Confirmed.

(B) Reissued to `King Solomon's Lodge' in TORONTO, Canada, 3 February 1847.

“This Warrant ( No 222 I.C. ) was returned, 21 June1858, the lodge having affiliated with the GrandLodge of Canada.” – One hundred and eight brethrenregistered. In red ink – “This Lodge was foundedthrough the instrument ability of Wm. Cassidy, P.M.of Union Lodge No. 105, Tandragee, who in December1845 was residing in Toronto. At Montreal, datedFeb. 1846, for the Warrant, was recommended by Lodges79, 82 and 105, Tandragee.” “The Lodge on 18 January,1856, decided to surrender Warrant 222 and take out

one in being thereof from the G.L. of Canada.Accordingly they were given a Warrant No. 16, in Feb.1856. On the union of all the Lodges in Canada,under one G.L. they were given Warrant No. 22 in theyear 1858. See ‘Bye-Laws of the History of KingSolomon’s Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 22 G.R.C. TorontoCanada, 1896.”

Warrant No 226 Ingersoll.

25 April, 1851 – Memorial for a Warrant signed byseven brethren and recommending Bro. David Curtis(King Hiram Lodge No. 21 Oxford) as first Master;Bro. John Galloway (King Hiram Lodge No. 21 Oxford)first S.W. and Bro. David Doty (late Mount MoriahLodge, Canada West) first J.W. Other Memorialistswere Brs. William Reynolds (No. 21 Oxford); E. JonesParke (St Johns Lodge No. 209, London C.W.);J. JayXXX (Friendship Lodge No. 153 Owego, New York); andH.S. Comstock (Royal Amity Lodge No. 41) – Memorialrecommended by Lodge No. 209, London C.W. [D.G.S.notes Sent Warrant Sept 16/1851 Wt. Dated 30 Aug.1851]

This Lodge was formed as a result of thereorganisation of Freemasonry in Ontario when `KingHiram Lodge No. 76 G.R.C.O. untied with Lodge No. 12at York on the Provincial Register, receiving anEnglish Warrant No. 765 dated 23 September 1822. ThisLodge met only twice in the period 1830 to 1835. In1835 the Lodge became dormant, and did not meet againuntil 1852 when the brethren applied to the GrandLodge of Ireland for a new Warrant.

From its reorganisation until March 1857 eighty-sixbrethren were registered in the Grand Lodge Register.

In 1856 a new Lodge, Known as St. John's Lodge No.35, was formed in Ingersoll under dispensation fromthe Grand Lodge of Canada. Shortly afterwards theLodges agreed to merge and all the members of LodgeNo. 226 joined St. John's Lodge becoming No.35, onthe roll of the Grand Lodge of Canada, which laterbecame No.68 at a subsequent re-numbering. (C)

Warrant No 227 I.C. – Montreal.

20 Dec. 1846 – “Montreal, Canada – Sir and Brother, The Brethren ofH.M. 46th Regiment of Foot holding the Warrant No. 227, dated atDublin, the second day of August A.L. 5834, and constituting the‘Lodge of Social and Military Virtues,’ having for a length of timepast, from a variety of circumstances been prevented fromassembling as a Lodge, have now, at the request of the undersignedMaster Masons, consented to the transfer to us of the said Warrant,provided the Most Worshipful The Grand Lodge of Ireland bepleased to sanction the same. We therefore, having at heart theadvancement and prosperity of the Craft, and being desirous offorming ourselves into a Lodge for the purpose aforesaid, dorespectfully request that the M.W. the Grand Lodge of Ireland willbe pleased to grant to us the requisite authority to assemble as aLodge in the City of Montreal, in the Province of Canada, under thesaid Warrant, and we hereby pledge ourselves to act strictly inaccordance with the Constitutions and dictates of that august body.We beg to acquaint you that we have nominated Brothers WilliamShepherd to be W. Master, William Robinson to be S. Warden andRobert Balfour to be J. Warden, and that we have appointed theFirst Thursday in each month for our regular meetings. And as ournames have been all registered in the books of the Grand Lodge ofEngland we take the liberty of referring you thereto should such aproceeding be considered necessary.

Reissued to William Sheppard; Wm. Robinson and RobertBalfour to reform the Lodge in the 46th Regiment, in

MONTREAL, Canada, 2 July, 1847.

23 Aug. 1852 – Letter – “I exceedingly regret, after so long a silencebetween us, to have now to communicate the loss by theunfortunate conflagration which occurred in this City on the 8th

ultimo., of the Warrant No. 227, Social & Military Virtues (late of the46th Regiment) but happy to state that when the Masonic Hall wasin flames, a young initiated Brother Robert A Malcolm (son of ourP.M.) xxxxx xxx the burning building at the peril of his life andrescued from destruction our Lodge Chest and Jewels but theWarrant being in a neat frame and together with other Warrantswas hung around the walls of the room which at the time was foundimpracticable and too irksome to venture in search of from thedensity of smoke that filled the building almost to suffocation …..”

In 1846 the 46th Regiment of Foot was in Montreal,Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Beamish Saul, P.M. and Historian ofThe Lodge of Antiquity No. 1, Montreal, writing in1912, said that about 1846 "several brethren onactive service with the military establishment here(Montreal) or retired therefrom (principal among whomwas Sergeant Major Wm. Shepherd of the RoyalArtillery) and who were about to form a militaryLodge, hearing of the Warrant and regalia of thedormant Lodge of the 46th (Regiment) in keeping ofBro. Captain Childs, and becoming desirous ifpossible of starting under the aegis of such anhistorical charter, applied to him for a transfer ofthe Warrant and regalia, in order that they mightcontinue the work as a permanent semi-military orgarrison Lodge in Montreal." Captain Childs, the solesurvivor of the old Lodge, agreed to part with theold Warrant dated August 2, 1834 and the jewels andregalia, but not the Bible, square and compasses. TheBible is still in possession of the Regiment.

Brother Shepherd and his associates also agreed to apply to the Grand Lodge of Ireland for a renewal of the old Warrant, but were informed that the old Lodgein the 46th Regiment of Foot was in arrears of dues for thirteen years, and had actually been dissolved when in Halifax in 1845, The Grand Lodge however agreed to issue a new Warrant, fee £7. with the old number (then vacant) and the name selected by the petitioners. A Warrant was duly issued 2 July 1847 tothe Grantees, all of Lodge No. 729 E.C. in the 80th Regiment of Foot to which all but one of the petitioners belonged. None of the former members of Lodge No. 227 joined in the petition or became members of the Lodge. The Lodge was Constituted in March 1848 and the Officers Installed. The title assumed by the Lodge was `The Lodge of Social and Military Virtues', that of the extinct Lodge. From 2 July 1847 to April 1835 sixty-four members were registered in the Grand Lodge Register.(C)

From the Minutes of Grand Lodge of Ireland : Lodge 2273 June, 1858 – Read a Letter from Montreal dated 10th May, 1858signed by R.A. Malcolm, W.M. in reply to an application of theDeputy Grand Secretary, dated 12th February for dues and returnsfrom Lodge No. 227, Montreal, stating that the Members hadunanimously agreed in 1855 to join the Grand Lodge of Canada andsupposed the Grand Lodge of Canada had so informed the GrandLodge of Ireland. That they offered to pay all dues up to December,1855 and prayed the Grand Lodge of Ireland to permit them toretain in the Chest the Warrant No. 227 promising to defend it insuch a manner as to prevent it ever after being used for anypurpose.

The Board recommend that Lodge No. 227 Montreal be informedthat no intimation having been made to this Grand Lodge that

Lodge No. 227 had affiliated with the Grand Lodge of Canada, theLodge is bound to pay dues up to December last, and as in allsimilar instances the Warrant have been returned. The GrandLodge regret they cannot authorise the retention of the WarrantNo. 227 Montreal. Agreed

Warrant No 231 Hamilton, Ontario.

17 April, 1852 – Letter enclosing a Memorial for anew Warrant for Hamilton, Canada West, together witha draft for £7. 0s. 0d. Stg., being the cost of aWarrant. – Letter signed by Thos. B. Harris 1st W.M.;A. Booker, 1st S.W. and John W. Kerr, 1st J.W.

Within a year of this Lodge commencing work themovement for an independent Grand Lodge was set onfoot, and this Lodge warmly supported the proposal.In the period from 1852 to September 1856 fifty-twomembers were registered in the Grand Lodge Register.The Irish Warrant was Returned, 14 June 1858, thelodge having joined the Grand Lodge of Canada as No.20. Now No. 40. The Warrant was returned to Dublin,endorsed "cancelled" and returned to St. John's inJuly 1902. This Lodge is now one of the largest andmost progressive lodges in the Canadian jurisdiction.(C)

The brethren had applied for and were granted a RoyalArch Warrant 5 January 1857 with the same number asthe Lodge and it is recorded that on 25 April 1857the Chapter appointed delegates to attend a meetingregarding the formation of a Grand Chapter in Canada.The new Grand Chapter was formed 2 April 1857 and St.John's Chapter became No. 6 on the Roll. (C) TheSupreme Grand Encampment of High Knights Templars ofIreland issued a Warrant to be attached to the Lodge

and Chapter 18 October 1855. This Warrant wassurrendered 15 June 1859, the members transferring tothe Provincial Grand Encampment of Canada and theyare now No. 3 on the Roll of the Sovereign Priory ofCanada. (C)

Warrant No 236 Nobleville, York County.

Memorial for a new Warrant to “Vaughan in the Countyof York and the

Province of Canada,” – recommending “James Wood[Blacksmith, Sion Bridge Lodge No. 798] to be thefirst Master, John Noble [Sion Bridge Lodge No. 798]the first Senior Warden and James Dick [Merchant,Raich Hill 790] the first Junior Warden – Warrantrecommended by King Solomons Lodge No. 222 who statethat the new Lodge was to be called “The King DavidLodge”

6 Feb. 1855 – Letter from “Vaughan Lodge No. 236” requestingregistration of Bros. Joseph Noble and Andrew Ramsay also showingOfficers, James Woods, Master; John Noble, S.W.; James Dick, J.W.and Joseph Noble, Secretary. Other brethren named. Also a goodsmoke seal of the Lodge indicating symbols not normally shown ona Seal.

24 June, 1856 “It being the intention of the Membersof Vaughan Lodge No. 236 to xxx under theJurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada I herebyforward you the sum of £3. 4s. 0d. Stirling being thetotal amount due by this Lodge to the G.L. ofIreland. The members of this Lodge most heartilyrequest the M.W. the Grand L. of I. to let themretain the old Warrant as a mark of their favour tothe M.W. the G.L. of I. if the M.W. the G.L. of I. isnot satisfied that we should retain the old Warrant

then will forward to you immediately. TheCertificates forwarded by you came to hand on the 23rd

inst. I remain etc N. Holmes, Secretary.”

Warrant No 237 Quebec.

29 April, 1854 – Memorial – “To the Most Worshipful Grand Master ofthe Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Grand Lodge ofIreland. We the undersigned, being regular registered masons ofthe Lodges mentioned against our respective names, having theprosperity of the Craft at heart, are anxious to exert our bestendeavours to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of theart; and for the convenience of our respective dwellings, and othergood reasons, we are desirous of forming a new Lodge to be namedthe “Independent Lodge of Quebec, Canada East.” In consequenceof this desire we pray for a Warrant of constitution empowering usto meet as a regular lodge at the City Hotel, Quebec on the lastThursday of every month, and there to discharge the duties ofmasonry in a constitutional manner according to the forms of theOrder and the laws of the Grand Lodge

We have nominated and do recommend Brother William Eadon tobe the first Master, Bro. William Blanchard Valleau to be the firstSenior Warden and Bro. Samuel Johnson Dawson to be the firstJunior Warden of the said Lodge. The prayer of this petition beinggranted, we promise strict obedience to the commands of theGrand Master and the Laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge.Quebec, Canada East 29th April, 1854. – (signed) Wm. Eadon, AlbionLodge No. 17, E.R.; William B. Valleau, Albion Lodge No. 17, E.R.;Samuel Johnson Dawson, Albion Lodge No. 17, E.R.” and six others.“I certify that the Brethren who have signed this petition areMaster Masons of good standing and highly respectable citizens ofQuebec. Given under my hand and Seal of Saint Andrews Lodge No.356, S. Register this 29th day of April, A.L. 5854, A.D. 1854 PatrickCondra, Right W.M. Saint Andrews. [Note by D.G.S. – 237 – Memorialfor New Warrant for Quebec – Recd. May 22/54 – Recd £7. 0s. 0d.

plus £10 for Jewels.

6 May, 1854 – Letter enclosing the above Memorial andrequesting “a complete set of Silver Jewels, withcollars & aprons necessary for all the Officers ofthe Lodge and also one Master Masons Apron, forsample, with any other things you may deemnecessary.” Letter signed by Wm. Eadon

1 Jan, 1860 – “Dear Sir and Brother, I am directed to inform you thatthe interest of Freemasonry on this Continent generally and thoseof Lodge 237 I.R., in particular required our affiliation to the GrandLodge of Canada, consequently we have been working under itsjurisdiction since 24th June last, up to which date I beg herewithenclosed to hand you returns together with an order on you fromIndependent Chapter 237 I.R. for Two pounds Sterling in settlementof the same which I trust will prove satisfactory. Our Irish Warrantis returned through the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge ofCanada, please at your earliest convenience forward Bros. Peeblesand Sweetman’s Master Masons Certificates, and Bros. Gale andMcCallum’s Past Master Certificates. Believe me Dear Sir & Brother,etc. Geo. Morgan, Secretary.

Warrant No 238 Dunnville, Ontario.

From the Minutes of Grand Lodge of Ireland : Lodge 2386 July, 1854 – Read a Memorial signed by several registered MasterMasons of Lodges Nos. 231, 286 and 323, held in Canada West underWarrants from the Grand Lodge of Ireland and also be members ofEnglish Lodges praying for a Warrant to be issued to them to hold aLodge in Dunnville, Canada West. Memorial recommended by theabove names 3 Lodges. The Board recommend that a new Warrantbe issued to the Memorialists. Agreed to

(C) Reissued to `Wellington Lodge' in DUNNVILLE,

Haldimand County, Ontario, Canada West, 6 July 1854. Warrant issued 17 July, 1854 to the village of Dunnville in Co. Haldimand, Canada West to Bros S. Cormick; J. Osman and E. Woodbury

1 March, 1856 - Return of Officers and Members –Lists Officers Elected and Installed Oct. 2nd 1854 –Samuel Comick, W.M.; Jacob Osman, S.W.; DavidMcIndoe, J.W.; Daniel McSwain, S.D.; Wm. H. Nelson,J.D. and Edward Heeny, Secretary – Officers forMarch, 1856 – Jacob Osman, W.M.; David McIndoe, S.W.and Wm. H. Nelson, J.W. A list of the members isshown including ages, professions and dates ofdegrees. Lists the Founder Members Nine in all.

30 July, 1856 – From Hamilton - “I have had forwardedto me by the Wellington Lodge No. 238, Dunnville theReturns of their Lodge, together with their Warrantwith the request that I would forward the same to youand to request that you will send to me theindebtedness of that Lodge to the Grand Lodge ofIreland when I shall be petitioned to remit you theamount on their behalf. I remain, etc. Thos. BirdHarris.

8 Sept. 1856 – Resolution by the Lodge – “Moved byBrother McIndoe, Seconded by Brother J. Brown andresolved – That in consequence of the great progressthat Masonry has Made in this Province it requiresfor the good of our Order a Nearer GoverningAuthority than the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Werequest the Severance from our Mother Grand Lodge butat the Same Time hope that it will not be seen thexxxx connection which has so long subsisted betweenus and we as Canadian Masons will ever hail andreceive you as Brothers and Masons. – Resolved – That

the Secretary be instructed to return the Warrant tothe Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ireland we havingAffiliated with the Grand Lodge of Canada andAcknowledged that Lodge the highest Masonic Authorityin the Province. (signed) Edw. Brownell, Secretary ofWellington Lodge No. 238, Free Masons, Dunnville.[Wax Seal]

Brethren, the night is passing quickly, so I hope youwill all see the theme developing here, in respect ofIrish Freemasonry in Canada. We have many otherWarrants issued in this great country, yet the mainparts of their story replicate those alreadyhighlighted here. I will leave some work undone, andhope that one of the many young Canadian researchersout there will look further into the fascinatinghistory of these Irish Warrants that worked so farfrom home. In conclusion, I would thank Bro KenLumpkin for drawing my attention to the fact thatthere are still two Canadian Lodges that continue towork a form of Irish Ritual right up to the presenttime, And I hope that he and the members of his Lodge– St John’s No 209a on the Grand Registry of Canadawill find the foregoing of interest.

Robert T Bashford.