"The Founders"

The history of a lodge is not a documented series of events but rather a series of ideas and exchange of dreams between forward looking Masons. The formation of West Gate Lodge was no different; it was born from the heart of a group of masons who believed that the growth of our gentle craft was not only possible but necessary for Streetsville. They put their hearts and their heads together, they met, they talked, they asked questions, they drew up plans, they invited input and participation and then they waited. Some dismissed the idea as a foolish dream, some thought it would be too much work and couldn't see making such a commitment of time and effort, but those who believed would not be discouraged for the enthusiasm they shared helped their spirits rise high above any thoughts of failure. Yes others believed in the dream, they worked tirelessly in an effort to build the lodge of tomorrow In a city where multiculturalism was a growing part of the community so too it was to become the face of the lodge including masons from many walks of life and many cultures within our society, all masons and all brothers. Listed here is a brief snippet of the history that saw the formation of this great lodge where brother has met brother; where masons have been made, where friendships have been nurtured and where memories have been born.

While attending an installation at River Park Lodge 356 in 1977 the idea of a new Lodge was born. V. W.. Bro. Morrison along with W. Bro. Kelman of King Hiram Lodge 566, and V W. Bro. Taylor of Bedford Lodge 638 spent the next year between Toronto and Grand Lodge in Hamilton making the idea of a new lodge become a reality. There were meetings which were failures where only two potential members showed up; and some might be discouraged. But the foundation of the lodge was not built in huge strides but rather one member at a time. This is a lesson that the founders took to heart and have tried to pass on year by year to each member of the lodge as we have grown. A lodge is a family with all of its strengths and all of its imperfections but it takes every member of the family to make us whole. The dream became a reality in when on March 26,1980 Most Worshipful Bro. Richards granted West Gate Lodge our charter 734 G.R.C.

The name of West Gate Lodge was chosen for two reasons, one because it is the most westerly Lodge in the District. Secondly there was already an East Gate, South Gate, and a North Gate Lodge. It was hoped that once West Gate Lodge was up and running that the brethren of all the Gate Lodges would exchange fraternal visits with each other.

There have been five District Deputy Grand Masters elected to represent Toronto West District. Also appointed have been a Grand Senior Warden, Grand Senior Deacon, and four Grand Stewards. Over the years West Gate has been very fortunate to have members from every walk of life who have brought to the Lodge their culture and traditions which have given us depth and unique character. At the end of the day every success or every failure is a direct reflection of each of the members who make us West Gate Lodge. It is a lucky man who can turn to the mason beside him and call him a true brother, and that is where West Gate gets its strength.

The years have passed very quickly and has left fond memories. We now look forward to the future and the creation of new memories; I invite you to join with us as we march into the future and enjoy West Gate Lodge.

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R.W. Bro. Morrison 1980&1981 "...a year of firsts; introduced West Gate Lodge to the world of masonry."

W. Bro. Boratynec 1982 "... as the second master he contributed greatly with his fund raising and Masonic education to the lodge."

* W. Bro. Brown 1983 "...had the first formal ladies night which is still raved about to this day. The lodge was also very busy having to do double degrees in some lodge nights to lighten the load of candidates.."

* W. Bro. Caminer 1984 "... first non-pasted master to be elected to the masters chair. One highlight of the year was raising a brother in February with all present in overcoats due to the furnace failing."

* W. Bro. Shearer 1985 "... hosted nights dedicated to Official Visitors; such as Toronto Temple Night, Brampton Temple Night, etc. where the lodges from those Temples would be our official visitors."

* W. Bro. Carter 1986&1987 "...established a solid financial plan for the lodge reducing cost such as asking the brethren to assist the Junior Warden provide for the banquet hour."

* W. Bro. Taylor 1987 "...instrumental in updating our bylaws. Also introduced a Quebec Degree Team to our lodge and hosted a reception for the Grand Senior Deacon in his year."

* W. Bro. Mackie 1988&1991 "...in 1988 introduced the Children's Christmas Party. In 1991 he initiated 11 new members into West Gate Lodge."

*W. Bro. Joseph 1987 "...as the first initiated member to serve as Worshipful Master he opened the doors of West Gate with our first open house."

W. Bro. Hartzema 1990&1993 "...Enthusiasm is Contagious, Lets all catch it!" were his theme and belief to enjoy both the time in the lodge room and the fellowship in the banquet room, where brotherhood and friendship become one."

W. Bro. Bryant 1992&2006 "...introduced the Christmas Social Night which brought the members and wives together for a pot luck feast during the Christmas Season."

W. Bro. Lee 1994 ".....a bridge builder, he organized a bus trip to St.John's Lodge No. 20, and continued to build more bridges of friendship by traveling to Wiarton; Cedar Lodge No.396 his fathers mother Lodge."

* W. Bro. Williamson 1995 "... provided 10 candidates to other lodges in the district due to his busy year; visitation being paramount. He was also ordained "West Gates Master Plumber" at the Installation Banquet."

* W. Bro. Sommers 1996 "... along with his great leadership qualities gentle manner, and good humour, he brought the spirit of the West Indies to the Lodge. "He be thee Master of the West Gate Lodge"

W. Bro. Roberts 1997 "...had an event filled year, including welcoming a Police Degree Team and hosting the reception for the District Deputy Grand Master of Toronto District One.

* W. Bro. Bailey 1998 "...Instrumental in visiting the widows of West Gate Lodge for many years providing them with gifts at Christmas."

W. Bro. Andrews 1999 "...ushered in the new millennium with the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship and the unwavering support of the Past Masters who kept us on track to achieve the vision of those who founded this great and wonderful Lodge"

W. Bro. Attwood 2000 "...excited to be the first W.M. of the new Millennium! Extended the Children's Christmas party invitation to those in our community that are less fortunate."

W. Bro. Clarke 2001&2002 "...served two consecutive terms. He encouraged the active participation of the lodge in the local Streetville Bread and Honey Festival to raise funds for local charities."

W. Bro. Woods 2003 "...made the Christmas Social a night to remember by introducing a Christmas Choir to perform for the members and their ladies. Money was donated to Cheshire House and Interim Place."

W. Bro. Hendricks 2004 "...the 25th master of West Gate Lodge ushering in our first quarter century."

W. Bro. Jansurik 2005

* W. Bro. Clark 2007 "...enhanced the Lodge's online presence and persevered through many challenges."

W. Bro. Weyland 2008

W. Bro. Kong 2009

W. Bro. Warner 2010 "...the first Cornerstone Master in the District leading the way for others. Hosted a Caribbean Night that 300 attended."

W. Bro. Palmer 2011 "...during an extremely busy year conferred 27 degrees while maintaining a busy schedule travelling throughout the District."

W. Bro. Matthew Hofland 2012

W. Bro. Tom 2013 "...sought to develop an effective and sustainable organization through the enhancement of leadership skills within our lodge."

W. Bro. Sammy 2014 "... introduced the Family Picnic, represented the Lodge with many visits, amazed us with the "Big Lime" while honouring the Lodge's many traditions."

W.Bro. Phoenix 2015

W. Bro. Kenneth Bugley 2016...spearheaded the "Blue Slipper Ball" unique education presentations while maintaining West Gate standards.

* Passed to the Grand Lodge Above