HISTORY OF JERUSALEM LODGE
1849-1949

CHAPTER IV

Progress 1874 - 1899

 As in a family, the younger generation grows up and develops into strong and active young men and women, so we find that Jerusalem Lodge was growing stronger. More new members were being received but time was taking its toll, for, we read of the emergent meetings called to attend the last sad rites to departed brethren.

New Organ Purchased

 In July 1879 an organ was purchased from the Dominion Organ Co. This is the organ which is playing such an important part in our ceremonies even today -seventy years later.
 During the years 1879 and 1881 the Lodge purchased two plots in the cemetery and suitable fences were erected around each.
 Towards the end of 1883 a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was formed in town and the Lodge granted them the use of the lodge rooms at a nominal fee.

Wor. Bro. Tole Passes Away

 On March 10, 1884, an emergent meeting was called to attend the funeral service of our first Worshipful Master, Wor. Bro. Isaiah Tole, and six months later one of the charter members, Bro. James English, was called to the Grand Lodge Above.
 In November 1885 a committee was appointed "To take what steps they see fit to expose to the public generally, the clandestine nature and spuriousness of the lodge working here under the so-called Grand Lodge of Ontario." There is no record of any action being taken, undoubtedly for obvious reasons.

Pointer Presented To Lodge

 We note an item of interest on May 23, 1888, Bro. J. B. Mitchell presented to the Lodge a handsome pointer. This is the one presently being used in our Lodge today.
 During this period the records deal with the regular lodge activities but interspersed we find reference to some outstanding and interesting items.
 Wor. Bro. Wm. McKay was presented on Jan. 17, 1889, as a souvenir of his marriage, with a beautiful clock as a mark of his merit and worth as a Mason.
 On March 21, 1890, a most interesting evening was recorded when Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Ross Robertson visited Jerusalem Lodge and delivered an excellent lecture on the subject, "The History of Craft Masonry in Canada."

Historic Sketch Presented

 On the evening of May 28, 1890, the Secretary, Bro. John Keachie, read the history of the Lodge to this date, for which he was by motion heartily thanked by the Lodge assembled for his efforts. He also brought up to date to that time the Lodge register. Up to this date the records indicate that 216 brethren had joined by initiation and affiliation.
 On the same evening W. Bro. T. H. Spry was presented with an illuminated address prior to his leaving for British Columbia to take up residence there. Wor. Bro. Spry, however, returned on Feb. 18, 1891, to Bowmanville and took a very active part in Masonic activities in later years.

Rt. Wor. Bro. McKay Elected D.D.G.M.

 At the meeting of Grand Lodge July 23, 1891, Rt. W. Bro. Wm. McKay was elected to the office of D.D.G.M. for Ontario District No. 12, which office he filled with credit to himself and honour to Jerusalem Lodge and the Craft generally.

Electricity Installed

 With the introduction of electricity as a mode of lighting, Jerusalem Lodge in 1894 set up a committee to investigate this and in March 1897 electric lighting was installed at a cost of $35.00.
 Again reference is made to the Grand Lodge of Ontario and a committee was appointed in September, 1895, to investigate their procedure locally, and cooperate with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada, in the Province of Ontario.

Rt. Wor. Bro. McKay Passes

 In October, 1897, the passing of Rt. Wor. Bro. Wm. McKay is recorded and a beautiful testimonial of the loss to this Lodge is written into the minutes.
 One of the highlights of the time was the visit in Sept., 1899, of Bro. The Honourable J. M. Mulock, Postmaster General, and the address given by him on Masonry.
 This being the 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem Lodge, a committee was appointed in July, 1899, to take this into consideration. The celebration took the form of a picnic which was very successful and was enjoyed by all. An interesting sidelight is an item of four gallons of milk costing .80c.

Photos o f Past Members

 Also towards the end of the year W. Bro. D. B. Simpson who had been working on obtaining photos of all the Past Masters, reported that they were not completed but the records indicate that these were brought up to date early in the following year.
 At this time worthy comment should be made in regard to a few members of the Lodge for their services not previously acknowledged. Bro. Francis Mason, Secretary to Dec., 1889, Bro. John Keachie, Secretary to Dec., 1892, Bro. Jos. Pattinson, Secretary to Jan., 1904, and Wor. Bro. John Lyle, Treasurer. Wor. Bro. Lyle was initiated June 30, 1871. The record books were found to be very neat and legible.

Second 25 Year Period Closes

 Thus draws to a close the second important era of Jerusalem Lodge. Space does not here permit the recording of the many fraternal visits, acts of financial assistance and truly Masonic gestures which were repeatedly being reported. This truly was a period when Jerusalem Lodge made great strides, growing in a growing community.
 During this period many prominent men joined our Lodge to later take active parts in Lodge activities as well as becoming prominent in Community, Provincial and Federal activities, thereby bringing honour to themselves and to Bowmanville. The number of new members during this period was 174.

Copyright 2007 Jerusalem Lodge No. 31 GRC Ontario District

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