THE  PATTERN  SET  FOR   US    Volume II  027

A History of the Concordant and Related Bodies of Freemasonry Past and Present on Prince Edward Island

By George Doughart

(with permission)

THE   PATTERN   SET   FOR   USA HISTORY OF THE CONCORDANT AND RELATED BODIES OF FREEMASONRY

PAST AND PRESENT ON

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

 

GEORGE DOUGHART

 

A PROJECT OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF

ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF

 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

YORK RITE MASONRY

 

INTRODUCTION

R.Ill.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin

 

The ancient York Rite must remain on the records of history as the oldest and purest of all the Rites.

Legend of York

“This craft came into England, as I tell you, in the time of good King Athelstan’s reign; he made them both hall, and also bower and lofty temples of great honour, to take his recreation in both day and night, to worship his God with all his might.  This good lord loved this craft full well, and purposed to strengthen it in every part on account of various defects that he discovered in the craft.  He sent about into all the land, after all the masons of the craft, to come straight to him,. to amend all these defects by good counsel, if it might so happen.  He then permitted an assembly to be made of divers lords in their ranks dukes, earls and barons, also knights, squires were there, each one in every way to make laws for the state of these masons.  There they sought by their wisdom how they might govern it; there they found out fifteen articles, and thereby they made fifteen points.”  (Regius MSS circa 1390)

The York Rite takes its name from the ancient English city of York around whose minister, or cathedral, cluster many Masonic traditions.  It is there that Athelstone, grandson of Alfred the Great, who had studied the arts and sciences, caused his son, Edwin, to be instructed in the arts and named him Grand Master of Masons.  Edwin convened a general assembly at York in A.D 926, to whom he submitted a constitution, which was discussed and accepted.  Hence the York Rite.

The York Rite consists of the Symbolic Degrees, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council, the Knights Templar and the York Rite Sovereign College.  There are also Honorary and side Orders.  These are the Knights of the York Cross of Honor (Honorary); the Religious and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, all of which are available to York Rite Masons of Prince Edward Island..

The Symbolic Lodge

Speculative Masonry consists of three Degrees.  Lessons in Masonry are taught in three stages by our Symbolic or Craft Lodges.  The Degrees, in order, are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.  Each blends Masonic moral philosophy in a unique lesson, which is intended to have serious impact and influence on the man who receives it.

Entered Apprentice - In entering a Lodge you indicate that you are ready to begin your apprenticeship, to learn the trade secrets which will enable you to live a life so as to produce a beautiful spiritual temple.  In short, the secrets of the trade to be learned by an Entered  Apprentice in this business of building a temple of one’s life are (1) duty to one’s God, or if you prefer, being guided by your spiritual values and (2) to one’s neighbour, or living by the Golden Rule. A third duty is the duty you owe to yourself to live a temperate sensible life style.

Fellow Craft: This Degree marks your graduation from the ranks of Entered Apprentice to the status of a Journeyman Craftsman.  As a journeyman you must be responsible for the methods you will use in building the spiritual temple of your Life.

Master Mason: This is called “The Sublime Degree”.  It is called this not only for the solemnity of the ceremonies, but also the profound lesson of wisdom that it teaches.  This Degree symbolizes the great lessons of the resurrection of the body and the immortality of the soul.  The symbols in the Master Mason Degree deal with the spiritual part of man’s life while the two previous Degrees serve as a symbol of the world in which we live.  After the candidate receives this Degree, he receives no greater or higher honour, but in the attainment of other Degrees he receives further light and more knowledge of what the Masonic lesson is and what the institution of Freemasonry seeks to teach.

Capitular Mason

The Holy Royal Arch Degree was considered most important in the early years of Freemasonry and so dogmatic was the Mother Grand Lodge - from which all speculative Masonry derives - that in 1813, when the two Grand Lodges in England united, a firm and solemn landmark was adopted and placed in the Articles of Union to guide Masons throughout the world forever on this matter: “Pure Ancient Freemasonry consists of but three degrees, Viz that of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of Holy Royal Arch.”  The landmark has never been changed and to this day no other Degree has been officially recognized by the Mother Grand Lodge and every Rite, system or additional Degree of Freemasonry cannot confer its Degrees on a Master Mason until he has received the Royal Arch Degree.  Naturally this is as it should be because a man is not a Master Mason until he receives the Master’s Word and he can only receive it in the Royal Arch.

A Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry consists of four Degrees: Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Mason.

The Mark Master Degree is the first of four Degrees in the Chapter and is believed to have originated as a ceremony of registering a craftsman’s mark.  It is highly regarded by students in all Masonry, teaching lessons that have proven of value in all walks of life.  In this Degree the candidate is taught the nobility of labour and that in the erection of his moral and spiritual temple, he must determine and prepare the materials of which that temple is to be constructed.

The Past Master Degree came into being because originally the Degree of Royal Arch was conferred by the Symbolic Lodge only on actual Past Masters.  This Degree was instituted to make it possible for all worthy Brethren to receive the Royal Arch Degree.  The Brother receiving it is a Virtual, not an Actual Past Master.  It teaches that he who would rule others must first learn to rule himself.

The Most Excellent Master Degree is by far the most spectacular Degree in all Freemasonry.  It is the only Degree that brings forcibly to our attention the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple.  The very idea upon which all Masonic symbolism has been based.  Symbolically it represents the building of life and character and the reward which come to him who faithfully performs this task.

The Royal Arch Degree is the climax of ancient Craft Masonry and Masonic symbolism.  It is described as “the root and marrow of Freemasonry.”  It is the complete story of Jewish history during some of its darkest hours. The value of Royal Arch Masonry will be appreciated by all

who are exalted to that Most Sublime Degree, Particularly by those who are seeking to complete their Masonic education.  It reveals the full light of ancient Craft Masonry, presents it as a complete system in accordance with the original plan and justly entitles you to claim the noble name of Master Mason.

The Cryptic Rite

The Council -  Ancient Cryptic Masonry centres around the story of the preservation, loss and recovery of the word.  The Word represents man’s search for life’s purpose and the nature of God.  Symbolic Freemasonry, as in the Lodge, teaches of the loss of the Word and the hope for its recovery.  Royal Arch Masonry, as in the Chapter, teaches its recovery.  Cryptic Masonry, as in the Council completes this story by teaching the Word”s initial preservation.  While the Council is not a “line” Order, to become a Knight of the York Cross of Honour one must serve the Council as a Thrice Illustrious Master.  It is not a requirement to belong to the Cryptic Rite in order to become a Knights Templar or a member of the Shrine.

The Degrees conferred in Cryptic Rite Masonry are:

The Royal Master Degree and the Selected Master Degree.

There are also two “appended orders” which are available to the Cryptic Rite Mason although they are not Degrees of the Crypt.  Those are the Super Excellent Master Degree and the Royal Ark Mariner Degree.

The Royal Master Degree places its events just before the completion of the temple, and chronologically precedes the Degree of Master Mason. This Degree contains valuable information necessary to correctly understand all of the preceding Degrees.  It also represents one great Masonic idea - that of a labourer seeking his reward.

The Select Masters Degree is the symbolic link that binds the Master’s Degree to the Royal Arch, and without it the mystery of “The Recovery of That Which was Lost” remains in darkness.  The historical object of the Degree is to commemorate the deposits of an important secret or treasure which, after the preliminary preparations, is said to have been made by our three Grand Masters.  The ritualistic presentations contain the story to “complete the Circle of Perfection” in ancient Craft Masonry.

The Super Excellent Master has a direct relation to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason which has been rightly termed the summit of Ancient Craft Masonry.  It relates events that lead to the discovery of the lost word.  The Degree is one of the best devised, most impressive, and beautiful Degrees.  It is most enlightening and relevant to everyday life and teaches in the most dramatic fashion the lesson of fidelity.

The Royal Ark Mariner Degree is based upon the story of Noah and his Ark.  The ritual emphasizes the cardinal virtues, using the triangle and the working tools with which Noah built the Ark, to point to the moral lesson.  The Royal Ark Mariner may be established as a separate entity and is “moored” to a Cryptic Rite Council.  There are several Royal Ark Mariner Lodges in the Maritime Provinces.  The closest to Prince Edward Island is the one in Moncton, N.B.

 

The Religious and Military Order of Knights Templar

The Knights Templar is a Christian fraternal organization that was founded in the 11th Century,.  The Knights Templar were laymen who protected and defended Christians travelling to Jerusalem.  These men took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and were renowned for their fierceness and courage in battle.

The official title of the Order is The Sovereign Great Priory of Canada of the United Religious and Military Orders of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta, and of the Temple.

Knights of today claim no direct legal descent from those ancient knights of old, yet they do claim to carry on the virtues for which they fought, bled and died.  The same feelings of Love, and Truth, and Charity, and Hospitality, and Universal Benevolence still remain in the human heart.

Membership - Every candidate for admission shall be: a Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason in a recognized Royal Arch Chapter and a believer in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

Chivalric Orders - In Canada the work of the Preceptory is divided into three parts: (1) The Order of the Red Cross; (2) The Orders of the Mediterranean Pass and Malta, (3) The Order of the Temple.

The Order of the Red Cross is not, strictly speaking, a Christian Order.  Its value is in bridging the gap between Royal Arch Degree and the Order of the Temple.  It stresses faith in God, the importance of truth, and the value of Liberty and Justice.

The Order of Knights of Malta, with its pass Degree of Knight of St. Paul or the Mediterranean Pass, is the second Order in the Preceptory or Commandery.  This Order is the first Christian Order encountered by the candidate.  The ritual is based historically upon one of the old Orders of the Crusade.

The Order of the Temple is the third and most impressive Order of the Preceptory and is wholly Christian.  The Order of today, though bearing the same name and yet not historically connected with the Knight’s Templar, is motivated by the same principles - the protection of the weak and oppressed, the relief of the distressed and the  defence of the Christian Religion.

 

Ancient and Arabic Order of The Nobles of the Mystic Shrine

Since the inception of the Shrine, York Rite Masons who have completed work in the Chapter and Preceptory are eligible to immediately join any Shrine Temple of the Ancient, Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine of North America.  Short title for the members of the Order is ‘Shriners’.  However, in the year 2000 a change was made in the Shrine Bye-Laws and the eligibility requirement to enter the Shrine was opened to all Master Masons in good standing.

There are two Shrine Temples in the Maritimes - Luxor in St. John, N.B. and Philae in Halifax, N.S. which has jurisdiction over Prince Edward Island.  The Island has two Shrine Clubs - The Island Shrine Club in Charlottetown and the Red Oak Shrine Club in Kensington.  The “Shrine” is known as the world’s largest Philanthropical Organization which is mandated to care for children afflicted with orthopaedic problems as well as with other related diseases.  There are twenty-two Shrine Hospitals, three of which are Burn Institutes.  Treatment is free to all children who are admitted for treatment.

The York Rite Sovereign College

The Purposes the York Rite College shall be to strengthen the York Rite Masonry in every way possible by (1) fostering a spirit of cooperation and coordination among each of the York Rite bodies (2) assisting in improving the presentation of York Rite work, (3) conducting  educational programs for the benefit of York Rite Masonry.

Membership - shall be limited to Regular Members of Symbolic Lodges of Master Masons, Chapters of  Royal Arch Masons, Councils of Cryptic Masons and  Commanderies or  Preceptories of Knights Templar and who are actively engaged in working for the York Rite.  Membership in this College shall be by invitation only.

Knight of York - This order depicts the circumstances of the Legend of York and the founding of the Rite by King Athelstan and his son, Edwin.  This legend cannot be confirmed from history.  Thus it should be understood when viewing the Order of the Knights of York, that a lesson is being taught but actual history is not being presented.

 

Honorary and Side Orders

Knights of the York Cross of Honour is an Honorary and invitational York Rite Masonic Body.  The Order was formed in Monro, North Carolina on March 30, 1930.

Membership - Requirements for membership are that each proposed candidate must have presided as a Master over a Lodge, as a High Priest over a Chapter, as Illustrious Master over a

Council and as Preceptor over a Preceptory.  No individual should aspire to membership in KYCH when he has done his work, and done it well, he will be rewarded by being invited to membership.

A member of KYCH who has served in any of the four Grand Bodies of York Rite is thereby a Knight Grand Cross of Honour with one Quadrant for each of the Grand Bodies over which he has presided.

 

Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and The Appendant Orders of The Holy Sepulchre and of St. John the Evangelist

The Red. Cross of Constantine and its appendant Orders were first introduced into the Dominion of Canada on April 13, 1869.

The Order draws its name from the Roman Emperor Constantine who was the first Christian Emperor.  He established his capital at Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople.  Constantine (the Great) before the battle of Saxa Rubra, experienced the “miraculous appearance” of a cross in the sky in a dream.  He took it as an omen that he would be victorious in battle, which he was at the battle of Saxa Rubra.  He created from that omen the Imperial Standard of Rome and chose fifty young men to guard it.  These men were called “The Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine.”

This Order is not connected in any way with the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross which is part of the Military and Religious Order of Knights Templar.

Membership may be obtained by invitation only to a Royal Arch Mason in good standing, who subscribes to a belief in the Christian Religion as revealed in the New Testament.

The local body of Knights is known as a Conclave.  On Prince Edward Island it is the Royal Island Conclave No.28 with Headquarters in Charlottetown.

 

The Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

Membership - Candidate shall (a)  be a subscribing member of a regular Craft Lodge and have served the Office of Master. (b) be a subscribing Royal Arch Mason, and  a subscribing Knight Templar of a Constitution fully recognized by the United Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter of England and Great Priory of England and Wales etc.

The local body is known as a Tabernacle.  The nearest Tabernacle to Prince Edward Island is Northumbria Tabernacle No.111 headquartered in Riverview, N.B.

This Order is also a Christian Order and impresses upon its members that they live by the Christian principles of love and charity to all mankind.

ALEXANDRA CHAPTER NO. 11

1863

 

Sources:

A History of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia, 1869-1969

Alexandra Chapter No. 11 R.A.M., Prince Edward Island Protestant Orphanage, M.Ex.Comp. F.A. VanIderstine PGHP

Alexandra Chapter Royal Arch Masonry, Charlottetown, P.E.I., 1863-1963, compiled by Ex.Comp. D. Trevor Waye and Ex.Comp. J.S. Walker

History of Alexandra Chapter No. 11, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 1863-1988, by L.G. MacNevin PHP

History of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia, M.Ex.Comp. George Dewar MacDougall PGHP, 1930.

Minutes of Alexandra Chapter

Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia

 

On March 26, 1861 Bro. G.D. Atkinson, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, forwarded a letter to Victoria Lodge No. 383 S.R. suggesting the propriety of establishing a Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry in Charlottetown.  A Committee consisting of W.Bro. Cuthbert C. Vaux, Bro. Thomas H. Haviland, Bro. William R. Watson, W.Bro. John W. Morrison and Bro. Edward J. Hodgson was appointed to consider the issue.  The Minutes of the Lodge did not contain any further reference to the Committee or its work.

On August 21, 1863 nine Master Masons from Prince Edward Island were received and duly exalted to the Sublime Degree of the Most Holy Royal Arch in Carleton Chapter in Saint John, New Brunswick.  The nine Brethren were George Adams, Charles Bell, Jedediah  Carvell,  Morin Lowden,  Donald MacKinnon, William Monk, Adam Murray, Neil Rankin and John Ross. (Waye and Walker, p.1)  The initiative of those nine Brethren and their devotion to the institution of Freemasonry provided the basis for the establishment of Capitular Masonry in this Province and the opportunity for other Freemasons to advance toward further light.

A Petition to establish a Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry in Charlottetown was forwarded to the Supreme and Royal Arch Chapter in Scotland.  On October 4, 1863 the Supreme Chapter, acting on the advice of a Committee, adopted a Resolution “to grant the Prayer of the petitioners and to appoint the new Chapter to stand upon the registry under the style and title of the Alexandra Chapter Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island No.100 and in the circumstances stated, authorize the petitioners in the meantime to meet under that designation for a period of six months from this date for the purpose of exalting candidates and other business connected with the Order authorized the Grand Scribe to transmit an extract of this minute as their authority for so doing.” (Extract engrossed in Alexandra Chapter Minute Book, November 23, 1863)

Because Alexandra Chapter was warranted under the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland certain differences applied in the governance from what presently applies under the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.  Until 1878 when Alexandra Chapter came under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, the Officers were Principal Z (Zerubbabel)  Principal H (Haggai) and Principal J (Joshua), Scribe E, Scribe N, Treasurer, 1st Sojourner, 2nd Sojourner, 3rd Sojourner and Janitor.

The Institution of Alexandra Chapter occurred at a marathon Communication convened in the Masonic Hall in Charlottetown at 9:00 a.m. on November 23, 1863.  Three Companions from New Brunswick,  M.Ex.Comp. William Bunting PP, M.Ex.Comp. Robert Church PP and M.Ex.Comp. John Ellis PP, acted as Officers pro tem in the positions of Principal Z, Principal H and Principal J for the opening of the Convocation.  The Dispensation to organize the Chapter was read.  The Chapter closed and a Council of Installed Principals was opened.  A second Dispensation authorizing the installation of Officers was read.  The following Principals were then installed:

Principal J,H, and Z  M.Ex.Comp.   Jedediah CarvellPrincipal J,H, and Z  M.Ex.Comp.  Adam Murray Principal J,H, and Z  M.Ex.Comp.  Neil Rankin Principal J,H, and Z  M.Ex.Comp.  Morin Lowden Principal J,H,  M.Ex.Comp.  Charles Bell

Following the Installation of the Principals, the Companions recessed for lunch resuming Labour at 3:00 p.m. when the remaining Officers were installed.

Scribe E M.Ex.Comp. Morin LowdenScribe N M.Ex.Comp. Charles BellTreasurer Comp. Frederick FlintFirst Sojourner M.Ex.Comp. John Ross

Second Sojourner   M.Ex.Comp. Donald MacKinnonThird Sojourner   Comp. Neil MacKelvieJanitor   Comp. James Connell

(Minutes, November 27, 1863)

The first candidate for the Degrees of the Chapter was Bro. James Connell who was obligated and instructed in the secrets of the Degree of Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch.

The propositions for the Degrees of Royal Arch Masonry  from Bro. Frederick Flint and Bro. Neil MacKelvie were then balloted on and the two Brethren were elected.  Four other propositions were accepted later in the afternoon.  A Chapter of Mark Masters was opened and the two were introduced and advanced to the Honorary Degree of a Mark Master Mason.  Following the evening meal Comp. Flint and Comp. MacKelvie proceeded to receive each of the remaining Degrees of the Chapter.  The expediency in conferring the Degrees may have occurred because the three Companions had already been appointed to Offices in the new Chapter.  The fee for the four Degrees was £6.  (MacNevin, p.3)

The Chapter approved a set of Bye-Laws in 1865.  The Committee to draft the first code was appointed in November.  The Bye-Laws were approved section by section in December.  Amendments were introduced almost immediately.  The fee for the four Degrees was reduced from £6 to £4 / 10 in January, 1865.  On October 26, 1865 the Companions agreed to meet each Friday evening.  That stipulation was included to enable the Chapter to process the propositions promptly and to build up its membership quickly.  One of the Communications each month was deemed the Regular Communication.  In 1866 the Chapter changed to the third Wednesday and since 1894 the Companions have held their Regular Convocations on the first Thursday of each month.  Since 1919 Convocations have normally not been held in the months of July and August.

The Bye-Law on black balls was amended in 1866 to require three instead of two to deny a candidate. (Minutes, March 23, 1866)  A section on General Rules was added including a limitation that any Companion who was behind six months or more in dues could not vote or ballot on any matter. Initially the election of new Officers was held in September with installation in October.  When Alexandra Chapter became part of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, the fiscal year had to be changed from November/October to May/April.  In the 1880's the election and installation was changed to April.  On May 4, 1881 the Companions approved an annual recess for the months of June, July and August. In March, 1914 a Notice of Motion was given respecting a change in Section 2 to provide for Convocations ‘each month’.  A decision on the issue was allowed “to lay over” and no further action was taken although several Special Convocations were held during the summer months starting in 1916.  The additional Convocations were needed to deal with the volume of Petitions at that time.  In the comprehensive revision of the Bye-Laws in 1919 Section 2 stated that the High Priest “if he deem it advisable has the power to dispense with the Regular Convocations in June, July and August.”  (Minutes, October 9, 1919) Fees were set at $30 and annual dues at $2 in the 1919 revision.

The Chapter first met in the Masonic Hall on Lower Water Street that was used jointly by St. John’s Lodge and Victoria Lodge. The Hall, also known as the ‘Connell Building,’ was at the end

of Great George Street on the site where Peakes Mercantile is presently located.  The building was damaged by fire in 1867.  The Minutes are silent on the fire and on any losses that may have occurred.  The only reference was a Minute on April 24, 1867 when a committee was appointed “to ascertain and report the best terms they can procure a place of meeting.”  The Chapter moved to Large’s Hall on Queen Street opposite City Hall.  St. John’s Lodge had leased space in the Hall and offered to rent the Lodge Room to the Chapter at the rate of ten shillings for Regular Communications and seven shillings six pence for Emergency Communications.  The Chapter decided to accept the Lodge’s offer.  (Minutes, September 23, 1867)  Large’s Hall was owned by Comp. A. Newton Large.  Communications were held there until 1878 when the Chapter moved back to the restored Temple at the former site on Lower Water Street.  The Minutes of June 29, 1878 record that the Companions were advised that the meeting was the last in St. John’s Hall and the next meeting would be in the Masonic Hall on Water Street - “late Victoria Hall”.

The first Communication in the new Hall was held on August 9, 1878.  The Chapter met there until 1893 when the new Temple on Grafton Street was opened.  The building on Lower Water Street was torn down in the 1950's and a storage shed for MacDonald-Rowe Woodworking Co. Ltd. was erected on the site. (Interview Michael Wood, September 16, 2000)  Currently Peake’s Mercantile is located on the site. Remnants of the Temple’s stone foundation are visible adjacent to the west wall of the Peake’s Mercantile building. (See picture of the Masons’ Hall in History of Victoria Lodge in Volume One.)  Rent in the old Hall was $2 per night while the annual rent for the first year in the new Temple was $50. (Minutes, April 4, 1895)  Alexandra Chapter shared the new Temple on Grafton Street with the several Masonic Bodies until the devastating fire of December 14, 1955.

The year 1877 produced significant change for the Chapter.  The establishment of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia in 1869 provided an opportunity for Alexandra Chapter to operate within a different Grand Jurisdiction with headquarters that were closer to this Province.  When the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland finally recognized the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia in 1876 it seemed advisable for Alexandra Chapter to indicate its interest in coming under the Jurisdiction of Nova Scotia.  At the Convocation on November 15, 1877 a motion was approved to establish a committee “to communicate with the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia respecting the terms on which they will admit this Chapter into their Jurisdiction and all other information relating thereto.”  The Committee members were Comp. T.A. MacLean, Comp. G. W. Wakeford and Comp. T.B. Reagh.  The Committee Report was received on November 24 and at the historic Convocation on November 29 the Companions resolved “that it is our desire to dissolve connection with the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland and join the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, and that a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland and the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia also the necessary declaration signed by as many Companions as can be reached.” (Minutes, November 29, 1877)  Twenty-four signatures were obtained.  (Proceedings, 1978, p. 369)

A subsequent motion instructed the Secretary to contact the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland to “ask that Body to allow this Chapter to retain their Charter as a memorial of our former connection with that Grand Body.” (Minutes, November 29, 1877)

The Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia issued a Dispensation to Alexandra Chapter on January 2, 1878.  The Chapter operated ‘Under Dispensation’ until June 4, 1878 when the Warrant for

Alexandra Chapter No.11 was issued.  Thirty-nine Charter Members are listed on the Charter which hangs in the Temple on Hillsboro Street.  The Minutes of the Chapter indicate that the Companions did not await the official documentation before proceeding with some essential changes.  As early as March 7, 1877 the Secretary had begun using the titles ‘High Priest’, ‘King’ and ‘Scribe’ in place of ‘Principals Z, H, J’ in the Minutes.  On September 24, 1877 the new Officers were elected under titles consistent with the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.  The new Council included E.Comp. Robert Young (High Priest), E.Comp. Simon Crabbe (King) and E.Comp. David Small (Scribe).  On October 17 committees were established to draft new Bye-Laws, to collect arrears and to see about new furniture.   The Bye Laws were adopted and forwarded to Nova Scotia for approval in March, 1877.  The Secretary began using the term ‘Convocation’ in place of ‘Communication’ on February 20, 1878.

Before Alexandra Chapter could be warranted by the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia it was necessary for the Companions to be instructed on the Marks and Degrees used within the Grand Chapter.  In March the Grand High Priest issued a proxy Commission to R.Ex.Comp. George E. Smithers “to proceed to Charlottetown, inspect the work of Alexandra Chapter, working under Dispensation, and to give such instruction in the ritual of the several degrees as in his judgement, the Companions required.”  Proceedings, 1878, p. 353)  Comp. Smithers, a member of Royal Union Chapter No.1 in Halifax, made an official visit in April 1878.  The duration of Comp. Smithers working visit is unclear.  In his Official Report to Grand Chapter he stated that “during my stay in Prince Edward Island for over three weeks, I held daily meetings, both afternoon and evening, for instruction and practice of the work of the several degrees ...” (Proceedings, 1878, p. 363)  The Records of Alexandra Chapter indicate that afternoon and evening sessions were conducted daily from April 2-5 (four days).  Comp. Young, Comp. Murray and Comp. Crabbe alternated as Right Worshipful Master in exemplifying the Degrees.  Attendance exceeded twenty at most of the sessions.  At the final session on April 5 Ex.Comp. Robert Young acted as Right Worshipful Master and Comp. T.H. Pope, Comp. N. Campbell and Comp. W.B. Sprague were duly exalted to the Sublime Degree of the Most Holy Royal Arch.  Comp. Smithers was thanked for his work over the four days.  In his Report to Grand Chapter Comp. Smithers had high praise for the zeal of the Companions, the hospitality shown him and the competence of the Council and Secretary, Comp. Thomas B. Reagh.

Ex.Comp. Robert Young was re-elected as High Priest in April 1878.  He gave strong leadership to the Chapter at a critical time in its history.  When the Chapter approved his request for his Demit in April, 1885 Comp. Crabbe noted that he supported the approval “with great regret ... that he knew the Chapter would feel his loss very much as he had made a most efficient Officer.”  (Minutes, April 1, 1885)  Following his death in 1892 his Regalia, Apron and Jewel were bequeathed to the presiding Officer of Alexander Chapter. (Minutes, May 11, 1892) Comp. Young was a Judge of the Probate Court.

The first Degree conferred by the Chapter while ‘Under Dispensation’ was for Comp. David R. McLennan who received the Past Master Degree on January 9, 1878.  Comp. McLennan was a member of King Solomon Lodge No.9 in Charlottetown.  He served as Secretary of Alexandra Chapter from 1878 to 1889 and again from 1912 to1918.  The first application for the Degrees of the Order was received from Bro. Neil Campbell.  Alexandra Chapter recorded a membership of thirty-eight in its first Annual Return (1878) including seven newly exalted Companions.

Several significant ‘firsts’ have been noted in the Minutes. The first visit of a Grand High Priest occurred on August 28, 1885 when M.Ex.Comp. Henry D. DeBlois accompanied by the Grand Secretary, R.Ex.Comp. George T. Smithers attended.  It was noted that the Chapter did not meet for several months following the visit due to an outbreak of smallpox in the City.  The first reference to a Dispensation to attend a funeral was on March 1, 1894 following the death of the first High Priest, Ex.Comp. J.S. Carvell.  The first Church Parade attended by the Chapter was on June 24, 1891 when the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island invited Alexandra Chapter to celebrate St. John’s Day.  Initially Grand Chapter was not permitted to meet outside Nova Scotia.  That restriction was lifted in 1915 and Alexandra Chapter hosted its first Grand Annual Convocation in that year. (MacDougall, p. 47)  The system of District Grand Superintendents was first introduced in 1922 when Ex.Comp. E.T. Carbonell was Grand High Priest.

Alexandra Chapter was very supportive of its members who enlisted in the two World Wars of the Twentieth Century.  In May, 1918 a motion was approved to request Grand Chapter to authorize the remittance of dues for those enlisted for the duration of the War and one year thereafter. (Minutes, May 2, 1918) Comp. W.J. Lantz received a gold wrist watch from the Chapter when it was learned that he would soon be going to the Front. (Minutes, November 4, 1915)  A similar gesture was recorded a month later for Ex.Comp. V.L. Goodwill, the Immediate PHP.  Clearly the Companions shared in the joy of Armistice in 1918.  The Convocation on November 18, 1918 was cancelled “on account of the celebration of the Armistice.” (Minutes, December 5, 1918)  In 1941 the Chapter approved the remittance of dues for those enlisted in WWII for the period of their enlistment. (Minutes, December 4, 1941)  A Chapter Penny engraved with the name of the Companion being posted away was presented in 1944 by R.Ex.Comp. R.H. Rogers.  The six Companions of the Chapter in the Services in 1945 were W. G. Dawson, Robert Finnie, J.R. Halliwell, Athol MacKinnon, E.O. Price and  C.M. Williams.

Alexandra Chapter has a solid record of benevolent work that began early in the Chapter’s history.  One of the earliest references in the Minutes appeared in August, 1866 when Comp. Adam Murray was selected as a representative to join with a representative of each of the Craft Lodges “to proceed to Pictou to return thanks personally to the Fraternity for their kindness and attention to Companion and Brother, Morin Lowden, in his affliction.” (In 1991 the Chapter acquired the Apron and two Sashes that had been used by Comp. Morin Lowden who was a Charter Member)  On June 21, 1876 the Chapter voted $20 to be paid to St. John’s Lodge to help defray the cost of burial of Companion ‘M’.  On October 1, 1884 $10 was voted for widow ‘R’ whose house had burned in Nova Scotia. In March, 1886 the Chapter approved payment for a barrel of flour for the Tyler ‘for charity’.  During World War I several acts of charity were recorded.  The widow of Comp. ‘R’ received $25 at Christmas for four consecutive years.  In September, 1914 the Chapter approved $50 for the Red Cross Society and in  November $200 was voted for the Queen’s Canadian Hospital.  Ex.Comp. V.L. Goodwill was given $15 to buy warm clothing for a member of the Chapter in 1914.

Alexandra Chapter was a leader in providing funding and support for the Protestant Orphanage when the need was expressed in the 1920's. At the Convocation in November, 1922 it was learned that Mt. Akron and Prince Edward Chapters would join Alexandra Chapter in a joint funding scheme.  The details announced at the December Convocation recommended contributions not to exceed $2 per capita.  The money was to be used to furnish and equip a classroom at the Orphanage.  Before the end of the decade the per capita was set at 90¢.  The Orphanage School

Fund was supported by all Royal Arch Chapters in the Province.  In the 1940's the contributions were included in the Annual Grand Chapter Assessment with part being refunded to the “School Fund” via each Chapter in the Province.  The Fund was managed by the Secretary-Treasurer of the Orphanage School Committee and Annual Statements were issued.  Voluntary donations were also encouraged and for that purpose the Committee recommended ‘a Money Bag’ to be passed at each Convocation.  Companions were “urged to put their hand into the bag whether contributing or not.”  (Minutes, January 15, 1945)  The Bag of Benevolence has been passed at the end of each Convocation since 1948.

Approximately forty pupils attended the Orphanage School each year.  When the children began attending schools in Charlottetown in 1964 the Royal Arch Masons continued to provide school books and supplies while the Room at the Orphanage became a Study Room for the children.  In 1973 twenty-nine children from the Orphanage attended school in Charlottetown.  Royal Arch Masons funded the purchase of textbooks and renovations to the Study Room.  (Minutes, September 6, 1973)  At the Regular Convocation on April 1, 1976 R.Ex.Comp. Leslie G. Gillespie announced that the Protestant Children’s Home would close in June, 1976.  The School Committee was requested to immediately begin the search for another project to support.  The books and furniture at the Children’s Home were to be donated to another worthy organization.  In May 1976 the Chapter voted to direct its Benevolent Funds toward paying of the mortgage of the C.N.I.B. Building.  Since 1993 the Institute has received annual donations of approximately $300 for the purchase of ‘Talking Books’ and for toys at Christmas.  In 1995 Grand Chapter was requested to match the $300 donation with a gift to the Glaucoma Research Project.

In March 1977 the Chapter also identified the new “Pat and the Elephant” Project for the transport of disabled persons as a worthy cause.  Approval was given for a donation of $300 and a request to Grand Chapter for a matching amount.  Grand Chapter denied the initial request but Alexandra Chapter continued its annual donation until 1985 when failure to acknowledge the $300 gift resulted in withdrawal from the project.  (Minutes, February 7, 1985)  Grand Chapter began matching the annual donation in 1980.

In December, 1977 the last School Committee was discharged.  The members of the last Cmmittee were R.Ex.Comp. G.L. Gillespie, V.Ex.Comp. D.T. Waye and R.Ex.Comp. A.E. Lavers.  When it was noted that the Bye-Laws required that the Chapter maintain a School Committee the name was changed to the “Committee on Benevolence” (Minutes, December, 1977)  As a final chapter in the work of Royal Arch Masons with the Children’s Home, M.Ex.Comp. F.A. VanIderstine wrote a history of the Project which he completed on February 8, 1977 just four days after he attended his final Convocation in Alexandra Chapter.  Comp. VanIderstine died on April 8, 1977.  On April 1, 1999 Comp. Harley Ings was given permission to display the Corner Stone and other artifacts from the Children’s Home in the Ante Room of the Temple in Charlottetown.

In 1985 the Chapter began its support of the Salvation Army Sunset Lodge.  The first gift was a wheel chair valued at $700 and presented on December 5 to Major and Mrs. Anthony.  The following year a patio sun deck umbrella and chairs were donated.

In 1990 the Chapter provided the first in a series of significant gifts to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  A donation of $300 in support of the new Cat Scan was matched by the Grand Chapter

Benevolent Fund.  In 1991 the Chapter approached the Hospital with the offer to fund a ‘Humor Cart’ to provide  audio tapes for the Hospital’s closed circuit system.  The Hospital did not approve the concept and the Chapter opted for a financial donation of $400.  (Minutes, December 1, 1991)

The 1930's were difficult years for Alexandra Chapter. In the decade after 1928 the total membership dropped 50% from one hundred and twenty.  Forty-nine Companions were suspended for non payment of dues in that period and not a single candidate was exalted between 1931-38.  In 1933 the Audit Report showed that eighty-seven Companions were in arrears in a total membership of ninety-four.  Annual dues were $2 and arrears totalled $334.  In an effort to retain its members, the Chapter  permitted the Companions to pay the portion of Annual Dues equal to the per capita tax.  The practice created administrative hardship for the Secretaries in later years when attempts were made to collect on overdue accounts.  Companion James Calder, who was elected Secretary in 1943, outlined the challenge in trying to determine outstanding balances in accounts. (Minutes, April 1, 1943)  In 1938 the Treasurer and High Priest were authorized to sign a note for the overdraft to cover the per capita tax. (Minutes, June 3, 1938)

Alexandra Chapter hosted the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter in 1932 and 1939.  On the latter occasion the Royal Arch Degree was exemplified by a team of ten Companions representing Prince Edward Chapter and Alexandra Chapter.  R.Ex.Comp. Waldron H. Darrach of Prince Edward Chapter presided as High Priest with Ex.Comp. R.H. Rogers PHP as King and Ex.Comp. James Calder PHP as Scribe.  Comp. Calder was afurrier and was exalted in Prince of Wales Chapter No.10 in Sydney and affiliated with Alexandra Chapter in 1933.  He became Grand Superintendent in 1941.

The ceremony of Re-Consecration was revived in 1936 at the request of the Grand High Priest, Ill.Comp. H. Leonard Haslam.  Alexandra Chapter hosted the ceremony on January 30 but only ten Companions attended.

The revival of the Chapter in the 1940's was due to a number of factors.  Ex.Comp. George G. Wood provided committed leadership as High Priest for five years (1940-44).  He was ably assisted by R.Ex. Comp. James Calder who served as Secretary from 1942-45 and Ex.Comp. William J. Drake who held the Office of Treasurer from 1938-50.  When Comp. Wood retired in 1945 he was presented with a High Priest’s Apron “in recognition of his very excellent work while he was High Priest”. (Minutes, May 3, 1945).  Issuing a Monthly Newsletter, updating the Book of Marks and appointing a Committee “to assist the Council in promoting the good of the Chapter” were all positive initiatives.  The demise of Mount Akron Chapter in 1942 allowed the Chapter to be bolstered by a contingent of strong Companions including M.Ex.Comp. T.G. Ives and M.Ex.Comp. L.M. MacKinnon, two Past Grand High Priests.  The Audit Report for 1943 confirmed the revival of the Chapter.  It noted that the Secretary and Treasurer had collected “all outstanding dues and the Chapter is in good financial condition.”  (Minutes, January 15, 1944)

The revival undoubtedly inspired the efforts later in the decade that led to the Institution of The Garden of the Gulf Council of Royal and Select Masters No.9 on November 26, 1949.  R.Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers was elected High Priest in 1949 and was a leading force in the work of establishing Cryptic Rite Masonry in the Province for the second time. (Kensington Council No.11 had been chartered in 1896 but survived for only six years)

In 1941 Grand Chapter introduced the ‘Travelling Triangle’ as a creative way to encourage visitation among Chapters.  The Triangle was carried throughout the Jurisdiction in the early 1940's.  On September 9, 1943 a delegation from Prince Edward No.12 in Kensington visited Alexandra Chapter and presented the Triangle to the High Priest, Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood “in a dignified manner” with the accompanying ceremony at the Altar.

 

On October 21, 1943 a delegation of eight members of the Chapter visited St. John’s Chapter No.18 in Pictou to present the Triangle.  The High Priest, Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood, offered opening remarks, Ex.King, Comp. W.N. Wilson, made the presentation and Ex. Scribe, Comp. H.E. Ward, gave the instructions.  The Companions stayed at the Braeside Inn.  On the following morning the ferry at Caribou was tied up due to wind and the Companions were forced to return via the Cape Tormentine Ferry.  (Minutes, November 4, 1943)  St. John’s Chapter made a return visit to Charlottetown in October, 1945.

As the first Royal Arch Chapter in the Prince Edward Island, Alexandra Chapter had the opportunity to support the institution of several new Chapters in the Province.

At a Special Convocation on January 21, 1885 the  Ex.Comp. Charles I. Clarke, High Priest, informed the Companions present that the purpose of the Convocation was to receive and to act upon an Application from certain Companions who resided in Summerside and other points and who were desirous of opening a Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry in Summerside.  The Application was read and on motion of Comp. George W. Wakeford PHP seconded by Comp. Simon W. Crabbe PHP it was resolved  “that Alexandra Royal Arch Chapter hereby relinquishes jurisdiction over that part of the Province of Prince Edward Island which will of rights  belong to the said Companions or Petitioners should a dispensation or charter be granted to them by the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.”  It was further resolved that “said Alexandra Chapter hereby recommends the said Petitioners to the said Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia as fit and proper persons or companions to hold a chapter in Summerside and further recommends that the prayer of said Petitioners be acceded to by the said Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.”

Prince Edward Chapter No12 of Royal Arch Masons was organized in a marathon session in Summerside on March 16-17, 1885. Companion George W. Wakeford presided at the ceremony of Institution and shared the duties of conferring Degrees on the first petitioners with Comp. Adam Murray.

On November 6, 1919 Alexandra Chapter received a  Petition “from nine Companions residing in the Eastern part of the Island asking that Alexandra Chapter recommend that a Dispensation to open a new Chapter in Montague be granted.”  Approval of the request was communicated to the Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. John C. MacKay of Sydney, Cape Breton.

On December 4, 1919 the Secretary of Alexandra Chapter No.11 received permission to use the Regalia for “instituting Mount Akron Chapter.”  Ex.Comp. E. T. Carbonell led the delegation from Alexandra Chapter to conduct the Institution of the new Chapter.  Alexandra Chapter donated Banners to the new Chapter in 1920.  Fifteen members of Alexandra Chapter attended an

Emergent Communication of Grand Chapter in Montague on August 18, 1920 to constitute the new Chapter.

When Mount Akron Chapter surrendered its Charter in June, 1942 a Committee of four Companions was appointed in Alexandra Chapter and was directed to go to Montague “to interview members of Mount Akron No. 20 and invite them to affiliate with Alexandra Chapter upon payment of the sum of three dollars which will include dues for 1943 and affiliation fee.” (Minutes, December 3)

On January 7, 1943 Alexandra Chapter received petitions from nine former Companions of Mount Akron Chapter seeking to affiliate.  Two of the petitioners, M.Ex.Comp.  L.M. MacKinnon and M.Ex.Comp. T. Gordon Ives, were Past Grand High Priests and later were awarded the Joseph Conway Brown Medallion for meritorious service.

In 1955 Alexandra Chapter gave its support to the Petition from twenty-seven Master Masons from the Craft Lodges of Alexandra No.5, Zetland No.7 and Corinthian No.19 who having “a desire to advance the cause of Masonry” requested that their Brethren “who are Companions of Alexandra Chapter No.11 and Prince Edward Chapter No.12 petition the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland for a Dispensation to open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at O’Leary by designation of King Solomon.”  (Minutes, November 7, 1955)

Comp. Frank A. VanIderstine led the team of Companions from Alexandra Chapter to the Lodge Room in Summerside on April 7, 1956 to assist in conferring the Degrees of Rite on a large class of Master Masons who became the Charter Members of King Solomon Chapter.  Alexandra Chapter conferred the Mark Master Mason and Past Master Degrees while Prince Edward Chapter conferred the Most Excellent Master and Holy Royal Arch Degrees.  The historic Convocation had been planned for January 1956 at the Chapter Room in Charlottetown but fire destroyed the Temple on December 14, 1955.

Alexandra Chapter has also been active in the work of Grand Chapter.  In 1889 Ex.Comp. George W. Wakeford became the first member to be elected as Grand High Priest. He was re-elected in 1890.  As Grand High Priest Comp. Wakeford restored the practice of Visitation to the Chapters and was able to visit eleven of the twelve Chapters in the Jurisdiction during his term.  He was the first Grand High Priest to visit Shannon Chapter No.9 in St. John’s, Newfoundland following its constitution in 1876.  When he made his Official Visit to Alexandra Chapter on April 16, 1890, the Chapter arranged a supper at Hotel Davies in his honour. A bill of $12 for the supper was presented to the Chapter five years later by Comp. Simon Crabbe on March 7, 1895.  Comp. Crabbe was elected Grand High Priest in 1895.  In addition to being the first Grand High Priest from Alexandra Chapter, Comp. Wakeford was also the first Archivist in Alexandra Chapter.  The Office was created in 1928.  Five years earlier Comp. Wakeford had presented to the Secretary with a complete membership list and two books of the early records Alexandra Chapter.  (Minutes, July 5, 1923) The Companions presented Comp. Wakeford with a Past High Priest’s Jewel in 1915.

The following is a list of Companions from Alexandra Chapter who have been elected or appointed to an Office in Grand Chapter:

Grand High Priest:

M.Ex.Comp. George Wakeford (1889,1890), M.Ex.Comp. Simon W. Crabbe (1895), M.Ex.Comp. Walter P. Doull (1915), M.Ex.Comp. E.T. Carbonell (1922), M.Ex.Comp. T. Gordon Ives (1939, 1940). M.Ex.Comp. Frank VanIderstine (1960, 1961), M.Ex.Comp. E.C. MacMillan* (1977), M.Ex.Comp. C. Gordon Lord (1981-82) Comp. MacMillan died in Office on February 17, 1978.

Grand King:

R.Ex.Comp. George W. Wakeford (1888), R.Ex.Comp. Simon W. Crabbe (1892), R.Ex.Comp. Walter P. Doull (1913), R.Ex.Comp. Edward T. Carbonell (1921), R.Ex.Comp. T. Gordon Ives (1937, 1938), R.Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood (1953), R.Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers (1955), R.Ex.Comp. E.C. MacMillan (1976)

Grand Scribe:

R.Ex.Comp. James G. Jamieson (1887), R.Ex.Comp. Edward T. Carbonell (1920), R.Ex.Comp. Reginald H. Rogers (1941), R.Ex.Comp. C. Gordon Lord (1958), R.Ex.Comp. Albert E. Lavers (1965), R.Ex.Comp. E.C. MacMillan (1970), R.Ex. Comp. G.L. Gillespie (1974), R.Ex.Comp. W.S. McMurtry (1979)

Grand Lecturer:

V.Ex.Comp. G.L. Gillespie (1985)

Grand Chaplain: V.Ex.Comp. W.B. Muir (1918)

Grand Captain of the Host:

V.Ex.Comp. Simon Crabbe (1890), V.Ex.Comp. Henry W. Anderson (1897), V.Ex.Comp. A.J. MacLean (1903), V.Ex.Comp. Charles Webster (1906), V.Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers (1950), V.Ex.Comp. C.G. Lord (1956), V.Ex.Comp. G.D. Murchison(1959), V.Ex.Comp. J.S. Walker (1961)

Grand Organist:

V.Ex.Comp. John Ross (1892)

Grand Principal Sojourner:

V.Ex.Comp. David Small (1879), V.Ex.Comp. Simon Crabbe (1881), V.Ex.Comp. J. J. Davies (1893), V.Ex.Comp. Walter P. Doull (1912), V.Ex.Comp. Ernest Kemp (1933),  V.Ex.Comp. A.E. Lavers (1964)

Grand Royal Arch Captain:

V.Ex.Comp. G.W. Wakeford (1887), V.Ex.Comp. John A. Messervey (1895), V.Ex.Comp. Henry W. Anderson (1896), V.Ex.Comp. A.J. MacLean (1903), V.Ex.Comp. David Small (1904), V.Ex.Comp. William J. Drake (1922), V.Ex.Comp. Vernon H. Currie (1938-39), V.Ex.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin (1980),  V.Ex.Comp. F.C. Younker (1985)

Grand Master of the First Veil:

V.Ex.Comp. George W. Wakeford (1884), V.Ex.Comp. John Collings (1898), V.Ex.Comp. George J. Lane (1909), V.Ex.Comp. L.A. MacDougall (1942), V.Ex.Comp. Charles J. Stuart (1990)

Grand Master of the Second Veil:

V.Ex.Comp. Adam Murray (1882), V.Ex.Comp. A.J. MacLean (1902), V.Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood (1945), V.Ex.Comp. R.E. Hyndman (1954), V.Ex.Comp. C.D. Gillis (1988),  V.Ex.Comp. David P. MacLean (1995)

Grand Master of the Third Veil:

V.Ex.Comp. George W. Wakeford (1883), V.Ex.Comp. G.L. Gillespie (1969-70), V.Ex.Comp. W.S. McMurtry (1974), V.Ex.Comp. Willard Nicholson (1992-93)

Grand Standard Bearer:

V.Ex.Comp. Thomas A. MacLean (1892), V.Ex.Comp. W.J. Drake (1926), V.Ex.Comp. R.H. Rogers (1928), V.Ex.Comp. R.Ex. Kemp (1947), V.Ex.Comp. P.R. Bagnall (1971), V.Ex.Comp. George Cantelo (1998)

Grand Steward:

V.Ex.Comp. Simon Crabbe (1880), V.Ex.Comp. George W. Wakeford (1886), V.Ex.Comp. A. N. Large (1894), V.Ex.Comp. Henry Worth (1901), V.Ex.Comp. W. K. Rogers (1905), V.Ex.Comp. George Lane (1908), V.Ex.Comp. William L. Rogers (1908), V.Ex.Comp. J.G. Jamieson (1910), V.Ex.Comp. Walter P. Doull (1911), V.Ex.Comp. Victor L. Goodwill (1915), V.Ex.Comp. Ronald MacDonald (1917), V.Ex.Comp. J. M. Murley (1919), V.Ex.Comp. William J. Drake (1929-30), V.Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood (1943), V.Ex.Comp. E.C. MacMillan (1952), V.Ex.Comp. G.D. Murchison (1955), V.Ex.Comp. J.B. Larkin (1966),  V.Ex.Comp. D.T. Waye (1970), V.Ex.Comp. W.W. Brown (1983)

Grand Tyler:

V.Ex.Comp. C.G. Stetson (1978)

District Grand Superintendents:

R.Ex.Comp. J.M. Murley (1921-22), R.Ex.Comp. H. Stanhope MacLeod (1923-24), R.E.Comp. R.H. Rogers (1929-30), R.Ex.Comp. W.J. Drake (1931-32), R.Ex.Comp. L.A. MacDougall (1934-35),  R.Ex.Comp. H.E. Ward (1937-39), R.Ex.Comp. J. Calder (1941-44),  R.Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood (1947-49), R.Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers (1951-53), R.Ex.Comp. C.G. Lord (1957-58), R.Ex.Comp. J.S. Walker (1962-64), R.Ex.Comp. A.E. Lavers (1968-69), R.Ex.Comp. G.L. Gillespie (1972- 73), R.Ex.Comp. W.S. McMurtry (1976-78),   R.Ex.Comp. R.G. Eaton (1981-83), R.Ex.Comp. C.S. Graves (1987-89),   R.Ex.Comp. C. Bagnall (1993-95), R.Ex.Comp. George I.H. Mason (1999-2000)

There is infrequent reference to social activities in the records of the Chapter.  In the first summer after institution a committee consisting of the ‘whole Chapter’ was ordered to make arrangements to have a picnic “under the banner of the Chapter.” (Minutes, August 27, 1864)  In 1880 a dispensation was sought to permit the Companions “to appear at an entertainment to be held by King Solomon Lodge of this City on Monday, February 9 in Royal Arch Regalia.” (Minutes, February 4, 1880)  In an all-to-familiar practise, Companion John Hobbs was named a committee of one to see about the advisability of having a picnic after he had suggested that the Chapter hold such an event for its members.  (Minutes, September 1, 1886)  After moving into the new Temple in 1893 the Companions were eager to expand the use of the new space.  The discussion became quite philosophical as the Companions concluded that “our Chapter rooms might be utilized for the Brethren and Companions to improve their minds and interest each other in various exercises and amusements which was considered would have beneficial effect on the Craft and could be made both literary and otherwise.”  (Minutes, September 6, 1894)  Following the Installation of Comp. Ernest Kemp as High Priest in 1920 a banquet was held for the forty Companions in attendance.  The first reference to a Ladies Night Banquet appeared in 1956 when a Lobster Buffet was arranged at the Dalvay Hotel.  Tickets sold for $2.  A Ladies’ Night was recorded in April, 1981 when twenty-one ladies joined the Companions for a social hour following the Regular Convocation.  Entertainment was provided by Diane Knox, the daughter of Companion Thompson Knox.  “A few tall stories by a few of the Companions” and a sing-song led by Companion Ernest Worth rounded out the evening.  (Minutes, April 2, 1981)  It was only five months later that the Chapter was summoned to drape the Charter in memory of Companion Worth.

On October 1, 1981 thirty-one Companions participated in a Table Chapter at the Kingsway Motel near Montague.  The event was arranged by the High Priest, Ex.Comp. Charles Jackson Stuart.  Nine Brethren joined the Companions for the Banquet with guest speaker, Bro. Gilbert Clements.  The Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. C. Gordon Lord was also in attendance.  He presented Companion Stuart with his Order of High Priesthood Certificate.

Although the Chapter has had a solid working relationship with Grand Chapter it was inevitable that in the long course of history some isolated issues have emerged to disrupt the harmony.  In 1918 the Companions were unhappy over the long delay in receiving diplomas from the Grand Secretary.  Several letters of request were sent and on September 5 a Telegram “with stern wording” was dispatched.  Receiving no reply the Chapter appealed to the Grand High Priest. On December 5 the Chapter received twenty-one diplomas from the Grand Secretary with a note that he had been ill. On June 2, 1932 the Chapter proceeded to confer a Royal Arch Degree using two substitutes contrary to the Grand Chapter Constitution.  When the practise was questioned,  Comp. R.H. Rogers halted proceedings while he contacted the Grand High Priest in Yarmouth. 

The request was denied.  Comp. Frank A. VanIderstine intervened and the Grand High Priest consented to the action.  Later in the Convocation, Comp. Waldron Darrach, a guest from Prince Edward Chapter No.12, “gave his opinion in no small words on what he thought of such action by the High Priest, Officers and members of Alexandra Chapter.  Ending his criticism by thanking Companion VanIderstine for the part he took in convincing the Grand High Priest to permit the Degree to continue and thus save a very embarrassing situation for Alexandra Chapter and for the candidate.”  (Minutes, June 2, 1932)   It may be noted that on June 22, 1939 the Grand Secretary issued a Dispensation allowing the use of two substitutes when conferring the Royal Arch Degree.  In 1973 Grand Chapter convened a Special Convocation to approve an increase in per capita dues to deal with the deficit.  Alexandra Chapter challenged the constitutionality of a decision taken at an Emergent Communication.  The reply from Grand Chapter was shared at the October 4 Convocation but the contents were not recorded in the Minutes.

Alexandra Chapter experienced three fires between December, 1955 and April, 1958 in the buildings that housed its meeting room.  Losses of equipment, regalia, furnishings and records were heavy especially in the first two fires.  The Minutes of the Chapter make almost no reference to any of the fires.  Losses are not given and there isn’t any mention of salvage.  Only the correspondence from other Chapters that forwarded regrets and donations suggest that some losses occurred.

On December 14, 1955 the Masonic Temple on Grafton Street was destroyed.  Fortunately the Chapter Minute Books and many records were not in the Chapter Room because of the annual audit that was occurring.  However, the regalia, equipment and many valued possessions were lost. (Waye and Walker p.3)  The last Convocation in the old Temple was on November 3 when the Mark Master Degree was conferred on candidates Arthur N. MacKinnon, Heath Delaney, Lorne Keizer and Frank Nicholson.

Messages of regret were received from several Chapters in the Jurisdiction.  Many included financial donations with their comments.  The Chapter used the funds to purchase new equipment and regalia.  On May 11, 1956 the Chapter paid    $876.67 for new regalia.  On May 19 a Special Convocation was held with representatives from many of those Chapters in attendance.  M.Ex.Comp. M.R. Chappell, The Grand High Priest, dedicated the following:

 Arch and Altar  Royal Union Chapter No.1 Royal Arch Banner  St. Andrew’s Chapter No.2 Kings Costume  Keystone Chapter No.24

Comp. Chappell and M.Ex.Comp. H.F. Sipprell, Grand Secretary, were granted Honorary Membership in Alexandra Chapter on that occasion.

The Oddfellows offered their Hall on Richmond Street and the Companions met there until September 1, 1957 when fire destroyed the three-storey structure. The new furnishings and regalia were lost.

The Chapter moved to the Island Motor Transport building on the southwest corner of Market Square.  Companion E. H. Lord was the manager of the Company.  The Chapter’s  equipment

was not left in the building between Convocations  due to space limitations.  That building was lost to fire on April 29, 1958. (Waye and Walker p.3)

Alexandra Chapter won the R.V. Harris Proficiency Cup. in 1954, 1955 and 1969.  The Award was established by the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia in 1951 to stimulate the regular work of Constituent Chapters.  The Award was named for M.Ex.Comp. Reginald V. Harris, Grand High Priest in 1926 and 1927.  Alexandra Chapter was recognized for the calibre of its work in each of the three years.

The High Priest in Alexandra Chapter in 1954 was Ex.Comp. F.A. VanIderstine.  Under his leadership the Chapter established some apparent records in the number of Companions that were added to the Roll in 1954.  A large number of Master Masons from several Craft Lodges within the Jurisdiction of Alexandra Chapter offered themselves as candidates for the Capitular Degrees in the late months of 1953 and early in 1954.  On February 25, 1954 thirty-seven candidates representing five Lodges received the Mark Master Mason Degree.  The same class received the Past Master Degree on March 25 while on April 22 the class had grown to thirty-nine for the Most Excellent Master Degree.  On May 22 a Special Convocation was held at the YMCA where a visiting Degree Team from Hiram Chapter No.3 in Windsor, Nova Scotia received a class of thirty-nine Most Excellent Masters and exalted them to the Sublime Degree of the Royal Arch.  The nine-member Team was led by M.Ex.Comp. H. F. Sipprell who was also Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter.  One member of the class was from Prince Edward No.12 and one from Valley Chapter No.16 in Middleton.  Comp. Gordon Bennett spoke on behalf of the newly exalted Companions and thanked the Chapter and the Team for their support.  Sixty-three Companions attended the Convocation which opened at 2:30 p.m. and concluded with a Banquet in the Recreation Room.  On the following day (Sunday) sixty-eight Companions attended Divine Worship at Zion Church where Rev. W. H. Brown spoke on ‘The Master Builder’.  The children from the Protestant Orphanage presented the Anthem.

New petitions were received throughout 1954.  On December 2 applications were received from Frank, Errol and Reagh Bagnall of Prince of Wales Lodge No.18 .  Thirteen Most Excellent Masters were exalted on that date including Comp. A.E. Lavers, Comp. Charles Dutney and Comp. M. Lorne Bonnell.  Comp. Lavers presented a Holy Bible to the Chapter in 1959 after it moved to the new Temple following the series of fires.  In 1954 a total of fifty Companions were exalted in Alexandra Chapter bringing the total membership to one hundred and thirty-nine. (Proceedings, 1955, p. 77)

The Chapter retained the Harris Cup in 1955 with Ex.Comp. C. Gordon Lord as High Priest.  Once again a large number of Master Masons petitioned for membership and some large classes of Companions received Degrees.  On February 3 sixteen candidates received the Mark Master Mason Degree.  Included in the class was Comp. Gilbert Clements.  On April 17 several Companions presented a Play ‘If A Man Die’ following the Past Master Degree that was conferred for twenty Companions.  The class had grown to twenty-one when the Most Excellent Master Degree was conferred on   May 5 by R.W.Master  R.E. Kemp.  The Grand High Priest,  Grand Secretary and the Deputy Grand Master of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada were present on May 21 for the Royal Arch Degree conferred by M.Ex.Comp.. D. Roscoe Walker PHP from Prince Edward Lodge No.12.

A Banquet sponsored by the Prince Edward Preceptory No.35 and Alexandra Chapter was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Recreation Room with guests from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec in attendance.  The Mayor of Charlottetown was present and presented the Keys to the City to Comp. P. S. Cochrane, Deputy Grand Master of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the City.

The Chapter received the Harris Cup at the Annual Convocation in 1955 and it was placed on display in the Chapter Room on September 1.  The Cup was lost in the fire on December 14, 1955 and some years later was replaced by Grand Chapter.

The Companions who shared in the two-day programs in May, 1954 and 1955 were motivated to recommend that the ‘Masonic Weekend’ be an annual event.  (Minutes, May 26, 1957)  On May 25, 1957 seventy-two Companions including M.Ex.Comp. R.V. Hogan attended the Special Convocation where a class of eleven Companions including five from the new King Solomon Chapter in O’Leary that was operating ‘Under Dispensation’ were exalted by M.Ex.Comp. D. R. Walker PHP.  In May, 1958 the Chapter held its first Convocation in the new Temple at 204 Hillsboro Street.  Comp. E. H. Lord was High Priest.  ‘The Masonic Weekend’ was held on May 17-18 with M.Ex.Comp. R. V. Hogan in attendance.  M.Ex.Comp. D. R. Walker again conferred the Royal Arch Degree.   The class of seven included three Most Excellent Masters from the new King Solomon Chapter U. D..

Alexandra Chapter celebrated its Centennial in 1963.  The High Priest in that year was Ex.Comp. W.J. MacLean.  A History Committee was named in February to prepare a history of the first one hundred years of the Chapter.  The members were Ex.Comp. D.T. Waye, Ex.Comp. J.S. Walker and Ex.Comp. F.A. VanIderstine.

The Chapter decided to invite two Royal Arch Chapters from the Mainland to visit for the Centennial Celebrations on November 2.  Botsford Chapter No.7 in Moncton and Cumberland Chapter No.10 in Amherst accepted the invitation.  Eleven Officers and sixty members and visitors attended the Convocation which opened at 1:30 p.m. on November 2.  The special guests included the two Degree Teams from the guest Chapters, M.W.Bro. A.E. Lavers, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, M.Ex.Comp. H.F. Sipprell, Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia and Grand Superintendent of District 5, R.Ex.Comp. J.S. Walker.  The meeting began with the Service of Rededication.  The Address was given by Comp. D.T. Waye who shared the highlights of the History of the first one hundred years of Alexandra Chapter that his Committee had prepared.  Following the Service the Degree Team from Botsford Chapter led by Comp. Jacob Kirsch, Past First Principal conferred the Most Excellent Master Degree on a class of nine Past Masters representing four Craft Lodges viz. Orient No.11, Saint Andrew’s No.13, Mizpah No.17 and Victoria No.2.  Following the Degree the Companions attended a Banquet at Lucy Maud Montgomery Hall.  Special Guests in addition to those noted above included M.Ex.Comp. Malcolm Eagles, First Grand Principal of the Grand Chapter of New Brunswick, Ex.Comp. F.S. Clark, High Priest of Prince of Wales Chapter No.10 in Sydney, Ex.Comp. K.V. Forbes, First Principal of Botsford Chapter and R.Ex.Comp. R.L. Burns, Grand Superintendent of Moncton District.  The guest speaker at the Banquet was Comp. Sipprell.  In the evening session the Holy Royal Arch Degree was conferred by Cumberland Chapter on the same class of nine Companions. The Degree Team was led by R.Ex.Comp. Isaac Grey.

On the following day the Companions of Alexandra Chapter and their guests attended Divine Worship at the First Baptist Church in Charlottetown. Rev. Malcolm Harlow conducted the Worship.

Grand Chapter established the Achievement Award in 1967 to recognize Constituent Chapters which demonstrated a high rate of member participation.  The Award was first presented in 1968 and Alexandra Chapter was one of five Chapters to receive the Achievement Certificate for its work in 1967-68.  (Proceedings, 1968 p. 27)  The Council in that year included Comp. C. D. Gillis (High Priest), Comp. E.F.B. Liepman (King) and Comp. V.C. Coles (Scribe).

Ex.Comp. E.F.B. Liepman served as High Priest for the award-winning year 1968-69 when the Harris Proficiency Trophy was won for the third time.  He appointed Comp. R.C. Montgomery as chairman of the Membership Committee.  Comp. Montgomery is credited with the significant increase in the membership of the Chapter in that year.  On March 7, 1968 twenty applications were received from Master Masons representing five different Craft Lodges.  On April 4 twenty-two applications were received including six from Mizpah Lodge No.17 and eight from Prince of Wales Lodge No.18.  At a Special Convocation on Saturday, October 19 thirty-six Most Excellent Masters were admitted, received and exalted to the Holy Royal Arch Degree.  R.Ex.Comp. A.E. Lavers presided as Right Worshipful Master for the Degree.  The visiting Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. R.A. Flemming delivered the Charge to the Candidates that included Comp. Reg Bryan, Comp. Bennett Carr, Comp. Roy Herman, Comp. Harry Lavers, Comp. M. Earl MacDonald, Comp. Dan Ward and Comp. Douglas M. MacDonald.  Fifty-two members and guests attended a banquet at the YMCA following the afternoon session.  The guest speaker at the banquet was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, M.W.Bro. W. S. Burns.  Alexandra Chapter hosted the District Meeting later in the evening.  The large class of new Companions raised the membership in the Chapter to one-hundred and eighty.

 Building on the successes of the previous two years the Most Excellent High Priest in 1970 launched an ambitious program to further enrich the Convocations with the addition of guest speakers.  Attendance improved and on several occasions non-members were admitted to listen to the presentations.  Special speakers included Professor Ron Baker, President of  U.P.E.I. and Alexander Campbell, Premier of P. E. I..  Plans to invite the Prime Minister included the establishment of ten special committees at the March Convocation.  The project went off the rails in June when the Companions rejected the request of the High Priest to make the Prime Minister an Honorary Member during his visit in August.  The rejection was interpreted by the High Priest as disapproval of his program for the Chapter.  He promptly requested his Demit and left the East.  The Secretary was instructed to seek the guidance of Grand Chapter and a Dispensation if necessary to elect a new High Priest.  The Immediate Past High Priest, Ex.Comp. V.C. Coles, was elected at the next Convocation to complete the balance of the term.  The Chapter had hosted the One Hundred and First Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter less than one week before the High Priest demitted.

 One of the more ambitious projects of the Chapter in fraternal relations was the visit to Bell Chapter No.25 in Derry, New Hampshire in 1973.  The High Priest, Comp. C.G. Stetson, and thirty-eight Companions made the trip. (MacNevin, p.15)  The Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in Charlottetown and Derry had exchanged visits regularly since 1969 and some of the Companions had been part of those earlier exchanges.  On April 28, 1973 a Degree Team led

by Comp. L.G. MacNevin as Right Worshipful Master conferred the Mark Master Degree in Bell Chapter for candidate Raymond Buckley of Bell Chapter and Ken Walker of Alexandra Chapter.  The Historical Lecture was given by R.Ex. Comp. A.E. Lavers and the Charge by Ex.Comp. C.G. Stetson who also presented the gift of a Canadian Flag to the High Priest of Bell Chapter, Ex.Comp. Ed Younker.

 

In addition to the awards received by the Chapter, several Companions have been honoured by Grand Chapter.  The Joseph Conway Brown Medal was first awarded in 1944 and is the most distinguished individual Award within Grand Chapter.  The following members of the Chapter have received the Medallion:

M.Ex.Comp. G. W. Wakeford  1944 M.Ex.Comp. L. M. MacKinnon  1944 M.Ex.Comp. T. G. Ives  1944 M.Ex.Comp. F. A. VanIderstine  1975

Comp. Wakeford died on September 15, 1944 just a few weeks after the Award was announced.  He was the Most Senior Past Grand High Priest at the time of his death and had been a Royal Arch Mason for sixty-nine years.  The Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. H.F. Sipprell, issued a Proclamation on September 22 requesting Constituent Chapters to observe a minute of silence after reading the Proclamation and to drape the Charter for a period of ninety days.  (Minutes, October 5, 1944)  A full Memorial Page was set aside in the Chapter’s Minute Book with a tribute written by Ex.Comp. G.G. Wood PHP.

In 1969 the Grand Chapter celebrated its centennial.  As part of the celebrations special Medals were prepared to honour Companions in each Chapter for meritorious service.  Each Chapter was requested to submit the names of three nominees.  On September 4, 1969 the Companions elected Comp. A.E. Lavers, Comp. H.R. Carruthers and Comp. R.C. Montgomery to receive the Medals.  The presentations were made later by R.Ex.Comp. W.S. Burns, District Grand Superintendent.

The Meritorious Service Medals are awarded by Grand Chapter and by Constituent Chapters.  In 1993 the Award was the Chapter honoured V.Ex.Comp. Clarence Gillis for his distinguished service to the Chapter.  The Citation noted that he had served twelve consecutive years as High Priest for the conferring of the Holy Royal Arch Degree.  Companion Gillis was Excellent High Priest of Alexandra Chapter in 1967 when the Chapter won the Grand Chapter Achievement Award.  In 1997 Alexandra Chapter bestowed the Award on R.Ex.Comp. G.L. Gillespie. (Proceedings, 1997 p.23)

In 1993 Alexandra Chapter honoured a former Secretary, V.Ex.Comp. David P. MacLean who had held the Office from 1978-1993 less three years while he served on the Council.  Comp. MacLean received the Secretary’s Long Service Medal.  Comp. MacLean was re-elected Secretary in December, 1999.

Although the Chapter did not celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a special ceremony, a very fine History of the Chapter (1863-1988) was researched and written by Ex.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin PHP.  The History was presented to the Chapter in November, 1989.  It was one of many contributions that Comp. MacNevin has made to Alexandra Chapter.  In May, 1995 the Companions were unanimous in nominating Comp. MacNevin for a Meritorious Service Medal.

Alexandra Chapter began with a small membership and growth was slow in the early decades.  Membership was reported at thirty-eight in 1892.  The years at the turn of the Century were prosperous for the Chapter and membership grew to sixty-seven by 1908.  During and immediately after World War One rapid growth occurred.  The Chapter had one hundred and seven members in 1918.  During the Great Depression the membership dropped significantly reaching a low of fifty-six in 1940.  At the end of the War the total stood at seventy-six.  A remarkable period of growth occurred in the decades following the War highlighted by the record years of 1954 and 1955 noted earlier.  The Chapter recorded its largest membership in 1974 with one hundred and eighty-three on the Roll.  The Chapter has experienced a noted decline in membership during the past two decades. Currently the total is eighty-eight.

Although the total membership has declined in recent years, the Chapter has not lost its zeal for the important principles of the Rite.  In the aftermath of the Protestant Children’s Home Project, the Chapter directed significant amounts of money from the Benevolent Fund to many worthy organizations in the Province including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Pat and the Elephant, Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Salvation Army Sunset Lodge.

In recent years the Chapter has had to deal with rising costs and with revenues that were not adequate.  Rent had risen dramatically since the 1970's when quarterly payments to the Temple Company were $227.  In 1981 the rate rose to $261.  When the per capita system of rent was introduced the Chapter was assessed $18 per member.  With one hundred and forty on the roll in 1986 the total rent was $2520.  The per capita rate rose to $20 in 1991.  The Chapter approved several increases in annual dues to cope with the rising costs.  In 1974 the annual dues were increased from $5 to $10.  The rate doubled in 1984 and increased to $30 in December, 1987.  A further increase to $40 was approved in October, 1991.  In addition special levies of $10 were approved in 1988 and 1995 to meet rising costs.

The revenue of the Chapter was further impacted as the proportion of Pre-paid Life Memberships and Honorary Life Members exceeded the dues-paying members.  An Ad Hoc Finance Committee was appointed in 1998 to study the problem and to make recommendations.  The Committee Report of June 4, 1998 contained five recommendations including the elimination of future Honorary Life Memberships,  the voluntary payment of dues by Honorary Life Members and the voluntary ‘topping up’ of annual payments to the Chapter by those who previously purchased Pre-paid Life Memberships.  In 1998 the Excellent King, Comp. T. Ron Tallon spearheaded a one-time drive to secure donations and pledges to pay down the debt of the Chapter.  The goal was $2500.  On February 4, 1999 Comp. Tallon reported that $3300 had been collected.

The accomplishments of Alexandra Chapter over one hundred and thirty-seven years are impressive.  The awards and acknowledgements are but material evidence of good works.  The commitment of the Companions to aid and assist the less fortunate in the community continues to

be a hallmark of the Chapter.  The ability of the Companions at various times to overcome adversities has strengthened the resolve of those that followed.  Throughout the years many Companions in Alexandra Chapter have served with distinction as writers, orators, leaders, historians, ritualists and Good Samaritans.  They have brought honour to themselves and to Capitular Masonry.  May Alexandra Chapter continue to make a difference!

ALEXANDRA CHAPTER OFFICERS

1999-2000

 

 High Priest  Comp. Archie Vickerson Excellent King.  Comp. Chris Vessey Excellent Scribe  Comp. John Cunningham Treasurer  Comp. Nelson Hurry Secretary  V.Ex.Comp. David MacLean Captain of the Host  Comp. Wendell Dawson Principal Sojourner  Comp. Sean MacIntosh Royal Arch Captain  Comp. David Jabbour Master of the Third Veil  Comp. James Walker Master of the Second Veil  Comp. Al MacSwain Master of the First Veil  Comp. Ralph MacLeod Archivist  Ex.Comp. Lloyd MacNevin Organist  V.Ex.Comp. Clarence Gillis Chaplain  Ex.Comp. Grant Rackham Tyler  Ex.Comp. Norman Thompson

 

PRINCE EDWARD CHAPTER NO. 12

1885

 

Sources:

A History of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia, 1869-1969

Chapter Minutes

Historical Sketch of Prince Edward Chapter (1885-1990) compiled by Comp. Philip Henderson PGHP (Hon)

Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia (Selected Years)

On January 21, 1885 a Special Convocation of Alexandra Chapter No. 11 was convened at the Masonic Hall in Charlottetown.  Ex.Comp. Charles I. Clarke, High Priest, informed the Companions present that the purpose of the Convocation was to receive and to act upon an Application from certain Companions who resided in Summerside and other points and who were desirous of opening a Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry in Summerside.

 

The Application was read and on motion of V.Ex.Comp. George W. Wakeford PHP seconded by V.Ex.Comp. Simon W. Crabbe PHP it was resolved “that Alexandra Royal Arch Chapter hereby relinquishes jurisdiction over that part of the Province of Prince Edward Island which will of rights  belong to the said Companions or Petitioners should a dispensation or charter be granted to them by the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.”  It was further resolved that “said Alexandra Chapter hereby recommends the said Petitioners to the said Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia as fit and proper persons or companions to hold a chapter in Summerside and further recommends that the prayer of said Petitioners be acceded to by the said Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.”

Prince Edward Chapter No.12 of Royal Arch Masons was organized in a marathon session in Summerside on March 16-17, 1885.  A Special Convocation was opened at the Freemasons Hall at noon in response to a Dispensation from the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  Seventeen Master Masons were present.  Companion George W. Wakeford of Alexandra Chapter No.11 in Charlottetown read the Dispensation and finding that Companions Thomas B. Reagh, Neil MacKelvie and Donald Darrach were therein named as High Priest, King and Scribe respectively called on them to take their stations as the first Council of the Chapter.  Companion Reagh then appointed the other Officers.  Companion Wakeford proclaimed ‘Prince Edward Chapter Under Dispensation’ duly organized and prepared to proceed and execute work in accordance with the Constitution of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry.  Petitions were received from four Master Masons viz John L. Thompson, George M. Doull, Leonard Morris and Emmanuel Pillman.

The Convocation resumed at 2:30 p.m. when the four petitioners were balloted on and elected.  Petitions from four additional Master Masons were received viz. James Tuplin, George T. Marsh, Charles R. Clark and Andrew Bowness.  A Lodge of Mark Masters was opened with Comp. Wakeford as Right Worshipful Master.  The four Brethren were severally advanced to the Honorary Degree of a Mark Master Mason.  The Chapter went to Refreshment and resumed Labour at 7:00 p.m.

A Lodge of Past Masters was opened with Comp. Adam Murray of Alexandra Chapter as Right Worshipful Master.  The four Mark Master Masons were severally introduced and inducted.  The Chapter was closed on the Royal Arch Degree by Comp. Wakeford after first adopting the

Bye-Laws of Alexandra Chapter No.11 “with the necessary alterations” for the present governance of the new Chapter.

The Convocation resumed at 10:30 a.m. on March 17 with Comp. Wakeford as M.Ex.H.P.  The latest petitioners were balloted on and elected.   Petitions were received from Bro.William Minto and Bro. William T. Hunt.  A Lodge of Most Excellent Masters was opened with V.Ex.Comp. Simon Crabbe of Alexandra Chapter as Right Worshipful Master.   Companions Thompson, Morris and Doull were severally received and acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters.  The Chapter went to Refreshment and resumed Labour at 2:00 p.m.

A Lodge of Mark Master Masons was opened and candidates Tuplin, Bowness and Clark were advanced to the Honorary Degree of a Mark Master Mason.  The Chapter was placed at Refreshment until 8:30 p.m.

A Lodge of Past Masters was opened with Comp. Adam Murray as Right Worshipful Master. Companions Tuplin, Bowness and Clark were introduced and inducted.  A Lodge of Most Excellent Masters was opened with Comp. Simon Crabbe as Right Worshipful Master. Companions Pillman, Tuplin, Clark and Bowness were received and acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters.

The Chapter resumed Labour on the Royal Arch Degree when Companions, Thompson, Morris, Doull, Tuplin and  Bowness “were exalted to the most sublime degree of the Holy Royal Arch.”

The Companions approved a motion of thanks to the members of Alexandra Chapter for “kindness in coming hither to help, aid and assist in this hard, hazardous and important undertaking.”

The Warrant for Prince Edward Chapter was granted on July 2, 1885.  The Chapter was constituted in an impressive Ceremony on August 27, 1885.  The Chapter opened at 7:00 p.m. with Ex.Comp. T.B. Reagh as High Priest.  It was closed on the Royal Arch Degree and M.Ex. Comp. Henry D. deBlois, Grand High Priest and R.Ex.Comp. George T. Smithers, Grand Secretary, arrived from Nova Scotia to open a Special Grand Chapter Convocation.  At 8:00 p.m. the members of Prince Edward Chapter were invited in.  Several stations were filled by Companions from Alexandra Chapter.

The Most Excellent Grand High Priest constituted the Prince Edward Chapter “in ample form and with the full ceremonies of the craft.”  After the Proclamation was made the three principal Officers named in the Warrant were duly installed.  Grand Chapter was closed and Prince Edward Chapter opened to host the Official Visit of the Grand High Priest.  Comp. Harry D. deBlois was given Grand Honours after which he addressed the Chapter.  After the Grand Chapter guests departed a Lodge of Mark Master Masons was opened with Comp. Donald Darrach as Most Worshipful Master.  Comp. Jessie Alex Strang was introduced and advanced.  Companions Crabbe and Wakeford of Alexandra Chapter applied for their Demits which were granted.

The Minutes of the early years include evidence of some of the decisions reached on the governance of the Chapter.  The Bye-Laws of Alexandra Chapter were adopted on March 16, 1885 until the Chapter adopted their own Code later in the same year.  The first review and

revision occurred in 1892.  The Companions agreed to hold Regular Convocations on the second Wednesday of February, May, August and November.  Dues were set at $1.50 but were reduced to $1 in 1897. (Minutes, August, 1897)   The Secretary was exempt from dues and clergy paid 50¢.  Currently the annual dues are $40.  The Chapter Year has been changed several times since 1885.  Initially the new Officers were elected and installed in May.  In 1895 the practise was changed to April.  Currently the Chapter elects and installs its new Officers at the December Convocation.  The most recent revision of the Bye-Laws occurred in 1994.  The changes that were adopted on June 8 included provision for a minimum of two Black Balls to reject a candidate.  Fees were raised to $80 and annual dues were set at $40.  Grand Chapter approved the Bye-Laws on May 5, 1995 but the document was lost in a file at Grand Chapter and was not returned until April 1996.  (Minutes, April 10, 1996)

The Minutes provide few details on the furnishings and paraphernalia for the Chapter in the beginning.  The Companions approved payment of $30 to Companion G. M. Doull on May 13, 1885 for furniture.  At the same Convocation thanks was extended to Comp. D.G. MacKay, Comp. G.M. Doull and Comp. Neil MacKelvie “for their exertions in getting up the paraphernalia and furniture for the use of this Chapter.  New robes were received, inspected and accepted on November 9, 1887.  The cost was $35.  An Altar was provided by St. John’s Lodge No.1 at a cost of $5.  It was delivered by Comp. J. L. Thompson.  (Minutes. August 13, 1890)

Several important decisions on the management of the Books of Minutes have been noted.  The Minutes for April 1904 to September 1906 were lost in the fire of October 10, 1906.  One report indicated that the first Minute Book was also lost in the same fire, however, the Book is intact at the Lodge Room in Kensington.  The suspected loss prompted the Chapter to request a copy of records from Grand Chapter and to prepare a handwritten duplicate of the proceedings of the Institution of the Chapter.  Following the move of the Chapter to Kensington in 1907, the Secretary was instructed to copy the Minutes previous to the 1906 fire into a proper Minute Book. (Minutes, March 11, 1908)  The Minutes for the period 1885-1895 have been completely re-written.

In the 1960's the Grand Archivist borrowed the Minute Books to prepare a history for the Centennial of Grand Chapter in 1969.  He returned the Books in 1967 with the request that the Chapter complete the unfinished history for the Anniversary.  The Grand Archivist died in 1969 before the History was completed and a Committee of Grand Chapter was formed to update the 1930 History that had been compiled by M.Ex.Comp. George Dewar MacDougall.  There wasn’t any indication that a history of Prince Edward Chapter was completed at that time.  In March1, 1991 a motion was approved to have the Minutes microfilmed for storage at the Provincial Archives.  The Minutes for 1885-1963 have since been microfilmed.

In 1956 the Companions voted to eliminate the Lunch Committee and to contract the Regent Chapter No.52 Order of the Eastern Star to provide refreshments.  At the Regular Convocation on December 20, 1956 the Companions agreed to pay $75 for the service based on twelve Regular Convocations.  The Companions were requested to contribute 50¢ per night to cover the cost.  In 1972 it was noted that the lunches were being wasted due to low attendance and Comp. Archibald Campbell was instructed to ask the Eastern Star to make smaller lunches. (Minutes, November 11, 1972)

The practise of closing the Chapter for July and August began in 1957.  The High Priest in 1957 was Comp. P.J. Kennedy.

The Chapter experienced a low period in the last decade of the Nineteenth Century.  The records show that during the ten-year period beginning in 1892 the Chapter held only seventeen Regular Convocations.  In the years of 1892, 1896, 1899 and 1901 only one Regular Convocation was held.  A total of thirty-seven Special Convocations were convened during the same ten-year period.

As an illustration of the lapse of time between some of the Convocations, the Minutes of February 13, 1896 show that seven sets of Minutes dating back to May 1895 were approved.  Several Companions were in arrears and the first reference to possible suspension for non-payment of dues was recorded in 1892.  R.Ex.Comp. Donald Darrach in his capacity as Grand Scribe reported to Grand Chapter on his Official Visit to the Chapter on May 28, 1897.  He was very candid on the condition of his Mother Chapter.  “I regret to have to report that the present year has not been a successful one for this Chapter.  Only two Convocations were held during the year 1896, so many of the members living at a distance from Summerside, it is often difficult to have a meeting and from this results a laxity in the collection of dues as well as a lack of interest in the work and business of the Chapter.  Consequently there is a large amount of dues in arrears, which it is hoped and expected will be transferred from the members’ ledger to the Treasurer’s Cash Book before the end of the current year.”  (Grand Chapter Proceedings, 1897, p. 20)  The Chapter approved settlement of accounts upon partial payment of dues in 1897-98.  Prince Edward Chapter had a membership of thirty-five in 1896-97 with more than one-half residing in the Kensington area.  (Grand Chapter Proceedings, 1897)

In 1901 the Chapter experienced an unusual circumstance.  Following the Regular Convocation in April, the Chapter was left without a proper Council.  The King and Scribe were not present in April to be Installed and the High Priest who was installed later moved from the Province.  M.Ex.Comp. Donald Darrach PGHP, wrote to the Grand Secretary in October 1901 to seek direction noting that the Chapter had not met since April.  (Letter dated October 12, 1901 to S. J. Waddell, N.S.A.R.M., M.G. 20, Vol.2935, # 4).

Consideration for moving the Chapter to Kensington was not surprising given the circumstances within the Chapter at the turn of the Century.  At the Annual Convocation on April 9, 1902 the following resolution was approved: “Resolved that Section 3 of the Bye Laws of Prince Edward Chapter be amended by striking out the word Summerside on the second line thereof and substituting the word Kensington.”  A second resolution recommended that the Petition be presented to the Most Excellent High Priest for his approval.  Comp. A. MacNeill was elected as High Priest for the following year.  The Minutes for the two years following make no reference to the actual move of Prince Edward Chapter to Kensington. (The Minutes for the period March, 1904 to September, 1906 were lost in a fire on October 10, 1906 at the residence of the Secretary, Comp. John S. Ramsay.)

The Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. W. M. Black visited the Chapter on October 20, 1905.  Due to an ‘attraction’ in Charlottetown, only eight Companions were present.  The Grand High Priest noted in his report that “the Chapter has had up-hill work for some time, and a move is on foot to remove the Chapter temporarily to Kensington.” (Proceedings, 1906, p.17)  Correspondence at

the Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management Office indicate that the Chapter approved the following Resolution in May, 1906  “Moved by Companion Joseph Read and seconded by Comp. Grady that the Secretary be instructed to ask the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons for a Dispensation to move Prince Edward Chapter to Kensington, Prince Edward Island for one year.” (M.G. 20, Vol. 2935, # 3)  The Secretary, Comp. John S. Ramsay, wrote to the Grand Secretary on August 15 and on September 3 to remind him that the Chapter had not received a reply to their request for a Dispensation.  In the September Letter he noted that it was “hard to get a meeting as a good many of our members live in the country and several of them in Kensington.  They have lately built a new hall there and have a nice Lodge Room and are quite anxious to try it for one year, they have some good material.”  (M.G. 20, Vol. 2935, # 3)

The move of Prince Edward Chapter No.12 to Kensington was authorized by a Dispensation from Grand Chapter dated September 13, 1906.  (History of Grand Chapter, p.32)

The Chapter re-located in Kensington in 1907.  The last Convocation in Summerside was held on November 30, 1906.  Six Petitions for membership were received and the applicants were balloted on later on the same evening.  Prince Edward Chapter recorded a membership of thirty-six on April 30, 1906.  The first Degrees conferred in Kensington were for Bro. Alexander Stirling MacKay of Summerside on January 10, 1907.  On the same evening four of the candidates who petitioned on November 30 in Summerside were advanced, inducted and acknowledged.  Comp. Donald Darrach presided.  The first Petitions for membership in Kensington were received on February 13, 1907 from Bro. Hugh B. MacKay of Prince Edward Lodge, Bro. Ken MacKay from Mount Zion Lodge and Bro. John Yeo of Alexandra Lodge.  The Brethren were exalted to the most Sublime Degree of a Royal Arch Mason on March 13, 1907.  On April 30, 1907 recorded a membership of forty-six.  Three of the new members resided in Margate and five had the surname, ‘McKay / MacKay’. (M.G. 20, Vol. 1911)

The first two years in Kensington were busy years for the Chapter.  Eleven Special and three Regular Convocations were held in 1907.  M.Ex.Comp. A.G. MacLean, PGHP, on Commission from the Grand High Priest visited on September 28, 1907.  At the Regular Convocation on March 11, 1908 the Companions approved eleven sets of Minutes for Special Convocations.  A Dispensation was received from Grand Chapter authorizing Prince Edward Chapter to continue in Kensington until September 13, 1908. The Secretary was instructed to procure a new Seal for the Chapter and a catalogue listing Royal Arch paraphernalia.  A framed Certificate with the Seal of the Grand Chapter and dated November 25, 1908 was also received and was displayed in the Lodge Room.  The Certificate provided authority to the Chapter to hold Convocations in Kensington until the Charter was relocated.

On March 10, 1909 M.Ex.Comp. Simon W. Crabbe PGHP visited the Chapter to receive “an expression of opinion of the members as to the location of the Chapter in future.”  After due consideration of the conditions affecting the Chapter the following resolution was approved viz. “that this Chapter respectively petition the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia to continue the Dispensation to meet, work and transact business at Kensington as heretofore for a period of two years or until such time as there shall be sufficient numbers of Companions in Summerside who will fill the Offices of this Chapter and perform the duties belonging thereto or otherwise if thought best by the Grand Chapter for the interest of this Chapter to make Kensington its permanent home.”  On November 10, 1909 a Communication from Grand Chapter

authorized Prince Edward No. 12 “to rent, work and transact business at Kensington under permanent Dispensation.”

Prince Edward Chapter had always enjoyed the cooperation of the Craft Lodges in providing the Lodge Room as a meeting place.  The various rental agreements have often required compromise.  Initially the rent paid to Mount Lebanon Lodge for use of the Lodge Room in the Crabbe Building was $25 annual.  In 1897 the Chapter requested a meeting to negotiate a lowering of the rent from $15 to $10 annually.  The rate for the Mount Zion Lodge Room in 1908 was 75¢ per night.  The rate was increased to $2.50 per night with a minimum of $35 per annum in 1918.   By 1956 the Lodge proposed $135 annually but following a meeting requested by the Chapter the rate was set at $100.  In 1967 the Trustees proposed doubling the rate but settled for $150.  The rate was increased to $200 in the 1970's and to $400 in the 1980's.  In 1998 the Chapter was assessed $884 annually for rent.

The decade of the 1960's was one of the strongest for the Chapter.  The Chapter won the Grand Chapter Harris Proficiency Cup in 1964.  It was presented at the Annual Convocation in Halifax on May 15, 1965. (Minutes, May 26, 1965)  The Council for the Chapter in 1964 included Ex.Comp A.R. Profitt (High Priest), Ex.Comp. A.K. Lord (Excellent King) and Ex.Comp. W.J. Lewis (Excellent Scribe). Thirteen candidates were exalted in 1964 bringing the membership to one hundred and thirty-seven. Membership reached its peak at one hundred and forty-three in 1966.  In 1966 the Chapter donated $100 to Mount Zion Lodge “to help defray expenses due to improvements they have completed in Lodge above and below.” (Minutes, April 1, 1966)  The generosity of the Companions even extended to an employee at the local Bank.  In 1964 a motion was approved “that the young lady at the Bank be given a gift of chocolates for the work she did in helping our Audit Committee by writing up a statement from the Bank for the past four years.” (Minutes, December 9, 1964)

Prince Edward Chapter has established a solid record of support for local and regional charities.  The Companions have been generous in their donations to projects of Royal Arch Masonry in the Jurisdiction and to families in the community with special needs.  The Chapter was ‘first off the mark’ in some of the major projects of the Order.

The Royal Arch Masons of Prince Edward Island provided significant support to the Protestant Orphanage in Mount Herbert for several decades.   The Orange Order, which had provided financial support for the old Orphanage, requested the aid from the Masonic Fraternity for the new Orphanage .  The Companions of Prince Edward Chapter deferred a decision on contributing to the ‘Orange Orphanage’ since the Committee Board did not include any Masons. (Minutes, June 9, 1920)  However, the Chapter became the first in the Province to offer funding for the new Orphanage on April 13, 1921 when $100 was voted for the Building Fund.  The motion to approve the funding was placed by M.Ex. Comp. Donald Darrach and was perhaps his last work within the Chapter before his death on December 13, 1921.  Prince Edward Chapter again donated $100 to the Orphanage in 1922 before a joint committee of the three Chapters recommended that Royal Arch Masons provide aid to purchase furnishings and equipment for the school room at the Orphanage.  Financial support for the Royal Arch Masonry School Fund was forwarded with the per capita assessment each year.  Grand Chapter refunded a pro-rated amount of the Chapter’s assessment to the School Fund.  In the 1960's that amount ranged from $50 to $70.  A Financial Statement from the School Fund was received annually.  The Chapter noted

large unused surpluses each year and in 1968 the Secretary of the Fund was asked to explain the surplus and to advise if the Chapter’s contribution was needed.  Comp. A.E. Lavers indicated that the Chapter had a choice in the matter.  Prince Edward  Chapter chose to discontinue its support of the School Fund in 1968 and to redirect the funds to the Foster Child Project.

On April 1, 1966 Prince Edward Chapter approved a motion to “provide for an orphan” through the ‘Foster Parents Plan’.  Monthly fees of $17 were forwarded and a special donation was authorized in December each year to provide a Christmas gift for the child in Hong Kong.  In September 1971 the Chapter owed the Plan $51.  The Secretary was instructed to write the Plan advising “our resource would not allow sending any more money.”  (Minutes, September 13, 1971)

In 1995 M.Ex.Comp. H.K. Weiland, Grand High Priest, encouraged the financial support of Royal Arch Masonry for the Glaucoma Research Foundation for the treatment and research into Glaucoma.  Prince Edward Chapter contributed $200 in the first year.  (Minutes, September 13, 1995)  In 1996 a collection was taken at the Regular June Convocation and $270 was received for the Glaucoma Foundation.  In 1997 the Chapter forwarded $160 to the Fund which recorded more than $14,000 in the first year and $33,610.50 in total by February 1998.  (Proceedings, 1998, p. 47).

The Chapter has regularly supported local campaigns to assist families especially when medical treatment was required.  In 1986 the Companions donated $100 to a local Trust Fund for Mr. “C” and requested an additional $300 from the Grand Chapter Benevolent Fund for the same cause.  In 1988 three youth in the area who were receiving treatment for cancer were assisted financially by the Chapter and $300 was requested from Grand Chapter to match the local donation.  In 1997 $200 was voted for Mr. and Mrs. “S” who required surgery.

The Companions have not neglected the social aspect of the Order.  From the earliest records to the most recent there was frequent reference to planned social events.  On August 12, 1885 just one month after the Chapter was consecrated, the Companions received an invitation to attend the much-publicized Masonic Picnic at Cape Traverse on August 19.

Prince Edward Chapter celebrated its Centennial in 1985.  An Anniversary Committee was established in May 1984 with Comp. Carl Smith as Chairperson.  The Grand Council and Comp. Philip Henderson was added to the original four-member Committee in January 1985.  The Council for 1985 consisted of Comp. David Johnson (High Priest), Comp. Robert Cushing (Excellent King) and Comp. Alan R. MacLeod (Excellent Scribe).

The main event in the celebration was the Divine Service held at Kensington United Church on June 30.  Sixty-one members and guests from other Chapters, the Craft Lodges and Grand Chapter were in attendance. Collections amounting to $165 were intended for the Committee for hiring a Chaplain at the Prince County Hospital but when the plan was dropped the money was forwarded to the Equipment Fund of the Hospital.  The Air Cadet Band from C.F.B. Summerside was in attendance.  Following the Service a luncheon was held at the Murray Christian Centre.

The Divine Service was conducted by Comp. J. Allan Paisley who had been exalted to the Royal Arch Degree on June 14.  Marion Millar and Marcia Clark served as pianist and organist

respectively.  The guest speaker was Rev. Alex MacDowell of Bellville, Ontario.  Music was provided by the Masonic Choir from Prince Edward Lodge No.14 with organist, Mrs. Chris Burdett.  The guest soloist was Comp. Thomas Henderson, PGM of the Grand Lodge of Arizona.

On June 11, 1986 the Companions voted to purchase gold Bars for the Chapter Regalia and gold braid for the Sashes to acknowledge the Centennial of the Chapter.

The Chapter won the Grand Chapter Achievement Award for 1989. The Annual Award recognizes Chapters that excel in promoting the quality and welfare of Royal Arch Masonry.   The Council in that year consisted of Ex.Comp. Ira Moase (High Priest), Comp. Barry Thompson (Excellent King) and Comp. Armel Taylor (Excellent Scribe).  Several members of the Chapter held positions of responsibility within Grand Chapter in 1989-90.  M.Ex.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley was Grand High Priest, R.Ex.Comp. William MacEwen was District Grand Superintendent, V.Ex.Comp. Philip Henderson was Grand Captain of the Host.  R.Ex.Comp. A.R. Profitt PDGS won the J. Conway Brown Medallion.  Several special events were arranged during the year.  Divine Worship was held at Kensington United Church on November 12.  Following the Service the members accompanied by their ladies gathered at the Travellers Inn for dinner.  The Annual Rededication Service was held as part of the Regular Convocation on November 8.  Comp. Roy Boates was the guest speaker.  The Chapter presented a Gavel and Stand to M.Ex.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley when he made his Official Visit on December 18.

Several Companions within the Chapter have been appointed as District Grand Superintendent for District 5 in the Grand Chapter.  The Companions so honoured include:  R.Ex.Comp. Waldron H. Darrach (1925-27; 39-41), R.Ex.Comp. F.D. Marks (1932-34), R.Ex.Comp. J.E.S. Sinclair (1944-46), R.Ex.Comp. Reginald E. Ellis (1949-51), R.Ex.Comp. D. Roscoe Walker (1953-54). R.Ex.Comp.L.C. Ramsay (1958-60), R.Ex. Comp. S. Leaman Caseley (1964-65), R.Ex.Comp. Wilfred S. Burns (1970-71), R.Ex.Comp. Arthur R. Profitt (1973-74),  R.Ex.Comp. Archibald E. Campbell (1978-79), R.Ex.Comp. Philip H. Henderson (1983-85), R.Ex.Comp. William M. MacEwen (1989-91), R.Ex.Comp. W. Murray Brown (1995-97).

Several Companions within the Chapter have been honoured by being elected or appointed to office in the Grand Chapter.  The following is a list of those so honoured:

 

 COMPANION OFFICE  TERM V.Ex.Comp. Thomas B. Reagh Grand Chaplain 1886-91

 M.Ex.Comp. Donald Darrach  Grand Royal Arch Captain 1886-87

   Grand Pursuivant  1891-92   Grand Scribe  1896-97   Grand High Priest  1897-98 V.Ex.Comp. John Thompson  Grand Master 2nd Veil  1887-88   Grand Captain of the Host  1888-89   Grand Master 1st Veil  1931-32 V.Ex.Comp. Leonard Morris  Grand Master 1st Veil  1890-91   Grand Steward  1894-95

 COMPANION OFFICE  TERM V.Ex.Comp. Neil MacKelvie  Grand Royal Arch Captain  1899-00 V.Ex.Comp. A. R. Brennan  Grand Royal Arch Captain  1900-01 V.Ex.Comp. C. A. MacPhail  Grand Standard Bearer  1901-02 V.Ex.Comp. John Munroe  Grand Steward  1906-07 V.Ex.Comp. J. S. Ramsay  Grand Master 1st Veil  1907-08 V.Ex.Comp. Waldron Darrach  Grand Master 2nd Veil  1921-22 V.Ex.Comp. William MacLean  Grand Steward  1928-29   Grand Standard Bearer  1930-31 V.Ex.Comp. H. Lloyd Howard  Grand Steward  1937-38   Grand Master 1st Veil  1945-46 V.Ex.Comp. John E. Sinclair  Grand Captain of the Host  1938-39 V.Ex.Comp. Emory H. MacFarlane  Grand Master 1st Veil  1941-42 V.Ex.Comp. E. T. Glydon  Grand Steward  1951-52 V.Ex.Comp. W.R. Thompson  Grand Steward  1955-56 V.Ex.Comp. Harry E. Daley  Grand Royal Arch Captain  1957-58 V.Ex.Comp. Wilfred Burns  Grand Steward  1963-64   Grand Steward  1967-68 V.Ex.Comp. Arthur S. Larkin  Grand Master 1st Veil  1968-69 V.Ex.Comp. G. A. Daley  Grand Tyler  1974-75 V.Ex.Comp. A. Keith Lord  Grand Master 1st Veil  1977-78 V.Ex.Comp. J.W.M. Thompson  Grand Standard Bearer  1976-77 M.Ex.Comp.S. Leaman Caseley  Grand Steward  1960-61   Grand Scribe  1987-88   Grand King  1988-89   Grand High Priest  1989-90 V.Ex.Comp. W.M. MacEwen  Grand Steward  1982-83 V.Ex.Comp. G. R.. MacRae Grand Master 1st Veil 1985-86

 V.Ex.Comp. J. A. Paisley  Grand Chaplain  1986-87 V.Ex.Comp. F. D. Randall  Grand Steward  1987-88 R.Ex.Comp. Philip Henderson  Grand Captain of the Host  1989-90   Grand Captain of the Host  1996-97 V.Ex.Comp. Ian T. Henderson  Grand Steward  1991-92 V.Ex.Comp. W. Murray Brown  Grand Standard Bearer  1994-95 M.Ex.Comp. W. Eric Ingraham  Grand Chaplain (Union Chapter

No.7) 1970-71

    Grand Chaplain (LaHave No.17)  1981-82    Grand Chaplain  1989-90    Grand Scribe  1994-95    Grand King  1995-96    Grand High Priest  1996-97 V.Ex.Comp. Lyman Moase  Grand Steward  1998-99

Individual Companions have also received significant honours either from Grand Chapter or from within the Chapter.  In 1969 Grand Chapter celebrated its Centennial and a Commemorative Jewel was designed to mark the occasion.  Constituent Chapters were permitted to award a jewel to three worthy Companions ‘for meritorious service’ and Prince Edward Chapter recommended the following recipients Comp. John A. Johnston, Comp. Waldron .H. Darrach and Comp. Harry E. Daley. (Minutes, September 10, 1969)  Comp. Darrach’s Jewel is attached to his portrait in the Lodge Room.

The Joseph Conway Brown Medallion recognizes meritorious service to Capitular Masonry. It is the most coveted individual award in Grand Chapter and has been awarded annually since 1944.  The following members of Prince Edward Chapter have been selected as winners of the Medallion:

R.Ex.Comp. D.R. Walker  1984 R.Ex.Comp. A.R. Profitt  1989 M.Ex.Comp. S.L. Caseley  1993 R.Ex.Comp. W.M. MacEwen  1994 M.Ex.Comp. W.E. Ingraham  1999

The Meritorious Service Medal was awarded by Grand Chapter to R.Ex.Comp. Philip Henderson in 1993 for outstanding service to his Chapter and to his community.  (Minutes, October 16, 1993)  Ex.Comp. G. Reginald MacRae received the Meritorious Service Medal from Prince Edward Chapter in 1995 for “his faithful guidance and assistance over many years.”  (Minutes, October 9, 1996)

R.Ex.Comp. Philip H. Henderson received the Honorary Rank of Past Grand High Priest at the Annual Convocation in Summerside in May 1997.  Companion Henderson served as District Grand Superintendent (1983-85) and was Grand Captain of the Host for two terms (1989-90 and 1996-97).

Several items in the Chapter Room remind the Companions of the generosity of the Fraternity past and present.  The Altar Bible was presented in November 1990 by Ex.Comp. Philip Henderson PGDS in memory of Ex.Comp. Roy Boates.  The Gold Chain of Office worn by the presiding High Priest was presented by Ex.Comp. Keith Lord, Immediate Past High Priest in December 1966.  Comp. Leo T. Seguin donated the Provincial Flag upon his departure from the community in June 1972.  The Royal Arch Banner was a gift from Alexandra Chapter No. 11 in May 1999.  The Regalia Cupboard in the Ante Room was donated by R.Ex.Comp. Arthur R. Profitt PDGS in April 1990.

Prince Edward Chapter has hosted two Annual Convocations of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia in recent years.  In 1990 the event was held at Mill River on May 4-5.  The Grand High Priest was M.Ex.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley.  Twenty-six of the twenty-eight Constituent Chapters were represented by Officers and/or Past High Priests. The total attendance of one hundred and sixty-five was claimed as the largest in Grand Chapter history. (Minutes, May 9, 1990)

In 1997 the event was held at the Silver Fox Curling Club in Summerside on May 2-3.  One hundred and eleven Companions were present.  The Grand High Priest was M.Ex.Comp. W. Eric Ingraham.  Prince Edward Chapter later presented Comp. Ingraham with a Plaque and Letter Opener “in appreciation of the honour he has brought to our Chapter and for all the assistance he has been to its members.”  (Minutes, October 8, 1997)

Prince Edward Chapter of Royal Arch Masons has been a significant force for Freemasonry in this Jurisdiction for more than a century.  The record of the Chapter in charitable activity is second to none.  Many local families in their time of need have been the beneficiaries of the generosity of the Companions.  The great ritualists within the Chapter have repeatedly provided assistance to the other Chapters when Degree work required the greatest expertise.  Many of the greatest leaders and orators in the Order were exalted in Prince Edward Chapter.  Those have brought honour to themselves and to the Chapter.  As the Chapter celebrates one hundred and fifteen years of work may the commitment stand and the good deeds continue. Happy Anniversary!

PRINCE EDWARD CHAPTER OFFICERS

1999-2000

 

 High Priest  Comp. J. Cooke Howatt

 Excellent King  Comp. J. William Heffel Excellent Scribe  Comp. A. Charles Rogers Treasurer  V.Ex.Comp. Lyman F. Moase Secretary  R.Ex.Comp. William M. MacEwen Captain of the Host  Comp. Armel W. Taylor Principal Sojourner  Comp. Hilbert L. Woodside Royal Arch Captain  Comp. Albert Timmons Master of the 3rd Veil  Comp. M. Robert MacDonald Master of the 2nd Veil  Comp. Kenneth C. MacKay Master of the 1st Veil  Comp. Gerald D. Laughlin Archivist  M.Ex.Comp. Philip H. Henderson Tyler  Comp. Kenneth J. Mann

 

 

KING SOLOMON CHAPTER NO. 28

1957

 

Sources:

A History of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia 1869-1969

 Chapter Minutes

 History of King Solomon Chapter No. 28 O’Leary, P.E. Island, V.J. Campbell, Archivist, undated)*

 Proceedings of Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia (selected years

 * A six-page supplement was attached to Comp. Campbell’s History but without author’s name or date of publication)

 On November 7, 1955 twenty-seven Master Masons from the Craft Lodges of Alexandra No.5, Zetland No.7 and Corinthian No.19 having “a desire to advance the cause of Masonry” requested that their Brethren‘‘who are Companions of Alexandra Chapter No.11 and Prince Edward Chapter No.12 petition the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland for a Dispensation to open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at O’Leary by designation of King Solomon.”  Accordingly a Dispensation was issued on December 26, 1955 by Most Excellent Companion M.R. Chappell, Grand High Priest, permitting R.Ex.Comp. H. Randolph Carruthers as High Priest, R.Ex.Comp. David Roscoe Walker as King and V.Ex.Comp. William Roy Thompson as Scribe and other petitioners to convene at O’Leary ‘Under Dispensation.’ (The Petition and Report are engrossed in the first Minute Book.)

Thirty Companions and Brethren are listed as Petitioners on the Charter viz. James R. McMahon, Alton Webb, John Earle (sic) Stanley Maynard, Thomas Adams, Vernon James Campbell, Charles F. MacKay, Lloyd George Dewar, Donald F. MacLean, Ralph Carmen MacNeill,  James Elroy Ramsay,  Wayne Newcombe, Robert Woodside, Robert Gordon Millar,  Gordon Lord, Frank VanIderstine, Dalvay Murchison,  Randolph Carruthers, Waldin (sic) Darrach, Roscoe Walker,  Harry Daley, Ralph Kenneth Adams,  Colin MacPherson, Gerald Douglas Cornish, William Claude Jelley, James Edward Milligan, William Leigh Newcombe, George Alfred Phillips, Norman LeRoy Morrison, Eston Spurgeon Ramsay and Edwin Albert Hansen (sic).  After the Chapter was constituted some of the petitioners who resided outside the Jurisdiction of King Solomon Chapter and belonged to another Chapter took their Demit.

The first Convocation for the Companions of King Solomon Chapter was held in the Hiram and Lebanon Lodge Room in Summerside on April 7, 1956. The Convocation was attended by twenty-two Companions from Prince Edward Chapter No.12 and thirty-eight Companions from Alexandra No.11.  It was opened at 1:30 p.m. by R.Ex.Comp. Frank A. VanIderstine, Grand Superintendent of District 5, who read the Dispensation authorizing the Institution of King Solomon Chapter.  Twenty-four Brethren were elected to receive the Degrees of  Royal Arch Masonry in the Chapter. (The supplement to Campbell’s History listed the names of thirty-six petitioners who were elected on April 7, 1956)  The ceremonies were  were conducted during the afternoon and evening for the several Petitioners by Companions of Prince Edward Chapter No.12 and Alexandra Chapter No.11. (Comp. V.J. Campbell, p.1-2)

The first Regular Convocation in O’Leary was held in the Corinthian Lodge Room on April 27, 1956.  The members of the first Council were those nominated in the Petition viz. Comp. J.R. McMahon as High Priest, Comp. Stanley Maynard as King and Comp. Athol Webb as Scribe.  A vote of thanks was approved for the Ladies of the Church of England in Summerside for the meal served to the representatives of King Solomon Chapter on April 7.

Corinthian Lodge Room has been the principal meeting place for King Solomon Chapter since its beginning.   Comp. Ralph Adams chaired the first Committee which met with representatives of Corinthian Lodge concerning rent, heat and light for the Chapter. The initial rate was $40 per year.  The rate increased to $80 in the 1960's and to $100 in the 1980's.  Currently the annual rate is $200.  On occasion the Convocations have been held in the Alexandra Lodge Room at Port Hill.  The Annual Rededication Service in the autumn was held at the Alexandra Lodge for several years.

The first petitions for membership were received at the Regular Convocation on May 9, 1956.  The Mark Master Mason Degree was conferred on Bro. George Gorrill, Bro. Lloyd MacWilliams, Bro. Henry Birch, Bro. Edward Adams, Bro. Leith MacLean, Bro. Oswald Yeo and Bro. Perley Rodd.  M.E.Comp. Waldron H. Darrach PHP from Prince Edward Chapter conferred the Degrees with the assistance of Comp. Arthur Larkin, Comp. Leaman Caseley, Comp. Wilfred Burns, Comp. Bill Conkey, Comp. Frank Beairsto, Comp. Leslie Ramsay and Comp. Harry Daley all from Prince Edward Chapter No. 12.

On May 22, 1956 representatives of Grand Chapter visited for the first time.  R.Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers, Grand King and R.Ex.Comp. H.F. Sipprell, Grand Secretary from Wolfville, Nova Scotia attended.  The High Priest, Comp. J.R. McMahon, a local clergyman, had been transferred to Nova Scotia.  Comp. G.K. Maynard presided at the Visitation.

Grand Chapter issued a Dispensation in June, 1956 authorizing King Solomon Chapter to continue Under Dispensation until the next Annual Convention. (The reason for the delay in approving the Charter was not given in the Communication) Until the Chapter was deemed able to confer the Royal Arch Degree the candidates were expected to attend Prince Edward Chapter in Kensington to be exalted.  Six Companions who received the Most Excellent Master Degree on July 22 visited Prince Edward Chapter on August 16, 1956 and were exalted to the Royal Arch Degree. The untimely death of one of those Companions, Geoffrey Godden, less than a week later was mourned  at the Regular Convocation in O’Leary on August 24 and condolences were issued.

In September, 1956 the Chapter decided to have its own team to confer Degrees. A Rehearsal was held in October with Comp. W.S. Burns of Prince Edward Chapter leading the instruction.  The first Mark Master Degrees were conferred on January 25, 1957 by a team led by Comp. Athol Webb as Right Worshipful Master, Comp. George Dewar as Senior Grand Warden and Comp. Vernon Campbell as Junior Grand Warden.  The candidates were Leland Gilcash, Errol Stetson, Ord Sharpe, Edward MacAusland and Guy Boulter.

On May 25, 1957 the five Most Excellent Masters received their Royal Arch Degree in Alexandra Chapter, Charlottetown.  The Companions were part of a group of eleven candidates who were exalted at the Special Convocation attended by seventy-two Royal Arch Masons

including the Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. R.V. Hogan.  Twelve Companions from King Solomon Chapter were present.  The Convocation was part of an annual Masonic Weekend and was held at the YMCA on Prince Street since the new Temple on Hillsboro Street was not completed and Alexandra Chapter had recently experienced its third fire in less than seventeen months forcing the Chapter from its latest temporary quarters in the Island Motor Transport building on Market Square.

The first Royal Arch Degree conferred in O’Leary was on August 23, 1957.  The team was led M.Ex.Comp. D.R. Walker PHP as Right Worshipful Master, Comp. J.E. Maynard as Excellent King and Comp. Athol Webb as Excellent Scribe.  The candidates were Comp. Donald MacKenzie, Comp. Harris Rogers and Comp. John Coughlin.  In May, 1958  the Royal Arch Degree was conferred at Alexandra Chapter for three candidates viz. Lloyd Dalton, Ralph Boulter and Russell Lockhart. Comp. Walker returned on numerous occasions to confer the Royal Arch Degree at King Solomon Chapter. (Minutes, October 31, 1958, May 26, 1961, June 26, 1964, July 25, 1966)

The Bye-Laws for the new Chapter were adopted on April 26, 1957 and forwarded to Grand Chapter for approval.  The Bye-Laws called for the election of Officers at the Regular Convocation in January with Installation in February.  Since 1959 the Chapter has held its election of new Officers and Installation in December.  The change was made official in 1966 when Section 5 of the Bye-Laws was amended.  (Minutes, March 22, 1966)  An interesting situation developed during the election of Officers in 1966 when there wasn’t any nominee for the position of Secretary.  The Chapter was called to Refreshment and Comp. Woodside left to contact Comp. Boates (Randall B. Boates) who accepted the position of Secretary. (Minutes, December 19, 1966)  In 1992 Section 5 was again amended to provide for the Installation of new Officers in January.  (Minutes, January 23, 1993)  In 1963 the Chapter approved closing for the months of July and August.  The motion was rescinded in June 1968.  In 1966 the Chapter voted to change the meeting night from the fourth Friday to the fourth Monday of each Month.  The decision was prompted in part by the “store opening on Friday nights”. (Minutes, June 24, 1966)

 

King Solomon Chapter hosted its first Rededication Service on October 30, 1957.  Companions from Alexandra and Prince Edward Chapters were present. M.Ex.Comp. D.R. Walker PHP led the Companions in the Obligation.  Rev. Heber Kean gave the Address.

 

The most historic Convocation in King Solomon Chapter occurred on September 18, 1957 when Grand Chapter convened a Special Convocation for the purpose of constituting and consecrating King Solomon Chapter No. 28.  Members and guests attended a banquet at the Legion Home after which the Officers of Grand Chapter led by M.Ex.Comp. Robert Vans Hogan as Grand High Priest opened the Special Convention of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia.  The following slate of Officers of King Solomon Chapter was then installed by the Grand

High Priest assisted by R.Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers, R.Ex.Comp. M.R. Chappell, R.Ex.Comp. H.F. Sipprell, Ex.Comp. H.E. Daley and R.Ex.Comp. D.R. Walker:

 

 High Priest

 Comp. James R. McMahon

 Excellent King

 Comp. J.E. Stanley Maynard

 Excellent Scribe

 Comp. Athol R. Webb

 Treasurer

 Comp. Douglas Adams

 Secretary

 Comp. Vernon J. Campbell

 Captain of the Host

 Comp. James E. Milligan

 Principal Sojourner

 Comp. L.George Dewar

 Royal Arch Captain

 Comp. Donald MacLean

 Grand Master of the Third Veil

  Comp. Rupert C. MacNeill

 Grand Master of the Second Veil

 Comp. Elroy Ramsay

 Grand Master of the First Veil

 Comp. William Newcombe

 Tyler

 Comp. Robert Woodside

 

The Grand High Priest presented the Charter which was dated June 4, 1957 and signed by the Grand Council.  Forty-eight Companions attended the Special Convention including five Grand Chapter Officers.  Alexandra and Prince Edward Chapters were also represented.  Greetings were received from nine Chapters in the Jurisdiction.  R.W.Bro. Errol Stetson, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, brought greetings from the Grand Master.  (Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia, 1958, p.4)

 

The Chapter experienced steady growth in its first decade.  Eight candidates were exalted in each of the first two years bringing the membership to fifty-two on December 31, 1958.  (Proceedings of Grand Chapter, 1958)  The Chapter recorded its largest membership in 1966 with fifty-seven Companions on the Roll.  The Chapter recorded its first suspensions for non-payment of dues in

1966 when three Companions were suspended.  (Minutes, November 28, 1966)  In the second decade the total membership declined to a low of thirty-eight in 1975.  In the last quarter-century the total has ranged from a low of forty to a high of fifty-four in 1992 when six Companions were exalted.

 

The Companions acted promptly to equip the new Chapter.  M.E.Comp. M.R. Chappell PHP (1956) donated $50 to the Chapter for furnishings.  Alexandra Chapter presented an Ark as a gift in September, 1956.  Comp. Elmo Crozier donated a Chapter Book of Marks in September 1957.  Members of Regent Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in Kensington were hired to make fifty Aprons in October 1956 and material was ordered for three Veils ($40.) in 1957.  Regent Chapter were also contracted to make six Robes in 1959 at a cost of $151 including material.  On September 27, 1957 the Chapter approved payment for framing of the Charter by R.T. Holman Ltd. ($5.87), one hundred Royal Arch Pennies ($60) and a set of Veil Banners ($79.35).  In December 1957, $500. insurance was placed on the Chapter’s equipment. (Minutes, December 13, 1957)

 

The first recorded attendance at Divine Worship was on September 16, 1962 when the Chapter received a Dispensation to attend O’Leary United Church in full Regalia.  The Brethren of the three Blue Lodges in the area were invited to join King Solomon Chapter on that occasion.  In many years the Chapter accompanies Corinthian Lodge or one of the other Lodges in attending Divine Worship. On October 1, 1967 the Chapter and the three Blue Lodges attended Divine Worship in Alberton United Church.  The Worship was the only event in the Centennial Celebrations for Zetland Lodge No.7 which was experiencing a prolonged low period in its history.  Ex.Comp. L. George Dewar organized the event with King Solomon Chapter acting as host.  Ex.Comp. Lloyd MacWilliams, High Priest, presided at the opening and closing of the Lodge in Alberton.

 

The Companions have always recognized the value of social events and have maintained a varied calendar of such activity.  The first reference in the Minutes is to a dinner for members and their ladies at Birch Hill Tourist Home in Summerside following attendance at Divine Worship in Trinity United Church in Summerside.  (Minutes, May 24, 1959)  The first Entertainment Committee was appointed in October, 1959.  The Committee organized a social hour for members and their wives following the Regular Convocation on November 27, 1959.  In 1965 Ex.Comp. L. George Dewar hosted a lobster supper at his cottage in Brae.  Tickets for a lobster supper at the cookhouse in West Point in 1966 cost $1.50. Comp. Robert Woodside is credited with first recommending a Chapter Banquet in 1961.  The first Banquet was catered to by the Knutsford W.I. in September and featured a chicken/turkey dinner.  Tickets sold for $1.50.  The Ladies’ Night Banquet has continued as a tradition.  In the 1970's the event was changed to the

springtime and was held in conjunction with a Regular Convocation with the ladies joining the Companions after the meeting.  Lobster was the usual fare.  In 1972 the Companions and their ladies enjoyed lobster and rolls at Comp. L.G. Dewar’s home. The meal was followed by a slide presentation by Comp. Errol Stetson on his trip to Florida.  In May 1974 the Entertainment Committee was instructed that the lobster was not to exceed $2 per person.  In the 1980's the Ladies’ Night Supper took the form of pot luck and was often held at the Elmsdale Community Centre.  The entertainment following the meal in 1991 was a film on P.E.I. Trains presented by Comp. Keith Pratt who was a regular summer visitor from his home in Florida where he attended Aden Chapter No.133.  The annual visit of the Grand High Priest has also been an opportunity for the Companions and their ladies to enjoy a meal together at a local dining establishment prior to the Convocation.  On an earlier occasion the Grand High Priest joined the Companions for oyster stew at the home of R.Ex.Comp. L. George Dewar and Mrs. Dewar.  (Minutes, November 17, 1975)

 

Comp. Dewar chaired a special event in December 1967 when the Brethren from all three of the Craft Lodges in the area were invited to a social evening.  Thirty-five Freemasons who were not members of the Chapter attended.  The meal was catered and a live band entertained.

 

The Companions have upheld the principle of charity in several ways.  Support for the Protestant Orphanage was an annual initiative achieved through an assessment by Grand Chapter that was refunded to the Royal Arch Masons School Fund.  When the School ceased to operate in 1976 the Chapter discussed a project to replace the Fund.  Financial gifts to the O’Leary Hospital in memory of deceased Companions has been a tradition for several years.  Examples of charitable work from the Minutes include a financial donation to the widow of a departed Companion (Minutes, December, 1973), donation to the Stewart Memorial Health Centre (Minutes, June, 1992) and donations to new Chapters in Springhill, Nova Scotia and Springdale, Newfoundland to assist with the purchase of Regalia.  M.Ex.Comp. Harald R.K. Weiland, Grand High Priest, encouraged the support of each Chapter for the ‘Glaucoma Fund’ to support treatment and research through Dalhousie University.  There wasn’t any reference to a donation from King Solomon Chapter although one of its members contributed through the Chapter.  (Minutes, November 23, 1998)

 

In 1969 Grand Chapter celebrated its Centennial.  To help mark the occasion a Commemorative Medal was produced.  Each Chapter was permitted to award the Centennial Medal for meritorious service to a maximum of three worthy Companions.  At the Regular Convocation on August 25, 1969 the Companions selected Ex.Comp. L.G. Dewar, R.Ex.Comp. Donald F. MacLean and R.Ex.Comp. Alton R. Webb to receive the Awards.  Ex. Comp. Vernon Campbell presented the

Medals on October 29, 1969.  Comp. MacLean was absent and received his Medal on December 29.

 

On the evening that Comp Donald MacLean received his Commemorative Medal he was elected as Secretary of the Chapter.  He served that Office continually for twenty-seven years.  On August 24, 1992 Companion MacLean was presented with the ‘Secretary’s Long Service Medal’ by M.Ex.Comp. Robert Mundy, Grand High Priest, during his Official Visit.  Ex.Comp. Vernon J.Campbell was the first Secretary of King Solomon Chapter.  He held the position until 1969 except for an interval when he served on the Council.  Comp. Campbell forwarded a three-page History of King Solomon Chapter in a letter to the Companions that was acknowledged at the Regular Convocation on February 24, 1975.  Comp. Campbell died less than three weeks later while in Halifax to receive the Thirty-Second Degree of Scottish Rite Masonry.  (Minutes, March 24, 1975)

 

The outstanding contribution of V.Ex.Comp. Lloyd MacWilliams was also recognized on August 24, 1992 during the visit of the Grand High Priest.  The ‘Meritorious Service Medal’ was presented to Comp. Craig Silliker, grandson of Comp. MacWilliams.  Comp. MacWilliams died just two days after the Award was presented.  Comp. MacWilliams had been present at the April Convocation when he was nominated for the Award by Comp. Vance MacKay.  Comp. MacWilliams built and donated the Altar, a large storage cabinet with glass doors and the three Candle Holders. (Minutes, selected dates)

 

The most prestigious honour conferred by Grand Chapter is the Joseph Conway Brown Bronze Medallion.  The Award recognizes “meritorious service to Capitular Masonry.”  Two members of King Solomon Chapter have received the Award viz. R.Ex.Comp. L. George Dewar (1983) and R.Ex.Comp. Donald F. MacLean (1988).

 

Comp. Dewar’s distinguished Masonic career and his solid contribution to his community were recognized in the Citation delivered in Gander, Newfoundland where the Medallion was presented. “Rt.Ex.Comp. L. George Dewar is well known throughout Prince Edward Island for his community work and is considered by the Masons of that Province as one of the most distinguished Companions.  His breadth of interest plus his wide experience in the armed forces and as a medical practitioner, in addition his ability as an author, make him a most worthy subject to be honoured by our Grand Chapter in this way.” (Proceedings, 1983, p. 58)  Comp. MacLean received his Medallion from M.Ex.Comp. W.G. Young, Grand High Priest, during a Visitation to

King Solomon Chapter in October 1988.  (A picture of the presentation ceremony is suitably displayed near the Secretary’s desk in the Chapter Room.)

 

Several Companions within the Chapter have been appointed to an Office in the Grand Chapter.  The following is a list of those so honoured:

 

 COMPANION

 OFFICE

 TERM

 V.Ex.Comp. J.R. McMahon

 Grand Chaplain

 1958-59

 V.Ex.Comp. J.E.S. Maynard

 Grand Steward

 1959-60

 R.Ex.Comp. Donald F  MacLean

 Grand Royal Arch Captain

 1962-64

  

 Grand Organist

 1989-90

  

 Grand Organist

 1996-97

 V.Ex.Comp. Athol Webb

 Grand Steward

 1964-65

 V.Ex.Comp. Vernon  Campbell

 Grand Steward

 1970-71

 R.Ex.Comp. L. George Dewar

 Grand Master of Third Veil

 1972-73

  

 Grand King

 1999-00

 V.Ex.Comp. Elroy Ramsay

 Grand Master of Second Veil

 1972-73

 V.Ex.Comp. Robert Woodside

 Grand Steward

 1973-74

 V.Ex.Comp. E.R. MacAusland

 Grand Steward

 1976-77

 V.Ex.Comp. James E. Milligan

 Grand Standard Bearer

 1977-78

 V.Ex.Comp. John A. Ramsay

 Grand Master of Second Veil

 1978-79

 V.Ex.Comp. Lloyd A MacWilliams

 Grand Standard Bearer

 1982-83

 V.Ex.Comp. George A.W. Phillips

 Grand Steward

 1984-85

 V.Ex.Comp. Gerald Cornish

 Grand Tyler

 1986-87

 V.Ex.Comp. Horace B  MacDonald

 Grand Tyler

 1989-90

 COMPANION

 OFFICE

 TERM

  

 Grand Master of Third Veil

 1993-94

 V.Ex.Comp. James Palmer

 Grand Master of  First Veil

 1995-96

 V.Ex.Comp. A. David Crocker

 Grand Tyler

 1996-97

 R.Ex.Comp. Terence R. Verma

 Grand King

 1999-

 V.Ex.Comp. Ross MacKay

 Grand Master of First Veil

 1999-00

 

King Solomon Chapter has never had one of its Companions elected as Grand High Priest.  Comp. Rupert MacNeill, who served as Grand High Priest in 1974-75, was raised in Zetland Lodge No.7 in 1945 and served as Worshipful Master in 1962 before moving to Nova Scotia.  Comp. MacNeill was a member of Cornwallis Chapter No.26 in Kentville, Nova Scotia when he served as Grand High Priest.

 

In January 1999 R.Ex.Comp. Terence R. Verma was nominated as Excellent Grand Scribe.  In February, 1999 the Excellent King resigned and Comp. Verma was nominated as the replacement.  Comp. Verma was elected as Excellent King in June 1999.  His untimely death in November 1999 occurred during a journey to attend a Grand Chapter Convocation in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

 

On December 6, 1999 a Special Convocation was held in O’Leary to install R.Ex.Comp. L.G. Dewar as Grand King to complete Comp. Verma’s term.  M.Ex.Comp. Pipes, Grand High Priest, R.Ex.Comp. George I.H. Mason, District Grand Superintendent, M.W.Bro. Donald B. Judson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island were present.  A Moment of Silence was observed in remembrance of Companion Verma.  The Rededication Service was held with V.Ex.Comp. Gerald Cornish leading the Obligation.  Several Master Masons were admitted as guests. Bro. Sachin Verma, son of the Late R.Ex.Comp. T.R. Verma, was escorted to a seat in the East.  Comp. Dewar was escorted to the Altar where he was invested with his Jewel as Grand King by Comp. Mason.  Bro. Sachin Verma tied the Apron on Comp. Dewar who paid tribute to the Late R.Ex.Comp. Terence Verma and stated “what a great honour he had received in being invested as Grand King to finish out his term.”  (Minutes, December 6, 1999)

 

Eight Companions within the Chapter have been appointed as District Grand Superintendent for District 5 in the Grand Chapter.  The Companions so honoured include: R.Ex.Comp. J.E.S. Maynard (1960-62) R.Ex.Comp. D.F. MacLean (1966-68), R.Ex.Comp. A.R. Webb (1971-72),  R.Ex.Comp. L.G. Dewar (1974-76), R.Ex.Comp. H.N. Birch (1979-80) R.Ex.Comp. W.L. Newcombe (1985-87), R.Ex.Comp. V.L. Hardy (1991-93) and R.Ex.Comp. T. R. Verma (1997-99)  (Grand Chapter Proceedings selected years)

 

In 1987 King Solomon Chapter hosted the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter for the first time.  Ex. Comp. L. George Dewar was chairman of the Planning Committee for the Host Chapter.  Comp. James Palmer was High Priest in 1987.

 

The four-day event began on April 30  with a Special Convocation in the Chapter Room where the Royal Arch Degree was conferred on Companions Terence R. Verma, George MacCormack and Ralph MacLean by R.Ex.Comp. Henry Birch PDGS.  The Companions were proud of the new Altar that had recently been constructed and donated by Comp. Lloyd MacWilliams.

 

On May 1 one hundred and fifty Royal Arch Masons and their wives attended a reception at Rodd’s Mill River Resort.  Entertainment was provided by guitarist Mrs. Barwise (daughter of Companion Frank Bryan) of Fredericton, New Brunswick and Mr. and Mrs. Don King who showed slides of their tour of Kenya.

 

On May 2 the business of the Grand Chapter was conducted in the Hernewood Room at Mill River with Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. G.A. Riley presiding.  One hundred and thirty Companions were registered.  The guest speaker for the noon luncheon was Mr. Alan Parker of the Elite Seed Farm.  Labour resumed at 2:45 p.m..  In the evening the Widow’s Degree was conferred on all widows in attendance by the M.Ex. Comp. Woodhams, the newly-elected Grand High Priest.  Games and entertainment rounded out the evening.

 

On Sunday, May 3 the Royal Arch Masons attended Divine Worship at O’Leary United Church at 11:00 a.m..  Rev. Anthony Ware conducted the Service with representatives of Grand Chapter sharing the Lessons of Scripture.

 

In 1992 King Solomon Chapter received the Grand Chapter Achievement Award in recognition of its work in promoting ‘the quality and welfare’ of Royal Arch Masonry.  R.Ex.Comp. Vernon Hardy accepted the Award in Charlottetown on behalf of the Chapter.  The Award was based on the work of the Chapter for the preceding year.  The Council for 1991 consisted of Ex.Comp. Neil MacKay (High Priest), Ex.Comp. Terence R. Verma (Excellent King) and Ex.Comp. J. Arthur Brisbois (Excellent Scribe).  During the year there were several new applications and a busy schedule of Degree work.  Four Companions were exalted.  R.Ex.Comp. Vernon Hardy was appointed as Grand Superintendent for District 5.

 

For almost one-half century King Solomon Chapter No.28 of Royal Arch Masons has been fulfilling the mandate of its Charter for the Freemasons of the western part of this Jurisdiction.  The Companions have been dutiful in holding Rededication Services, Divine Worship, Official Visitations and District Meetings.  They have been responsible in stewardship, faithful in matters of charity, generous in hospitality and supportive in governance at all levels of the Jurisdiction.  Several Companions have been duly honoured for excellent service to the Chapter and to Royal Arch Masonry.  King Solomon Chapter provides a meaningful link in the rich heritage of Freemasonry in western Prince Edward Island.

 

KING SOLOMON CHAPTER OFFICERS

2000

 

 High Priest

 V.Ex.Comp. James Palmer (Jan.- July)  Ex.Comp. Vance MacKay (Aug.-Dec.)

 Excellent King

 Ex.Comp. Craig Silliker

 Excellent Scribe

 R.Ex.Comp. Vernon Hardy

 Treasurer

 Comp. Douglas Smith

 Secretary

 V.Ex.Comp. Ross MacKay

 Captain of the Host

 Ex.Comp. Colston Wood

 Principal Sojourner

 Comp. Gordon Makin

 Royal Arch Captain

 V.Ex.Comp. Gerald Cornish

 Master of  the Third Veil

 V.Ex.Comp. George Phillips

 Master of the Second Veil

 R.Ex.Comp. Leigh Newcombe

 Master of the First Veil

 Ex.Comp. Vance MacKay (Jan.-July)

 Tyler

 V.Ex.Comp. Neil MacKay

 

 

PRINCE EDWARD PRECEPTORY NO.  35

1896

 

Sources:

Annual Proceedings of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada (selected years)

 

File prepared by Sir Knight Gerald Lewis in 1994 at the request of V.Em.Kt. L.G. MacNevin.  The File includes excerpts from the Minutes of Union DeMolay Preceptory No. 11 in 1895-1896 and related correspondence)

 

History of Prince Edward Preceptory No. 35 K.T. compiled by Sir Knight Ernest Kemp, 1910

 

History of Prince Edward Preceptory No. 35, Charlottetown, P.E.I. 1895-1994, V.Em.Kt. Lloyd G. MacNevin

 

Preceptory Minutes (The Minutes prior to January, 1927 were lost in the 1955 Fire at the Temple)

 

There were eighty-two Royal Arch Masons on Prince Edward Island in 1895.  The two Royal Arch Chapters in the Province were chartered under the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia.  Thirteen Companions representing the two Chapters took the initiative in 1895 to establish a Preceptory of

Knights Templar in Charlottetown.  The Companions first had to receive the Chivalric Orders within a Preceptory.  The thirteen aspiring Knights Templar were Roderick MacNeill, Donald Darrach, Thomas A. MacLean, Benjamin Rogers Sr., Duncan MacLean, Leonard Morris, John A. Messervey, John J. Davies, John L. Thompson, Frederick H. Beer, Henry W. Anderson, William H. Batt and Andrew Bowness. (File Document)

 

Union DeMolay Preceptory No.11 in Saint John, New Brunswick agreed to assist in the institution of the new Preceptory in Charlottetown.  Prior to a Regular Conclave, Union DeMolay Preceptory convened a Special Conclave at 3:45 p.m. on October 23, 1895 to receive eleven Petitions from the Island Companions.  A two-member Committee was appointed to report on the Petitions at the next meeting.  The Special Conclave was closed and a Regular Conclave opened at 4:00 p.m..  After a favourable report was received from the Committee the eleven Petitioners were balloted on and elected to receive the Orders.  The Knights Templar approved a motion to entrust their Charter to Em.Sir Kt. James B. Nixon to enable him to open a Special Assembly in Charlottetown. (File Document)

 

A Dispensation was granted by Most Eminent Knight, William H. Whyte, Supreme Grand Master, empowering Em.Sir Kt. James B. Nixon, as Special Deputy to confer the Degrees of the Order, to institute the new Preceptory in Prince Edward Island and to install the first slate of Officers.  The Dispensation was signed by the Grand Chancellor, M.Em.Kt. Daniel Spry GCT and dated October 8, 1895.

 

A Special Assembly of Union DeMolay Preceptory No.11 was opened at the Masonic Temple on Grafton Street in Charlottetown on November 12, 1895.  Em.Sir Knight, James Bower Nixon presided.  Petitions for membership from Comp. F. Herbert Beer and Comp. John L. Thompson were received, reported upon and the Companions were elected.  The several Orders of the Temple were then conferred on the thirteen petitioners.  Following the election of the Officers, the new Preceptory was instituted ‘Under Dispensation’ and the following Officers were installed:

 

 Presiding Preceptor

 Sir Knight Roderick MacNeill

 Constable

 Sir Knight Donald Darrach

 Marshal

 Sir Knight Thomas MacLean

 Chaplain

 Sir Knight Leonard Morris

 Registrar

 Sir Knight Duncan MacLean

 Treasurer

 Sir Knight Benjamin Rogers Sr

 Sub-Marshal

 Sir Knight John A. Messervey

 Captain of the Guard

 Sir Knight Henry W. Anderson

 Almoner

 Sir Knight Frederick H. Beer

 First Standard Bearer

 Sir Knight John J. Davies

 Second Standard Bearer

 Sir Knight Andrew Bowness

 Sword Bearer

 Sir Knight John L. Thompson

 Guard

 Sir Knight William H. Batt

(Kemp, p.1)

 

Other business transacted at the Assembly included the selection of the name, ‘Prince Edward Preceptory’, agreement to meet on the third Wednesday of each month, and the appointment of a Bye-Laws Committee.

 

Prior to 1915 Prince Edward Island was a separate District under the Sovereign Grand Priory of Canada.  In 1915 Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island became one District.  R.Em.Kt. Donald Darrach served as Provincial Grand Prior for the P.E.I. Disrtrict for eight years. (File Document)

 

Although the 1930's was a period of decline for the Preceptory, the willingness of the Fratres to respond to the needs of the underprivileged remained strong.  That condition was evident when disaster struck at a local health facility.  When the Fratres learned that the Falconwood Home had been destroyed by fire in December 1931, a work party was immediately organized to construct a building at the Infirmary where food could be prepared for the patients who had been transferred to that facility.  Eleven Fratres responded to the request of R.Em.Kt. V.L. Goodwill.  (Minutes, December 16, 1931)

 

In September, 1934 a Circular from the Grand Chancellor outlined the requirement that elected Officers wear a complete uniform.  The Preceptory sought clarification but the outcome of their inquiry was not recorded.  Amendments to the Statutes of the Sovereign Great Priory in 1934 resulted in the election and installation of Officers being changed to April and May respectively.  The current Officers were to remain in Office until April, 1935.  The Presiding Preceptor, R.Ex.Kt. V.L. Goodwill, died on January 16, 1935.

The Preceptory celebrated its Fortieth Anniversary in 1936.  The Deputy Grand Master, R.Em.Sir Kt. R.V. Harris of Halifax advised the Fratres of their milestone in September 1935 but arrangements to have the invited guests from the mainland could not be made before winter so the celebration was scheduled for March 3, 1936.  The Provincial Grand Prior, R.Em.Sir Kt. A. B. Colbourne of Sydney, used the occasion as his Official Visitation.  He was accompanied by Sir Kt. Harris and R.Em. Sir Kt. W. A. Marrell of Amherst.  Presiding Preceptor, Sir Kt. C. M. Williams was also joined by eight Officers and eleven members.  V.Em. Sir Kt. G. E. Full presented a History of Prince Edward Preceptory on that occasion.

 

The Preceptory endured a very low period during the decade after 1935.  Membership dropped from fifty-three in 1935 to thirty in March 1943.  An Audited Statement dated March 25, 1943 covering the period from May 1937 through March 1943 showed that the loss of fourteen members included four deaths, three Demits and seven suspensions.  No Companions were received into the Orders between October 1930 and March 1945.  Activity slowed as the Preceptory failed to meet regularly.  One Assembly was held in 1942 and 1944 and only three in 1943.  Election of Officers was not held from 1941-44 inclusive.  Attendance was normally four to six members.  The Preceptory also faced financial hardship during the low period.  Arrears were a burden.  In 1937 only nine members were clear on the books in a membership of forty-four.  Arrears totalled $281.50.  (Minutes, March 19, 1937)  The Presiding Preceptor and Treasurer were authorized to borrow from the bank to pay the per capita in 1940.  From 1940-44 the Provincial Grand Prior was advised that the Preceptory would be unable to defray any of the expenses of an Official Visitation.  The Bank Balance on March 25, 1943 was $85.66.

 

The Sovereign Grand Priory was concerned with the inactivity of Prince Edward Preceptory.  When R.Em. Sir Kt. William MacLeod of Truro was elected Provincial Grand Prior in 1942 he was determined to make an Official Visitation.  On June 22, 1942 three Officers of the Preceptory met informally with the Provincial Grand Prior at the Charlottetown Hotel.  In October, he wrote to request an Official Visit.  Not having received a reply the Provincial Grand Prior wrote again and reminded the Fratres of their responsibility to the principles and ideals of the Order.  He concluded his letter with a stern challenge to the Fratres.  “If you cannot carry on the work of

Prince Edward Preceptory as expected and required by Great Priory it seems to me that to maintain the honor, dignity and interests of the Order the only thing that I can do is to recommend that your Warrant be surrendered.”  (Letter engrossed in Minutes of March 17, 1943)   The Registrar was instructed to write to the Provincial Grand Prior to advise that three Assemblies had been held since he visited in June, that the Christmas Program at the Orphanage was conducted and “that we fully realize our obligations and we are doing our best to carry them out.”

 

The Fratres who remained active and faithful to the Preceptory throughout that difficult period were Em.Kt. Frank A. VanIderstine, Em.Kt. Lemuel A. MacDougall,  Em.Kt. William J. Drake, R.Em.Kt. T. Gordon Ives, Em.Kt. Lauchlin MacDonald, Em.Kt. Samuel B. French, Em.Kt. Philip E. Palmer and Em.Kt. J. A. Williams.  Kt. VanIderstine served as Presiding Preceptor from 1939-1945.  Kt. MacDougall was Registrar from 1934-1947.  Kt. French was installed as Guard in 1923 and served until 1947.  Kt. Lemuel MacDougall held the Office of Chaplain for ten years and was granted an Honorary Life Membership in the Preceptory in March, 1943.   Kt. MacDougall and Kt. Williams died in December, 1962 and their names were the first to be inscribed on a Memorial Page in the Minute Books.  (V.Em.Kt. Archibald E. Campbell was the only other Frater to receive such an honour.)  Kt. Palmer was cited for his long service on the Collections Committee for the Annual Christmas Tree Project.  In 1956 he was named Honorary Chairman of the Collection Committee.  Throughout the difficult years the Fratres remained faithful to Christmas Tree Project at the Orphanage.  The only Assembly held in both 1942 and 1944 was in December when plans for ‘The Christmas Tree’ were made.

 

The pivotal Assembly in the recovery of the Preceptory occurred on January 17, 1945.  Five Companions petitioned for reception into the United Orders.  The Petitions were recommended by Em. Sir Kt. L.A. MacDougall and Em. Sir Kt. F.A. VanIderstine.  It was interesting to note that only five Knights were present at that historic Assembly but four of those five Fraters were also present when the last Orders were conferred in the Preceptory fifteen years earlier on October 23, 1930.  Furthermore the Presiding Preceptor in October, 1930 was Kt. Beverly C. VanIderstine, the brother of the Presiding Preceptor in 1945, Em.Kt. F.A. VanIderstine.   The five new applicants were Comp. H.R. Carruthers, Comp. G.G. Wood, Comp. R.E. Kemp, Comp. G.D. Murchison and Comp. E.S. Giddings.  The Companions were admitted to the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross on April 18 and received the several Orders of the Temple at a Special Assembly on July 16, 1945 attended by several visitors from Beausejour Preceptory No.57 in Amherst and Antiquity Preceptory No.5 in Halifax.  Em.Kt. M.W. Philpott of Antiquity Chapter opened a Priory of Malta and conferred the Orders on the five aspirants.

On April 17, 1946 the Preceptory held its first election of Officers since 1940 and four of the five newest Knights Templar were elected to Office.  Three of the new members went on to become Presiding Preceptor within the next five years - Sir Kt. Wood (1947-49), Sir Kt. Carruthers (1950) and Sir Kt. Murchison (1951).

 

“The Christmas Tree” was a very meaningful and important tradition carried out by the Fratres for more than fifty years.  Gifts were purchased for the children and staff at the Orphanage in Mount Herbert and were distributed during a visit on Christmas morning.  The custom began in 1922.  A Collection Committee and Purchasing Committee handled the annual project.  On December 25, 1928 nine Fratres met in the Lodge Room at 9:30 a.m. and proceeded in three cars to the Orphanage where gifts were distributed to the thirty-nine children and twelve staff members.  The cost of the gifts was $108.50.  Eight Fratres met in the Registrar’s Office on Christmas Eve in 1930 to pack the boxes.  In the morning Sir Kt. John Hearn, Sir Kt. L.A. MacDougall, Sir Kt. C.M. Williams, Sir Kt. T.M. Bentley and Sir Kt. J.E. MacInnis left for the Orphanage at 9:00 a.m. in two box sleighs.  Fifty children and staff received presents on that occasion.  During the 1930's the purchases normally totalled approximately $45 with member donations covering most of the expense.  The challenge of the Great Depression may have prompted the Matron at the Orphanage to advise the Preceptory in 1931 to eliminate “toys and unnecessary articles” and to purchase clothing, candy and fruit as gifts.  The cost escalated to $77.62 with the members contributing $43 and the Preceptory covering the balance.  (Minutes, January 20, 1932)  In 1938 the Fratres agreed to “be there at about  9:30 a.m. and that the program be carried out promptly so that those who wished could listen to the broadcast of the King’s message.”  Beginning in 1942 the Preceptory provided the Matron with a cheque to cover purchases of clothing and footwear for the children while the Fratres concentrated on providing individually wrapped toys and treats for each child on Christmas morning. The annual donation to the Matron was increased to $100 in 1959.  The Fratres would have been reassured of the value of the project through a letter that was received on January 17, 1945.  A gentleman who was a patient at the Provincial Sanitorium and whose wife was in hospital wrote to thank the Preceptory on behalf of his four children at the Orphanage “for making their Christmas more enjoyable.”  In the 1950's the ladies were invited to accompany the Fratres on the visit to the Orphanage on Christmas morning.  In August 1958 the Preceptory arranged a picnic for the children at the Orphanage.  In 1962 there was some added incentive for the Fratres to stay behind following the December Assembly to wrap the gifts for the children.  The Presiding Preceptor announced that following the wrapping “we would be served with a Swiss bake chicken dinner by our chief Commissaire, Frater Reuben Cross.”  (Minutes, December 19, 1962).  In 1964 the Preceptory provided a cheque for $180 to assist one of the boys at the Orphanage to attend the Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.  The last visit on Christmas morning occurred in 1973.  In the following year the Fratres visited the children on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m.. In 1976 the Protestant Orphanage was closed as a Children’s Home.  Prince Edward Preceptory participated in the last “Christmas Tree” in 1975.  After fifty-three years a meaningful tradition for the Fratres was abruptly ended.

 

The loss of the project had a significant impact on the fortunes of the Preceptory.  Total membership in the Preceptory was one hundred and thirty-two in 1975.  Although the membership had been growing for almost a decade it immediately began to decline and within a

decade reached a thirty-year low of one hundred and nine.  Attendance at Regular Assemblies began to decline and the finances of the Preceptory were a cause of some concern.  In January, 1980 the Registrar advised that there was insufficient money to meet current expenditures. (Minutes, January 16, 1980)  In 1984 the Treasurer was advised to “use his best judgement in paying the accounts up to the limit of funds on hand.”  (Minutes, February 15, 1984)   The closure of the Orphanage was not the cause of all of the reversals in the Preceptory but certainly the loss of a project, which for more than a half-century held such special meaning and purpose for the Fratres, was a factor in the slowdown that immediately ensued.

 

The need for a replacement project and a focus for charitable work was temporarily addressed by 1977.  A motion was approved in November to establish a Christmas Fund.for the widows of deceased members.   Twenty-three widows were identified in the first year and cheques accompanied by a Christmas letter were issued to each one.  (Minutes, December 21, 1977)  In 1982 the Fratres were asked to contribute $5 each to supplement the  Christmas Fund.  On December 21, 1983 a motion was approved to discontinue the “Widows Christmas Fund ... if there is not enough funds available”

 

Two cases of need were referred to the Benevolent Fund of the Sovereign Great Priory on behalf of members of the Preceptory.  The requests were made simultaneously for the two Fratres in 1969.  Cheques for $500 each were forwarded to the Preceptory with the proviso that ten monthly installments be issued to each Frater supplemented by $5 monthly from the Preceptory.  The annual ‘Welfare Cheques  were provided by the Sovereign Great Priory for both Fratres for approximately twenty years.  The amount was reduced to $300 in the 1970's and the Preceptory forwarded the payments quarterly.

 

In 1991 the Preceptory instituted a Charity Fund.  The tradition of passing the‘Charity Cup’ prior to the closing of each Assembly began on April 17, 1991. When the Fund was established it was intended that an additional assessment of $5 would be levied on each member in November to supplement the collections.  The Fratres would decide each December what charitable organization would receive a donation from the Fund.. (Minutes, April 17, 1991)  At end of year one the total receipts was $353.22.  The Fratres approved $200 for the Kim MacFadyen Fund and $150 to the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry.  (A Certificate is displayed in the Ante Room recognizing the Preceptory as a member of the ‘Upper Room Angels’)

 

The Charity Fund has continued as a solid tradition in the Preceptory.  Donations to the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry have been noted on several occasions.  As a regular Agenda item the

collection for the Charity Fund has been listed as the ‘Charity Cup’, ‘Charity Basket’ ‘Collecting Alms’, ‘Hat of Benevolence’ and in recent years, ‘The Bag of Benevolence’.

 

Social events in the form of dinners and banquets have tended to be arranged as part of the regular work of the Preceptory.   The Official Visitation of the Supreme Grand Master has normally been an occasion for a banquet or dinner.  When the Official Visit of M.Em.Kt. J.H. Eydt was announced in May, 1951 it was noted that Mrs. Eydt would accompany him.  The ladies were invited to attend the Dinner at the Charlottetown Hotel after which they played bridge in the Lounge while the Fratres held their Assembly.  In 1962 the Dinner was held at the Rendezvous Restaurant and was attended by M.Em.Kt. E.G. Shafer in the company of thirty-nine Fratres.  Dinners were also arranged when other Preceptories were invited to visit and to confer Orders of the Temple.  The ‘Masonic Weekends’ that were popular in the 1950's included a Banquet held jointly with the Companions of Alexandra Chapter and catered by Crystal Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.  Ninety dinners were served at the event on May, 25, 1957 when the guest speaker was M.W.Bro. James R. Murphy, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island.  The cost of each dinner was $1.  Social events except in the context of Preceptory business were rare.  A well-attended Ladies’ Night was held at the Charlottetown Hotel on May 4, 1960.

 

A decade of unprecedented growth in the Preceptory began in 1950.  The total membership grew from forty-six to one hundred and twenty-five in the ten years.  Alexandra Chapter No.11 of Royal Arch Masons experienced remarkable growth in the same period.  The ‘Masonic Weekend’ began as a joint project of the two Bodies to confer Degrees/Orders on large classes of candidates.  The event, which was usually attended by several Royal Arch Masons from mainland Chapters and Preceptories, also included a Banquet and Divine Worship.

 

An Emergent Assembly on Saturday, May 21, 1955 was attended by forty-eight members and visitors.  The guests included R.Em. Sir Kt. P. S. Cochrane, Deputy Grand Master, R.Em. Sir Kt. F. M. Walker, Provincial Grand Prior, R.Em. Sir Kt. W. E. Jollymore, Past Provincial Grand Prior, R.Em. Sir Kt, F. A. VanIderstine Past Provincial Grand Prior, V.Em. Sir Kt. H. R. Carruthers, R.Em. Sir Kt. Herbert Pickering, Past Provincial Grand Prior for the Province of Quebec, M.Em.Comp. M. R. Chappell, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia and R.Ex.Comp. H.F. Sipprell, Grand Secretary of Grand Chapter.  R.Em. Sir Kt. P.S. Cochrane was invited to preside at the Consecration of twenty newly installed Knights of the Temple.  The group included Kt. Gordon Bennett, Kt. Charles Dutney, Kt. Bertram Larkin, Kt. Malcolm MacKenzie, Kt. D. Roscoe Walker, and Kt. James S. Walker.  The addition of twenty new Knights brought the total membership to seventy-four.

 

The fire that destroyed the Masonic Temple on December 14, 1955 was particularly devastating for the Prince Edward Preceptory.  When the Fraters met in the Offices of the Public Utility Commission on December 21, 1955 they were informed “that Prince Edward Preceptory had lost everything including the Charter.”  Membership in the Preceptory had increased by 60%. in the previous five years and the resolve of the Fratres was evident in the decisions made at that Assembly.  Sir Kt. W.R. Brennan was authorized to meet with the I.O.O.F. on Richmond Street to arrange for a temporary meeting room.  A Paraphernalia Committee was established under the chairmanship of R.Em. SirKt. F.A. VanIderstine.  Plans for the visit to the Orphanage on Christmas morning were discussed and accounts amounting to approximately $120 for toys and gifts for the children were approved.  Em.Kt. W.E. MacInnis was the Presiding Preceptor in 1955.

 

The cost of replacing lost regalia and paraphernalia was indicated in some of the accounts payable that were noted in subsequent Minutes.  Payments of $165.60 and $462.45 were approved in April and May, 1956 for Regalia provided through the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.  In May, 1957 and March, 1958 accounts of $698.50 and $206.95 with Dominion Regalia were approved for payment.  Mrs. A.E. Robertson was paid $73 for robes in May, 1957.

 

The Preceptory received gifts and financial support from several sources to help with the replacement of regalia and equipment.  The following were noted in the Minutes:

 

 Preceptor’s Belt

 Borden MacLure, Boston Commanderie

 Preceptor’s Sword

 Sir Kt. W. R. Brennan

 $50

 Antiquity Preceptory No.5

 A sum of money

 M.Em. Sir Kt. P. S. Cochrane, Grand Master, S.G.P.

 $100

 Cape Breton Preceptory No. 43

 $50

 Beausejour Preceptory No.57

 Symbols of Consecration

 Antiquity Preceptory No.5

 West Table

 Sir Kt. R.C. Montgomery

 

Although the Preceptory lost its regalia and paraphernalia the work of conferring the Orders was not interrupted.  At the last Assembly in the old Temple on November 16, twelve ‘candidates in waiting’ were balloted on and elected.  The Companions including G.L. Gillespie, E.H. Lord, Ron Greene, Harold MacInnis, John Smallwood, and Arthur Larkin part of a class of twenty newly installed Knights who were consecrated as Knights of the Order of the Temple in Canada at a Special Assembly held at the Y.M.C.A. on May 25, 1957.  The Grand Master of the Sovereign Great Priory and the Provincial Grand Prior attended the Assembly which was part of a ‘Masonic Weekend’ staged jointly by the Alexandra Chapter No.11 and the Preceptory.  Following the Assembly the Fratres and guests attended a Banquet catered by Crystal Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.  The Weekend was concluded on Sunday morning when sixty-five Fratres and guests went in Procession from the Y.M.C.A. to attend Divine Worship at the Baptist Church.

 

Following the fire most of the Assemblies were held in the I.O.O.F. Hall at 134 Richmond Street.  The Preceptory was able to continue the tradition of meeting on the third Wednesday.  The last Assembly in the Hall was held on June 19, 1957 prior to the summer recess.  The building that housed the IOOF Hall was destroyed by fire on September 1, 1957.  The Minutes make no reference to the fire nor to any losses that may have occurred.  Likewise the Minutes of the first Assembly at 204 Hillsboro Street on November 20, 1957 did not reference the historic move to a new Temple.

 

The move to a new Temple further stimulated the period of significant growth that had begun in the Preceptory in 1950.  R.Em. Sir Kt. F. A. VanIderstine was re-elected as Presiding Preceptor in 1957 for his tenth term. (1939-46, 56-58) Thirteen applications were received at the first Assembly in the new Temple.  The applicants included Comp. Errol Stetson, Comp. E.R. MacAusland, Comp. Harold L. Palmer, Comp. William H. Rogers, Comp. John Ward Coughlan and Comp. Verner C. Coles.  By 1960 the Preceptory had a total membership of one hundred and twenty-five including fifteen Life Members.  (Proceedings, 1960)

 

Attendance at Divine Worship became an annual event in the late 1950's.  It began as a tradition when the ‘Masonic Weekends’ were first held.  The Royal Arch Masons and their guests from the mainland attended Worship at one of the City churches on Sunday Morning.  The tradition continued into the 1960's with the Parade normally leaving from the Y.M.C.A. and returning following the Worship.  Occasionally the Royal Arch Masons attended their Annual Divine Worship in other communities.  On May 24, 1959 the Knights Templar were joined by a large number of members of other Masonic Bodies for Divine Worship at Trinity United in Summerside.  The Summerside Sea Cadet Band provided accompaniment for the Parade through the streets of the Town and the Salute was taken by R.Em.Kt. H.R. Carruthers, the Provincial

Grand Prior.  The event was given extensive coverage in the Summerside Journal of May 25.  It was described as “the largest gathering of Masons ever in P.E.I.” with an estimated two hundred and fifty on Parade.  The Divine Worship at Kensington High School on May 20, 1965 was the last one recorded in the Minutes.  On that occasion the Choir from Trinity United in Summerside was in attendance as well as the local Boy Scouts and the Lions Band.  The Worship was conducted by Sir Kt. W.A. Patterson.  The Presiding Preceptor was Em.Kt. D. Roscoe Walker of Kensington.

The Knights Templar also held Divine Worship as part of the Easter observance.  The custom was first noted in 1957.  The ‘Annual Easter Worship’ was normally held at the Temple.  In 1959 the Summerside Masonic Choir under the direction of Sir Kt. W.L. Conkey was in attendance.  In 1961 Rev. Donald A. Campbell of Zion Presbyterian Church was the guest  speaker.

 

At that time in its history the Preceptory had also begun to participate in ‘Field Days’ with other Preceptories on the mainland.  The event enabled candidates to receive all of the Orders in one day.  Beausejour Preceptory No. 57 hosted the first Field Day noted in the records in May, 1957 at Amherst.  One hundred Knights Templar attended the Field Day in Moncton on April 21, 1979.  Six of the forty candidates for the Orders were from Prince Edward Island.  .V.Em.Kt. L.G. MacNevin led a cast from Prince Edward Preceptory in conferring one of the Orders..

 

In addition to participation in Field Days the Fratres also arranged exchange visits with other Preceptories on the mainland.  During the last Assembly in the old Temple on Grafton Street plans were finalized for a visit to Beausejour Preceptory No.57.  Fratres paid $5 each to assist with the total expenses of the trip.  R.Em. Sir Kt. F.A. VanIderstine directed the cast in conferring the Order of Red Cross in Amherst during the visit.  On May 13, 1961 several Officers and members of Ivanhoe Preceptory No.36 in Moncton visited and conferred Part III of the Order of the Temple for seven candidates including Comp. L.G. Dewar, Comp. A.E. MacLennan and Comp. G.B. Sheen.

 

During the 1960's and 1970's some of the Assemblies were enriched with interesting programs presented by invited guests.  Harry Love and Lawson Drake from U.P.E.I. provided an illustrated talk and hands-on demonstration of the Metric System in February 1975.  The guests even brought a brick (for Masons) to enable the members to become more “familiar with the new dimensions.”  Em.Kt. A.R. Buchanan, a carpenter by trade, expressed concern that he would have trouble using his square to make rafters.  (Minutes, February 19, 1975)  In the following month a

talk by Dr. O.H. Curtis, Deputy Minister of Health, helped to familiarize the Fraters with plans for a new hospital in the Falconwood area to replace the P.E.I. and Charlottetown Hospitals.  The Breathalyser was the topic of interest on two occasions as police officers, Bro. H.E. Marshall (May 8, 1968) and SirKt. Frank Graham (May 19, 1976) addressed the Fratres.  R.Em.Kt. E. C. MacMillan spoke on ‘Christian Masonry’ on March 18, 1968.  Several lectures on the Crusades were also noted.

 

After many years of very modest dues and fees the members have amended Article XII of the Bye-Laws several times since 1980.  Section 1 (Fees) was amended in 1980 to increase the Fees to $100. The last increase had occurred in 1957.  A further increase to $125 occurred in 1987 and in the revisions of 1991 the installation fee was set at $150.    In 1982 Section 4 (Dues) was amended to increase the annual rate to $15.  Further increases to $25 (1989), $35 (1993) and $50 (1994) were noted.  (The Fees of the Preceptory are determined by Statutes of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada)

 

The increases were partly necessitated by some dramatic hikes in rental costs.  Total rent charges in the late Seventies were $764.  In the early Eighties the rate increased to $878 and after the Temple Company introduced a per capita system ($18 per member) the charges increased to $1854 by 1989.  In 1991 the per capita rate increased to $20 per member.  A comparison of the rate in the late Seventies with the 1991 cost using a per capita system shows an increase of more than  200%.  The changes in annual dues during the same interval showed a similar rate of increase.

 

The dramatic increases in operating costs prompted the first concerted effort in fundraising for the Preceptory in 1993.  Under the leadership of Em.Kt. Archie Vickerson as Presiding Preceptor and SirKt. Hari Boggs as Registrar the Fratres carried out three major fundraisers.  A giant yard sale was held at the Temple on May 22 and produced a profit of $903.50 for the General Fund.  (Minutes. September 15, 1993).  Em.Kt. Andy Northcott crafted a ‘Loonie Bank’ which was circulated to several of the Concordant and related Bodies of Freemasonry in the Jurisdiction as a 50/50 Fundraiser.  A profit of $153.00 was recorded on June 16, 1993.  A very successful raffle was conducted on a picture donated to the Preceptory by Mr. Richard Vickerson, son of Em.Kt. A.L. Vickerson.  The General Fund was bolstered by $824 from the raffle.  (Minutes, December 15, 1993)

 

The prospect of hosting the Annual Assembly of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada was first raised in 1964.  The Registrar was instructed to contact the Grand Chancellor but the Preceptory

was unsuccessful in its bid.  The issue was raised again in the 1980's and became a reality in 1986. V.Em.Kt. L. Willard Nicholson served as General Chairman of the Assembly which was held on August 23-26 in Charlottetown.  The sessions at the Prince Edward Hotel and Convention Centre were presided over by M.Em.Kt.. Donald A. King, the Supreme Grand Master from Picton, Ontario. Sir Kt. Merrill W. Nicholson of Prince Edward Preceptory No.35 was Grand Chaplain and conducted the Divine Worship on Sunday, August 24.  Two hundred and four delegates attended the Annual Assembly representing sixty-five of the seventy-nine Preceptories in Canada.  (Proceedings, 1986, p. 48)  Among those who extended a welcome to the delegates was Em.Kt. Charles S. Graves, the Presiding Preceptor of Prince Edward Preceptory.

 

The Financial Report for the event was presented at a Regular Assembly on September 17, 1986 and showed a balance of $5976.  ( Prince Edward Preceptory received a grant to host the event.)  A motion was adopted to donate $1500 to the ‘Charles Wells Memorial Fund’ with the balance to be invested and the interest to be deposited annually in the General Fund.  The Charles E. Wells Memorial Fund was established by the Sovereign Great Priory in memory of the Late Grand Chancellor to promote and benefit youth groups in Canada.  The first grants from the Fund were made in 1985.

 

One of the lasting memories of the Annual Assembly of 1986 was the gift of a Gavel to Prince Edward Preceptory by R.Em.Kt. James Sweet KCT, the Grand Treasurer.  (Minutes, September 17, 1986)

 

The Minutes of the Preceptory are quite sparse on the Centennial Celebrations in 1995.  Discussions were held as early as April 1992.  In February 1993 a History Committee was constituted to prepare a Centennial History.  The History was prepared by V.Em.Kt. Lloyd G. MacNevin and was presented at a Regular Assembly on June 21, 1995.  Most of the planning for the celebration occurred at the Committee of the Whole Meeting in May 1995.  Minutes of the Meeting were not transcribed in the Preceptory Minutes.  Fortunately the Chairman of the Centennial Committee, V.Em.Kt. MacNevin included a full account of the celebrations in his History.

 

The Celebrations were held on Saturday, November 4 and included a Special Program at the Masonic Temple in the afternoon and a Banquet at the Inn on the Hill in the evening.

 

A highlight of the afternoon ceremonies was the Service of Re-Dedication conducted by R.Em.Kt. Cecil G. Stetson.  R.Em.Kt. H.C.L. Woodhams PPGP assisted by R.Em.Kt. Robert Munday, member of the Sovereign Great Priory conducted the Ceremony of Consecration for three Penitents - Al MacSwain, Fred Quinn and Ron Tallon.  V.Em.Kt. Lloyd G. MacNevin shared highlights of the Centennial History of the Preceptory and Sir Kt. William MacEwen conducted the Memorial Service.  Fifty Sir Knights and their ladies attended a Reception and Dinner in the evening.  (MacNevin, 1994, unpaged)

 

It is interesting to note that one of the earliest considerations in the planning for the Centennial was to have the Supreme Grand Master attend the celebrations.  On April 15, 1992 the Registrar was authorized to contact the Grand Chancellor to arrange for the visit of the Supreme Grand Master in 1995.  The request was repeated in February 1993 and later on June 21, 1995.  Unfortunately due to a ‘misunderstanding’ M.Em.Kt. W. Marshall Black did not receive the Notice of the afternoon ceremonies at the Temple that was sent to him by the Registrar but he was present for the evening Banquet.

 

The Visitation of the Supreme Grand Master was always a special occasion for the Preceptory.  In 2000 the event was particularly special.  M.Em.Kt. Larry J. Hostine was the guest of honour at a Banquet attended by the Fratres and their ladies  Following the meal the Presiding Preceptor, Em.Kt. George I.H. Mason, convened a Regular Assembly at the Temple.  A host of special guests were received following the Opening. The ladies were welcomed first followed by M.Em.Kt. Larry J. Hostine, Supreme Grand Master, R.Em.Kt.Robert Munday, Deputy Grand Master, R.Em.Kt. Earle C. MacDonald, Provincial Grand Prior, M.Em.Kt. Fred C. Morrison, Past Supreme Grand Master, V.Em.Kt. Andy Northcott, Grand Almoner, M.Ill.Comp. Philip Henderson, Most Puissant Grand Master of the Royal and Select Masters of the Eastern Jurisdiction.  After the regular business of the Preceptory was conducted several of the guests addressed the Assembly.  Members and guests gathered for a group photo at the close of the Assembly.

 

Eighteen members of the Preceptory have been honoured to serve as Provincial Grand Prior since 1895.  In 1915 Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island became a single District and the Office of Provincial Grand Prior was filled on a rotation  among the Preceptories based on seniority.

PROVINCIAL GRAND PRIORS

from

PRINCE EDWARD PRECEPTORY NO.35

 

 TERM

 PROVINCIAL GRAND PRIOR

 1900-1901

 T.A. MacLeod

 1902-03

 W.A. Brennan

 1903-04

 Donald Darrach

 1904-05

 Donald Darrach

 1905-06

 Roderick MacNeill

 1906-07

 Donald Darrach

 1907-08

 R.M. Johnson

 1908-09

 G.T. Lane

 1909-10

 Donald Darrach

 1910-11

 Donald Darrach

 1911-12

 W.A. Weeks

 1912-13

 Donald Darrach

 1913-14

 Donald Darrach

 1914-15

 Donald Darrach

 1924-25

 John M. Murley

 1930-31

 Victor C. Goodwill

 1937-38

 Arthur R. Brennan

 1947-48

 T. Gordon Ives

 1952-53

 Frank A. VanIderstine

 1959-60

 H. Randolph Carruthers

 1965-66

 Ernest C. MacMillan

 1971-72

 Malcolm MacKenzie

   

 TERM

 PROVINCIAL GRAND PRIOR

1978-79 C. Gordon Lord 1983-84

 P. Reagh Bagnall

 1989-90

 Cecil G. Stetson

 1995-96

 Philip H. Henderson

 

In 2000 an Honour Roll of the Presiding Preceptors since 1895 was prepared and displayed in the Ante Room of the Temple.  Sir Kt. Allison Coles built a Cabinet for the Memorial Display.  (Minutes, April 19, 2000)   Seventy-nine Fratres have held the Office of Presiding Preceptor including sixteen who served multiple terms.  Fifty-eight  were deceased when the Honour Roll was prepared in 2000.

 

In the spring of 2000 the members of the Prince Edward Preceptory had an unexpected and pleasant surprise when an old Preceptory Minute Book that was believed to have been lost in the Fire of 1955 was returned to the Temple.  The Book covered the period from 1927 through 1955.   It was returned by Mr. William Floyd Drake of Big Cove, New Brunswick. Mr. Drake is the son of the Late Sir Knight Floyd Drake who was Registrar of the Preceptory at the time of the fire and the grandson of the Late EmKt. William John Drake, Presiding Preceptor in 1919 and 1920.  (The Minute Book is readable but had suffered considerable water and smoke damage.  The Preceptory voted to have the contents re-copied.)

 

A study of the changes in total membership in the Preceptory reveals some dramatic patterns.  The total grew rapidly from sixteen when the Preceptory was founded to sixty-three at the end of WWI.  During the Twenties the membership exceeded ninety but a sharp decline began during the Great Depression and by the end of WWII the total membership was only thirty.   The post-war recovery that was noted earlier continued for two decades and brought the Preceptory to its peak membership at one hundred and forty-two in 1964, the same year that the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island recorded the highest number of Master Masons in its Jurisdiction.  Except for a brief resurgence in the early Nineties, the Preceptory has experienced a steady decline in total membership since 1975.  The latest available figures (December 31, 1995) show a total of eighty-nine on the Roll including twenty-eight Life Members (Proceedings, 1996)

 

The records of Prince Edward Preceptory provide evidence of a Fraternity that has overcome loss and hardship through a steady attachment to the salient principles of the Order.  The ravages of fire, the loss of a valued tradition and the challenges of financial adversity have not deterred the Fratres from their duties.  The level of commitment to the Christmas Tree Project for over one-half century set a standard of Masonic charity that has not been surpassed in this Jurisdiction.  The fostering of fraternal ties with other Preceptories in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick greatly enriched the lives of all who shared in those gatherings.  The heritage of Prince Edward Preceptory is extremely rich and worthy of much commendation. 

                                                                                       

PRECEPTORY OFFICERS

2000

 

 Presiding Preceptor

 Em.Kt. George I.H. Mason

 Constable

 Sir Kt. W. Eric Ingraham

 Marshal

 Sir Kt. Nelson G. Hurry

 Chaplain

 V.Em.Kt. William M. MacEwen

 Registrar

 

Sir Kt. J. Fred Quinn (Jan.- Mar.)

Em.Kt. T. Ron Tallon (Apr.-Dec.) Treasurer

 V.Em.Kt. Carl R. Bagnall

 Sub-Marshal

 Sir Kt. A. Wayne Locke

 Captain of the Guard

 Sir Kt. Robert M. MacDonald

 Almoner

 V.Em.Kt. Archie L. Vickerson

 First Standard Bearer

 Sir Kt. Colston C. Wood

 Second Standard Bearer

 Sir Kt. David J. Jabbour

 Sword Bearer

 Sir Kt. Gerald Cornish

 Guard

 Sir Kt. D. Gerald Laughlin

 Organist

 Sir Kt. Clarence D. Gillis

 Captain General

 V.Em.Kt. Lloyd G. MacNevin

 Director of Ceremonies

 V.Em.Kt. Lloyd G. MacNevin

 Historian

 Em.Kt. T. Ron Tallon

 

GARDEN OF THE GULF COUNCIL NO. 9

ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS

1950

 

Sources:

Files of Correspondence (1948-54), Courtesy R.Ill. Comp. L.G. MacNevin

 

Garden of the Gulf Council No.9 Minutes

 

Proceedings of the Supreme Grand Council Eastern Jurisdiction of Canada Royal and Select Masters (selected years)

 

Royal and Select Masters History, The Supreme Grand Council of the Eastern Jurisdiction of Canada (1872-1942) and Garden of the Gulf Council No.9 (1950-1998) by Rt.Ill.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin, 2000.

 

The strong revival of Royal Arch Masonry in Alexandra Chapter No.11 in the 1940's inspired the initiative to establish a Council of Royal and Select Masters in Charlottetown.  One-half century earlier an attempt had been made by some Companions in Prince Edward Chapter No.12 to establish Cryptic Rite Masonry in Kensington but that effort failed after only six years.  When Ex.Comp. H.R. Carruthers was elected to the Council of Alexandra Chapter in 1947 he began to correspond with Companions in the Cryptic Rite on the Mainland.  His first communication on record was with M.Ill.Comp. Harold Fritz Sipprell, Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Eastern Jurisdiction.  Comp. Sipprell was a professor at Acadia University and had been appointed Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of  Royal Arch Masons in 1947. (Letter dated October 20, 1948)  Comp. Sipprell referred the inquiry from Comp. Carruthers’ to the Grand Recorder, Rt.Ill.Comp. R.V. Harris, who played a key role in guiding the process that led to the Institution of the Garden of the Gulf Council in November 1949.

The Grand Recorder advised that the Companions on Prince Edward Island who were interested in forming a Council of Royal and Select Masters should make application for membership in Tantramar Council No.19, which met alternately in Amherst and Moncton, and then to immediately make application for a Dispensation to form a new Council.  Comp. Harris requested Ill.Comp. R.C. Zink, Thrice Illustrious Master of Tantramar Council, to assist in the work.  Comp. Zink visited Charlottetown on November 19, 1948 and discussed the formation of the Council with Comp. Carruthers.  On September 28, 1949 applications from fourteen Companions on Prince Edward Island were forwarded to Tantramar Council.  The delay of more than ten months appeared to be due to a misunderstanding in requesting the blank Application Forms.  The Applicants were elected on October 28 and on the same date Grand Council issued a Dispensation authorizing Comp. R.C. Zinc to institute the new Council after Tantramar Council had conferred the Degrees on the several candidates.  (File, Harris to Carruthers, October 28, 1949)

 

Comp. Harris also requested that a name be selected for the new Council.  He suggested some possible titles and Comp. Carruthers circulated an undated memo to the Companions seeking their input.  On November 10, the Recorder of Tantramar Council contacted Comp. T. Gordon Ives and requested immediate action on a name for the Council noting that Comp. Carruthers would be away for a few days and unable to attend to the task.  On November 17 Comp. Ives wrote to the Recorder of Tantramar Council and stated that “in discussing it with the boys last night after our Preceptory meeting, we thought that ‘Garden of the Gulf’ would make a very good name ... subject to the approval of some of the other Companions, particularly Companion Carruthers when he arrives home.” (File Correspondence)

 

On November 26, 1949 nine members of Tantramar Council convened a Regular Assembly of their Council in the Masonic Temple in Charlottetown at 3:00 p.m. with Ill.Comp. W.V. Spencer presiding.  Twenty-seven members and visitors were present for that historic Assembly including eight Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island.  A class of thirteen petitioners were greeted and received the Royal Master Degree.  Following a Banquet at the Charlottetown Hotel the Assembly resumed Labour and the newly initiated Royal Masters were inducted to the Select Master and Super Excellent Master Degrees.  The Inspector General of New Brunswick, R.Ill.Comp. R.C. Zink, under authority of the Grand Master, then proceeded with the Institution of Garden of the Gulf Council of Royal and Select Masters No.20 U.D.  The following slate of elected and appointed Officers were then installed:

 

 Thrice Illustrious Master

 Ill.Comp. H.R. Carruthers

 Deputy Master

 Ill.Comp. L.A. MacDougall

 Principal Conductor of Work

 Ill.Comp. F.A. VanIderstine

 Captain of the Guard

 Comp. R.E. Kemp

 Treasurer

 Comp. W.J. Drake

 Recorder

 Comp. G.D. Murchison

 Conductor of the Council

 Comp. N.D. MacLean

 Steward

 Comp. W.H. Darrach

 Chaplain

 Comp. T.G. Ives

 Sentinel

 Comp. R.E. Hyndman

 

The sixteen Charter Members included the ten Officers named above and six other Companions who had the Degrees of the Council before the Annual Assembly in June 1950.  Comp. H.E. Ward, Comp. G.E. Full and Comp. P.E. Palmer were also greeted on November 26, 1949 when the Council was instituted.   Comp. George G. Wood was ill and unable to attend the Assembly but received his Degrees on March 9, 1950.  Comp. L.M. MacKinnon already had the Degrees of Cryptic Rite as a member of Yarmouth Council No.12.  Comp. John E. Sinclair (Senator) was also a member of Cryptic Rite but was unable to return from Ottawa for the Assembly.  He died less than one month later on December 23.  The thirteen new members applied for and received their Demits en bloc from Tantramar Council in February 1950.  Tantramar Council also returned

Comp. Wood’s Petition and $130 as the Application Fee for the other thirteen petitioners.  (File Correspondence, Comp. Horton to Comp. Murchison, February 24, 1950)  The first request for a Demit was granted to Charter Member, Comp. R.E. Kemp, in March 1954.  Ill.Comp. T. Gordon Ives was installed as Thrice Illustrious Master in April 1954 but died in Office in November before presiding at any Assemblies.  The last surviving Charter Member was Comp. Neil D. MacLean who deceased in April 1985.  The Continuing Charter that was received in 1959 to replace the original that was lost in the 1955 fire contains the names of only fifteen Charter Members.  Comp. H.E. Ward’s name was omitted in the reproduction.

 

Garden of the Gulf Council was the twentieth Council of Royal and Select Masters warranted by Grand Council after 1867 when it was organized.  In the intervening years several of the Councils had joined the Grand Council of Ontario or had surrendered their Charter.  Grand Council decided to re-number the remaining nine Councils in the order of the date of their Charters.  The Garden of the Gulf Council began using the designation No.9 in October 1953.

 

The Charter for Garden of the Gulf Council No.9 was approved on January 26, 1951 in Saint John.  It was signed by the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Allan P. Trecarten, and, R.Ill.Comp. Reginald V. Harris, the Grand Recorder.  It is unclear when the Charter was presented.  At the Regular Assembly on October 9, 1952 it was noted that the Council had its Charter “for some time” but it had not been displayed.  The Charter was immediately hung by the newest member, Comp. R.H. Rogers at the request of the Thrice Illustrious Master, Comp. F.A. VanIderstine.

 

The Council adopted its first code of Bye-Laws on April 12, 1951.  Annual dues were set at $3 and initiation fees at $10.  The Election and Installation of new Officers occurred at the April Assembly prior to 1960 when amendments provided for Elections in December and Installation in January.  Fees were increased to $25 in 1963 but dues remained unchanged until 1977 when a $2 increase was approved.  The night of meeting was changed from the second Thursday to the fourth Wednesday in 1971.  A yearly schedule of six Regular Assemblies was  planned.  Several amendments occurred in the 1980's.  The annual dues were doubled to $10 in 1980 with a further increase of $5 in 1987.  In 1980 the months for Regular Assemblies were changed to January, April, May, September, October and November.  Annual dues currently stand at $20 following an amendment in October 1998.

 

The year 1955-56 was especially active and eventful in the Council.  The largest class of candidates in its history was admitted.  The class of sixteen included Comp. George Leslie Gillespie, Comp. John Arthur Carruthers, Comp. Chester E. VanIderstine, Comp. Harry C.

Johnstone, Comp. Chester R. Martin, Comp. Ronald C. Greene and Comp. Floyd Drake.  M.Ill. Dalvey G. Murchison was the Thrice Illustrious Master in 1955-56.

 

The most significant event in that year was the loss of the Masonic Temple in the fire of December 14, 1955.  The Temple on Grafton Street had been the first home of the Council. Following the fire the Council held its Assemblies in the Knights of Columbus Hall but used the I.O.O.F. Hall on Richmond Street for the Degree Work.  A fire on September 1, 1957 ravaged the I.O.O.F. Hall.  The Council Minutes do not make reference to the fire nor to any losses of Council items.  The 1955 class of candidates have the unenviable record of receiving the last Cryptic Rite Degree conferred in the Grafton Street Temple and the last and only ones conferred in the I.O.O.F. Hall.  Their Cryptic Rite Certificates were presented in the new Temple on Hillsboro Street.

 

After two years in temporary quarters the Freemasons moved into their new Temple at 204 Hillsboro Street.  The Council held its first Assembly in the new quarters on November 14, 1957.  The Thrice Illustrious Master was Comp. Ernest C. MacMillan.  Annual rent in the former Temple was $25 but in the new quarters the rate increased to $75.  Rent payments of $275 annually were noted in the mid-1980's and in 1993 the Council voted to increase its share of rent paid to the Prince Edward Preceptory to $500. (Minutes, May 26, 1993)  Apparently the offer was adjusted and rent payments of $400 annually have been paid since 1993.

 

Some significant milestones in the presentation of the Cryptic Rite Degrees in the Council were noted in the records.  The first application for membership was received on April 12, 1951 from Comp. George R. Brady.  The three Degrees of the Council were conferred for Comp. Brady on November 8, 1951.  He and five other Companions received the Royal Ark Mariner Degree in Saint John in October 1952.  The Royal Ark Mariner Degree was conferred for the first time in Garden of the Gulf Council on October 9, 1953 by a Team from Orient Council No.5 in New Glasgow.

 

For almost two decades M.Ill.Comp. Albert E. Lavers was the dean of the Degree Team in the Council.  He was greeted in the Council in 1959 and conferred his first Degree on February 14, 1963.  Comp. Lavers led the Team on April 25, 1964 when the Super Excellent Master Degree was presented in long form for the first time in Garden of the Gulf Council.  The class of sixteen candidates included Comp. C.D. Gillis, Comp. J.L. Herring, Comp. T.H. Foster and Comp. C.G. Stetson.  In November 1970 the retiring Thrice Illustrious Master, Comp. Reuben Cross, presented Comp. Lavers with a silver tea service in appreciation for his work during the year. 

The Council also presented a gift to Comp. Lavers Comp. Lavers’ Degree work was last referenced in October 1982 when he delivered the Historical Lecture for the Royal Master’s Degree.  The candidate was Comp. William Matheson.  Comp. Lavers also served as Treasurer of the Council for thirteen years retiring in 1979.  Comp. Lavers deceased on November 23, 1986.

 

The Council has tended to schedule its social activities in connection with the Regular Assemblies.  In the early years when large classes of candidates were greeted, the Companions normally held a dinner on the evening of the Assembly.  On March 12, 1964 the Council Steward, Comp. R.J. Cross, provided a lobster supper in the Temple at $1 per plate for twenty-one Officers and members prior to the Assembly where the Royal Master Degree was conferred on twelve Companions.  Six weeks later the members held a dinner at Montgomery Hall after conferring the Select Master Degree and returned to the Temple to confer the Super Excellent Master Degree in full form for the first time in the Council.  Ill.Comp. A.E. Lavers, who led the Team in conferring the S.E.M. Degree, was Thrice Illustrious Master in 1964.  The custom of holding a dinner prior to the Assemblies was commonplace in the 1980's.  The tradition was begun by Ill.Comp. Carl R. Bagnall.  Individual Companions took responsibility for preparing the meal and were reimbursed for certain expenses.  R.Ill.Comp. Charles J. Stuart prepared the meal on several occasions.  The ladies were invited to share in the meal on special occasions.  Following the Installation Ceremonies in 1969 and 1970, the Companions and their ladies dined together as part of ‘Ladies’ Night’.  When the Grand Master made his Official Visitation in 1997, he joined the Companions and their wives for dinner at the Charlottetown Hotel and conducted an Open Installation for the Grand Chaplain, R.Ill.Comp. W. Eric Ingraham, prior to the opening of the  Assembly.  The Thrice Illustrious Master was Ill.Comp. William M. MacEwen. (Minutes, September 24, 1997)

 

The first attendance at a Field Day was recorded in May 1965.  The event was hosted by Orient Council No.5 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.  Twenty-three members of Garden of the Gulf Council and six candidates attended the event.  The candidates from the Province who received their Degrees during the Field Day were Comp. Earl J. Arsenault, Comp. George Meikle, Comp. A. Keith Lord, Comp. Arnold E. MacLennan, Comp. Walter N. Wilson and Comp. Lorne A. Wright.  Four Councils participated in conferring the Royal Master, Select Master, Super Excellent Master and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees.  M.Ill.Comp. A.E. Lavers PTIM led the cast of Officers from Garden of the Gulf Council in the Super Excellent Master Degree.  The members shared a Banquet between the afternoon and evening sessions and had lodging at the Peter Pan Motel. (Minutes of Assembly of Orient Council, May 8, 1965)

 

Six Thrice Illustrious Masters from the Council received the Order of the Silver Trowel at a Special Assembly in Wolfville, Nova Scotia on May 24, 1968.  The Past Thrice Illustrious Master

Degree was conferred by a Team from Maine.  The honoured members included Ill.Comp. H.R. Carruthers, Ill.Comp. F.A. VanIderstine, Ill.Comp. G.L. Gillespie, Ill.Comp. R.C. Greene, Ill.Comp. J.B. Larkin and Ill.Comp. V.C. Coles. (Minutes, June 13, 1968)

 

The Council’s first request to host an Annual Assembly of the Supreme Grand Council for the Eastern Jurisdiction resulted in disappointment and protest.  The invitation to host the 1953 Assembly was extended during the Annual Assembly in 1952 but was overlooked by the Grand Recorder and the Assembly was scheduled for Saint John instead. More particularly it was scheduled for June 24, the same date as the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island. The Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was scheduled for Charlottetown for June 25 and the Companions from Prince Edward Island hoped to participate in all meetings.  The issue caused some frank exchanges in March 1953.  (File letters)  Companion H.R. Carruthers communicated the concerns of the Council to the Grand Recorder, R.Ill.Comp. R.V. Harris.  The Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. C.L. Jenkins of Saint John was apparently unwilling to change the venue.  At the Regular Assembly on April 9, 1953 the Council passed a resolution protesting the decision of Grand Council in scheduling the Annual Assembly on the same date as the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge.  The protest was forwarded on April 20.  Comp. Harris, who was an Honorary Member of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, had been invited to attend the 1953 Annual Communication in Charlottetown to participate in a debate on the use of a new Ritual and he obliged in lieu of attending Grand Council.

 

Garden of the Gulf Council was successful in hosting several Annual Assemblies in subsequent years particularly when the Most Illustrious Grand Master was a member of the Council.  M.Ill.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall presided at the one hundred and ninth Annual Assembly in the Masonic Temple in Charlottetown on May 22, 1976  Eight Councils were represented and a total attendance of fifty-four was recorded.  The speaker at the noon Banquet was Rev. Dr. F.W.P. Bolger, noted Professor and Island Historian. (Proceedings, 1976)

 

The Annual Assembly in 1990 was held at the Mill River Resort in conjunction with the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.  M.Ill.Comp. Carl R. Bagnall presided at the Annual Assembly on May 3-4 and M.Ex.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley presided as Grand High Priest on May 5-6.  All thirteen Councils were represented with a total attendance of ninety-one.  One hundred and thirty-eight Companions and guests attended the noon luncheon where the special speaker was Jack Kane who talked on the organization for the 1992 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. (Proceedings, 1990)

 

The Annual Assembly in 1995 was held on May 20 at the Charlottetown Hotel with M.Ill.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson presiding.  Eighty-one members and guests attended representing fifteen Councils and Sister Jurisdictions.  The speaker at the noon Banquet was James Seltham, of Public Works Canada and Project Manager for the Fixed Link Project. (Proceedings, 1995)

 

A large number of Companions from Garden of the Gulf Council have been honoured to serve as an Officer of the Supreme Grand Council of the Eastern Jurisdiction.

 

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICER

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICE

 TERM

 M.Ill.Comp. H. Randolph Carruthers

 Conductor of the Council

 1950-51

  

 Chaplain

 1958-59

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1959-61

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1961-62

  

 Grand Master

 1962-63

 M.Ill.Comp. Frank A. VanIderstine

 Inspector-General

 1954-55

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1955-56

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1964-65

  

 Grand Master

 1965-66

 V.Ill.Comp. G. Dalvey Murchison

 Sentinel

 1959-61

 R.Ill.Comp. C. Gordon Lord

 Inspector-General

 1959-62

  

 Director of Ceremonies

 1980-81

  

 Captain of the Guard

 1981-82

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1982-83

 V.Ill.Comp. Ernest C. MacMillan

 Steward

 1963-64

  

 Sentinel

 1965-66

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICER

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICE

 TERM

 V.Ill.Comp. Floyd Drake

 Captain of the Guard

 1964-65

 M.Ill.Comp. G. Leslie Gillespie

 Master of Ceremonies

 1966-67

  

 Conductor of the Council

 1976-77

  

 Captain of the Guard

 1977-78

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1978-79

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1979-80

  

 Grand Master

 1980-81

 V.Ill.Comp. Ronald C. Greene

 Steward

 1969-70

 R.Ill.Comp. Albert E. Lavers

 Chaplain

 1969-70

 M.Ill.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall

 Sentinel

 1968-69

  

 Cond. of the Council

 1973-74

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1974-75

  

 Grand Master

 1975-76

 R.Ill.Comp. J. Bertram Larkin

 Inspector-General

 1971-72

 R.Ill.Comp. V.C. Coles

 Captain of the Guard

 1972-73

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1973-74

 M.Ill.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson

 Director of Ceremonies

 1975-76

  

 Inspector-General

 1976-77

  

 Captain of the Guard

 1991-92

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1992-93

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1993-94

  

 Grand Master

 1994-95

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICER

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICE

 TERM

 R.Ill.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin

 Steward

 1978-79

  

 Director of Ceremonies

 1989-90

  

 Chaplain

 1994-95

 V.Ill.Comp. D. Roscoe Walker

 Conductor of the Council

 1979-80

 R.Ill.Comp. W. S. McMurtry

 Inspector-General

 1980-81

 V.Ill.Comp. L. Willard Nicholson

 Conductor of the Council

 1983-85

 R.Ill.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley

 Inspector-General

 1986-87

 M.Ill.Comp. Carl R. Bagnall

 Captain of the Guard

 1986-87

  

 Principal Cond. of the Work

 1987-88

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1988-89

  

 Grand Master

 1989-90

 R.Ill.Fred C. Younker

 Chaplain

 1989-90

 V.Ill.Comp. Daniel J. Banks

 Sentinel

 1989-90

 R.Ill.Comp. Charles J. Stuart

 Steward

 1991-92

  

 Inspector-General

 1992-93

 M.Ill.Comp. Philip Henderson

 Director of Ceremonies

 1994-95

  

 Inspector-General

 1995-97

  

 Captain of the Guard

 1998-99

  

 Deputy Grand Master

 1999-00

  

 Grand Master

 2000-01

 R.Ill.Comp. W. Eric Ingraham

 Chaplain

 1997-98 2000-01

  

 Inspector-General

 2000-01

     

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICER

 GRAND COUNCIL OFFICE

 TERM

V.Ill.Comp. William M. MacEwen Sentinel 2000-01

 

M.Ill.Comp. G. Leslie Gillespie presented the Gillespie Trophy in 1981 as an annual Award in Grand Council.  The Councils of the Eastern Jurisdiction have competed for the Trophy based on established criteria viz.

 1

 Proficiency in Opening and Closing Assemblies

 2

 Percentage of membership in attendance at Regular Assemblies

 3

 Proficiency in the presentation of Degrees

 4

 Decrease in membership of the Council

(Minutes, May 27, 1987)

 

During his term as Grand Master M.Ill.Comp. Carl R. Bagnall had the honour to Institute Central Newfoundland Council.  The Special Assembly of Grand Council was convened in the Masonic Hall in Gander, Newfoundland on October 5, 1989.  Comp. Philip H. Henderson brought greetings to the new Council from Garden of the Gulf Council.  M.Ill. Comp. S. Leaman Caseley, Grand High Priest, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.  Comp. Henderson and Comp. Caseley also affiliated as Past Thrice Illustrious Masters with the new Council.  The Grand Master suggested that the Constituent Councils in the Eastern Jurisdiction might wish to contribute some items of new paraphernalia for the new Council.  At the Annual Assembly in Saint John in May 1991 thirteen sets of Jewels and Collars were presented.  Garden of the Gulf Council funded the regalia for the Director of Ceremonies Station.  Past Grand Master Bagnall was made an Honorary Past Thrice Illustrious Master in the Central Newfoundland Council No.16 in 1990.  (Proceedings, 1990, pp. 6-7)

 

The special contribution of several individual Companions has warranted the praise of the Council.

M.Ill.Comp. H. Randolph Carruthers performed the duties of Recorder continuously from 1952-1972.  His last set of Minutes was dated January 26, 1972 and contained an interesting postscript “ Temperature at 8:00 p.m. - 8 below zero.”  Was Comp. Carruthers referring to the Room Temperature?  Comp. Carruthers deceased on April 20, 1972.  Comp. Reuben Cross presented a Trowel to the Council in memory of Comp. Carruthers.  (Minutes, May 24, 1972)

 

Ill.Comp. David P. MacLean has been acknowledged by the Council for his fine craftsmanship and generosity in the gift of eight new Arches for the Council in 1996.  The original Arches, which were undoubtedly lost in the 1955 Fire, had been bought at Scantlebury Signs for $51 just nine months before the Fire.

 

V.Ill.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin researched and wrote the History of the Supreme Grand Council of the Eastern Jurisdiction and the Garden of the Gulf Council No.9.  It was first presented to the Council in November 1999 to “a strong round of applause from all Companions present.”  In April 2000 Comp. MacNevin donated copies of the History to all members of the Council.

 

Ill.Comp. Reuben J. Cross was one of the great benefactors in the Council.  As Thrice Illustrious Master in 1970 he funded new Regalia for the Council.  It was dedicated on October 8 by Ill.Comp. A.E. Lavers assisted by Ill.Comp. W.S. Burns.  Comp. Cross affiliated with the Council in 1962 from Tantramar Council No.8.  He was elected Steward in 1963.  He was recognized for many years by the Council for providing the lunch for the Companions after each Assembly.  His specialty was Lobster Stew.

 

V.Ill.Comp. C. Gordon Lord played a very active role in the work of the Council for more than a quarter-century.  He held Offices in Grand Council and was serving as Principal Conductor of the Work at the time of his death.  Following his death in April 1983 while attending a Masonic function in Boston, his family presented a gift of $1000 to the Council in his memory.

(MacNevin, p. 33)

 

Garden of the Gulf Council enjoyed remarkable growth in membership in its first quarter-century.  Total membership tripled in the first decade.  With two Admissions in 1975 the Council reached its peak membership with seventy-three Companions on the Roll.  Ill.Comp. W.S. McMurtry was Thrice Illustrious Master in that historic year and Ill.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall was installed as the third Grand Master from the Council.  M.Ill.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson began his distinguished career as an Officer in Grand Council in 1975.  Since the mid-1970's the Council has experienced a gradual but steady decline in membership.  The current total is forty-three .  In the 1990's the Council has admitted approximately fifteen new members but the total number of deaths, demissions and suspensions in the same interval has been double that amount.

 

Timing can be all-important in any new undertaking.  Kensington Council of Royal and Select Masters began in 1896 amid a prolonged low period in the Prince Edward Chapter.  The Council lasted only six years.  The establishment of Garden of the Gulf Council in 1950 coincided with a banner decade in Royal Arch Masonry in the Province and in Alexandra Chapter in particular.  The Council flourished immediately and Cryptic Rite became a vibrant new dimension in Freemasonry in this Province.  The Council has been an active participant in the work of the Eastern Jurisdiction.  Seven Companions have served as Grand Master and a host of others have been elected or appointed to Offices in the Grand Council.  The Council endured a low period in the early 1980's when attendance lagged and interest waned.  A core of dedicated Companions held firm and ensured that the Council survived.  An influx of active new members including several from Prince Edward Chapter No.12 aided in the revival that was quite evident in the work of the Council in the 1990's.  As Garden of the Gulf Council begins its second half-century, may the spirit, harmony and confidence that so characterized its formative years continue to inspire and direct the present membership!

 

COUNCIL OFFICERS

2000

 

 Thrice Illustrious Master

 Comp. David P. MacLean

 Deputy Master

 Comp. Robert M. MacDonald

 Principal Conductor of the Work

 Comp. Stephen G. Madden

 Treasurer

 M.Ill.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson

   

Recorder Comp. J. Fred Quinn Captain of the Guard

 Comp. J. Cooke Howatt

 Conductor of the Council

 Comp. Al Timmons

 Steward

 Comp. Nelson G. Hurry

 Sentinel

 Comp. Gerald D. Laughlin

 Master of Ceremonies

 Comp. George I. H. Mason PTIM

 Chaplain

 Comp. W. Grant Rackham

 Historian

 R.Ill.Comp. Lloyd G.MacNevin

 Organist

 Comp. Cedric P. Oulton

ROYAL ISLAND CONCLAVE NO. 28

MASONIC AND MILITARY ORDER OF KNIGHTS

OF THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE

1982

 

Sources:

File of Official Correspondence including Petitions, Dispensation M-31 and Copy of Charter, Courtesy Recorder, Royal Island Conclave

 

History of the Royal Island Conclave No. 28, Prince Edward Island 1981-1999, by David P. MacLean.

 

Minutes Royal Island Conclave No.28

 

Proceedings of Annual Assembly of the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada (selected years)

 

The initiative to establish a Conclave of Constantinian Masonry in Charlottetown was begun in July 1981 when the eight Knights Companion from Prince Edward Island who were members of Royal Edward Conclave No.8 in Halifax signed a Petition requesting the Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign of the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada to grant a Warrant of Constitution to establish a Conclave to be known as Royal Island Conclave. (File)

 

The petitioners were C. Gordon Lord, P. Reagh Bagnall, Clarence E. Walker, G. Leslie Gillespie, J. Bertram Larkin, Cecil G. Stetson, D. Roscoe Walker and S. Leaman Caseley.  The Petition was dated July 10, 1981. (File)  A second Petition containing the names of thirteen Knights Companion from the Halifax Area who wished to have their names added to the Charter was never forwarded. (MacLean, p.2)

 

The Dispensation empowering the Royal Island Conclave to meet was issued by the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada on August 11, 1981.  It was signed by the Grand Sovereign, M.Ill.Kt. Albert A. Mortlock, and the Grand Recorder, R.Ill.Kt. Gerald O. Smith.  The Dispensation authorized the Companions to hold Assemblies on the first Saturday in the months of January, April and October.  Very Illustrious Knight C. Gordon Lord was named as the first Sovereign and Kt.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall as the first Viceroy.  The Dispensation stated that Comp. Bagnall would have to be consecrated as a Knight Companion before being installed as Viceroy.  (Kt.Comp. Bagnall received the Appendant Orders at Royal Edward Conclave No.8 on November 28, 1981)

 

The first slate of Officers was as follows:

 Most Puissant Sovereign

 V.Ill.Kt.Comp. Gordon C. Lord

 Viceroy

 Em.Kt.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall

 Senior General

 Kt.Comp. Clarence E. Walker

 Junior General

 Kt.Comp. G. Leslie Gillespie

 High Prelate

 Kt.Comp. J. Bertram Larkin

 Marshal

 Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson

 Orator

 Kt.Comp. D. Roscoe Walker

 Sentinel

 Kt.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley

 

The first Assembly of the Conclave was held at the residence of Knight Companion Reagh Bagnall at 5 Glenwood Drive Charlottetown on October 31, 1981.  Seven Knights Companion were present.  Officers were named and seven committees including the Assembly Quarters Committee were appointed.  The Assembly approved a motion that any member of the Royal Edward Conclave No.8 could become a Charter Member of the new Conclave.

 

The second Assembly was held at the same location with seven Knights Companion in attendance.  A one-time fee of $25 to assist with organization of the Conclave was approved for all Charter Members

On January 9, 1982 the Conclave met at the Linkletter Hotel in Summerside.  Prior to the Assembly the Knights Companion and their ladies attended a dinner at the Hotel.  The Assembly Quarters Committee reported that the Conclave would be holding their Assemblies in the Temple in Charlottetown free of charge until the next meeting of the Temple Company in February.  Twelve Proposals for membership were received.  There was unanimous approval for a motion requiring Knights to wear tuxedos when attending Assemblies.

 

The first investitures for the new Conclave occurred at a Special Assembly on June 12, 1982.  Eminent Knight Rupert H. MacNeill and his Officers from  Royal Edward Conclave in Halifax conducted the Installation.  The inductees were Archibald Ellsworth Campbell, John Arthur Carruthers, Verner Charles Coles, Lloyd George Dewar and David Peter MacLean. Following the Assembly the members, guests and their ladies enjoyed a lobster supper hosted by the ladies of Crystal Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No1 at St Paul’s Anglican Church.

 

The Royal Island Conclave was constituted in Halifax during the Forty-Seventh Annual Assembly of the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada on August 11, 1982.  The Grand Sovereign, M.Ill.Kt. Robert G. Loftus G.C.C., convened a Special Assembly following the 9:00 a.m. opening of the Annual Assembly.  The Grand Sovereign assisted by the Grand Officers constituted Royal Island Conclave in accordance with the General Statutes and the Ceremonies of the Order.  Three members of the Conclave were present viz. V.Ill.Kt.Comp. C. Gordon  Lord, Em.Kt.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall and Kt.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley.  Comp. Lord and Comp. Bagnall were invested in their Offices.  Following the Prayer of Dedication by Past Grand Sovereign, M.Ill.Kt. A.K. Campbell, the following gifts were presented to the new Conclave:

 

 Banner of the Order

 V.Ill.Kt.Comp. Fred C. Morrison

 Labarum

 Royal Edward Conclave No.8

 Two Gavels and Sceptre

 M.Ill.Kt.Comp. Gerald O. Smith GCC

 Altar Cloth (at a later date)

 Royal Edward Conclave No.8

 

Kt.Comp. Smith, the Grand Recorder, crafted the Gavels and Sceptre.  The Banner contained the name of the new Conclave and the date of Institution embroidered on it.

 

The Charter Members named on the Letters Patent of the new Conclave were those of the original eight petitioners.  The Charter was signed by the Grand Recorder and Grand Viceroy.  The Charter was presented on February 16, 1985 by the Deputy Intendant General of the Eastern Division, V.Ill.Kt.Comp. Stanley MacKenzie.

 

The cost for equipment and paraphernalia to constitute the Conclave was $576.39 (MacLean, p.3)  Additional gifts included:

 

 Broad Swords

 M.Ill.Kt. R.A. Paul Fleming, Past Grand Sovereign

 High Altar

 Em.Kt.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall

 Office Supplies and Paraphernalia

 V.Ill.Kt.Comp. C. Gordon Lord

 Storage Trunk

 Kt.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley

(MacLean, p.3)

 

In November 1991 Kt.Comp. David MacLean provided a new table for the High Altar to facilitate easier transfer.

 

Most of the Assemblies for the Conclave are held at the  Masonic Temple in Charlottetown. The annual rental fee of $100 was first announced in April 1983 and has continued unchanged.  The Knights Companion have continued to honour the desire of the Charter Members to hold Regular Assemblies in other Masonic Halls in the Province on occasion.  The most common choices have been Mount Zion Hall in Kensington and Corinthian Hall in O’Leary.  On September 11, 1999 a Regular Assembly was held in the Masonic Hall in Port Hill for the first time.  On all such occasions provisions were made for the entertainment of the ladies during the Assembly and a meal with the ladies is arranged at a local restaurant following the Assembly.

 

The first Code of Bye-Laws for the Conclave was adopted on March 13, 1985 after full consideration clause by clause at an Emergent Assembly.  The schedule of Fees and Annual Dues had already been approved in 1982 and were incorporated as Section VI of the new Code.  The Bye-Laws were returned by the Grand Recorder in September 1985 with corrections, deletions and a suggestion to increase the Dues and Installation Fee to better reflect costs to Grand Conclave.  The amendments that were adopted in November 1985 suggest that the Conclave was not in agreement with the suggestions from the Grand Imperial Conclave.  Annual Dues were left at $10 and not increased to $15 as recommended.  The Installation Fee was raised from $50 to $80 not $100-$125 as recommended. The Conclave also provided a Sash and Jewel with the Fee.  The most contentious issue was the location for Assemblies.  The Knights Companion wished to have flexibility to hold Assemblies across the Island.  The Grand Conclave stipulated Charlottetown.  Consequently the Conclave must acquire a Dispensation each time an Assembly is held outside the City.

 

The first major revision of the Bye-Laws occurred in 1990 when Annual Dues were doubled.  A Life-Membership Plan was also adopted in 1990.  The latest revision occurred in 1997 when the Knights Companion approved a change of meeting dates from the third Saturday of January, April, September and November to the second Saturday of the same months.  The Regular Assembly in November continues as the occasion for election and installation of new Officers.

 

The Knights Companion have adopted several traditions as part of the governance of the Conclave.  Prior to 1995 all elected Officers were moved up one Station on the night of election.  Since 1995 the Officers have been elected in November “as per Bye-Laws”.  The Conclave has presented each Immediate Past Most Puissant Sovereign with a Sash and Jewel.

 

Constantinian Masonry began in Canada in 1869.  Most of the fifteen Conclaves that were constituted in the beginning later became dormant.  In 1936 the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada was formed.  When the Royal Island Conclave was instituted in 1981 it became part of the Eastern Division of the Dominion of Canada.  In 1985 the Eastern Division was further re-organized into the Maritime, Newfoundland and Atlantic Divisions.  The local Conclave became part of the Maritime Division joining the Conclaves in Saint John and Fredericton. (MacLean, p. 3)  Intendant Generals are appointed for each Division in Canada.

 

Three members of Royal Island Conclave have held the position of Intendant General in the Maritime Division.

 

 Rt.Ill.Kt. P. Reagh Bagnall

 1987-89

 Rt.Ill.Kt. Cecil G. Stetson

 1995-97

 Rt.Ill.Kt. David P. MacLean

 2000-

 

V.Ill.Kt. C. Gordon Lord, one of the Charter Members of the Conclave, was Intendant General of the former Eastern Division from 1981 until his death on April 10, 1983.  He had been appointed to the Office as a member of Royal Edward Conclave.

 

Ill.Kt.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall was the first Divisional Recorder of the Maritime Division (1985-87)

 

Joint Assemblies for the three Conclaves within the Maritime Division have normally been held annually since 1985.  Royal Island Conclave first hosted a Joint Assembly on April 21, 1990.  The Appendant Orders were conferred for Knights Companion Norman Thompson and Wendell Brown. The First Point was exemplified by Moore-MacLeod Conclave No.1.  Em.Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson directed the Second Point for the host Conclave.  The Third Point was conferred by St. Anne’s Conclave No.27.  Royal Island Conclave also hosted the Joint Assembly in 1994, 1997 and 2000.  The Conclave has traditionally been requested to confer the Second Point of the

Appendant Orders at the Joint Assemblies.  R.Em.Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson (K.C.C.) directed the cast continuously from 1985-1999.

 

Royal Island Conclave hosted the Fiftieth Annual Assembly of the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada in 1986.  Em.Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson served as Chairperson of the Planning Committee with Kt.Comp. David P. MacLean as Deputy Chair. Four sub-committees were appointed to handle details for the August 27 Assembly.  Meeting rooms and accommodations were reserved at the Charlottetown Hotel with additional accommodations at the Prince Edward Hotel and Rodd’s Motel.  Ninety-three voting delegates were present and thirty-four non-voting Knights Companion.  Total attendance including ladies and distinguished guests was two-hundred and thirty-one. (Proceedings, 1986, p. 40)  M.Ill.Kt.Comp. W. Marshall Black of Kentville was installed as Grand Sovereign at the Assembly.  Kt.Comp. Black was also a Charter Member of Royal Island Conclave.  He received his Demit from the Conclave in December 1989.

 

At the Sixty-Fourth Annual Assembly in Gander, Newfoundland in 1999, the Grand Sovereign, M.Ill.Kt. Comp. W. Job Parsons, conferred the Dignity and Honour of Knight Commander of Constantine (K.C.C.) on Rt.Ill.Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson, Past Intendant General.

 

The Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada Charitable Foundation was granted Letters Patent under the Canada Corporations Act on October 11, 1995.  As a registered charity the initial purpose of the Foundation was to gift funds to other Charities especially those associated with diseases of the aged.  Currently the donations are restricted to the Arthritis Society.  The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors.  Each Conclave is encouraged to name a representative of the Foundation within its membership.  Kt.Comp. Eric Ingraham was named as the first representative of Royal Island Conclave in September 1999.  To stimulate interest in the Foundation the Board of Directors has approved a Charity Jewel which is awarded to each Knight Companion who makes a donation of $250.  Since 1999 the award has been called the ‘Caritas Jewel’.

 

Total membership in the Conclave has remained quite consistent through nearly two decades.  Thirteen members of Royal Edward Conclave No.8 in Halifax affiliated with the new Conclave to comprise the initial Roll of twenty-one.  One of the most active years was 1987 when seven Companions were admitted.  Em.Kt. Cecil Stetson conducted the Installation for Companions Lloyd MacNevin, Leigh Newcombe, Willard Nicholson, Reginald MacRae, Ronald Greene, Carl Bagnall and Wendell Brown.  The Conclave recorded its largest membership in 1992 when thirty-

six Knight Companions were listed.  The Most Puissant Sovereign, Kt.Comp. L. George Dewar, welcomed Companions Gordon Bennett, Donald Judson and Norman Thompson in that year.

 

MOST PUISSANT SOVEREIGNS

 

 TERM

 MOST PUISSANT SOVEREIGN

 1981-82

 V.Ill.Kt.Comp. C. Gordon Lord

 1983

 Em.Kt.Comp. P. Reagh Bagnall

 1984

 Em.Kt.Comp. Clarence E. Walker

 1985

 Em.Kt.Comp. G. Leslie Gillespie

 1986

 Em.Kt.Comp. J. Bertram Larkin

 1987

 Em.Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson

 1988

 Em.Kt.Comp. D. Roscoe Walker

 1989

 Em.Kt.Comp. S. Leaman Caseley

 1990

 Em.Kt.Comp. Archibald E. Campbell

 1991

 Em.Kt.Comp. L. George Dewar

 1992

 Em.Kt.Comp. David P. MacLean

 1993

 Em.Kt.Comp. James R. Murphy

 1994

 Em.Kt.Comp. Douglas M. MacDonald

 1995

 Em.Kt.Comp. Walter S. McMurtry

 1996

 Em.Kt.Comp. Philip H. Henderson

 1997

 Em.Kt.Comp. Philip H. Henderson

 1998

 Em.Kt.Comp. Carl R. Bagnall

 1999

 Em.Kt. Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin

   

 TERM

 MOST PUISSANT SOVEREIGN

2000 Em.Kt.Comp. Norman B. Thompson

 

ROYAL ISLAND CONCLAVE OFFICERS

2000

 

 Most Puissant Sovereign

 Em.Kt.Comp. Norman Thompson

 Viceroy

 Em.Kt.Comp. Clarence D. Gillis

 Senior General

 Kt.Comp. William MacEwen

 Junior General

 Kt.Comp. Charles Graves

 High Prelate

 Kt.Comp. Eric Ingraham

 Almoner

 Kt.Comp. Murray Brown

 Treasurer

 R.Ill.Kt.Comp. Cecil G. Stetson

 Recorder

 R.Ill.Kt.Comp. David P. MacLean

 Marshal

 Kt.Comp. Vernon Hardy

 Orator

 Kt.Comp. Cedric Oulton

 Standard Bearer

 Kt.Comp. Leigh Newcombe

 Prefect

 Kt.Comp. Charles Stuart

 1st Aide

 Kt.Comp. Cooke Howatt

 2nd Aide

 Kt.Comp. Reginald MacRae

 Herald

 Em.Kt.Comp. Philip H. Henderson PMPS

 Sentinel

 Em.Kt.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin PMPS

MARK MASONS LODGE

1828-1849

 

Sources:

A Mark Masons Lodge in Prince Edward Island, 1828-1849, Bro. R.A. Gordon, undated

 

Lodge Minutes, PARO Acc. # 3001, (5-6-7)

 

The Beginnings of Freemasonry in Canada, Halifax, 1938, M.W.Bro. Reginald V. Harris PGM

 

Minutes of St. John’s Lodge No.26/833/562

 

Records have shown that as early as the 1780's it was not uncommon for Mark Lodges to be established under the Warrants of a Craft Lodge in Nova Scotia.  Harris wrote that “the earliest record of conferring the Mark Degree in Canada is believed to be in the Minutes of a Mark Lodge held in Halifax, February 27, 1784.” (Harris, p.120)  In the early decades of the Nineteenth Century there were several Mark Lodges in Nova Scotia.  Union Mark Lodge worked under the Charter of St. Andrew’s Lodge No.137 (now No.1)  It continued to operate into the 1860's and held its meetings in the Freemasons Hall.  Master Masons on Prince Edward Island in the early years of the Nineteenth Century may have availed themselves of the opportunity to receive the Mark Degree in one of the Nova Scotia Mark Lodges.

 

The records of a Mark Masons Lodge which operated in Charlottetown from 1828-1849 are contained in a file at Provincial Archives and Record Office (PARO Acc. # 3001-5-7)  The File contains the Minutes of twenty-seven meetings covering the life of the Lodge. (The Minutes have been recopied for easier reading.)

On February 11, 1828 five Master Masons assembled “in St. John’s Lodge” for the initial meeting of the Mark Masons Lodge.  Four stations were filled and Bro. John Page was on the sidelines.

 

 Worshipful Master

 Bro. James Gibson

 Senior Warden

 Bro. Thomas Jones

 Junior Warden

 Bro. Alex Stewart

 Tyler

 Bro. Allan McInnis

 

At the first meeting thirteen new members were initiated and ‘given a Mark.’  The list included Bro. Robert Hutchinson, Bro. John Robinson, Bro. Thomas Robinson and Bro. James Wilson.

 

In 1828 St. John’s Lodge was holding its Communications in the residence of Bro. John Robinson on Kent Street.  The house was immediately west of where City Hall is now located.  The Lodge continued to meet there until 1834.  Sussex Lodge was chartered in 1828 and had a lease agreement with St. John’s Lodge to use the same Lodge Room.

 

St. Mark’s Day (April 25) was a special day for Mark Masons’ Lodges.  In 1829 the Lodge resolved to hold regular meetings on St. Mark’s Day and the last Monday of October each year.  The members did not consistently observe that Bye-Law but St. Mark’s Day was celebrated in 1828, 1829, 1830, 1832, 1844 and 1845.  The Minutes show that the members attended a dinner following the Meeting in some of those years.  The first dinner was held at the home of Bro. Thomas Jones.

 

A summary of the twenty-seven meetings shows that seventy-two Mark Masons were listed.  Thirty-three Marks were registered.  One-third of the meetings were held in the first two years of the Lodge’s life.

 

The record suggests that the Lodge was dormant in the decade between 1832 and 1842.  For most of the period Freemasonry was under siege as the ‘Morgan Affair’ unfolded in North America.  St. John’s Lodge did not hold Communications on a regular basis and did not have a permanent Lodge Room.  The recovery of the Mark Masons’ Lodge in 1842 followed closely the resurgence in St. John’s Lodge.  When the Brethren of the St. John’s Lodge convened on February 8, 1842 in Bro. Robert Hutchinson’s residence on Pownal Street, he noted “that from the inability of the Brethren to obtain a room they had for a length of time been without their regular meetings and that a room was now provided.”  It also appears that the Mark Mason’s Lodge did not convene in 1847.

 

There is evidence that the Mark Masons held their meetings at Bro. Hutchinson’s residence which is still located at 60 Pownal Street.  The records show that the Mark Masons’ Lodge approved small payments to Bro. Hutchinson for candles and larger payments of 8/6, 15/4 and £1 /4/ 6 in 1842 and 1843.  The larger payments may have been rent payments.  St. John’s Lodge removed to Bro. James McDonnell’s residence on Queen’s Square in 1843.

 

The last meeting recorded in the Minute Book of the Mark Masons’ Lodge was held on January 29, 1849.  Bro. Henry Lobban was the Worshipful Master.  Eleven Mark Masons were present.  A motion was adopted to pay quarterly dues of one shilling.  Seven shillings were collected at the last Communication before the Lodge closed “in Peace and Harmony.”

 

The following Brethren served as Worshipful Master of the Mark Lodge.

 Ewen Cameron

 1828-29

 Thomas Robinson

 1830-32

 John Edwards

 1842

 Robert Hutchinson

 1843

 Charles Young

 1844

 Robert Hutchinson

 1845-46

 Henry Lobban

 1848-49

KENSINGTON COUNCIL NO. 11

ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS1896

Sources:“Freemasonry” by R. McNeil 33rd Degree in Past and Present of Prince Edward Island edited by Hon. D.A. MacKinnon and Hon. A.B. Warburton pp.173-187

Royal and Select Masters History, The Supreme Grand Council of the Eastern Jurisdiction of Canada (1872-1942) and Garden of the Gulf Council No. 9 (1950-1998) by Rt.Ill.Comp. Lloyd G. MacNevin, 2000.

Kensington Council of Royal and Select Masters was organized under the Grand Council of New Brunswick. The Charter was dated September 17, 1896. (“Freemasonry”, R. McNeil, p.184) In 1899 the Grand Council changed its name to “the Supreme Grand Council of the Cryptic Rite of the Maritime Provinces and Quebec” with jurisdiction over Canada excepting Ontario and also over Newfoundland. (MacNevin, p. 8)

The first slate of principal Officers in Kensington Council No.11 included:

Right Illustrious Master Ill.Comp. Roderick MacNeill

Illustrious Deputy Master Ill.Comp. Neil MacKelvie

Principal Conductor of the Work Ill.Comp. Donald Darrach

Master of the Exchequer Comp. W.A. Brennan

Recorder Comp. D.P. MacNutt

Captain of the Guard Comp. R.G. Sobey

Steward Comp. Norman Nicholson

Sentinel Comp. James Tuplin(“Freemasonry”, R. McNeil, pp. 184-185)

Prince Edward Chapter No.12 of Royal Arch Masons was at a low point in the 1890's. In 1896 only two Convocations were held. Approximately one-half of the thirty-five members resided in the Kensington area. Those conditions may have prompted the move to establish a Council in Kensington. When a resolution was adopted in 1902 to move the Chapter from Summerside to Kensington, the Council had all but closed.

MOUNT AKRON CHAPTER NO. 20

1920

 

Sources:

Mark Book for Mount Akron Chapter (Saint Andrew’s Temple, Montague)

 

Minutes of Alexandra Chapter No.11

 

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management Office,

MG 20, Vol. 2943

 

Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Nova Scotia (Selected Years)

 

As early as 1916 the Freemasons of Eastern Prince Edward Island expressed interest in establishing a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Montague.  The Minutes of Alexandra Chapter No.11 for April 6, 1916 noted that a communication was received “from Chapter members in the Eastern part of the Province praying this Chapter to approve of the formation of a Chapter at Montague.”  On motion it was resolved that the request be granted.

 

The disposition of the 1916 Petition was unclear but on November 6, 1919 Alexandra Chapter received a second Petition “from nine Companions residing in the Eastern part of the Island asking that Alexandra Chapter recommend that a Dispensation to open a new Chapter in Montague be granted.”  Approval of the request was  communicated to the Grand High Priest, M.Ex.Comp. John C. MacKay of Sydney, Cape Breton.  Grand Chapter immediately granted a Dispensation to the petitioners.

 

The nine Companions who submitted the Petition were Thomas Gordon Ives, Laughlin Mabon MacKinnon, Charles Cameron Thompson, Hamilton John Mabon, Mark Henry Bonnell, George Poole Thompson, Robert Cameron Dewar, Russel R. McLean and James D. Stewart. (Book of Marks showing dates proposed)

 

On December 4, 1919 the Secretary of Alexandra Chapter No.11 received permission from that Chapter to use the Regalia for “instituting Mount Akron Chapter.”  The ceremony was held on December 31 1919 in Montague.  Ex.Comp. E.T. Carbonell led the delegation from Alexandra Chapter to conduct the Institution of the new Chapter.  Alexandra Chapter donated Banners to the new Chapter in 1920. (Minutes, Alexandra Chapter)

 

The Chapter operated ‘Under Dispensation’ until June 8, 1920 when Grand Chapter granted a Charter.  Grand Chapter convened an Emergent Communication at Montague on August 18, 1920 to constitute the Chapter. M.Ex.Comp. W.A. Creelman , Grand High Priest, was accompanied by R.Ex.Comp. E.T. Carbonell as Grand Scribe, M.Ex.Comp. W.P. Doull and fifteen members of Alexandra Chapter No.11.  The Officers were installed and the Charter was presented.  The new Officers conferred the Mark Master Mason Degree “in a very creditable manner.”  The Grand High Priest declared that  “prospects are good for a live Chapter here.”  (Proceedings, 1921) The first slate of Officers was comprised of the following Companions:

 

 High Priest

 Comp. T. Gordon Ives

 King

 Comp. Laughlin M. MacKinnon

 Scribe

 Comp. Charles C. Thompson

 Treasurer

 Comp. William G. MacDonald

 Secretary

 Comp. Louis H. Poole

 Captain of the Host

 Comp. H.J. Mabon

 Principal Sojourner

 Comp. Cecil B. Green

 Royal Arch Captain

 Comp. William E. Reynolds

 Grand Master 3rd Veil

 Comp. George P. Thompson

 Grand Master 2nd Veil

 Comp. William H. Poole

 Grand Master 1st Veil

 Comp. Robert K. Clements

 Tyler

 Comp. William Charles Stewart

(Proceedings, 1921 p.62)

 

At the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter held in Digby on June 7, 1921, the Grand High Priest acknowledged that two Chapters, Mount Akron No.20 in Montague and Renown No.19 in Dartmouth, were newly constituted. (Proceedings, 1921, page 21)

 

Mount Akron Chapter recorded twenty-nine Companions on the Roll in its first Annual Return to Grand Chapter.  Twenty Companions were exalted in the first year including nine on New Year’s Eve 1919 viz. William Frederick Mellish, Robert Kelly Clements, Hugh John Maclean, James Samuel Younker, Wellington Alexander Johnstone, William Garfield McDonald, Cecil Bradford Green, William Herbert Poole and William Ernest Reynolds.  (NSARM, MG 20, Vol. 2943)  Seven of the original Officers were exalted in the first year.

 

The Chapter experienced two decades of meaningful labour.  Mount Akron worked jointly with the other Chapters in support of the new Protestant Orphanage that was built in the early 1920's.  In 1926 the Chapter participated in the opening of the new Masonic Temple in Montague.  A copy of the Chapter Bye-Laws and a Chapter Penny were included in the list of items deposited in a cylinder under the Cornerstone on September 6.

 

The Chapter experienced its most productive years in the early 1930's.  Total membership peaked in 1933 at forty-three Companions.  The Grand Superintendent for District 5, R.Ex.Comp. William J. Drake, visited on April 25, 1932 and later reported to the Grand Chapter that he “would like to be able to send a report of the other Chapters like this Chapter.  There was no mistake placing it in Montague.  They have a fine group of Companions doing good work out, as well as in the Chapter.”  (Proceedings, 1932, p.29)

 

Two Companions from Mount Akron Chapter were elected as Grand High Priest.

M.Ex.Comp. L.M. MacKinnon served as Grand High Priest in 1930-31.  He also served as District Grand Superintendent in 1927-28 and was Grand King in 1928-29.  Companion MacKinnon was exalted in Alexandra Chapter No.11 in 1919 only a few months before Mount Akron Chapter was instituted.

 

M.Ex.Comp. T. Gordon Ives served as Grand High Priest in 1939-40 and 1940-41.  He made an Official Visit to Mount Akron Chapter on October 28, 1940 and noted in his Annual Address that “the membership of Mount Akron Chapter is very much depleted and it is indeed difficult for

them to carry on.” (Proceedings, 1941, p.13.)  Comp. Ives served as District Grand Superintendent from 1935-37 and was Grand King from 1937-39.

 

Comp. Ives and Comp. MacKinnon were winners of the J. Conway Brown Medallion in 1944, the first year that the Award was presented by Grand Chapter.  The Award recognizes meritorious service to Capitular Masonry.

 

V.Ex.Comp. Robert K. Clements was the only other member of Mount Akron Chapter to hold office in Grand Chapter.  He served as Grand Steward 1933-34 and as Grand Master of the Second Veil 1935-36.

 

Even before Comp. Ives issued his gloomy message, the fate of Mount Akron Chapter was being considered openly.  In 1938 the Grand Superintendent, R.Ex.Comp. H.E. Ward, accompanied by the Grand King, R.Ex.Comp. T.G. Ives, attended a Special Convocation of the Chapter on May 30 “called for the purpose of deciding whether Mount Akron would surrender their Charter or carry on.”  The decision was to continue.  At the Regular Convocation of Alexandra Chapter on February 5, 1941 the Grand Superintendent, R.Ex.Comp. James Calder, read a communication from the Grand Secretary “relative to Mt. Akron Chapter No.20 in Montague amalgamating with Alexandra Chapter should they surrender their Charter.”

 

The condition of the Chapter was clearly evident in the Recapitulation (statistical summary) contained in the 1941 Proceedings of Grand Chapter.  Mount Akron showed a loss of seventeen members with twelve Demits and five suspensions leaving only eleven members in June 1941.

 

The ultimate fate of Mount Akron Chapter was sealed one year later when Grand Chapter received the Report of the Board of General Purposes at its Annual Convocation on June 11.  The Report stated that  “after a full investigation of the affairs of Mount Akron Chapter, Montague, it was the opinion of the Board that it would not be possible for the Chapter to continue in Montague, and as no other place in Prince Edward Island seemed to promise any prospect of its continuance, the Board recommended to the Chapter that all members should affiliate with Alexandra Chapter No.11.  Our recommendation to Grand Chapter is that the Charter of Mount Akron Chapter No.20 be now recalled, and all Companions who have not demitted from the Chapter or affiliated with some other Chapter be given their Demits, if in good standing, and that the Grand High Priest, District Superintendent, and Grand Secretary take such steps as may be

necessary to preserve the records and equipment of the Chapter as they think best, in the interest of R.A. Masonry in Prince Edward Island.”  (Proceedings of 1942, p.25)

 

The Grand High Priest in 1942 was M.Ex.Comp. A Herman MacMillan of Halifax.  The Grand Superintendent for District Five was R.Ex.Comp. James Calder of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.  The Charter of Mount Akron Chapter was recalled on June 9, 1942.

 

On December 3, 1942 a Committee of four Companions was appointed in Alexandra Chapter No.11 in Charlottetown and was directed to go to Montague “to interview members of Mt. Akron No. 20 and invite them to affiliate with Alexandra Chapter upon payment of the sum of three dollars which will include dues for 1943 and affiliation fee.”

 

On January 7, 1943 Alexandra Chapter received petitions from nine former Companions of Mount Akron Chapter seeking to affiliate.  The following Companions were elected by ballot at the Convocation: L.M. MacKinnon, T. Gordon Ives, L.A. Johnston, R.K. Clements, H.C. Johnstone, George W. MacDonald, Athol MacKinnon, L.H. Poole, W.A. Johnstone.

 

The Mark Book at the Temple in Montague contains fifty-five Marks.  The latest was registered in 1931.  Most of the Companions of Mount Akron were from Saint Andrew’s Lodge No.13.

MOUNT AKRON CHAPTER

OFFICERS

1941 and 1942

 

 High Priest

 Comp. L.A. Johnston PHP

 King.

 Comp. H.C. Johnstone

 Scribe

 Comp. G.W. MacDonald

 Treasurer

 Comp. A.M. MacKinnon

 Secretary (acting)

 Comp. H.C. Johnstone

 Captain of the Host

 Comp. L.M. MacKinnon PGHP

 Principal Sojourner

 Comp. R.K. Clements PHP

 Royal Arch Captain

 Comp. L.H. Poole

 Grand Master 3rd Veil

 Comp. W.A. MacLaren

 Grand Master 2nd Veil

 Comp. H.B. Bruhm

 Grand Master 1st Veil

 Comp. T.G. Ives PGHP

 Tyler

 Comp. W.A. Johnstone

 

 SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY IN CANADA

INTRODUCTION

J. Gordon MacKenzie, 33

 

The history of the organization may be briefly set forth as follows: In 1758 a body was organized in Paris called the “Grand Council of Emperors of the East and West”.  This Council prepared a Rite called the “Rite of Perfection” which consisted of twenty-five Degrees, the highest being the “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”.  In 1761, this council granted a patent to Stephen Morin, authorizing him to propagate the Rite in the Western Continent.  Morin soon afterwards arrived in the city of St. Domingo, where he commenced the dissemination of the Rite, and appointed a number of Inspectors, both for the West Indies and the North America.  Among others Morin conferred the Degree on M. Hayes, with power of appointing others.  Hayes accordingly appointed Isaac De Costa Deputy Inspector General for South Carolina, who in 1783 introduced the Rite into the State by the establishment of a Grand Lodge of Perfection in Charleston. Other Inspectors were appointed, and in 1801 a Supreme Council was opened in Charleston by John Mitchell and Fred Dalcho.

 

Up to that time twenty-five Degrees of the Rite of Perfection were alone recognized.  But immediately after the organization of the Supreme Council there arose a new Rite, made by the

adoption of eight additional Degrees, known as Continental High Degrees, thus making the Thirty-Third and not the Twenty-Fifth Degree the summit of the Rite.

 

Including the Three Degrees of Craft Lodge Masonry, the Rite now consists of thirty-three Degrees, divided into seven sections, as follows.

 

 1

 1, 2, & 3 Blue Lodge Masonry

 2

  4 to 14 Lodge of Perfection

 3

 15 & 16 Council of Princes of Jerusalem

 4

 17 & 18 Chapter of Rose Croix

 5

  19 - 30 Council of Kodosh

 6

 31 & 32 Consistory of Sublime Princes of Royal Secret

 7

 33 Supreme Council

 

Prior to 1801 its history is, at least in part, traditional and in some measure disputed.  That this is so should not be surprising since, nowadays it is frequently said in our country that Masonry is a society with secrets and not a secret society. Oft times and elsewhere this has not been the case.  In any event, such has seldom been its public image anywhere.  Sometimes persecuted, more often regarded with inquietude by established authority, Masonic intercourse has often perforce been carried on sub rosa.

 

In such circumstances Masons could well empathize with the dictum of the 3rd Earl of Shaftsbury, the English philosopher who died in 1713, who said that wise men were all of the same religion.  When asked what that religion was, he replied that wise men never tell.  Nevertheless, when Brethren of four London Lodges met at the Apple Tree Tavern, Charles Street, Covent Garden on St. John’s Day, June 24, 1717 and elected Anthony Sayer, gentleman, as Grand Master, the Age of Enlightenment was already dawning.

 

The formation of the “premier” Grand Lodge followed by two years only the suppression of the Jacobite uprising and, in France, by the same time span, the end of le grand siecle with the death

of His Most Christian Majesty, Louis XIV, the Sun King. Now, encouraged by the Toleration Act in England, a relaxation, albeit temporary, of censorship in France and cessation of hostilities with the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, the philosophers travelled frequently back and forth across the Channel, exchanging in the new coffee houses, clubs and learned societies which were proliferating in the capitols and provincial towns of both countries, the ideas which, before the century was through, would sweep away forever the fetters of the old order.  In such surroundings the philosophers met speculative Masons and, finding in their conversations men with a natural kinship of thought, sought membership in their Lodges.

 

France became thus the beneficiary of a resultant outpouring of Britsh Freemasonry.  The first Lodges were founded by Masons from Great Britain, and the early Grand Masters in fact, if perhaps not by formal installation, were British.  Thus perhaps as early as 1725, a Lodge had been established in Paris, and by 1732 Loge L’ Anglais, organized by English merchant captains, was working in Bordeaux.

 

Many of the British Lodges were what might be termed Jacobite Lodges, founded by Stuart refugees.  In these Lodges there seems in time to have developed a variety of new degrees, or Scottish rites.  Their exact origin remains obscure but, whether as a result of cause and effect or not, they began to make their appearance.

 

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry was introduced into Canada July 10, 1868 in London, Ontario, by virtue of a patent held by Illustrious Brother Col. William James Bury MacLeod Moore from the Supreme Council of England and Wales.  Under this authority the first bodies of the Rite were established in April 1870 as follows: Moore Sovereign Consistory, S.P.R.S. 32nd at Hamilton, Ontario, Hamilton Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix at Hamilton, Ontario, London Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix at London, Ontario, Moore Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix at Saint John, New Brunswick.

 

Other bodies under warrants from the same Supreme Council were soon after established. Keith Chapter of Rose Croix was established at Halifax, Nova Scotia in October 1870, Harrington Consistory at Saint John, New Brunswick in July 1872, MacLeod Moore Chapter Rose Croix at Maitland, Ontario in May 1873, Toronto Chapter Rose Croix at Toronto, Ontario in May 1873 and Hochelaga Chapter Rose Croix at Montreal, Quebec in July 1873.  Under a combined warrant from the Supreme Council for Scotland the New Brunswick Council of Kadosh and New Brunswick Chapter Rose Croix were established in Saint John, New Brunswick October 1871.

 

Ill.Bro. Moore who introduced Scottish Rite Masonry into Canada, was an enthusiastic missionary in the cause of Masonry generally.  He was born in Ireland in 1810, initiated at the early age of seventeen years in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he also received the Royal Arch Degrees.  He was dubbed Knight Templar in Ireland, received the Degrees of the A.& A.S. Rite in New York in 1863, and in 1868 was made an active member of the Supreme Council for England. His principal activity was in Knight Templarism.  In 1850 he established the first Templar Encampment in the Island of Malta; and coming to Canada in 1854, revived an old dormant Templar warrant at Kingston, Ontario.

 

From the constant association and frequent inter-change of visitation of the members of the Rite in the Dominion with those in the United States, the heads of the order in Canada considered it necessary that the system to be followed should be adapted as closely as possible to that which obtained in the bodies of the Rite in the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the United States.  This was considered impossible under the regime of the Supreme Council of England and Wales which, working only the 18th, 30th, 31st, and 32nd degrees, had no provision for conferring the degrees subordinate thereto, in many respects the most important of the system.  Those most deeply concerned for the welfare of the order came to the conclusion that unless the Rite in Canada was placed under its own Sovereign Body it would never command the respect to which it was entitled. And accordingly an earnest appeal was made to the Mother Body for absolution from vows of fealty and allegiance and for authority to establish a Supreme Council of the 33rd  Degree for the Dominion of Canada.

 

The Supreme Council of England took immediate action on this application and requested the votes of various bodies of the Rite in Canada in order to learn whether the desire for independence proceeded from the members holding 33rd degree only, or was the main members of the Rite generally.  Accordingly a vote was taken and found to be unanimous for separation.

 

Thereupon the Supreme Council promptly and with kindness and courtesy issued a Patent to Illustrious Brother Thomas Douglas Harrington, 33rd degree to open a Supreme Council 33rd degree for the Dominion, naming the said Illustrious Brother as the M.P. Sovereign Grand Commander ad vitem whereupon by virtue of a convention of the members of the 33rd degree was summoned to meet at Ottawa on October 16, 1874.

 

In obedience to the summons the following members of the 33rd degree assembled in convention: Douglas Harrington, Hugh A. MacKay, David R. Monro, together with two distinguished visitors, Ill. Bro. Albert Pike, M.P. Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction, and Ill. Bro. Josiah H. Drummond, Sovereign Grand Commander for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States.   By authority of the Patent, Bro. Harrington appointed Robert Marshall, 33rd degree, of Saint John, New Brunswick Lieutenant Grand Commander, and they (by written consent of the latter) appointed John W. Murton, 33rd degree, the third member, to hold office of the Grand Secretary General.  Ill. Bro. Pike declared the Supreme Council to be duly and constitutionally established and the “Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33rd degree for the Dominion” had its birth.

 

The Scottish Rite branch of Freemasonry is one of the most popular and the most widely diffused of all Rites of the Order above and supplementary to the Craft Rite Masonry.  As with Royal Arch Masonry, all applicants must be Master Masons in good standing and with proved proficiency in the work of the Craft Rite in all three Degrees.  So essential is this requirement that the first Degree in Scottish Rite is numbered four, in succession to the third Degree in Craft Rite.  The Scottish Rite is sometimes referred to as the university of Masonry because it teaches virtues and history.

ALBERT EDWARD LODGE OF PERFECTION

1897

 

Sources:

Historical Summary - in progress (1896-1929), Robert Stevenson, 32

History of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Reginald V. Harris, 33, circa 1957

Minutes, Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection

Past and Present of Prince Edward Island, Hon. D.A. MacKinnon and Hon. A.B. Warburton.

Proceedings of the Supreme Council, 33, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada, (selected years)

 The Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite in Prince Edward Island, 1896-1937, With particular Reference to Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection, A Brief Outline, August 1972. R.A. Gordon, 32

 

Following the organization of the Supreme Council in Canada in 1874 attempts were made to extend the Scottish Rite to Prince Edward Island.  Successive non-resident Deputies for the Province, Ill.Bro. Robert S. Clinch, 33, of Saint John (1876) and Ill.Bro. George T. Smithers, 33, of Halifax (1884) made inquiries but without success.  However, in 1896 Ill.Bro. Robert Marshall, 33, communicated with M.W.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island.  Bro. MacNeill was interested to the point that he sought the support of some other Brethren who journeyed with him to Saint John to receive the Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection.

When the Brethren returned there was sufficient interest to petition Supreme Council for a Warrant to establish a Lodge of Perfection in Charlottetown.  The Sovereign Grand Commander responded quickly and a Dispensation was issued commissioning Ill.Bro. John A. Watson, 33, of Saint John to go to Charlottetown to institute Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection.  The Lodge was named for the Prince of Wales who was the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. (Gordon, p.1)

On September 23, 1896 a Special Meeting was held at the Masonic Temple in Charlottetown for the purpose of instituting a Lodge of Perfection of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry under the Supreme Council of the 33 for the Dominion of Canada.  Ill.Bro. John A. Watson,   33, carried a Dispensation dated August 26, 1896 from the Sovereign Grand Commander of Supreme Council, Ill.Bro. John A. Murton, 33, empowering him to institute the Lodge.  The Convocation convened at 4:00 p.m. with Bro. Watson presiding.  He instructed Charles Masters, 30, as Grand Secretary and also of Saint John to read the Dispensation authorizing him to institute Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection under ‘Letters of Dispensation’.  The Warrant of Dispensation was dated August 10, 1896 and acknowledged a Petition of the same date from Roderick MacNeill,   32,Thomas A. MacLean, 32,Donald Darrach, 32,William A. Brennan,   32, John A. Watson, 32, Arthur J. Trueman, 32, Thomas Dillon,   32,William B. Wallace, 18, and Alexander MacRae, 18. (Past and Present p. 186)  The first principal Officers of the Lodge named in the Dispensation were:

 Thrice Puissant Grand Master  Donald Darrach, 32 Senior Grand Warden  Thomas MacLean, 32  Junior Grand Warden  Roderick MacNeill, 32

Following the proclamation of the act of Institution, applications were presented from nineteen Brethren within the Jurisdiction.  The petitions were accepted and the applicants were balloted for and elected.  The Lodge proceeded to confer its first Degrees as Labour on the Fourteenth Degree was suspended and the Lodge opened on the Thirteenth Degree.  The first applicants  to be obligated were Bro. Neil MacKelvie, Bro Leonard Morris, Bro. John Ross, Bro. James MacLeod, Bro. Ronald McMillan and Bro. John Hobbs.  The Lodge then suspended Labour on the Thirteenth and opened on the Fourteenth when the same Brethren were introduced, received, advanced and proclaimed Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons.  The same procedure was repeated for a second group that included Bro. Benjamin Rogers Sr., Bro. William Dodd Small, Bro. Robert Scott MacKelvie, Bro. John James Davies, Bro. Benjamin Rogers Jr., Bro. William

Alexander Houston and Bro. Henry William Anderson.  After the Degrees were conferred the Lodge of Perfection was called to Refreshment to resume Labour at 7:30 p.m..

In the evening session a third group of Brethren were received.  Bro. John Albert Messervey, Bro. William Snodgrass Stewart, Bro. Benjamin Charles Prowse and Bro. Herbert Harold Shaw were obligated into the mysteries of Scottish Rite Masonry.  Ill.Bro. Watson then gave an Address on the several other Degrees of a Lodge of Perfection.

Ill.Bro. Watson presided at the Installation of the first slate of elected and appointed Officers of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection viz.:

 Thrice Puissant Grand Master Donald Darrach, 32

 Senior Grand Warden Thomas MacLean, 32

 Junior Grand Warden Roderick MacNeill, 32

 Grand Secretary W.A. Brennan, 32

 Grand Treasurer Benjamin Rogers, 14

 Grand Orator Thomas Dillon, 32Grand Almoner  James MacLeod, 14Grand Master of Ceremonies  J.A. Messervey, 14Grand Expert  H.H. Shaw, 14 Grand Asst. Expert  W.A. Small, 14 Grand Capt. Of the Host  H.W. Anderson, 14 Grand Organist  Leonard Morris, 14 Grand Tyler  John C. Hobbs, 14

Following the Installation Donald Darrach, 32 appointed a Committee to prepare a set of Bye-Laws and another Committee to meet with representatives of the Masonic Temple concerning a rental agreement.  A vote of thanks was extended to Ill.Bro. Watson and Bro. Charles Masters  for assistance in instituting the Lodge of Perfection.  The members and guests adjourned at 10:30 p.m. to Hotel Davies to share in a “ most sumptuous repast”.

The Brethren received the following telegram from the Illustrious Deputy of New Brunswick, Ill.Bro. Robert Marshall, 33 “Heartiest Congratulations to Illustrious Brethren who have planted the banner of Scottish Rite Masonry in the Garden Province of Canada.”  The Deputy received the following reply from Ill.Bro. Darrach  Thanks for congratulations; Albert Edward launched with eclat; twenty-three members, cordial greetings; long life and happiness.”  (Proceedings of the Supreme Council 33 , 1896, p.163)  The Deputy recommended that  Roderick MacNeill, 33, be commissioned as a Special Deputy for Prince Edward Island for one year commencing in October 1896.  (Proceedings, 1896, p. 163)

The Committee on Bye-Laws first reported on December 17, 1896.  Changes were considered in January 1897 and the approval was given on April 22, 1897.  The Bye-Laws were engrossed in the Minutes of the same date but are dated January 30, 1898.  The Lodge originally met on the third Wednesday of the month but Section 2 of the Bye-Laws was amended in 1897 to establish the Thursday following the third Wednesday of January, April, July and October as the Regular Meeting dates.

The Charter of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection is dated October 28, 1897.  Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill 33 as Special Deputy was one of four signatories to the Charter.

Some significant ‘firsts’ were noted in the Minutes. Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill and Ill.Bro. Donald Darrach received the Honorary 33 of the Scottish Rite in October 1897.  They were the first Freemasons on Prince Edward Island to receive the honour.  Upon their return the Brethren of the Lodge of Perfection extended congratulations and both responded in speeches “bristling with eloquence.” (Minutes, December 16, 1897) Ill.Bro. MacNeill was advanced to active membership in the Supreme Council in 1898 and became the first resident Provincial Deputy in that year.  The first recorded death of a member was that of James MacLeod 32 on January 17, 1901. Ill.Bro. MacLeod was the first Grand Almoner in the Lodge.  The Brethren prepared a Letter of Condolence and a Memorial Card for the family.  The first report of financial assistance for a member in need was noted in the Minutes of January 22, 1903 when $5 was voted for John Ross, 18, who was ‘in ill health’.  Ill.Bro. Ross’ dues were exempted in 1904.  The first request for a Demit was forwarded by Leonard Morris, 14, and presented on February 19, 1903.  The first reference to attendance at Divine Worship was in 1903 when T.B. Reagh, 32, invited the members to attend at Milton on Ascension Day, May 21.  The first visit of a Sovereign Grand Commander occurred on June 16, 1914 when Ill.Bro. Benjamin Allan, 33, visited.  Ill.Bro. Allan gave “a neat speech congratulating the members on the appearance of their Lodge Room.”  Four Petitions for membership were received.  The applicants were balloted on and elected and Ill.Bro. Allan conferred the Secret Master Degree for all four at the request of the Thrice Puissant Grand Master, Ill.Bro. T.F. Fullerton, 32.

Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection first met in the Masonic Temple on Grafton Street.  A Recreation Room adjacent to the Lodge Room was provided as a meeting room for the Lodge of Perfection  A Rental Agreement with the Temple Company established $2.50 per meeting.  A new Rental Agreement in 1905 called for $15.50 for five meetings and $2.50 for each additional meeting.  On April 28, 1909 a new Rental Agreement provided exclusive use of the Recreation Room for the Scottish Rite Bodies and access to the Ante Room for an annual payment of $80.  The Craft Lodges soon regretted giving up the use of the Recreation Room and by 1920 pressure was increasing to have the Scottish Rite vacate the Room.  In the Minutes of April 19, 1923 a heated discussion was held on the merits of giving up the lease on the Room and returning to the system of rental on a nightly basis.  In 1924 annual rental was reduced to $40 for a maximum of ten meetings.

The provision of Regalia and apparel for Degree work has been a significant budget item throughout the history of the Lodge.  Donald Darrach, 33, was instructed to procure “suitable paraphernalia for conferring Degrees” in March 1898.  In 1904 a committee was appointed “to procure paraphernalia for the proper conferring of the Degrees said committee to submit a list and price to Lodge before buying.”  (Minutes, February 18, 1904)  In 1914 the Registrar was ordered to procure robes and Lodge paraphernalia.  Regalia to the value of $31.28 was added in 1928 after the Lodge moved to Summerside.  In the 1940's the Lodge decided against purchasing new Regalia due to high costs.  The Brethren of Victoria Lodge of Perfection in Halifax and the Scottish Rite Masons of Nova Scotia donated the Jewels, Collars and Aprons for the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Thirteenth Degrees.  Ill.Bro. P.D. Crosby, 33, was credited with arranging for the gift. (Minutes, August 29, 1944)  In 1950 the Regalia Committee was given a budget of $800 for new Regalia.  In 1961 material to the value of $519.30 was purchased to make new Tunics,

Sashes and Robes.  The items were made by the Regent Chapter No.52 Order of the Eastern Star and were displayed in the Lodge on September 26, 1961.  The members were so pleased with the new Regalia that a Wardrobe Keeper was appointed to attend to the care of the items before and after each Degree.  The annual fee for the service was $50.  An additional $400 was approved to purchase Collars and Jewels for the Officers and Regalia for the Secret Master Degree. (Minutes, November 28, 1961)

Among the earliest petitioners of the Lodge was M.W.Bro. John Yeo, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island.  M.W.Bro. Yeo was elected to receive the Degrees of the Lodge on March 17, 1898.  Because he was serving in the Canadian Parliament at that time the Lodge requested the Ottawa Lodge of Perfection to confer the Degrees at its Annual Reunion.  Bro. Yeo  attained the 32 in Scottish Rite Masonry and his Apron is in possession of Alexandra Lodge No. 5 in Port Hill.

Although the first Bye-Laws provided for quarterly Convocations the Lodge did not meet regularly between 1899-1925 and rarely on the established nights.  Surprisingly the first reference to a Dispensation from Supreme Council to meet on a different night was on March 5, 1908.  Ill.Bro. H.C. MacDonald, 32, TPGM, announced that the Deputy of the Supreme Council had authorized the holding of the Annual Meeting two months late.  Between 1900 and 1905 the Lodge held only twelve meetings with irregular lapses between.  In each of 1904 and 1905 only one meeting was held.  Later during the interval 1915 to 1922 only twelve meetings were held with none reported in 1921. (Minutes, selected years)

Although the Lodge of Perfection appeared to be having difficulty in maintaining a regular schedule of meetings, some of the Brethren desired to institute a Chapter of Rose Croix and a Consistory in Charlottetown.  The first reference to those Bodies appeared in the Minutes of April 21, 1898 when Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill 33, the Provincial Deputy, announced that he had received a Dispensation to form a Chapter of Rose Croix.  He encouraged any Brother who desired to advance to the 18 to hand their names to him.  On April 24, 1907 the Lodge voted to donate $50 and loan $105 to the Deputy of the Supreme Council to start a Consistory.  A motion to approve a Consistory was passed on September 26, 1907.  On March 5, 1908 the Lodge was advised that Supreme Council was ‘somewhat reluctant’ to approve a Consistory until the Lodge of Perfection had more members.  The Brethren persisted and on May 27, 1909 a Dispensation was issued to open a Consistory in Charlottetown.

The two new Bodies struggled to maintain an active membership and to meet their financial obligations.  The Charters were surrendered to the Supreme Council for lack of members in the 1920's.  (See individual histories below.)

After an initial period of rapid growth which saw the total membership reach forty-five by 1899, the Lodge of Perfection quickly began to experience difficulties.  During the quarter-century prior to its move to Summerside, the Lodge of Perfection experienced problems with finances, records and management of applications.  In 1925 the total membership was forty.  After Bro. R.G. Fulton was exalted in 1919 there was a lapse of six years without a Fourteenth Degree being conferred.  Applications that were received prior to and during that interval were left in abeyance.  The application of Bro. A.R. Brennan, publisher of the Summerside Journal was received on April 16, 1916.  Bro. Brennan was balloted on and elected on May 26, 1916 and he

was re-balloted on and received the Secret Master Degree on July 20, 1922 “his ballot having been forfeited by lapse of time” (Minutes, July 20, 1922)  Only eight meetings were held in the intervening six years.  Bro. Brennan received his Perfect Master Degree on March 8, 1926 after the Lodge of Perfection was removed to Summerside.  The experience of three other applicants from Summerside was similar but not so prolonged.  Bro. Robert A. Gordon petitioned in September 1923, Bro. Melville Bradshaw in April 1924 and Bro. A.E. Forsyth submitted his application in July 1924.  All three were balloted on and elected in 1924 but the Degrees were not conferred until 1926 when the Lodge moved to Summerside.  All had to be re-elected because of the Statutes of Limitations. (Minutes, March 18, 1926)

Arrears also became a problem because of the inactivity.  The Audit Committee in 1922 recommended that because of the lapse of time between Regular Meetings everyone should be billed for dues owed less 50%.  In September 1923 the decision was to bill everyone for $5 regardless of the amount owed.  The Treasurer issued a letter to that effect to all members on October 4, 1923.

The problem with arrears was compounded by the state of the Lodge Records.  When E.W. MacKay, 18, was elected Treasurer in January 1923 he was instructed to perform an audit of the affairs of the Lodge.  One year later his Report aroused some concerns.  Using 1913 as a starting point he found that many transactions had not been entered including the fees for sixteen candidates.  Debit items totalling $185 had not been approved by the Lodge.  Per capita returns to the Supreme Council were taken but vouchers were not available and the Secretary General reported that an unpaid balance of $86.75 existed.  The Report was handed to the Audit Committee A.B. Reid, 32, and J.M. Murley, 32, for action. (Minutes, January 17, 1923)

The Committee was unable to complete an audit until March 1925 because the Secretary repeatedly failed to turn over the Books.  Several motions were approved demanding that the Books be turned over.  On March 16, 1924 the Provincial Deputy, Ill.Bro. Winfield, 33, visited and directed “that the Secretary hand over the books to the Audit Committee ten days from this date.”  A Special Meeting was called for May 30 but the Audit Committee did not Report because the Books had not been turned over.  On July 17, 1924 the Audit Committee submitted a Report without the aid of the Books.  The Treasurer, E.W. MacKay, 18, tendered his resignation.  He was not the only member who was feeling frustration.  At the close of the Minutes the Secretary wrote “as the evening was passing and several of the Brethren were anxious to get away, the (sic) wandered out without the formality of closing the Lodge.”  (Later the last phase of the statement was crossed out with a dark line of ink.)  The Secretary’s Books and Ledger were finally turned over to the Audit Committee on March 3, 1925 along with a bill for $24.50.  A new Grand Secretary was appointed and the former Grand Secretary was ordered by Registered Letter to hand over to his successor within one week all monies collected by him for dues and fees as per his list.  On March 25 the Audit Committee presented its Report.  The former Grand Secretary was suspended on April 16, 1925 after the second request for payment of account was ignored.

The Supreme Council was concerned about the affairs of the Lodge of Perfection and the state of the three Scottish Rite Bodies in the Province at that time.  In 1923 the Scottish Rite Bodies in Prince Edward Island were made part of the jurisdiction of the Provincial Deputy for Nova Scotia. (Harris, p. 35)  The newly-appointed Deputy, Ill.Bro. James Henry Winfield, 33, of Halifax, visited on a number of occasions to try to increase interest in the Rite and to recommend

effective solutions to the troublesome circumstances.  The possible loss of the Charters was a concern to the members.  On September 7, 1923 Ill.Bro. Winfield visited and at his request the Lodge was not opened but an informal discussion on the future of the Scottish Rite Bodies was held.  The Minutes of September 7 state that “a general awakening of the Brethren to the seriousness of the situation resulted.”  At a second Meeting on September 27 the Brethren were adamant “that closing or surrendering the Charter of Rose Croix could not be entertained for a moment”.  The Deputy wrote to the Grand Secretary on November 23, 1923 to report that he had been able to save the Chapter of Rose Croix for the present.  He recommended that the receipts of all Scottish Rite bodies be in one account.  In May 1924 Ill.Bro. Winfield visited and presented a cheque for $530.86 as proceeds from a bond held by the Charlottetown Consistory when its Charter was recalled.  The funds were to be used to pay off outstanding debts of the Consistory, Chapter of Rose Croix and Lodge of Perfection in that order.  On May 6, 1925 Ill.Bro. Winfield visited again to receive ideas on how the Lodge of Perfection could be improved.  The members were responsive and very appreciative of the support that the Deputy had given and “for the way that this Lodge had been treated and nursed along.”  The Deputy was assured that Degree work would be undertaken “without unnecessary delay”.  The next meeting was held on January 21, 1926.  A letter written by the Deputy to the Grand Secretary, Benjamin Rogers, 32, was filed in the back of the oldest Minute Book.  It was written on August 31, 1925 and expressed the Deputy’s disappointment that the Lodge had not tried to convene a meeting to receive the Sovereign Grand Commander who wanted to come to Charlottetown to “see the exact situation” respecting the Scottish Rite Bodies.  Ill.Bro. Winfield lamented that the Lodge had also failed to send one or two members to Halifax to meet the Sovereign Grand Commander who was described as “very disappointed.”

The Lodge also suffered from the loss of several strong members during the troubled years.  Eighteen deaths were recorded between 1920-1926.  T.F. Fullerton, 32, died in 1920, Donald Darrach, 33, in 1921 and Roderick MacNeill, 33, in 1923.  Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection honoured all three in a special way.  When the death of Bro. T.F. Fullerton was reported on February 19, 1920 the “Brethren were ordered to wear mourning for the statutory time.” When Ill.Bro. MacNeill  retired as Provincial Deputy for Prince Edward Island he was presented with an Address and $50 by the members of the Lodge. (Minutes, April 28, 1909)  He was made an Honorary Member of the Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection on February 21, 1912.  Ill.Bro. MacNeill presented the Lodge with a trunk on that occasion.  In his final Report as Provincial Deputy Ill.Bro. MacNeill  acknowledged that ill health had forced his retirement.  “I cannot endure the mental strain, and am no longer able to continue active work and discharge the duties attached thereto with satisfaction.  I must therefore stand aside and be given time, if it be God’s will, to regain my health.”  (Proceedings, 1910, p. 40) Ill.Bro. Donald Darrach was crowned as an active 33 in October 1910 and was elected Provincial Deputy at that time.  He held the position until his death in 1921.  Portraits of Ill.Bro. MacNeill and Ill.Bro. Darrach were ordered for the Lodge Room on June 4, 1928.  The present Altar Bible was presented in memory of Ill.Bro. Darrach by Ernest C. Wilkes, 33, in September 1981.   The Sash, Cordon and Masonic Jewels of Ill.Bro. Darrach were presented to the Lodge by  James R. Murphy, 33, on February 6, 1990.  The items are attractively displayed in the Preparation Room in a glass case crafted by Arthur Profitt, 32.  On August 27, 1974 James R. Murphy, 33, advised that he was in possession of Lodge records and data once belonging to Ill.Bro. Donald Darrach, 33.  Bro. Murphy wished to turn the items over to the Lodge for safe keeping but the Minutes are unclear on the outcome of the request.

As a consequence of the difficulties within the Lodge of Perfection in the first quarter of the Century, the membership had dropped to thirty-five in 1925.  There were ten suspensions in that year as well as three Demits and one death.  Clearly a drastic change was needed to save the Lodge.

On January 21, 1926 the Lodge heard the first indication that a move to Summerside was being considered.  E.W. MacKay, 18, related a conversation that he had with A.S. MacKay, 18, on the prospect of moving the Lodge to Summerside for one year.  A motion was moved by Bro.E.W. MacKay and seconded by W.J. Drake, 18, that the Grand Secretary contact Ill.Bro. J.W. Winfield, 33, Deputy for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and request that he obtain a Dispensation from the Sovereign Grand Commander to remove the Charter of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection to Summerside for a space of twelve months.  Ill.Bro. T.D. Carruthers, 32, was elected as Thrice Puissant Grand Master at that historic Meeting.

The first Meeting of the Lodge of Perfection in Summerside was held in the Lodge Room (Journal Building) of King Hiram Lodge and Mount Lebanon Lodge on March 18, 1926.  The Lodge opened at 2:30 p.m. and the Dispensation dated February 6, 1926 from the Sovereign Grand Commander authorizing the move of the Lodge of Perfection was read.  The total cost of the move including telephone calls and banquet was $30.  The first Petition for membership in Summerside was received from R.W.Bro. John M. Nicholson, who was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island in June 1926.  Three former petitioners whose election was nullified by the Statutes of Limitations were again elected to receive the Degrees of the Lodge.  The Brethren were W.Bro. Robert A. Gordon, Bro. William M. Forsythe and W.Bro. Melville L. Bradshaw.  The Meeting was called to Refreshment at 4:00 p.m. and resumed Labour at 8:00 p.m. when Bro. Bradshaw, Bro. Gordon,  Bro. Nicholson and Bro. A.R. Brennan received the Secret Master and Perfect Master Degrees.  The Officers for 1926 were installed and the members adjourned to the Queen Hotel for a banquet presided over by M.W.Bro. William S. Stewart PGM.  The Lodge did not meet again until January 19, 1927.

The Illustrious Deputy reported to Supreme Council in September 1926 and noted the prospects for the Lodge following its move.  “The Lodge has now been established on a firm basis, with a membership of thirty-eight, and should I think, continue to grow in numbers and prosperity.  All dues are fully paid up.  The Lodge has no indebtedness and a cash balance in the bank.  I would respectfully recommend that permission be granted to continue the Charter at Summerside.”  (Proceedings, 1926, p.45)

The four newest members were not about to experience another delay in their quest for full membership.  One week after receiving their first Degrees they proceeded to Halifax where they were obligated on Degrees 6-13 and then advanced as Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons with a class of Nova Scotia Masons in Victoria Lodge of Perfection on March 26, 1926.  (Gordon, p.5)  The foursome provided solid leadership for the Lodge of Perfection in Summerside for several years.  Robert Gordon, 32, was elected Thrice Puissant Grand Master in 1927 and was re-elected for six additional terms.

The move to Summerside was a critical turning point in the history of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection.  Ill.Bro. J.H. Winfield, 33, Deputy for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, announced at the Meeting on January 19, 1927 that the Charter would remain in Summerside

until further notice.  The difficulties of the previous quarter-century were put aside and the Lodge embarked upon an era of growth and activity that was quite remarkable.  Several new candidates from Summerside petitioned for membership.  The first Reunion Meeting was held on June 4, 1928.  Six candidates were advanced to the Degree of Perfection.  The members recessed during the Meeting to partake in a dinner at the Clifton Hotel.  The same format was repeated in June 1929 and 1930.  Ill.Bro. Winfield attended each year.  By 1935 the membership in the Lodge had increased to sixty-four.  The largest class of candidates in that interval was in 1928-29 when thirteen Brethren applied and received the Degrees of the Lodge.  L.M. MacKinnon, 33, who had been exalted in 1909, was coroneted as an Honorary Inspector General in 1933.  That was the first such honour conferred on a Freemason who had been exalted in Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection.

The Lodge first met in the Lodge Room in the Journal Building.  The Lodge Room was provided rent-free by the Craft Lodges until October 1, 1927 after which the rate was set at $2 per meeting. (King Hiram Lodge and Mount Lebanon Lodge amalgamated on December 27, 1927.)  In 1929 separate Apartments were arranged on the Lower Floor of the same building with rent at $120 per annum.  On January 7, 1929 it was noted that St. John’s Lodge and Victoria Lodge had donated an Altar from their Lodge Room for the new Apartments of the Lodge of Perfection.  (An inscription on the inside of the storage door of the current Altar states that the item had been presented to St. John’s Lodge No. 833 on February 14, 1843 by Bro. W.R. Davison and Bro. James N. Harris.)

The role of Alexander Stirling MacKay, 32, in the rejuvenation of the Lodge was clearly recognized by the Brethren.  Ill.Bro. MacKay arranged for the Apartments for the Lodge in Summerside and negotiated the rental agreement with the Craft Lodges.  He oversaw the transfer of furnishings from Charlottetown and provided good counsel to the new candidates who were necessary to the survival of the Lodge.  He served as Grand Secretary from 1929-1940.  The Lodge sought to honour his work on several occasions.  In 1929 he was requested to provide a portrait of himself for the Apartment. (The picture was acknowledged in the Minutes of March 6, 1933.)  On June 1, 1933 L.M. MacKinnon, 33, addressed the Lodge “in the beautiful language of the Gael” while paying tribute to Ill.Bro. MacKay.  He presented a Collar and Jewel to the Grand Secretary “as a token of love and affection.”  On February 5, 1934 an Honour Night was held for Ill.Bro. MacKay.  John M. Nicholson, 32, presented an Address and A.R. Brennan, 32, presented a TPGM Jewel as a gift.  The deep gratitude of the membership was expressed by Robert A. Gordon, 32, Past TPGM, who referred to Bro. MacKay’s “faithful service without which there would be no Scottish Rite today in this Province.”

The practice of holding a Communication in Charlottetown in deference to the members from the Eastern part of the Province was first noted in 1936.

On September 29, 1936 the Lodge met at the Masonic Temple on Grafton Street.  Ill.Bro. R.A. Gordon, 32, was  TPGM (acting) and E.R.G. Bridgewater, 32, led the Degree Team in conferring the Provost and Judge Degree.  Holding a Communication in Charlottetown on an annual basis occurred throughout the 1940's.  Degrees were usually conferred during the visit as a convenience to candidates from the Eastern part of the Province.  In 1950 the Lodge of Perfection voted to discontinue the tradition.  The members noted that with their own Apartments in Summerside they could then carry out all Degree work there. (Minutes, July 25, 1950)  The

reference was to the Apartments in the new Baptist Church Hall at 219 Church Street which were first occupied in 1950.

Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection experienced steady growth after WWII..  Beginning with a record class of thirty-two candidates in 1947 the Lodge had fifteen classes in excess of ten members during the next forty years.  In only six of those years the Lodge failed to admit one Brother.  Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection recorded its peak membership of two hundred and fifty-four in 1984. (The figure represented approximately 20% of all Freemasons on Prince Edward Island, the average percentage for all of North America.)  The schedule for the Lodge was arranged to have Degree work at most Communications.  The membership resisted the suggestion to hold Reunion Meetings to confer all Degrees in a marathon Session.  The issue was given temporary closure in 1971 when a Committee Report on Reunion Meetings recommended the status quo as the best way to maintain interest throughout the year.  (Minutes, August 29, 1971)

The large class of candidates in 1947 was invited to a Reunion Meeting at Victoria Lodge of Perfection in Halifax to receive the Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Degree (actually 9-14).  The invitation was extended by the Illustrious Deputy, Ill.Bro. F.W. Wallace, 33, during his visit on June 16, 1947.  Twenty-six members of the class travelled to Halifax on October 28. The majority travelled by train but three went by air and two Brethren from Montague went by car via the ferry at Wood Islands.  L.A. Burleigh, 32, was instructed to ship two barrels of ‘choice oysters’ to the Lodge of Perfection in Halifax to arrive there by October 28. (Minutes, September 30, 1947)  Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection was celebrating its  Fiftieth Anniversary in 1947 and the members of Victoria Lodge of Perfection announced the gift of a Master’s Chair for the Apartments in Summerside.  It was appropriate that Bro. Wallace was the first to use the new chair when he made an Official Visit to the Valley of Summerside on June 4, 1948.  (The chair is still used and the engraved plate records the details of the gift.)

During the three decades of remarkable growth after WWII several members emerged as stalwart leaders for conferring the Degree of Perfection.  On October 26, 1948.  T.Arthur Dawson, 32, began a long tenure as the leader of the Fourteenth Degree Team as he led the work for a class of twelve candidates that included the incumbent Grand Master, M.W.Bro. George G. Wood and a future Grand Master, Bro. Douglas D. MacLaren.  (A portrait of Ill.Bro. Dawson, 33, is displayed in the Preparation Room of the Temple in Summerside.)  The estate of Ill.Bro. Dawson, 33, bequeathed $1000 to the Lodge in 1978.  (Minutes, August 29, 1978)  The 1955 class of twelve candidates included Bro. Gordon Bennett, Bro. Eldon Wright and Bro. Edwin Bernard.  In the 1960's D. Roscoe Walker,  32, often led the team that conferred the Degree of Perfection.  In the 1970's A.E. Lavers, 18, was usually handed the Gavel to confer the Fourteenth.  On November 29, 1979 the class of fourteen candidates included Bro. Louis G. Pantry, Bro. Robert Heaney and Bro. Murray S. Stevenson.  In the early 1980's Gordon Bennett, 33, became Director of the Fourteenth Degree and continued in that role for more than a decade.  Other Directors who served regularly during that very active period in the Lodge’s history were James R. Murphy, 33, (Fourth),  James Burleigh, 33, (Fifth) and Fred R. Hickey, 33, (Thirteenth).  The class of 1984 which brought the Lodge to its peak membership included Bro. Malcolm Earl MacDonald, Bro. Murdock William Enman and Bro. John Milton Dyment.

The steady growth of the Lodge and Chapter prompted a renewal of interest in establishing a Consistory in the Province.  On March 29, 1983 a Committee consisting of C. Gordon Lord, 33, James Burleigh, 33, David Campbell, 32, and Reginald MacRae, 32, was appointed to study the issue and to prepare a report.  Bro. Lord deceased on April 8 and was replaced on the Committee by James R. Murphy, 33.  The Minutes are silent on any further action on a Consistory.  In February 1984 the Lodge was advised that the Estate of the Late Bro. Lord had bequeathed $10,000 to the T. Arthur Dawson Scholarship Fund.

The Fourteenth Degree was conferred at the last Meeting in the Apartments on Church Street on November 30, 1985.  Ill.Bro. Gordon Bennett, 33, as Sovereign Grand Commander was present to direct the Degree.  The four candidates were Daniel Joseph Banks, Ulric Wayne Hendren, Cecil Gordon Stetson and Charles Jackson Stuart.  The first two-day Reunion Meeting for the Lodge of Perfection in recent years was held on April 10-11, 1987.  Seven candidates were admitted including Bro. Benjamin Bears and Bro. Donald Burns.  The eight candidates that were admitted at the Reunion Meeting in 1988 included Bro. George Clifford Dawson, Bro. Dana Trueman Steeves, Bro. Terence Rai Verma and Bro. Walter Roland Bernard.

In 1990 a Reunion Meeting was held on September 7-8 for a class of sixteen candidates that included Bro. J. Wayne Newson, Bro. Lloyd Adams, Bro. Peter P. Harrell and Bro. Robert E. Mayhew.  Attendance at the Meeting was small and the Lodge decided on December 4, 1990 to schedule the Degrees of the Lodge from April to October.  In 1994 Ill.Bro. Bennett, 33, directed the Fourteenth on October 25.  That was the last Scottish Rite Meeting attended by Bro. Bennett.  The class included Bro. Ronald Drake, Bro. Gordon Makin and Bro. Robert Stevenson.  Bro. Bennett’s son-in-law, David R. Campbell, 33, was handed the Gavel as Director of the Degree of Perfection in 1995.  His first class of candidates included Bro. Sean D. MacIntosh and Bro. M. Herbert MacLaine..  In 1996 the applications for the Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry were listed simultaneously for Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection and St. Lawrence Chapter Rose Croix.  The first such applicant was Bro. Ian Robert MacDonald. (Minutes, May 28, 1996) 

Holding a banquet on the evening that the Degree of Perfection was conferred was a solid tradition in the Lodge.  Initially the cost of the meal was paid from Lodge funds.  In 1949 the Young Married Peoples Society of the Baptist Church catered to the banquet in the Church Hall.  In 1957 the banquet was held in the Summerlea Restaurant.  The class of eleven candidates included Bro. Eric Ingraham, Bro. Colston Wood and Bro. James Cole.  The class of 1960 included Bro. Philip Henderson, Bro. James Burleigh and Bro. Albert E. Lavers.  A turkey dinner was shared during Refreshment between the two sections of the 14th Degree on October 25.  The members of the newly formed St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix were invited to the banquet.  Moncton Lodge of Perfection was scheduled to visit on April 29, 1969 to confer the 4th Degree for a class of twenty-one candidates but their chartered aircraft was cancelled.  The dinner at Andy’s Rainbow Room and the Degree were held as planned.  The 14th Degree for the large class was conferred on Saturday, October 25. The Meeting opened at 4:00 p.m. and a banquet was held at the Town and Country Restaurant following the first section of the Degree.  Labour resumed at 7:45 p.m. when D.R. Walker, 32, completed the Degree work.  The Class included Bro. Henry Meek, Bro. Ralph Johnstone and Bro. James Heffell.  Special guests included Ian Palmeter, 32, TPGM of Victoria Lodge of Perfection in Halifax, M.W.Bro. S. Leaman Caseley, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island and Harvey R. Doane 33, Illustrious Deputy of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  John Woodhouse, 32, of Victoria Lodge

served as Organist.  The cost of one ticket for the banquet at the Tartan Restaurant on October 17, 1970 was $2.50.  Sixty members and guests attended the function which followed a Special Meeting where ten candidates received their 14th Degree.  The class included Bro. Roger Meek, Bro. Gerald Meek, Bro. Elmer Paynter and Bro. Gerald Daley.  Ill.Bro.Gordon Bennett, 33, Deputy of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, was present as well as the Lieutenant Grand Commander, Harvey R. Doane, 33.  The Lodge presented a gift to John Woodhouse, 32, of Victoria Lodge of Perfection who provided music for the Degree once again.  The organ was rented from Lowell Huestis for $18.  Appreciation of the music during the Degree undoubtedly prompted the Lodge in its decision on May 27, 1975 to purchase an organ.  The motion was placed by James R. Murphy, 33, and seconded by C. Gordon Lord, 32.  In 1974 St. Lawrence Chapter Rose Croix paid one-half the cost of the banquet at the Linkletter Coach Room and in 1975 the members paid the cost of their own tickets for the first time.  Tickets for the eight candidates were complimentary.  Candidates in 1975 included Bro. Randall B. Boates, Bro. Ronald MacDonald and Bro. G. Reginald MacRae.  F.C. Maynard, 32, was TPGM in 1976 when a class of twenty-three petitioners was received.  The class included Bro. Cooke Howatt, Bro. Ennis Small, Bro. Harding Boulter and Bro. Wayne Cameron.  A.E. Lavers, 18, led the cast that conferred the Fourteenth Degree for twenty-one of the candidates on September 28.  When the Secretary, Gerald Daley, 32, was summoned from the Refreshment Room and advised to issue Notices for a Special Meeting on October 6, he informed the seventy-seven members and guests that the Clam Chowder was ready in the kitchen.  The response of Thrice Puissant Grand Master was “well we better close this Lodge if that be the case.”

The Lodge of Perfection has a solid tradition of charitable work.  Since the Lodge was instituted the ‘Box of Fraternal Assistance’ has been passed at the end of each Meeting and the contents given to the Grand Almoner.  Financial donations to individual members who were in difficult circumstances were frequently noted especially in the early years.  Those in hospital and those confined at home for Christmas were remembered with flowers.  Following the mining disaster in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1958, $25 was sent to the Lodge in that Town. (Minutes, November 25, 1958)  In November 1986 the Lodge made the first in a series of donations to the Alzheimer’s Society.  In 1999 the Lodge of Perfection made a five-year pledge to assist the Alzheimer’s Society with canvassing.  (Minutes, April 27, 1999)  The Lodge has also contributed generously to the Island Hospice Association.  In 1988 the ‘James R. Murphy Roast’ in Kensington netted $1080 and 90% was presented to the Hospice Association on November 29 when a Hospice Representative, Marie Brewer, addressed the Brethren and their ladies following a Regular Meeting.

The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada was established in 1964.  At the Sovereign Grand Commander’s Banquet on September 9, 1964, Ill.Bro. R. Coulton Berkinshaw, 33, who was completing his third year as Sovereign Grand Commander announced that the Supreme Council had decided to establish the Charitable Foundation and had selected mental retardation among children to be the recipient of the Foundation’s benevolence.  The Foundation was incorporated on November 10, 1964.

After thirty-five years the Foundation reported more than $7.5 million in its Capital Account and expenditures of approximately $7 million in research grants and student bursaries in the field of intellectual disabilities.  (Proceedings, 1999, p.119)

 

The first donation from the Lodge to the Charitable Foundation was noted in the Financial Report for 1972 which showed a $35 donation.  On April 30, 1974 a donation of $500 was approved.  During the Lodge’s peak years contributions to the Foundation were comparatively low.  The Foundation’s Representative noted that the per capita donation from the Valley was 98¢ in 1982 and $1.68 in 1983.  During the Annual Session in Charlottetown in 1986 the Valley made a donation of $571 from the Almoner’s Fund.  In 1995 a donation of $1385.82 was recorded.  The Presiding Officers in the Valley recently presented a $2000 Bursary from the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation to Breadalbane resident, Blaine Hrabi, who was a second-year student in the Human Services Program at Holland College.

When revisions to the Bye-Laws of the Lodge of Perfection have occurred, Section 3 (Meetings) has tended to draw considerable attention.  After initially agreeing to meet quarterly on “Thursday after the third Wednesday” the members changed to the first Monday of each month.  In 1936 the Section was again amended and meetings were ordered for the fourth Monday except in June and July.  Three years later the Lodge approved a change to the last Tuesday of every month except December, January, February and March (Minutes July 25, 1939)  The volume of Degree work in the 1950's prompted an amendment in 1959 to allow meetings every month.  Six years later the Section was amended to omit the months of January, July and December.  When Supreme Council returned the changes for further work in 1966 the Lodge adopted a wholesale revision and specified meetings for the months of February, March, April, May, October and November.  Further amendments in 1979 established that meetings would be held in October, November, March, April and May with elections in November and Installation in February.  The latest revision was approved in March 26, 1996.  Article III was clarified to establish the night of meeting as the fourth Tuesday.  Regular Meetings were called for April, May, September and October with the Annual Meeting set for April.  Article IV was also changed to establish a two-year term for the Officers of the Lodge with Installation in October.  Article VII (Fees and Dues) was changed to eliminate specific amounts and to provide for rates to be set by the Lodge in October of each year.  Ill.Bro. Ken Gillis, 32, was the first Thrice Puissant Grand Master to hold Office for two years under the new Bye-Law.  A motion to amalgamate the Bye-Laws of the two Scottish Rite Bodies in accordance with Article 94(h)I was presented  by R.L.Stevenson, 32, and adopted. (Minutes, April 1996)

Dinners and banquets have been regular events for the Lodge of Perfection since it moved to Summerside in 1926.  A banquet was normally planned on the occasion of the Fourteenth Degree being conferred as noted above.  The first such banquet occurred in 1928 as part of the Reunion Meeting on June 4.

The Official Visitation of a Sovereign Grand Commander  has also been a special occasion for the Lodge and an opportunity to include the ladies as banquet guests.  The Visit of the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, Douglas Gordon McIlwraith, 33, on June 4, 1945 was particularly impressive.  T. Arthur Dawson, 32, was Thrice Puissant Grand Master.  The Secret Master Degree was conferred by  F.A. VanIderstine, 32, for Bro. G.H. Sinclair.  Ill.Bro. McIlwraith, 33, gave the lecture followed by an Address.  Donald Baker, 32, described the Address as “the most eloquent and instructive talk on Masonic work ever heard in our Lodge.” (Minutes, June 26, 1945)  The banquet in honour of the visit of Harvey R. Doane, 33, was held at

the Crapaud Curling Club on September 29, 1973.  The Sovereign Grand Commander was given a gift of an Island scene.  Entertainment was provided by the Isle-A-Chords.  Total cost for the evening was $409.08.  The dinner at Andy’s Rainbow Room on the visit of George C. Derby, 33, on April 13, 1967 attracted ninety-six members and guests.  The dinners cost $201.60 and St. Lawrence Chapter Rose Croix assisted the Lodge with a donation of $100. (Minutes, May 30, 1967)

The Official Visitation of the Illustrious Deputy has provided an occasion for ‘dining out’ with the ladies as well.  Ill.Bro. Clyde S. Clancy, 33, of Halifax shared three banquets in a span of twelve months as a guest of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection.  On July 21, 1961 the Banquet was held at Birch Hill Tourist Home, on October 31 Trinity Ladies served the meal at Epworth Hall and on June 29, 1962 Ill. Deputy Clancy, 33, was feted at the Tartan.  The cost of twenty-nine meals on that occasion was $81.90.

The building of a new Temple in Summerside prompted considerable fundraising activity by the Masonic Bodies that constituted the Temple Company.  An Events Committee was established in the autumn of 1987.  James Burleigh, 33, and Philip Henderson, 32, represented the Lodge of Perfection on the Committee.  Lobster suppers, flea markets, barbecues, Masonic breakfasts and Jiggs dinners were staged.

The Lodge of Perfection sponsored its first Lobster Supper in May 1987.  A share ($500) of the proceeds was turned over to St. Lawrence Chapter.  The meals sold for $8 and were served in the Banquet Hall with take-outs also available.  In 1988 the Chapter and Lodge each sponsored a supper.  Net proceeds for the Lodge for the first two years were $2254.  In 1991 the meals sold for $9 and all proceeds were turned over to St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix.  In 1993 the Chapter received two-thirds of the profit ($1037.32).   In 1994 the supper netted $1982 from the sale of three hundred and eighty-one meals.  The last Annual Lobster Supper was held on June 4, 1995 and netted $2700 which was divided evenly by the Lodge and the Chapter.  When the Temple Company instituted a per capita system of rentals in 1995, Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection increased its annual dues to $40 and opted to discontinue the Lobster Supper.  The Lodge had a membership of one hundred and seventy-two at the end of 1995 and rent in 1996 was $25 per capita.

In 1996 H. Bennett Carr, 32, invited the members of the Scottish Rite and their families to a picnic at his summer home.  The event became an annual tradition with invitations extended to all Freemasons and their families.  Normally the menu has been pot-luck with the Lodge providing blue mussels and beverages.  Proceeds from the event in 1999 totalled $400 and were donated to the Scottish Rite Charitable Fund.

Eighty-four Brethren have served as Thrice Puissant Grand Master in the one-hundred-and-five-year history of the Lodge of Perfection.

 

Twenty Illustrious Brethren from the Valley of Summerside have been coroneted as Honorary Inspectors-General 33 of the Supreme Council.  Three of those were subsequently crowned as Active Members.  The Valley presently has three Honorary Inspectors-General.

Portraits of eight of the Inspectors-General from the Valley of Summerside are displayed within the Temple.  Those include J. Archibald Thomson, T. Arthur Dawson, G. Gordon Lord, Reginald

E. Ellis, Edwin B. Bernard, Frederick R. Hickey and Roy E. Boates.  The portraits of Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill and Ill.Bro.Donald Darrach were ordered in the 1920’s but are not currently

displayed and may have been lost.

 Ill.Bro. Gordon L. Bennett, 33, has been the only member of Valley of Summerside to hold the Office of Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Canada.  Ill.Bro. Bennett held the prestigious Office for the years 1985, 1986 and 1987. (Proceedings, 1987)  He was elected on September 14, 1985 in London, Ontario.  (He served as Illustrious Deputy for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland for the years 1970-76.  He was elected Grand Chancellor of Supreme Council in 1976 and held that Office until 1982 when he was elected Lieutenant Grand Commander for a three-year term.  In September 1986 the Annual Session of the Supreme Council 33 was held in Charlottetown for the first time.

The prospect of hosting the Annual Session of Supreme Council on Prince Edward Island was first discussed in the Lodge on February 26, 1980.  A motion was approved to extend an invitation to Supreme Council.  The invitation was accepted and a Planning Committee with Co-Chairmen David R. Campbell, 32, and Roy E. Boates, 32, was appointed on October 27, 1981.  On October 17, 1984 Bro. Campbell announced the twelve sub-committees and the Brethren who had volunteered to head each one.

The 112th Annual Session of the Supreme Council of the 33 of A&ASR of Canada was held in Charlottetown on September 11-13, 1986.  The Sessions were held at various venues in the City including The Charlottetown Hotel, Prince Edward Hotel, Confederation Centre and Trinity United Church.  The Grand Secretary-General reported seven hundred and sixty registrations including thirty-six Active Inspectors-General, twelve Past Active, two-hundred and seventy-five Honorary Inspectors-General and three hundred and sixty-six ladies.

David R. MacNaughton, 14, conducted the opening Vesper Service at Trinity United on September 11.  At the first General Session on September 12 greetings were extended to the Supreme Council by M.W.Bro. J. Garth Gillespie, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, Donald B. Judson, 32, Thrice Puissant Grand Master of the Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection and G. Elmer Paynter, 32, Most Wise Sovereign of St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix.  In his Allocution Ill.Bro. Gordon L. Bennett, 33, touched on the early history of Prince Edward Island and the beginnings of Freemasonry in the Province.  The President of the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation presided at the Noon Luncheon at Confederation where the guest speaker was Dr. Donald R. McLachlan, Professor of Physiology and Medicine at University of Toronto and staff neurologist at the Toronto General Hospital.  His Research Project on Alzheimer’s Disease and Down’s Syndrome received a Research Grant of $34,000 from the SRCF.  The Sovereign Grand Commander’s Dinner was held in the Ballroom of the Prince

Edward Hotel.  The Annual Session concluded at noon on September 13.  Fifty-two Sublime Princes were coroneted during the Session. (Proceedings, 1986)

Although hosting the Annual Session in this Province in 1986 was the highlight of Ill.Bro. Bennett’s term as Sovereign Grand Commander, he shared many other meaningful events in the Valley of Summerside.  On October 9, 1985 he participated in the sod-turning ceremony for the new Temple in Summerside and on June 16, 1986 he shared in the Official Opening while presiding at the Consecration and Dedication of the Scottish Rite Apartments.  Following the Ceremony of Consecration a portrait of Ill.Bro. Bennett in full Regalia was presented to the Valley by the members of the Supreme Council on Prince Edward Island.  A banquet was held at the New London Community Complex on the occasion of Ill.Bro. Bennett’s Official Visit to the Valley on June 9, 1987.  While holding the high Office Ill.Bro. Bennett  did not neglect his duties as Director of the Fourteenth Degree in the Lodge.  He participated in the Reunion on April 15-16, 1988 when eight candidates were received including Bro. Clifford Dawson, Bro. Walter Bernard and Bro. Terence R. Verma.  The Lodge of Perfection hosted a Testimonial Dinner in honour of Ill.Bro. Bennett on November 11, 1988.  (The Minutes of both the Lodge and Chapter are silent on the event)  The Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill.Bro. John A. Bourne, 33, and the Deputy for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, Ill.Bro. Leo A. Marquis, 33, were in attendance. (Proceedings of Supreme Council 33, 1989, p. 160)   Ill.Bro. Bennett received the gift of a snowblower from the Valley of Summerside. (Interview David R. Campbell, 33, December 12, 2000)

In 1986 R.E. Boates, 33, was appointed Grand Historian.  Two years later he completed a history of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection for the first ninety-two years. (Minutes of St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix, May 17, 1988)  The History was not available as a reference for this project.

Efforts to achieve greater efficiency through cooperation in the operation of the Lodge of Perfection and the St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix  began in the 1980's.  On March 28, 1989 the Lodge of Perfection approved a single application form for candidates seeking entry into the Scottish Rite Bodies.  Louis G. Pantry, 32, recommended on numerous occasions a single monthly notice to reduce mailing costs.  The idea was not accepted because the Regular Meeting Nights for the two Bodies were not close together.  When the Bye-Laws were amended in 1996, a motion was approved to reconcile the Bye-Laws of both bodies.  The first Joint Meeting of the two occurred on November 26, 1996 on the occasion of the Official Visit of the Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill.Bro. Harold E. Crosby, 33, and the Ill.Deputy of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, Ill.Bro. Leo Marquis, 33.  Ill.Bro. Ken Gillis, 32, was TPGM on that historic occasion and Ill.Bro. Don Barlow, 32, was Most Wise Sovereign.  The ballot was conducted for Bro. Ralph Coughlin.  The planned reception at the College of Piping was cancelled due to inclement weather.  The first Joint Installation was held on March 24, 1998 with David R. Campbell, 33, as Installing Officer.  The Ill.Deputy, Bro. Philip Raymond, 33, was in attendance.  Recently the two Scottish Rite Bodies have been meeting on the same night with each opening successively.

For more than a century Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection has upheld the principles of Scottish Rite Masonry in Prince Edward Island.  The Lodge has attached great significance to the conferring of Degrees.  Well-trained teams of Lodge Brethren have repeatedly brought credit to

the Lodge and to the Scottish Rite generally through the portrayal of the Degrees.  For approximately four consecutive decades the Lodge was able to assemble large classes of candidates from the Jurisdiction.  The annual banquet table has added a special dimension to the work of the Lodge and has provided an opportunity to include the ladies in the life of the Fraternity.  Several members of the Lodge of Perfection have brought honour to the Rite, the Lodge and to themselves through distinguished service to Freemasonry.  Since 1897 the Lodge has been without membership in the Supreme Council for only eleven years (1922-33).  The Lodge has occupied several Apartments since its institution none more beautiful than ‘The Red Room’ at 425 Maple Avenue.  The transfer of the Charter to Summerside in 1926 rates as the pivotal decision in the history of the Lodge and the one that propelled and energized the membership through six decades of continuous growth and progress.  May that spirit and record inspire Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection to renewed greatness and service!

 

ST. LAWRENCE CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX

1961

 

Sources:

The History of the Supreme Council, 33, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada 1874-1974, compiled by a Special Committee of the Supreme Council, 1978.

 

Minutes St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix

 

Proceedings of Supreme Council, 33,(selected years)

 

In 1959 twenty-three Brethren of the Scottish Rite who were members of Keith Chapter of Rose Croix in Halifax presented a Petition to Supreme Council, 33, for a Dispensation to open a Chapter of Rose Croix in Summerside to be known as St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix.  The petitioners were all residents of Prince Edward Island.  The Prayer of the Petition was granted at the Annual Session of Supreme Council, 33, held in Saskatoon in September 1959.  (Proceedings of the Supreme Council, 33, 1959, p.96)

 

St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix was instituted on June 22, 1960 in a Special Ceremony in the Apartments of the Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection in the Masonic Hall on Church Street in the Valley of Summerside.  The ceremony was conducted by Ill.Bro. Reginald V. Harris, 33, at the request of the M.P. Sovereign Grand Commander.  Bro. Harris was assisted by Most Ill.Bro. Clarence M. Pitts, 33, Past Sovereign Grand Commander, acting as Grand Chancellor and Grand Prior, Ill.Bro. John J. Creighton, 33, as Ill. Grand Lieutenant Commander; Ill.Bro. H. Earle Roche, 32, as Grand Secretary General, Ill.Bro. Reginald E. Ellis, 32, as Grand Master of Ceremonies and Ill.Bro. Frank A. VanIderstine, 33, as Grand Marshal.  Approximately thirty Brethren were present.  The ceremony was preceded by a banquet at the Mulberry Hotel.  The Dispensation to institute the Chapter was issued on September 15, 1959.

 

The first Minutes on record for St. Lawrence Chapter are dated August 23, 1960.  The main item of business was the planning for the visit in October of Degree Teams from Keith Chapter of Rose Croix in Halifax to confer Degrees for the new Chapter.  Although the Minutes of previous meetings are not recorded it appeared that the members had held some earlier Communications.  In the 1960 Proceedings of the Supreme Council, 33, the Report of the Deputy for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island contained reference to the Institution of the Chapter in June 1960 while the Report of the Committee on Dispensations and Warrants stated that the Chapter wished “to work Under Dispensation for another year.”

 

St. Lawrence Chapter Rose Croix

First Officers

 Most Wise Sovereign

 T. Arthur Dawson, 33

 First General

 J. Purvis Miller, 18

 Second General

 H. Randolph Carruthers, 32

 Registrar

 Harry S. Cannon, 32

 Treasurer

 Reginald E. Ellis, 32

 Prelate

 D. Roscoe Walker, 32

 Raphael

 A. Bruce Johnson, 32

 Grand Marshal

 C. Ralph Monkley, 32

 Almoner

 Lemuel  A. Burleigh, 32

Proceedings, 1960 p.66

 

The Chapter recorded a membership of forty-seven for the year ending June 30, 1961.  The number was comprised of thirty-two affiliations and fifteen new admissions.  (Report of the Committee on Returns, Proceedings of Supreme Council, 33, 1961 p.89)  The Annual Return for Keith Chapter of Rose Croix for 1961 showed thirty-one members withdrawn.

 

The class of fifteen new candidates received their Fifteenth and Eighteenth Degrees at a Special Communication on October 22, 1960.  The Degrees were conferred by visiting teams from Keith Chapter of Rose Croix in Halifax.  Forty-five Brethren from Keith Chapter chartered a plane arriving in Summerside at 10:00 a.m. and departing at 11:00 p.m..  Arrangements for the visitation were under the direction of Ill.Bro. M.A. Proctor, 32, Most Wise Sovereign of Keith Chapter.  Dinner was served in the Baptist Church Hall between the afternoon and evening sessions of the Communication.

 

The Brethren admitted in the first year were Gordon L. Bennett, Edwin B. Bernard, Roy E. Boates, John A. Carruthers, Frederick M. Davison, Arthur S. Larkin,  J. Bertram Larkin, Thomas A. Laidlaw, C. Gordon Lord, Archibald S. MacEwen, N. Stanley MacWilliams, James R. Murphy, Ernest C. MacMillan, Harold E. Phillips, Garnet H. Ross.  Five members of the class were later elected as Honorary Inspectors-General.  The Chapter voted on October 17, 1961 to have the names of the fifteen Brethren included on the Charter but Supreme Council denied the request.

 

The Chapter operated Under Dispensation until September 6, 1961 when a Warrant was granted by “the Sovereign Grand Inspectors-General of Supreme Council in Sacred Asylum” at St. Andrews By-The-Sea, New Brunswick.  The Charter in the Scottish Rite Apartments in Summerside contains the names of the following thirty-four Charter Members including five Sovereign Princes and twenty-nine Illustrious Brothers of whom four were Inspectors-General: L.M. MacKinnon, 33, T.A. Dawson, 33, F.A. VanIderstine, 33, R.E. Ellis, 33, M.M. Bell, 32, L.A. Burleigh, 32, C.H. Cameron, 32, H.S. Cannon, 32, H.R. Carruthers, 32, P.D. Crosby, 32, R.E. Compton, 32, R.N. Dawson, 32, W.H. Darrach, 32, E.S. Giddings, 32, W. Hayward, 32, A.B. Johnson, 32, E.A. Keeping, 32, C.R. Monkley, 32, P.E. Murray, 32, M. MacKenzie, 32, A. MacKinnon, 32, C.R. Palmer, 32, G.J. Rogers, 32, S.G. Tanton, 32, E.R. Tanton, 32, W.R. Thompson, 32, D.R. Walker, 32, D.T. Waye, 32, P.J. Kennedy, 32, R.R. Burns, 18, E.M. Campbell, 18, F.M. Cannon, 18, J.P. Miller, 18, and J.A. Thomson, 18.

 

The Charter was presented at a Special Communication on December 9, 1961. A dinner was held at the Mulberry Motel for the members and guests prior to the Communication.  Ill.Bro. Clyde S. Clancy, 33, Illustrious Deputy for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island was present to conduct the Ceremony of Constitution.  He was assisted by several Officers of Keith Chapter of Rose Croix in Halifax including  Ill.Bro. T.M. Sieniewicz, 32, Past Commander-In-Chief of the Nova Scotia Consistory and Ill.Bro. R.V. Harris, 33, (Past Active).  Following the Constitution of the Chapter the Officers were installed by Ill.Bro. Sieniewicz as Installing Officer and Ill.Bro. E.J. Vincent, 32, as Grand Marshal.  Following the Installation, the Ceremony of Consecration was conducted by the Illustrious Deputy.

 

Reginald V. Harris, 33, presented a silver Communion Cup to the Chapter.  It had been presented to his father when he served as Rector on Prince Edward Island.  Bro. Harris also presented a brass Urn to be used with the Degree work.  Hamilton Chapter of Rose Croix donated an Apron, Collar and Jewel for the Eighteenth Degree. (Minutes, March 20, 1962)

 

Several significant ‘firsts’ were noted in the Minutes.  The first Degree conferred by the members of the Chapter was on May 30, 1962 when the Fifteenth Degree, Council of Knights of the East or Sword, was conferred by a cast led by Clarence H. Cameron, 32, as Illustrious Ruler.  The candidates were Bro. Vernon J. Campbell, Bro. Donald John MacDonald and Bro. Eldon Campbell Wright.  The first recorded death of a member was that of Percy Dodd Crosby, 32, (May 22, 1962).  Ill.Bro. Reginald V. Harris, 33, and Most Ill.Bro. Clarence M. Pitts, 33, who jointly presided at the Institution of the Chapter, were the first Brethren to be made Honorary Members of the Chapter. (Minutes, October 16, 1962)  The first elections were held on May 21, 1963.  The Easter Ceremonies were first celebrated on March 30, 1961 (Maundy Thursday) and April 2 (Easter Sunday).  The Services were conducted by the Most Wise Sovereign in the absence of Ill.Bro. R.V. Harris, 33, of Halifax who was detained due to adverse weather.  The first suspensions for nonpayment of dues occurred in May, 1965.   The first Reunion Meeting for the Chapter was held on November 26, 1966.

 

A Bye-Laws Committee was appointed in 1962 and the first Bye-Laws were adopted on October 16, 1962.  The Committee included F. A. VanIderstine, 33, T.A. Dawson, 33, and R.E. Ellis, 33. (Minutes, April 19, 1962)  The Bye-Laws were returned by Supreme Council in September 1964 together with recommended changes.  The revised Bye-Laws were adopted in May 1965. 

Elections were held in May.  The Chapter normally met in the months of September, October, November, March, April and May.  The first major revision occurred in 1976 with A.E. Lavers, 18, as Chairperson of the Committee.  (Minutes, May 18, 1976)  Dues were initially set at $5 and were raised to $10 in 1977.  A further increase to $15 was approved in September 1984.  Two years later the Annual Dues were raised to $25.  (Minutes, September 16, 1986)  In 1990 the Bye-Laws were amended to establish a new Fiscal Year (January 1/ December 31).

 

The Chapter first met in the Scottish Rite Apartments on Church Street.  The Freemasons rented the second storey of the Baptist Church Hall and the Chapter paid rent to Hiram and Lebanon Lodge.  The first reference to a rental fee in the Annual Financial Statement was in April 1965 when payment of $150 for two years rent was recorded.  The annual rate increased to $160 in 1970.  Further increases to $225 (1975), $452 (1976) and $720 (1978) prompted the Chapter to appoint a Committee to meet with the Craft Lodge to discuss the issue.  Not only did the rate stand but further increases followed.  In 1980 the Chapter paid $920 in three instalments and by the mid-eighties the annual rate had reached $1130.

 

Eight candidates received the Degrees of the Chapter at the first Reunion Meeting on November 26, 1966.  The Sessions began at 2:00 p.m. in the Scottish Rite Apartments on Church Street.  C.H. Cameron, 32, and cast conferred the Fifteenth Degree.  The candidates were obligated on the Sixteenth Degree by Past Deputy, Ill.Bro. T.M. Sieniewicz, 33.  The Seventeenth Degree was conferred by C. E. Burke, 32, and a cast from Keith Chapter Rose Croix.  At 6:30 p.m. sixty members and guests attended a Banquet at Andy’s Downtown Restaurant where the guest speaker was R. Clifford Levy, 32.  The total cost of the dinners was $120.  Labour was resumed at 8:00 p.m. when the Officers of St. Lawrence Chapter led by D. Roscoe Walker, 32, as Most Wise Sovereign conferred the Knight Rose Croix Degree for the eight candidates.  The class included Bro. Philip Henderson, Bro. Franklin K. MacEwen and Bro. Arthur L. Owen.  The Most Wise Sovereign of Keith Chapter, Ill.Bro. C.E. Simms, 32, presented the Chapter with an Illuminated Scroll to mark the occasion.

 

The total membership in St. Lawrence Chapter grew steadily during the 1970's.  Ninety-five Sovereign Princes were admitted in the decade.  Membership increased from sixty-two in 1970 to one hundred and thirty-four in 1979.  (Proceedings, selected years)  The growth prompted optimism among the Officers.  After the Eighteenth Degree was conferred for a class of sixteen candidates on December 2, 1975, Gordon Bennett, 33, observed that Scottish Rite Masonry was “on the up” and expressed the hope that “the Valley of Summerside might consider having its own Consistory in the Valley.” (Minutes, December 2, 1975)

 

There were several other significant achievements in the 1970's that were noted in the Minutes.  Ill.Bro. Gordon L. Bennett, 33, was crowned an Active Inspector-General in September 1970 and was named Deputy of Supreme Council for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.  The Chapter partnered with the Lodge of Perfection and Hiram and Lebanon Lodge to purchase an organ in 1975.  The total cost of $972 was shared by the three Bodies. The long process of revising the Bye-Laws culminated in August 1976 when Supreme Council approved the changes.  New gowns were ordered and worn for the first time on October 18, 1977.  Annual dues were increased for the first time from $5 to $10 effective May 1, 1978.  The Chapter made a donation of $500 to the Scottish Rite Foundation in April 1974 in honour of Ill.Bro. Harvey R. Doane, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander.

 

One of the largest classes of candidates for the Degrees of the Chapter was recorded in 1974 when thirty-four were admitted.  Twenty-eight applications were received on November 13, 1973.  The petitioners included Bro. J. Gordon MacKenzie, Bro. G. Elmer Paynter, Bro. Carl K. Thompson, Bro. S. Leaman Caseley, Bro. Errol Bagnall, Bro. Heath M. Delaney, Bro. Oliver C. Bernard and Bro. Gerald A. Daley.  The Eighteenth Degree was conferred by Archibald Thomson, 32, and cast on September 17, 1974.

 

The second Reunion Meeting on October 21-22, 1977 was the first two-day Reunion and it brought together seventy-nine Scottish Rite Masons from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.  Most Wise Sovereign, Ill.Bro. Roy E. Boates, 32, welcomed Degree Teams from Halifax Rose Croix and the Northumberland Scottish Rite Club of New Glasgow.

 

The Council of Knights of the East or Sword (Fifteenth Degree) was conferred for the class of thirteen candidates by a cast from the host Chapter.  Following a refreshment break, a Degree Team from Northumberland Scottish Rite Club under the direction of E.R. Mosher, 33, conferred the Sixteenth Degree for the class of thirteen.  A lunch of clam chowder was served following the ceremony.

 

The second day began at 10:30 a.m. when the Degree Team from Keith Chapter of Rose Croix under the direction of  J.E. Montgomery, 32, conferred the Knights of the East and West (Seventeenth).  Following lunch the Knight of Rose Croix (Eighteenth) was conferred by J. Archibald Thomson, 33, and cast.  The Rose was presented to each of the thirteen candidates by T. Arthur Dawson, 33.  Bro. Dawson was in his ninety-second year at that time and it was his last official duty as a Scottish Rite Mason.  He died a few weeks later on November 27, 1977.  Bro Thomson, his long-time Masonic Brother, died the following month on December 15, 1977. 

Obituaries for Bro. Dawson and Bro. Thomson were written by James R. Murphy, 33 and were contained in the Proceedings of the Supreme Council 33 for 1978.  Bro. Murphy paid tribute to Bro. Dawson’s  “unswerving loyalty and generous charity exemplified by his contributions to The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation and the T.A. Dawson Scholarship Fund.” (p.133) The tribute to Ill.Bro. Thomson included quoted lines:

He was a friend whose heart was good

He walked with men and understood

(Proceedings, 1978. p.134)

 

The class of candidates for that historic Reunion on October 21-22 included Bro. Edgar Ferbin Millar, Bro. Chesley Shaw Hughes, Bro. Duncan Ansel MacLeod, Bro. James William Don Campbell, Bro. John Robert Fletcher and Bro. James Donald Thompson.

 

At the Reunion Meeting on October 27-28, 1978 new Directors for the Degrees emerged as a result of the loss of Bro. Thomson and Bro. Dawson.  C. Gordon Lord, 33, served as Worshipful Ruler for the Fifteenth and D. Roscoe Walker, 33, led the cast for the Eighteenth with Bro. Lord presenting the Roses to the six candidates.  Once again the event was enriched by the presence of Bro. Montgomery and his cast from Keith Chapter for the Seventeenth Degree.  The wives and widows of past members were invited to the banquet at Clovie’s Restaurant following the Reunion.

 

J. Gordon MacKenzie, 32, first directed the Fifteenth Degree at a Special Meeting on January 12, 1980.  The class of fourteen included Bro. Louis Gwynne Pantry, Bro. Randall B. Boates, Bro. Donald J. Barlow, Bro. Ralph Leslie Woodside and Bro. Milton Gerald Dyment.  The closing banquet was held at the Kensington Recreation Centre.  Since 1980 the Minutes have not consistently recorded the names of those who have directed Degrees.  Bro. MacKenzie directed the Fifteenth Degree in 1993 and 1995. Louis G. Pantry, 32, directed the Fifteenth in 1994 when the Class included Bro. Ronald D. Drake, Bro. Robert L. Stevenson and Bro. Gordon M. Makin. Reginald MacRae, 32, directed the Eighteenth Degree from 1981-1992.  (Interview with Bro. Reginald MacRae, November 15, 2000)  Bro. MacRae’s last class included Bro. D.G. Hooper, Bro. G.P.R. Hooper, Bro. P.E. MacDonald and Bro. J.G. Perry.  Donald B. Judson, 32, began the work as Director of the Eighteenth Degree in 1993.

 

The Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Summerside have normally conferred only the obligatory Degrees of the Rite.  The newly-appointed Deputy for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, Ill.Bro. Phillip H. Raymond, 33, noted in his 1999 Report that efforts were being made to have some non-obligatory Degrees conferred in the Valley of Summerside by arranging reciprocal visits with Degree Teams from other Valleys. (Proceedings of 1999 p. 136)

 

When the Baptist Church advised the Freemasons in 1984 that their rented space was needed for Church programs, a search for new quarters was undertaken. The Minutes for 1984-86 make infrequent reference to the search.  The Chapter named five members to the Building Committee in April, 1985 viz.Reagh Bagnall, 32, James Burleigh, 33, Gordon MacKenzie, 32, Bro. Earle Campbell, 32, and Bro. Donald Barlow, 32.  The Worshipful Master of Hiram and Lebanon Lodge No.3, W.Bro. Don Graham, visited the Chapter on May 21, 1985 to report on the Building Project.  The effort culminated in the building of the new Temple at 425 Maple Avenue and the Scottish Rite Apartments were officially opened by Ill.Bro. Gordon L. Bennett, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander, on June 14, 1986 as part of the Official Opening of the new Temple.  A Commemorative Plaque is displayed on the front of the Temple to mark the historic occasion in the history of Scottish Rite Masonry in Prince Edward Island..

 

The final Meeting in the Apartments on Church Street was held on December 10, 1985. Ralph Burdett, 32, presided as Most Wise Sovereign.  Ballots were cast for fifteen petitioners including Bro. Henry Ernest Meek, Bro. Vernon Lorne Hardy, Bro. James Edgar Milligan Sr.   (age 74), Bro. James Edgar Milligan Jr., Bro. Matthew Roy Leard and Bro. Cecil Gordon Stetson.  The Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill.Bro. Gordon L. Bennett, 33, was in attendance.

 

The first Meeting in the new Apartments was a Reunion Meeting and was convened on January 25, 1986.  The Fifteenth Degree was conferred on a class of ten candidates.  J. Gordon MacKenzie, 32, directed the cast for that Degree.  Reginald MacRae, 32, directed the ceremonies for the Eighteenth.  Thirty-seven members attended.

 

The building of a new Temple placed some greater financial challenges before the membership.  Fundraising activity began to emerge in the meeting agendas.  Roy E. Boates, 33, and James R. Murphy, 33, represented the Chapter on the Events Committee that was responsible for fundraising for the Temple.  Annual dues were increased from $15 to $25 in September 1986.  The Chapter contributed $4000 to the Building Fund in September 1986.  Rent was paid to the new Temple Company that included representation from the Scottish Rite Bodies.  In 1995 the Temple Company implemented a per capita system of rent with the initial rate set at $25 per

member.  The Chapter had a membership of one hundred and fifty-eight in 1995.  Annual Lobster Suppers were started in 1987.  (See account of the Suppers in the History of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection above.)

 

Some of the Officers of the Chapter have distinguished themselves through long service.  Reginald E. Ellis, 33, filled the Office of Treasurer for the first fifteen years.  He was succeeded in 1976 by James L. MacDougall, 32.  Vernon J. Campbell, 18, was elected Registrar in 1963 and retained the position until his death in 1975 while attending a Reunion of the Nova Scotia Consistory where he had petitioned to receive the Thirty-Second Degree.  Garnet Hazen Ross, 32, was first elected Almoner in May 1969 and served that Office continuously until his death in May 1987.  A large wooden Plaque recognizing those who have contributed to the Temple Building Fund was placed in the Lobby of the Temple in memory of Bro. Ross.

 

In the late 1980's the two Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Summerside considered further ways to work together in the interest of organizational and financial efficiency.  In August 1987 the Chapter approved a motion to support a single petition for entrance into both Bodies of the Scottish Rite Valley of Summerside.  Action on the Motion seemed unclear and two years later the Chapter approved a similar motion “that St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix adopt a single application form for membership for both the Lodge and the Chapter provided that Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection vote positive on the motion as presented to their membership.” (Minutes, May 16, 1989)  The Lodge of Perfection had approved a similar motion on March 28, 1989.  In May 1990 the members discussed the use of a combined bulletin as a cost saving measure.  In 1996 the two Bodies agreed to amalgamate their Bye-Laws and the first joint Meeting was convened on November 26 when the Sovereign Grand Commander visited.  The two Bodies began using a common Minute Book in May 1997 with Robert L. Stevenson, 32, as Registrar.  The first Joint Installation of Officers was held on March 24, 1998.  The Installing Officer was David R. Campbell, 33.  A Ritual from the Valley of Winnipeg was used for the Ceremony.  (Proceedings, 1998, p. 149)

 

MOST WISE SOVEREIGNS*

 

 TERM

 MOST WISE SOVEREIGN

 1960-63

 T. Arthur Dawson, 33

   

 TERM

 MOST WISE SOVEREIGN

1963-65 H. Randolph Carruthers, 32 1965-66

 Frank A. VanIderstine, 33

 1966-67

 D. Roscoe Walker, 32

 1967-68

 C. Ralph Monkley, 32

 1968-69

 J. Bertram Larkin, 18

 1969-70

 J. Archibald Thomson, 18

 1970-71

 James R. Murphy, 32

 1971-72

 Edwin B. Bernard, 32

 1972-73

 Henry E. Phillips, 32

 1973-74

 Philip H. Henderson, 18

 1974-75

 C. Gordon Lord, 32

 1975-76

 Ronald C. Greene, 32

 1976-77

 Fred R. Hickey, 32

 1977-78

 Roy E. Boates, 32

 1978-79

 J.K. Ellis, 32

 1979-80

 Lorne S. Seaman, 32

 1980-81

 Oliver C. Bernard, 32

 1981-82

 Erwin A. Dennis, 32

 1982-83

 P. Reagh Bagnall, 32

 1983-84

 James W. Burleigh, 33

 1984-85

 J. Gordon MacKenzie, 32

 1985-86

 W. Ralph Burdett, 32

 1986-87

 G. Elmer Paynter, 32

 1987-88

 Lloyd A. Hardy, 32

 TERM

 MOST WISE SOVEREIGN

 1988-89

 S. Oscar Howell, 32

 1989-90

 Louis G. Pantry, 32

 1990-91

 A. Ennis Small, 32

 1991-92

 S. Leaman Caseley, 32

 1992-93

 Donald B. Judson, 32

 1993-94

 Terence R. Verma, 32

 1994-95

 Donald E. Burns, 32

 1995-96

 Donald J. Barlow, 32

 1996-97

 Donald J. Barlow, 32

 1997-98

 Frank R. Graham, 32

 1998-99

 Frank R. Graham, 32

 1999-00

 David G. Hooper, 32

(*The Degrees shown are those held at the time of holding Office.)

St. Lawrence Chapter has solidly adhered to the obligation of the Easter Ceremonies.  Programs have been professionally printed for the occasion since 1984 and since 1970 attendance has normally been in excess of twenty Brethren.  The Ceremony of Relighting the Lights was held in the mid-afternoon on Easter Sunday until 1978 when the first Easter Breakfast for members and their spouses was held preceding the Open Service in the Blue Room.  Ill.Bro. Roy E. Boates, 32, presided as Most Wise Sovereign and Bro. W.J. MacDougall was guest speaker.  The Maundy Thursday Service for Extinguishing the Lights was cancelled in 1963 due to inclement weather.  On that singular occasion the Lights were extinguished informally by R.E. Ellis, 33. Gerald Daley, 32, initiated the practice of providing a detailed account of the Easter Ceremonies in the Minute Book after he was elected Secretary in 1975.  The Solos rendered by D. Roscoe Walker, 33, were a regular part of the ceremonies for the decade after 1975. Guests who have enriched the Services through music include the Prince Edward Lodge No.14 Masonic Choir (1985), Ms. Barbara Burleigh (1987) and the trio of sisters - Audrey Paynter, Heather Paynter and Nancy Harvey (1987).

 

The Scottish Rite Apartments are adorned with several very meaningful gifts from members and visiting Brethren.  The Altar Bible was presented in November 1981 in memory of T. Arthur Dawson, 33, by Gordon L. Bennett, 33, on behalf of Ernest Wilkes, 33.  Ceremonial Swords were presented in November 1985 by Gordon L. Bennett, 33, Philip H. Henderson, 32, S. Leaman Caseley, 32 and P. Reagh Bagnall, 33.  Drapes for the new Scottish Rite Apartments on Maple Avenue were presented by Mrs. Gladys MacRae in March 1986. The Bernard Family of New London presented a Masonic Clock in September 1986 in memory of Oliver Bernard, 32, and in honour of Ill.Bro.G. Elmer Paynter, 32, Most Wise Sovereign.  The positive Fraternal ties with the Scottish Rite Masons of Halifax is represented in an attractive piece of woodcraft in the form of a map of Prince Edward Island and displayed in the Recreation Room of the Temple.  It was a gift from Ernest Alexander Cook, 33, of Halifax, Nova Scotia and was presented in October 1987 “in appreciation of fond memories and fine friends for so many years.”  In November 1987 the widow of Archibald Thomson, 33, presented seven Candlesticks in memory of her late husband.  A refurbished Collar and Gold Jewel for the Most Wise Sovereign and dating back to the early 1900's was donated by the Illustrious Deputy, Leo Marquis, 33, in May 1997.  James W. Burleigh, 33, donated the Ceremonial Short Sword on October 28, 1997.  The Lamp for the Registrar’s Desk was donated by S. Oscar Howell, 32, in April 1990.  The Library Storage Cabinet  was donated by Frederick Hickey 33.  Other gifts have been noted elsewhere in this history.

 

The St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix enjoyed a quarter-century of steady growth after a relatively slow start in the 1960's.  The 1970's was a period of remarkable growth as noted earlier and the trend continued until 1986 when the Chapter recorded its peak membership of one hundred and seventy-two.  The total was matched four years later in 1990.  Since 1970 the Chapter has failed to admit new candidates in only three years.  Unfortunately the decade of the 1990's was a period of steady decline in the membership although fifty-three new Brethren were admitted.  The Chapter recorded thirty-eight deaths, thirty-five withdrawals and seven suspensions during that decade leaving a total membership of one hundred and thirty-eight on May 31, 1999.  (Proceedings, selected years)

 

There is much to celebrate as St. Lawrence Chapter approaches its Fortieth Anniversary as a constituted Chapter of Rose Croix.  Foremost are the legacies of so many outstanding Freemasons who have contributed time, talent and resources to Scottish Rite in the Valley of Summerside.  The example and dedication of those Brethren enriched the proceedings and gave deeper meaning to the Light.  Their leadership also gave a consistency to the work that helped to ensure the preservation of the principles and customs of Scottish Rite Masonry.  May their passion for the Rite and devotion to what is good inspire the new generation of Brethren to continue those strong traditions!

CHARLOTTETOWN CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX

1898

 

Sources:

History of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island by Reginald V. Harris, 33, circa 1957

 

Minute Book May 19, 1898 - April 16, 1925 (109 pages)

 

Minutes, Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection

 

Proceedings of the Supreme Council, 33, (selected years)

 

The Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite in Prince Edward Island, 1896-1937, With particular Reference to Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection, A Brief Outline, August, 1972. R.A. Gordon, 32

 

The first reference to the formation of the Charlottetown Chapter of Rose Croix was in the Minutes of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection for April 21, 1898.  Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, reported that “a Dispensation had been received by him to form a Chapter of Rose Croix in this City and requested all who desired to advance to the 18th Degree to hand their names to him.”

 

The Charlottetown Chapter of Rose Croix was organized at a Special Assembly in the new Masonic Temple on Grafton Street on May 19, 1898.  Ill.Bro. Charles Masters, 32, of Saint John, New Brunswick was present to assist with the formation.  Five Sovereign Princes assembled at 4:00 p.m. with Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, presiding as Most Wise Sovereign.  The Dispensation of the Supreme Grand Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33

Degree of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Dominion of Canada was read.  Petitions for membership in the Chapter were received from eight candidates.  The Investigating Committee “reported favourably” and all candidates were elected to receive the Degrees of the Order.  The Chapter then recessed until 7:30 p.m.. (Minutes, May 19, 1898)

 

At the Evening Session the four Degrees of the Chapter were conferred on Bro. James MacLeod, Bro.William S. Stewart, Bro. Neil MacKelvie, Bro. John J. Davies, Bro. Thomas B. Reagh and Bro. John C. Hobbs.  The Most Wise Sovereign then appointed the remainder of the Officers.

 

The first Officers of the Chapter included

 Most Wise Sovereign

 Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33

 First General

 Bro. Thomas A. MacLean, 32

 Second General

 Bro. Thomas J. Dillon, 32

 Treasurer

 Bro. Donald Darrach, 33

 Prelate

 Bro. T. B. Reagh, 18

 Raphael

 Bro. James MacLeod, 18

 Grand Marshal

 Bro. John J. Davies, 18

 Registrar

 Bro. W. S. Stewart, 18

 Captain of Guard

 Bro. Neil MacKelvie, 18

 Guard

 Bro. John C. Hobbs, 18

(Minutes, May 19, 1898)

 

Although there wasn’t any reference to Bye-Laws for the Chapter, the Sovereign Princes established several structures and traditions for the governance of the Chapter.  The Minutes of the Chapter were referred to as the ‘Engraved Columns’ and were always read and approved before the close of each Assembly.  The Box of Fraternal Assistance was passed at the close of each Assembly and the contents were given to the Almoner who was an elected Officer after

1898.  Fees were set at $25.  The Minutes did not list the rate for annual dues at first but a motion was approved to set annual dues at $1 effective January 1, 1915.  (Minutes, April 1, 1915)  The amounts paid as rental to the Temple Company suggested that a per diem rate was used.  In 1898 the total was $6. (Minutes, April 20, 1898)  In 1899 the total was $2.50.  After 1915 the annual rate was $28.33. 

 

The only reference to gifts presented to the Chapter appeared in 1915.  Ill.Bro. A. S. MacKay, 18, the Most Wise Sovereign, presented a wardrobe for the paraphernalia and a desk for the Most Wise Sovereign.  (Minutes, April 1, 1915)

 

The tradition of an Easter Celebration began in 1904 and  was followed for sixteen consecutive years in the Chapter.  The Provincial Deputy, Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, received a letter from the Secretary General of the Supreme Council, 33, dated April 21, 1906 outlining the procedure for the Annual Easter Celebration.

 

The Special Assembly began on Maundy Thursday when the Sovereign Princes gathered for the Mystic Banquet.  The Chapter was called to Refreshment and following the Ceremony of Extinguishing the Lights, the Sovereign Princes retired in darkness.  They met again on Easter Sunday for the purpose of re-lighting the Lights.  This was followed by an Address appropriate for the occasion.  Ill.Bro. T.A. Fullerton, 32, delivered the Address for fifteen consecutive years beginning in 1905, three months after he had been advanced as a Knight of Rose Croix.  The Chapter usually approved $5 as payment to Bro. Fullerton for his work.  In 1911 the Chapter voted to have the Address printed for distribution to the other Sovereign Princes in the Chapter.  (Minutes, April 15, 1911)  Ill.Bro. Fullerton died in 1920 and the Easter Ceremonies were not held in subsequent years.

 

Charlottetown Chapter of Rose Croix did not achieve the level of membership that was anticipated by its founders.  Eleven members were recorded in the initial year and eighteen in the second year.  Membership did not exceed twenty until 1905 and after reaching a peak of forty-one in 1918 the membership dropped steadily until the Charter was surrendered.  Eighteen deaths were recorded within the membership in the last seven years that the Chapter operated.  (Proceedings, 1920-26)

 

Charlottetown Chapter of Rose Croix surrendered its Charter in 1926-27.  The Minute Book used for this History concluded with the Minutes of April 16, 1925.  The Deputy for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Ill.Bro. J. H. Winfield, 33, noted in his Report to Supreme Council in September 1926 that the Chapter held the statutory meetings but that its membership had fallen

from twenty-three to eighteen by death, withdrawal and suspension.  He asserted that “no good purpose is being served by letting the Charter remain.  If it were withdrawn, the entire effort of the Brethren would be for the Lodge.”  (Proceedings, 1926, p.45-46)  One year later the Deputy reported that “in accordance with the instructions of Supreme Council, I secured the Charter of the Charlottetown Chapter of Rose Croix and forwarded it to the Secretary-General.” (Proceedings, 1927, p.46)

 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND CONSISTORY

1909

 

Sources:

Minutes Prince Edward Island Consistory, July 6, 1909 - September 16, 1918 (55 pages)

 

Minutes, Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection

 

Minutes, Charlottetown Chapter Rose Croix

 

History of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island by Reginald V. Harris, 33, circa 1957

 

Proceedings of the Supreme Council, 33

 

The History of the Supreme Council, 33, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada 1874-1974, compiled by a Special Committee of the Supreme Council 1978.

 

Interest in establishing a Consistory in this Province was evident among the Scottish Rite Masons as early as 1907.  At the Regular Communication on April 24, 1907 the Brethren of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection approved a loan of $105 and a donation of $50 to the Provincial Deputy, Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, to assist in starting a Consistory.  On September 26,

1907 the Lodge of Perfection approved a motion on the desirability of establishing a Consistory for the Province.  At an Emergent Communication of the Charlottetown Chapter of Rose Croix on December 6, 1907, a resolution was approved in support of the establishment of “a Consistory of the A&ASR in this Province at as early a date as practical.”

 

The Supreme Council did not seem to share the same optimism.  Correspondence was received at the Regular Communication of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection on  March 5, 1908 indicating that the parent body was “somewhat reluctant” to grant a Dispensation for a Consistory suggesting that the Lodge of Perfection needed more members before a Consistory should be established. The local Brethren and Sovereign Princes were determined to prevail.

 

On October 21, 1908 the Lodge appointed a Committee to ascertain the number of Brethren who were interested in a Consistory.  Although the findings of the Committee were not reported in the Minutes, the evidence must have convinced Supreme Council to reconsider.  In his Report to the Supreme Council on October 22, 1908, Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, indicated that he was unwell and that  Donald Darrach, 33, would represent him in Montreal to explain the Petition for a Consistory. (Proceedings, 1908, p.39)

 

On May 27, 1909 Donald Darrach, 33, received the Dispensation to open a Consistory.  The Illustrious Deputy for the Province, Roderick MacNeill, 33, was empowered by the Sovereign Grand Commander with ‘Letters Patent’ to constitute the Brethren and Sovereign Princes as a “Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal, Secret, Thirty-Second Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasons for the Province of Prince Edward Island.”

 

The Ceremony of Consecration and Installation of Officers of the Prince Edward Island Consistory was held on July 6, 1909 in the Masonic Temple in Charlottetown.  Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, addressed the Brethren on the principles that should govern the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.  He caused them to assemble around the Altar of Incense and to unite in Prayer after which they retired.  After obtaining Light the Brethren returned to offer thanksgiving and to implore Divine assistance upon the work.  Following a musical interlude the Grand Master of Ceremonies lit the first Star.  Following a Chant he lit the four Great Lights of the Temple symbolic of Wisdom, Strength, Harmony and Zeal.  After a second Chant the five Stars of the East were ignited; the central one symbolic of Truth and the others representing Faith, Hope,

Charity and Toleration.  A third Chant was followed by the lighting of the three Stars in the West to symbolize Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.  After the final Chant the two Stars in the West were ignited to represent the Divine attributes of Justice and Equity.  The Deputy then lit the incense under an arch of steel and proceeded with Prayer and a Chant to consecrate the Consistory to purity and innocence of word, act and thought.  After a musical interlude the Consistory was consecrated to social enjoyment, cheerful content and pleasures, free of intemperance and excess.  Finally the Consistory was consecrated to the virtues of hospitality and good faith.  (Minutes, Prince Edward Island Consistory)

 

With the ceremony of Consecration complete, the Deputy proceeded to constitute the Consistory by reading the Letters Patent of Constitution dated April 12, 1909.  The Dispensation was signed by the, Ill.Bro. J.M. Gibson, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander,  the Secretary General and Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, the Provincial Deputy.

 

Following the Oath of Allegiance and Fealty, the Deputy proclaimed that the Prince Edward Island Consistory was duly constituted, inaugurated and consecrated.  He then proceeded to install the following new Officers:

 

 Commander in Chief

 Donald Darrach, 33

 First Lieutenant Commander

 John Yeo, 32

 Second Lieutenant Commander

 William A. Brennan,32

 Grand Master of Ceremonies

 George S. Inman, 32

 Prelate

 Thomas B. Reagh, 32

 Grand Captain of the Guard

 Daniel F. MacDonald, 32

 

With the ceremonies complete the Chapter immediately set to work.  A Council of Knights Kadosh was opened and the petitions of ten Sovereign Princes were received and referred to a Committee.  The Box of Fraternal Assistance was passed and the Chapter closed for the evening meal.

 

The first Sovereign Princes to petition the new Consistory were Hector C. MacDonald, William A.O. Morson, William A. Weeks, William S. Stewart, Thomas F. Fullerton, John W. MacPhee, Ewen Stewart, William A. Houston, William K. Rogers and John Hobbs.

 

Labour resumed at 7:30 p.m. when the Council of Knights Kadosh was opened to receive the Report of the Committee on Petitions.  The ten petitioners were subsequently elected to receive the Degrees of the Council.  Degrees 19-29 were communicated and severally obligated after which the Degree of Knight Kadosh (Thirtieth Degree) was conferred in full.  The Council was closed and the Consistory resumed Labour on the Thirty-First Degree.  The request for a Dispensation to waive the statutory time between Degrees was approved by the Deputy (in attendance).  Petitions were received from nine of the Knights and were referred to a Committee.  The Committee returned a favourable report and following the ballot, the Knights Kadosh were admitted, obligated and the Degree of Inspector, Inquisitor Commander was conferred.  Eight of the candidates then petitioned for the Thirty-Second Degree and accordingly were made Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.  The fee for the Degrees 19-32 was $70.

 

Roderick MacNeill, 33, transcribed the Minutes of the Rendezvous of July 6.  The Minutes comprised nineteen handwritten pages.  The entire Minute Book for the life of the Consistory includes only fifty-five pages covering nineteen Rendezvous most of which were Special.

 

In his Report to Supreme Council dated 22 September 1909, the Illustrious Deputy praised the work of Donald Darrach, 33, “who at much expanse and time visited Ontario, Montreal, Saint John and Halifax to gather information as to the fitting up of a proper Asylum for the Consistory.”  He noted that the Consistory had a membership of twenty-four.  Ill.Bro.Roderick MacNeill, 33, retired as Provincial Deputy following the Institution of the Consistory. (Gordon p. 3)  He was replaced in 1910 by Ill.Bro. Donald Darrach, 33, who was advanced as an Active Inspector General on October 24, 1910. (History of Supreme Council, 33, Tableau 1)

 

The first Regular Rendezvous of the Consistory was held at the Masonic Temple in Charlottetown on October 6, 1909.  A Committee consisting of W.A. Weeks, 32, and  W.S. Stewart, 32, was appointed to procure furnishings for the Consistory.  The items requested were chairs for the Sovereign Grand Commander, two Lieutenants, Master of Ceremonies and Grand Captain of the Guard (total 5) a chair and table for the Secretary, a cupboard with three departments and a Yale lock and one Yale lock for the door.

 

The meeting approved payment of one-third share of the rent for the Lodge Room ( total rent for the three Scottish Rite Bodies was approximately $100.)  Approval to apply for “Letters Patent” in perpetuity was also given.

 

The remaining Officers were installed viz.

 Grand Secretary

 W.S. Stewart, 32

 Grand Expert

 W.A. Weeks, 32

 *Grand Captain of the Guard

 E. Stewart, 32

(*The Minutes did not provide an explanation for the change in the Office of Grand Captain of the Guard)

 

On January 25, 1910 the members approved payment of $4.05 for three tables purchased at Beer and Weeks and 30¢ for spirit lamps and spirits purchased at Johnson and Johnson.

 

The Minutes do not make any reference to Bye-Laws for the Consistory but the members did adopt some procedures for their governance.  Application fees were set at $70  ($30 for Degrees 19-30 and $40 for Degrees 31-32)  Petitioning and balloting occurred after the Thirtieth Degree and also after the Thirty-First.  An Investigating Committee was appointed for each Petition and the Report of the Committee was normally presented later during the same Rendezvous.  The Secretary received $70 per annum.  The Box of Fraternal Assistance was passed before Closing each evening and also after conferring the Knight Kadosh Degree.

 

Because candidates often received several Degrees on the same evening, it was necessary to request a Dispensation to confer in less time than was required by statute.  With Ill.Bro. Roderick MacNeill, 33, and Ill.Bro. Donald Darrach, 33, serving as successive Deputies Supreme Council (1898-1921) the requests for Dispensation were often approved on site without delay.

 

Although the Consistory recorded its largest total membership of thirty-three in 1913, reference to financial difficulties within the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Province began to appear in 1914. 

At a Special Rendezvous on March 19 the members approved a loan of $50 to the Chapter of Rose Croix.  A further loan of $33.33 was approved on January 21, 1915 and a Committee was appointed to “look into the finances” of the Consistory”.

The Minutes of a Special Rendezvous on September 16, 1918 represent the final entry in the only available Minute Book of the Consistory.  Five members were in attendance.  Payment of rent for 1917 was approved and a donation of $6.66 to the widow of the late Tyler, John Hobbs, 32, was approved.  Thomas F. Fullerton, 32,was elected as Commander in Chief.  The Provincial Deputy installed the Officers.

 

In the 1980's Ill.Bro. Garnet Hazen Ross, 32, completed a history of the Prince Edward Island Consistory. (Minutes of St. Lawrence Chapter of Rose Croix, May 18, 1988)  The reference identified the years of the Consistory as 1917-1925.  The History was not available for this research project.

 

Although the Consistory continued to operate after 1918, any Minutes that may have been recorded have been lost and the actual date of its closure is unclear.  After 1920 the relative inactivity within the three Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Charlottetown was a concern to Supreme Council.  The death of the Commander in Chief, Thomas Fullerton, 32, on May 23, 1921 and Provincial Deputy, Ill.Bro. Donald Darrach, 33, on December 13 of the same year were huge losses to the Consistory in particular and Freemasonry in general.  In 1921 the Office of Provincial Deputy was terminated and the Valley was placed under the jurisdiction of the Deputy for Nova Scotia.  Reginald V. Harris, 33, in his History of Scottish Rite Freemasonry claims that the Warrants of the Consistory and Rose Croix Chapter were also suspended in 1921 and the action confirmed by Supreme Council on October 25, 1922.  (Harris, p.35)  However, the Minutes of the Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection record the successive visits to the Lodge of Perfection by the Illustrious Deputy of Nova Scotia, Ill.Bro. J.H. Winfield, 33, beginning in 1922.  He visited to discuss the state of affairs of the three Scottish Rite Bodies and to create “a general awakening” by the members to the seriousness of the situation. (Minutes Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection September 7, 1923)  On November 23, 1923 the Lodge received a letter from the Deputy stating that he had been able to save the Charter of the Chapter of Rose Croix “at least for the present.”  He further advised that the receipts of all three Bodies be placed in one account.  On May 16, 1924 Bro. Winfield delivered a cheque for $530.86 to the Treasurer of the Chapter of Rose Croix.  It represented the funds from a bond held by the Consistory in trust.  He ordered that it be used to pay outstanding accounts of the Scottish Rite Bodies.  Given these facts it appears that the Prince Edward Island Consistory was quite inactive after 1918 and that its Charter had

been suspended before the end of 1923.  Annual Returns from the Consistory last appeared in the Proceedings in 1923 when eighteen members were recorded.

 

Prince Edward Island Consistory

Commanders In Chief

 Donald Darrach, 33

 1909-1914

 George S. Inman, 32

 1915-1917

 Thomas F. Fullerton, 32

 1918-1920

 

 

Submitted by

W.Bro. John Murphy, PM

Hiram & Lebanon Lodge #3, GRPEI