Blog Archives

DDGM Official Visit & Travelling Gavel Challenge, March 28, 2018

3/30/2018

March went out as a Lion at West Gate 734 as we always entertain the DDGM from Toronto West in traditional 734 style with a roast of the occasion of his Official visit. Last night was no exception as the WM, officers and members welcomed R.W. Bro. Gursharan Parmar and the District Secretary W. Bro. Matwinder Phull. This special night began with the Initiation of Bro. Adam Hartzema (a Lewis) being sponsored by proud father and grandfather R.W. Bro.'s John Hartzema and Ernie Morrison. Adam we all wish you the very best as you start your Masonic journey toward further light.

The evening became even more magical as the degree was conferred with musical accompaniment by a choir led by W.Bro.'s Louis Jansirik and David During. This night also saw the coveted holy grail of the district, the 'Travelling Gavel" leave it's temporary home of West Gate and be liberated by the WM, W.Bro. Daniel Hill, officers and members of Unity Lodge 710. Congratulations Unity....enjoy before it again is challenged for. Three Lodges challenged for the Gavel Unity 710, Kilwinning 565, and Ionic 229.

The DDGM R. W. Bro. Parmar was then elevated to the exalted position of KING PARMARSAN II aka "the Big Cheese" by the members of West Gate and all visitors present. Ni....Ni....Ni....Yaooooooo!

They're at the Post!

3/26/2018

On Saturday March 24, 2018, thirty members of West Gate 734 accompanied by partners, family and friends converged on Woodbine racetrack and were treated to a wonderful evening of racing, food and fellowship. A super time was had by all and we thank our SW Bro. Lund for organizing such a superb evening.

Fraternal Visit To Lodge of Strict Observance No. 27 Hamilton B

3/18/2018

Seven members of West Gate Lodge 734 visited the Lodge of Strict Observance no. 27 in Hamilton B District on the occasion of their Official Visit from their DDGM R.W. Bro. Glenn Jarvie on March 16, 2018. The photo above features our very own R.W. Bro. Charles A. Woods Member of the board, W. Bro. T.Qurashi (WM), R.W. Bro. Ed Standish and R.W. Bro. Michael Locke both members of the Board of General Purposes of Grand Lodge.

HISTORY
The dispensation for The Lodge of Strict Observance was issued on August 1, 1847, by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Upper Canada. The first meeting of the Lodge took place on September 21, 1847, in The Barton Lodge room, at the south-west corner of Main and Hughson Streets, Hamilton. At the meeting, W.Bro. C.H. Webster, a Past Master of The Barton Lodge #6, presided over the Installation of the first officers. Nine of the brethren who formed our new Lodge were members of The Barton Lodge. The first Master was the Rev. Alexander Mackid, who was sent out from Ireland by the Canada Land Company. He was inducted in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in January 1845. He affiliated with The Barton Lodge on April 8,1846 and also was Grand Chaplain of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Upper Canada.
The Lodge of Strict Observance minutes note that on March 18th, 1851 a new hall was proposed on the north-east corner of John and Main streets. On September 16th, 1851 the Lodge held its first meeting in the new stone building; this was the place of organization of the Grand Lodge of Canada in 1855 and of the installation of its first Grand master, William Mercer Wilson.
When St. John's Lodge #40 was formed in 1852, their first Master, W. Bro. Thomas B. Harris, was a member of "Strict". W.Bro. J.M. Gibson (later, M.W. Bro. Sir John Morrison Gibson), after completing his term as Master of "Strict" in 1872, was instrumental in the formation of Temple Lodge #324, (coinciding with the new Masonic Hall in the City), and served as Temple Lodge's first Master in 1874, 1875 and 1876.
The Lodge of Strict Observance has enjoyed the happy exchange of fraternal visits with many Lodges during its 157+ years. Particularly noteworthy are the ties with General Mercer Lodge #548 of Toronto; and the annual visits with St. John's Lodge #209a of London which started on March 15th of 1887 when they exemplified an Irish third degree. Several times over the years, our London brethren have inspired large numbers of visitors with their impressive portrayals of the Craft degrees in the Irish Ritual.
We value the friendship of all our Masonic brethren and will continue to enjoy visiting and visitations by other lodges through out the district and beyond.

March Emergent Welcomes Brother Curtis.

3/16/2018

Our emergent meeting March saw the Initiation of brother S. Curtis, and West Gate 734 and Toronto West welcomes our newest Mason to the greatest fraternity. The WM, officers and members conferred an excellent degree and we are all excited to see this new Mason advance further in his continuing journey for further enlightenment. Congratulations Shaun.

Official Visit to University 496

3/9/2018

“Nothing brings home closer than going home...”
― Will Advise

Fraternal Visit To Waterloo District

3/8/2018

Last night five brethren from West Gate 734 travelled to Waterloo Lodge 539 in Waterloo District to witness and take part in the Initiation of Bro. N. Allard. The WM, officers and members conferred an excellent degree and being their OV of R.W. Bro. Frederick C. Gregory DDGM also brought the Irish theme downstairs for the banquet. Congratulations Brother Allard and we wish you the very best in your Masonic journey.

"it has not been my fortune to know very much of Freemasonry, but I have had the great fortune to know many Freemasons and have been able to judge the tree by it's fruit. I know of your high ideals. I have seen that you hold your meetings in the presence of the open Bible, and I know that men who observe that formality have high sentiments of citizenship, of worth, and character. That is the strength of our Commonwealth and nation." ~ Calvin Coolidge.

Anniversary Night at West Gate (The Academy Awards Night of Masonry)

3/5/2018

West Gate celebrated their "Men of Honour" by recognizing these Masons loyalty and longevity to the Craft in general and West Gate 734 in particular. The WM, Officers and members of West Gate congratulate Bro. B. Clark, W. Bro. K. Singh, V.W. Bro. A. Mistry, and W.Bro. H. Palmer for achieving the milestone of twenty-five years of Masonry . V.W. Bro. D. Clarke was honoured for his accounting and financial zeal in keeping our Lodge financially solvent for the past fourteen years. Thanks Don!

Speaking of milestones...R.W. Bro. Ernie Morrison who started his Masonic career at King Hiram Lodge when I was just twelve years old was honoured by PGM's, M.W. Bro.'s Groshaw and Petrisor by receiving the coveted Veterans Jubilee Medal" for his one half century to service in our gentle and noble Craft. Congratulations Ernie. Many presentations were made on this historic occasion from members, family and friends. Congratulations Ernie and we'll see you here again in another fifty.

Lodge Of Discussion Hosted by Ionic 229

3/5/2018

Ionic 229 hosted a District Lodge of discussion directed by bro. M. Pakzad which started with a delicious Filipino meal. The topic of discussion was "Craft retention" which saw many points of view discussed around this universal Craft issue.