HISTORY OF JERUSALEM LODGE
1949-1999

Compiled by V.Wor. Bro Keith Billett

INTRODUCTION

The history of the first 100 years of Jerusalem Lodge was written by V.W. Bro. W. G. Pascoe who dedicated a vast amount of time and effort in research and study to create the extensive record which was provided for those who attended the anniversary in 1949. V.W. Bro. Pascoe is to-day the senior P.M. and longest serving member of Jerusalem Lodge. He will celebrate his 93^rd birthday in Nov. and although unable to attend Lodge, he appreciates visits from members and continues to show his interest in its affairs.

The writer of the history of the years 1949-1999 has the advantage of having been an active member and participant in the challenges and successes of most of that period. Its is a source of gratification to have been a member of this Lodge and to have had the opportunity to contribute to its welfare and successes. It is a privilege to be a member of a fraternity that traces its legendary and historic origins in antiquity. The first recognized builder was Jabal and the first recorded metal worker his brother, Tubal Cain. (Gen. 4:20-22). The art of operative Masonry has evolved through many centuries and will continue to do so. However, the principles and precepts of Freemasonry , along with its established Landmarks, remain constant through all of the changes in society.

The first Book of Constitutions of Freemasonry, written by Bro Rev. James Anderson in 1723 contained the following charge;

CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the moral law and if he rightly understands the are he will never be a stupid atheist or an irreligious libertine. He, of all men, should best understand that God seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh to the outward appearance, but God looketh to the heart. A Mason is, therefore, particularly bound never to act against the dictates of his conscience. Let a man’s religion, or mode of worship, be what it may, he is not excluded from the Order, provided he believes in the Architect of heaven and earth, and practices the sacred duties of morality. Masons unite with the virtuous of every persuasion, in the firm and pleasing bond of fraternal love; they are taught to view the errors of mankind with compassion, and to strive by the purity of their own conduct to demonstrate the superior excellence of the faith they may profess. Thus, Masonry is the centre of union between good men and true, and the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those who must otherwise have remained at the perpetual distance.

This should be familiar to every Mason if faced with criticism from those who lack knowledge of our Order. The principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth remain the foundation of this Institution.

The celebration of the 100^th anniversary was a truly historic event. The number of Grand Lodge officers, visitors and members, a total of 252, was an indication of the regard for Jerusalem Lodge that was held by Masons in the District and the Grand Jurisdiction. It will be difficult to duplicate this outstanding event in 1999.

Presentations were made at the Lodge meeting of gold trimmed collars, gold plated tools and a Past Master’s Jewel to W.Bro. W.G. Pascoe. At the next Lodge meeting a new set of three gavels were presented by W. Bro. L.A. Parker.

In recognition of his work as chairman of the Centennial Committee and author of the history of the Lodge, W.Bro. Pascoe was recommended for and received an appointment as Asst. Grand Organist as he had been serving as Organist for the Lodge.

The first record of a “Ladies Night”, appears in 1950,one of many that would occur in subsequent years and would be a highlight of the Masonic year, as recognition for the support that the ladies give to those who devote much time to the activities of the Lodge. In the year 1950, the Lodge made a substantial commitment to furnish and equip a ward in the new hospital, which was to be built.

In December 1952, at Installation night, R.W.Bro. E.H.Brown was presented with a Life membership to honor him for having been Installing Master for a number of years and Secretary for 19 years.

In 1954, V.W. Bro. Ross Stevens received an appointment as Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge.

In 1955, R.W.Bro. J.S. Emerson was elected as District Deputy Grand Master of Ontario District with W. Bro P.R. Cowling as his secretary. In 1956, V.W. Bro. P.R. Cowling was appointed as a Grand Steward. Also in this year, the practice of presenting Past Master’s jewels was introduced, the first being presented to W.Bro. C.L. Warren.

In 1957, money was allotted to install an oil burning space heater to replace the coal and wood burning stove as well as to supply funds to restore the room at Bowmanville Memorial Hospital which had been furnished when the hospital was built.

In 1958, the town of Bowmanville marked 100 years of its incorporation. Jerusalem Lodge participated in the celebration and held an Emergent meeting to welcome out of town brethren on the occasion. Further improvements were made to the hospital ward with new paint and drapes. This was a continuing commitment in those days before government financing was provided for such purposes.

A building fund had been established in 1948 and successive committees had been setting aside funds for the purpose of purchasing a building for the use of the Lodge. In 1960, the building in which the Lodge room had been located, was to be sold by the owner, Mrs. Helen Metcalf. The Lodge was given first choice to purchase it for a preferred price of $25,000. A number of buildings had been considered but none appeared to be suitable. Now the members were forced to make a decision to either purchase the current building or move to another. An Emergent meeting was called at which 56 members were present. Of these, 49 voted in favour of a motion to purchase the building. A strong influence was the fact that the ground floor was rented and would provide income. The Lodge had already spent what was at the time a considerable amount of money in 1904 to convert the second and third floors into the present Lodge room. It was not an easy task to raise the money for the down payment of one half the purchase price. Fifteen canvassers were selected to approach the membership for financial support. Each member was contacted and over the next months the building committee was able to obtain funds sufficient for the down payment. Thus, Jerusalem Lodge, for the first time in its 111 year history was the sole owner of its meeting place.

Also in 1960, V.W. Bro Rev. A.G. Scott was appointed Assistant Grand Chaplain. In that same year, Bro. W.Ross Strike was appointed as Chairman of Ontario Hydro, an office which he held until 1967. It was during this period that Ontario Hydro made the decision to use nuclear energy to produce power. Bro. D.R. Alldread, a machinist and welder and long time member of Jerusalem Lodge, designed and made a set of compasses for use in the third degree. They were dedicated by V W. Bro. Rev. A.G. Scott at a regular meeting. 

In 1967, as part of the continuing process of upgrading the premises, the Lodge room and ante room were re-wired. This provided an altar light, lights at the chairs of the three principal officers, a lighted star in the East and seven stars in the ceiling. As well, the light brackets were replaced with the present perimeter lights. The previous electric tassels were replaced with the present silk ones.

In January 1968, the name of W. Bro. A.B. Lobb was presented by a committee formed for that purpose, to be a candidate for the office of D.D.G.M. He was subsequently elected in July 1969. Also in 1969, the antique benches in the ante room were re-covered and the pictures of all Past Masters were placed in frames of uniform size. Jerusalem Lodge is unique in having pictures of all of its Past Masters from 1849 to the present. Having served as secretary for the D.D.G.M., V.W.Bro. K.A. Billett was appointed Grand Steward and was received and invested in 1970.

As a further upgrading of the premises, the oil burning space heater was replaced with electric baseboard heaters in 1972. Also in 1972, a new system of electing the building committee was adopted. Instead of the whole committee being elected yearly, one Trustee was to be elected yearly for a five year term.

A committee was formed in 1973 to make plans for the 125^th anniversary with V.W. Bro. K.A. Billett as chairman.

Two handsome chairs were presented to Jerusalem Lodge in 1973, by Birch Cliff Lodge in Toronto. These were re-covered and placed on each side of the Master’s chair. This gift was very much appreciated as a welcome addition in the East. The officer’s collars were refurbished and the wands, jewels and working tools were renewed with a new plating of gold.

The Provincial Government in 1974 created a number of Regional Municipal Governments throughout the Province. One of these was the Region of Durham in which the Town of Bowmanville was situated. The Town then became a part of the Town of Newcastle within the Region of Durham and lost its identity as a separate Municipality. The first mayor of this new town was R.W.Bro. Garnet B. Rickard, a member of Durham Lodge No. 66 in Newcastle. Because of the confusion between the Town of Newcastle and the Village of Newcastle, the name was changed, in 1993, to the Municipality of Clarington, a name derived from the names of the former Townships of Clarke and Darlington.

In 1974, the 125^th anniversary was celebrated with a banquet at which R.W. Bro. Eric W. Nancekivell, the Deputy Grand Master, was the principal speaker. W. Bro. C.W. Trewin was Master at the time.

In 1976, W.Bro. Harry Jermyn, former judge and Past Master of Composite Lodge in Whitby, and a skillful craftsman in wood, carved the three pillars located around the altar which he presented to the Lodge at the March meeting during the official visit of the D.D.G.M.

The Lodge authorized the installation of a mosaic pavement. Bro. William Eby was chiefly responsible for the design and installation of our attractive pavement. He spent numerous hours on this project and the result is a decided asset to the Lodge room.

In 1978, new drapes were placed on the three windows in the Lodge room and curtains in the banquet room. The Lodge also purchased the electronic organ, and the Dominion pump organ which had been purchased in 1879, ninety-nine years previous, was offered to the highest bidder.

In 1979, W.Bro. John Manuel was instrumental in instituting Brotherhood Night along with Rick Santamero of the Knights of Colombus. This began the annual social gathering of the five Fraternal Orders represented in Bowmanville, the Masons, the Knights of Columbus, the Oddfellows, the Loyal Orange Lodge and the Canadian Foresters. This event continues to this day.

In October 1980, notice of motion was given by V.W. Bro. K.A. Billett to build an addition at the back to provide sufficient room to hold our banquets for the major meetings of Installation and Official Visits. Since the room across the hall from the Lodge room had become unavailable, we had been holding these banquets at St. John’s Church. At the November meeting, the motion was presented. The board of Trustees presented plans for an addition to cost between $45,000 and $48,000. There was a great deal of discussion at this meeting where there was a larger than usual attendance. Members were asked to consider whether it was wiser to adopt this plan or sell the building and relocate. Eventually the motion was passed by a large majority. Thus the Lodge premises took their present form, which although stretched to the limit at times, serve the Lodge well. The building was completed in 1981 within budget. The first major banquet was held here in December for installation.

Following completion of the building project, it was decided to form a non-profit corporation to replace the Board of Trustees. The prime reason for this was to remove the possibility of personal liability.

The bylaws of Bowmanville Masonic Holdings Incorporated were presented in April of 1983. The first board of directors was elected in November. All members of Jerusalem Lodge in good standing are members of the Corporation.

V.W. Bro. Charles L.Warren was appointed a Grand Steward in recognition of his long and faithful service to his Lodge. The committee of General Purpose recommended W. Bro. Robert L. Hendry as a candidate for D.D.G.M. This was accepted by a vote in the Lodge. He was elected to this office in 1982 with W.Bro. C.W. Trewin as his Secretary.

For some months, communications had taken place with Warren Lodge No. 310 F & A.M. of Collegeville, Pennsylvania. This culminated in a fraternal visit of that Lodge in May 1983, when they exemplified a First Degree in their working which proved to be very interesting to our members. A group from Jerusalem Lodge returned this visit in May 1984 when a second degree was exemplified in our working. A second fraternal visit was made by Warren Lodge in April 1987 when they also joined us in our Ladies Night”. It was originally planned that these fraternal visits would continue but no further visits have been arranged.

V.W. Bro. Clifford Trewin was appointed Grand Steward in July 1983 after having served as Secretary to the D.D.G.M., R.W.Bro. R.E. Hendry.

In a further contribution to the community, Jerusalem Lodge allocated funds in support of “Forestry Place”, a based on income apartment complex being built by the Canadian Foresters on Liberty St. A plaque in appreciation for this was placed in the building after its completion in 1983.

A motion was passed in April 1984 to re-cover the Bible as well as repair those pages where it has been opened for the three degrees since the institution of the Lodge. The Record Book was also recovered.

The Lodge, in 1990, initiated an award of a Bursary to provide funds for up to three students who graduate from local high schools and who make music a major University course. These have been awarded each year.

R.W. Bro. Malcolm MacKenzie was elected to the office of Grand Registrar of the Grand Lodge in July 1991, and was presented in Lodge at the September meeting.

A piece of furniture which is believed to have been used as an altar was discovered in the building owned by the Canadian Statesman and was given to the Lodge by Rick James. The Lodge had met in this building from 1858- 1869 while it was owned by Bro. The Hon. John Simpson. It was repaired and restored by Bro. William Paterson and now contains the working tools. It can only be assumed that it was carelessly left behind and the present altar obtained when the move was made to 19 King St. W.

For a number of years there had been discussion on installing a stair glide at the front entrance to assist elderly brethren with the long stairway. Approval had previously been denied for this installation by the municipal authorities because of a lack of width in the stairway, but finally in 1993 it was approved and the stair glide installed.

A ballot was also taken in 1993 which shows W.Bro. D.K.Tillcock to be a candidate for D.D.G.M in 1996. He was subsequently elected in that year and R.W. Bro. Tillcock was received into Lodge at the September meeting. V.W.Bro. John Hartwell, who was the Secretary for the D.D.G.M. was appointed as Grand Steward in July 1997.

As far as can determined from a perusal of the records, Jerusalem Lodge for the first time since 1949 welcomed a Grand Master to one of its meetings. M. W.Bro. C. Edwin Drew visited the Lodge in 1994 at the installation of W.Bro. Donald Fulton. The Installing Master was V.W.Bro. K.A. Billett. The revised ceremony was used for the first time.

R.W.Bro. Fred West

This dedicated Freemason affiliated with Jerusalem Lodge in 1983. He had been the major force in establishing a new Lodge in Drummondville, P.Q. He served seven times as its Master and was a D.D.G.M. He has been presented with a seventy year pin and celebrated his 100^th birthday in May of 1999. He is also a veteran of WWI and participated in the battle of Vimy Ridge. On Nov. 11, 1998, the Consul General of France presented him with that country’s Medal of Honour. Jerusalem Lodge has been honoured to have this dedicated Mason as an affiliated member.

Conclusion

The writing and research for this history has, for the most part been an interesting and rewarding task. The decisions as to items to include or exclude has been a real challenge. It is sincerely hoped that the final product will be acceptable to the members. It is possible to only relate the most important events and the choices have been in part those of the committee.

Since 1858 when Bowmanville was incorporated, 75 members of Jerusalem Lodge have served on the Council. In addition, the Lodge has been represented by 18 Mayors who have served a total of 64 years in that office, as well as member of Durham Lodge who served for 8 years making a total of 72 years Masons have given leadership and guidance to this Municipality.

It will be a continuing challenge to the members of Jerusalem Lodge to maintain the high quality of work in the lodge and beyond that has been traditional with our predecessors since its earliest days with our ancient operative brethren.

In the past 50 years, there has been revolutionary changes in our surroundings and modes of operation. We now have simultaneous visual coverage of events anywhere in the world; the jet plane provides the primary means of long distance travel; men have visited the moon and outer space is constantly being explored; the advent of the computer has created an Age of Communication, Information and Technology which is still in its early stages;. At the same time we have experienced a grievous decline in the values and standards of Society with the inevitable effect that the principles on which Freemasonry is founded, are so often conspicuously absent. As we prepare to enter another millennium, fidelity to the “ancient usages and customs”and the perpetual effort to “improve the morals and correct the manners of men in society” become even more essential. There are numerous organizations which provide fellowship and social intercourse, but it is adherence to the essential points of Virtue, Morality and Brotherly Love that give Freemasonry the reason for its existence. It has been written that “acceptance of prevailing standards often means that we have no standards of our own”. It is the fervent hope of this writer that the members of Jerusalem Lodge, and indeed all Masons will hold fast to the principles and practices which have served our Order so well through the centuries.

Copyright 2007 Jerusalem Lodge No. 31 GRC Ontario District

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