2011 Ashlar Lodge Milestones

Under the guidance of W.Bro.A.O'Donnell, this year saw a continuation of the standards set in the previous years. With a thankfully lighter year in terms of new applicants, Ashlar still performed emergent degrees almost every month for the purposes of Masonic advancement.

Several meetings of note this year included a visit to the Mt. Moriah Lodge building in Fanshawe Pioneer Village. This meeting took place in the historic building as the last event before the summer break. A third degree was proven in fine form by Bro.J.Gortzak to cap off this meeting.

Another event of note was our inclusion in the Doors Open London event for 2011. Thanks to the management by Bros. Cousins (JW) and Vardon, as well as the support of the W.M., this event was a huge success and attracted several hundred visitors to our building. During their visits they viewed photos, regalia samples and the Temple proper where many questions were answered. Ashlar members involved reported a sense of accomplishment in helping to dispel many myths about the fraternity held by some of the visitors who made the effort to learn about us.

During the Grand Lodge Convocation in Toronto, we were gratified to learn that our own W.Bro.D.Sanderson was elevated to the Grand Lodge position of Grand Sword Bearer. V.W.Bro. Sanderson's tireless efforts on behalf of Ashlar and the district have been justly rewarded.

The year closed with the passing of a major rewriting of the Lodge By-laws. Most of the changes were made for the purposes of clarity and consistency, while others were made to reflect the reality of the common practices. We thank Bro.B.Arnold, W.Bro.R.Hill, W.Bro.J.Workman, Bro.C.Henderson and others who contributed many hours to this overhaul.

In the course of this year we were saddened to see the passing for V.W.Bro. Phil Brown, Rt.W.Bro. Robert F. McLeod and Bro.B. Williams to the Grand Lodge Above.

Although not a year without blemishes and sadness, we closed the year in peace and harmony with the Installation of Bro.B. Arnold to the chair of King Solomon. The current Grand Master, the M.W.Bro. D.Gary Dowling and past Grand Master, M.W.Bro. Allan J. Petrisor were in attendance for this installation.

W.M.A.O'Donnel (center) with R.W.Bro.W.Booth (DDGM) (left of centre) and senior officers Bro.B.Arnold, S.W. (right of centre), Bro.J.Cousins, J.W. (far left).