A Message from the Peterborough District Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Robert (Bob) Collins McBride

    I would like to thank all the Brethren of Peterborough District who placed their trust in me when electing me as the Peterborough District Deputy Grand Master, 2007 – 2008, at the District meeting held during the 152nd Annual Communication of Grand Lodge at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto in July, 2007.

Congratulations to R.W. Bro. Harold Grills for a very successful year as Peterborough’s District Deputy Grand Master, 2006 – 2007. As well, I would like to congratulate his District Secretary, V.W. Bro. Ross Nicholson, on his appointment as the Peterborough District Grand Steward, 2007 – 2008, and thank W. Bro. Archie Davidson for taking on the role as District Secretary for this Masonic year. I look forward to travelling with these Brethren throughout this year.

D.D.G.M. Theme for 2007 – 2008:

My theme for this year can be visualized in the acrostic T – E – A – M, that is to say, TEAM:

To foster a healthy future for Freemasonry, we need to work with a TEAM approach with excellent leaders.

The Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels, has emphasized the difference between Leadership and Management, indicating that the latter implies control while the former implies service.

Wise men know that no organization can long exist unless it develops new leaders.

The constructive leader will take pleasure from achieving with people. He will surround himself with “strong” people and assist them in every way possible to become better than himself. He recognizes that the world is changing, socially and economically. He realizes that differing skills are needed to build the organization. He knows that leaders aren’t born – they have to be grown, so he grows with them.

Participation – Teamwork – is put to work constantly by the constructive leader. He has found that participation is the only way for a group to reach a goal. Orders and commands will achieve nothing.

Freemasonry is fun !!! It was designed so by our “ancient brethren”. In those Lodges where this concept is followed, there is growth because there is fellowship. These Lodges have no problem with attendance, with excellent degree work, with community relations. They are growing in strength, and they are growing leaders.

Here in Peterborough District, we are blessed with strong leaders in each of our Lodges and in our Peterborough District Masonic Association.

Peterborough District Chairmen, 2007 – 2008:

We are most fortunate to have nineteen very conscientious and enthusiastic Peterborough District Masonic leaders who are the District Chairmen this year:

• W. Bro. John McQuaide - Benevolence

• W. Bro. John Morton - Blood Donors

• V.W. Bro. Don O’Neil - Brother to Brother

• W. Bro. Andy Stevenson - District Calendar Project

• R.W. Bro. Robert Flowers - District Chaplain

• R.W. Bro. Hugh Rose - District Lodges of Instruction

• V.W. Bro. Wayne Lackey - District Sick and Visiting

• R.W. Bro. Bob McBride - Communications, Ontario Mason and District Historian

• V.W. Bro. Keith Buchanan - Computer Resources

• W. Bro. Scott James - Friend to Friend & Mentors’ Program

• R.W. Bro. Harold Grills -Lodge Resources

• W. Bro. Frank Groves - Long Range Planning

• Bro. Walter Howell - Masonic Education

• W. Bro. Sean Eyre - Media Communications

• W. Bro. Robert Hetherington - Masonic Foundation

• W. Bro. Jamie Medcof - Music Co-ordinator

• V.W. Bro. Robert Keay - Officer Progression

• W. Bro. Walter Artymko - Publications

• W. Bro. Russ Palin -Protocol & Etiquette

Each of these Brethren has been appointed to serve the needs of the District, our Lodges and fellow-Masons. You will be hearing from them throughout this year and each of them is most willing to come to your Lodge to speak about their Committee.

Peterborough District Attendance Trophy:

In order to promote travelling in Peterborough District this year, I’m donating an Attendance Trophy, entitled “Teamwork Encourages Active Masons”. The theme of this trophy is a lighthouse.

The lighthouse imparts knowledge to the ships at sea that helps them to navigate dangerous waters and reach a safe harbour, which is a good thing for the communities that they service.

The lighthouse also has many Masonic symbols within it, ranging from those words that the Candidate in the First Degree hears, “Let there be light”, to its winding staircase, its column shape, and the fact that it can steer Brethren in the proper direction.

I am deeply indebted to a number of Masons who have made this trophy possible.

When I first considered the idea of using a lighthouse as part of this trophy, I contacted a very good Masonic friend of mine, W. Bro. Barry Thom, who lives in Newfoundland. W. Bro. Thom is a former member of W.J. Dunlop Lodge No. 675 here in Peterborough District. He agreed to look in the tourist shops in Newfoundland for a suitable lighthouse.

However, it soon became apparent that a suitable lighthouse wasn’t available, so W. Bro. Thom contacted Bro. Lawrence K. Dicks, the current Junior Warden of his Lodge in Newfoundland: Lodge MacKay No. 1129, A.F. & A.M. S.C., located in Bay Roberts. Bro. Dicks is a very talented carpenter and he immediately offered to hand-make the lighthouse.

I also approached Kim Henderson, owner of Designer Trophies & Awards in Havelock, the wife of W. Bro. Andy Henderson, current W. Master of Havelock Lodge No. 435. She just happened to have a suitable trophy base on which we could mount the lighthouse and she also created its plaque.

As a final step, V.W. Bro. Clarke Mayhew from J.B. Hall Lodge No. 145 in Millbrook has agreed to create a “secret panel” in the bottom of the trophy wherein its history, how it is to be presented, and extra trophy shields will be stored.

At each of our Peterborough District Official Visits this year, our District Secretary, W. Bro. Archie Davidson, will take attendance following the Degree work. He will ask that all the Brethren from each of our Lodges stand to be counted. These results will then be tabulated throughout this Masonic year and this trophy will be presented to the winning Lodge at our Peterborough District Masonic Association’s Semi-Annual Meeting in the Fall of 2008.

 

New time for Banquets preceding Official Visits and Installations, 2007 – 2008:

In order to help facilitate attendance at Official Visits and Installations this year, I have asked that all banquets begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., that I speak at 7:00 p.m. for no more than ten minutes, and that the Junior Warden’s Toast be given at 7:15 p.m., thus allowing a fifteen minute comfort break before Lodge opens at 7:30 p.m.

 

Peterborough ’s D.D.G.M. Electronic Beacon, 2007 – 2008 :

To keep everyone informed about up-coming events, I have created what I term as the Peterborough’s D.D.G.M. Electronic Beacon, 2007 – 2008. This electronic newsletter is sent via e-mail to Brethren with Internet access and does not replace any other forms of communication within our District but will provide a forum for rapid communication. Please let me know if you’d like to be included on its circulation list and send me any pieces of information that you’d like me to include in future issues.

 

Peterborough District Project, 2007 – 2008:

The Peterborough District Project for 2007 – 2008 is to raise monies to support the Peterborough Chapter of Victoria’s Quilts.

Victoria’s Quilts Canada - Comforting People with Cancer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide hand-made 100% cotton quilts, free of charge, to those undergoing cancer treatment. Established in 2000, it is a registered Canadian charity.

The local Peterborough chapter was set up in June 2006 and, within the first six months, one hundred and ninety-five cancer patients within our local area received a warm and comforting quilt, personally delivered by a member of Victoria’s Quilts. It is the policy of Victoria’s Quilts that the names of quilt recipients shall not be made public. Anyone may request a quilt from Victoria’s Quilts for a person undergoing cancer treatment. Approximately one hundred local volunteers give their time and talent to create these beautiful quilts. All monies raised in this community are directed towards the costs associated with the construction of these quilts for the Peterborough area.

Thus, this Peterborough District Masonic Project for 2007 – 2008 will benefit a wide range of people throughout the Peterborough District. By contributing to this project, the Masons of Peterborough District, and indeed Ontario, through the Masonic Foundation, will benefit from favourable exposure as an organization that values charity towards others.

The proposed donation to the Peterborough chapter of Victoria’s Quilts will be $ 15,000.00. All these monies will stay within the Peterborough District’s geographical boundaries and none of the money will go to administrative costs by Victoria’s Quilts.

The Peterborough District Masonic Foundation Chairman, W. Bro. Robert O. Hetherington, will co-ordinate all donations to this year’s Peterborough District Project. He has set up a display that is currently in the ante-room of the Peterborough Masonic Temple and is very willing to visit the Lodges of the District to provide a further explanation of this year’s District Project.

Please send all donations to the Masonic Foundation Chairman of your Lodge who will then co-ordinate them with the District Masonic Foundation Chairman. They should not be sent directly to the Masonic Foundation.

All donations must be marked with the Peterborough District’s Identification Number: MF 2337.

 

Peterborough District Masonic Association, 2007 – 2008:

The following are the Executive of the Peterborough District Masonic Foundation for 2007 – 2008:

• Honorary Chairman and D.D.G.M., 2007 – 2008: R.W. Bro. Robert Collins McBride,
• Chairman: W. Bro. Sean Eyre,
• First Vice-Chairman: W. Bro. Gary Ballard,
• Second Vice-Chairman: V.W. Bro. Keith Buchanan,
• Secretary / Treasurer: R.W. Bro. Brian Wilkes,

The Peterborough District Masonic Association is very active again this year. Each Mason within Peterborough District is automatically a member of the P.D.M.A. that works with the District Lodges for our mutual benefit.

One of the P.D.M.A. goals is to be the catalyst that encourages all Lodges to work together to achieve a better Masonic future for us all.

Joining together for visitations, special Lodge functions, social events and community initiatives, our membership is our legacy for many generations who will follow us, just as we have been the Stewards of a Masonic way of life left to us by our forefathers.

We look forward to your active participation in all our functions and activities in our District. As well, the P.D.M.A. can partner with your Lodge to help you:

 

and much more !!!

Just ask and the P.D.M.A. will be there for you !!!

 

P.D.M.A. Meetings, 2007 – 2008:

The P.D.M.A. holds a Semi-Annual Meeting in the fall, a Mid-Winter Meeting in February and an Annual Meeting in the spring, with Executive Meetings in September and April. They are open to all Peterborough District Freemasons in good standing.

The Fall 2007 Executive Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, beginning at 7:30 p.m., in the Peterborough Masonic Temple.

The Semi-Annual Meeting will take place on Friday, September 28, 2007, at the Rock Haven Convention Centre in Peterborough. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

The Mid-Winter Meeting will take place on Thursday, February 28, 2008, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Peterborough Masonic Temple.

The Spring 2008 Executive Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2008, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Peterborough Masonic Temple.

The P.D.M.A. Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2008, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Peterborough Masonic Temple.

 

Peterborough District Degree Teams, 2007 – 2008:

Begun in 1977 by R.W. Bro. James Hutchinson (Grand Senior Warden, 1975 – 1976), the P.D.M.A. annually organizes the following Degree Teams. The Second Vice-Chairman hosts the Masters’ Degree Team, led by the Peterborough District Immediate Past District Deputy Grand Master. The First Vice-Chairman hosts the Junior Wardens’ Degree Team, led by the Grand Junior Warden. The Chairman hosts the Senior Wardens’ Degree Team, led by the Grand Senior Warden. Each of these events provides an opportunity for the respective Officers of our District’s Lodges to work together, forming a bond of friendship.

The Masters’ Degree Team, organized by V.W. Bro. Keith Buchanan, will meet at Percy Lodge No. 161 in the Warkworth Masonic Temple on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with R.W. Bro. Harold Grills, Immediate Past District Deputy Grand Master, presiding in the East.

The Senior Wardens’ Degree Team, organized by W. Bro. Sean Eyre, will meet at W.J. Dunlop Lodge No. 675 in the Peterborough Masonic Temple on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with R.W. Bro. Ronald H. Bivens, Grand Senior Warden, 2007 – 2008, presiding in the East.

The Junior Wardens’ Degree team, organized by W. Bro. Gary Ballard, will meet at J.B. Hall Lodge No. 145 in the Millbrook Masonic Temple on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with R.W. Bro. W. David Armstrong, Grand Junior Warden, 2007 – 2008, presiding in the East.

 

Peterborough District Travelling Square, 2007 – 2008:

Creator of the Travelling Square, R.W. Bro. W.R. Morris (D.D.G.M., 1927 – 1928), wrote “The purpose and significance of the TRAVELLING SQUARE is to promote and encourage fraternal visits among the Lodges in the District.” The wooden box was hand-made in 1994 by W. Bro. David Montgomery and W. Bro. Reg Nelson, members of Norwood Lodge No. 223.

The visiting Worshipful Master will take with him a full complement of his Officers to perform the Degree work of the evening.

Golden Rule Lodge No. 126 will take the Travelling Square to Royal Arthur Lodge No. 523, in the Peterborough Masonic Temple, on Monday, October 1, 2007, at 7:30 p.m.

Royal Arthur Lodge No. 523 will take the Travelling Square to Clementi Lodge No. 313, in the Peterborough Masonic Temple, on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.

 

Regional and District Lodges of Instruction, 2007 – 2008:

 Each year the Grand Lodge hosts a Regional Lodge of Instruction, hosted by the Custodian of the Work. As well, here in Peterborough District, we host District Lodges of Instruction. Each of these provides the Brethren with opportunities to become more familiar with the Degree Ritual.

The Peterborough District Lodges of Instruction Chairman, R.W. Bro. Hugh D. Rose, (Peterborough D.D.G.M. 1997 – 1998) and his team will hold a District Lodge of Instruction on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at the Keene Masonic Temple, beginning at 7:30 p.m. All brethren are invited to this most worthwhile event, hosted by Keene Lodge No. 374. R.W. Bro. Rose and his team will go over some of the proper procedures at the banquet hour, correct terminology to use in Lodge, and preparations necessary for the Junior Officers before they assume the chairs of the Senior Officers of each Lodge.

R.W. Bro. Hugh D. Rose will hold a second District Lodge of Instruction on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the Keene Masonic Temple, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

2007 marks the twelfth consecutive year of the Grand Lodge of Instruction Team conducted by the Custodian of the Work. Our Regional Lodge of Instruction will include Peterborough, Prince Edward and Victoria Districts. It will take place on Thursday, October 11, 2007, at 33 King Drive, Frankford, Ontario, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

 

 Grand Lodge’s Lodge Resources Workshops come to Peterborough District:

Grand Lodge’s Lodge Resources Workshops (Officer Progression and Friend to Friend / Mentors’ Programme) will take place on Saturday, November 24, 2007, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Keene Masonic Temple.

We are most fortunate to have these two Grand Lodge’s Lodge Resources Workshops being held here in Peterborough District this year. The Officer Progression Workshop will be conducted by R.W. Bro. Kenneth Campbell, Grand Lodge Chairman of the Officer Progression Committee, and his team, while the Friend to Friend / Mentors’ Programme Workshop will be conducted by R.W. Bro. John Hay, Grand Lodge Chairman of the Friend to Friend / Mentors’ Programme, and his team.

The Officer Progression Workshop will focus on the various Lodge Officers’ positions while the Friend to Friend / Mentors’ Programme Workshop will focus on introducing Freemasonry to prospective members. All Lodge Officers of Peterborough District are highly encouraged to attend these excellent morning workshops and all Masons are invited.

 

Peterborough District’s Brother to Brother Programme, 2007 – 2008:

The Brother to Brother team is available to facilitate presentations and seminars, their role being to help build stronger Lodges, instruct those Lodges how to enhance the Masonic experience and to teach the importance of keeping the promises that we make to our new members.

Peterborough District Brother to Brother Chairman, V.W. Bro. Donald D. O’Neil, will be hosting a Brother To Brother meeting on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, in the Keene Masonic Temple, beginning at 7:00 p.m. and will be conducting further Brother to Brother meetings throughout this Masonic year.

 

 Peterborough District Divine Service:

The D.D.G.M. arranges for a District Divine Service to be held in his own church, attended by Masonic Brethren and their families.

It will take place this year on Sunday, May 25, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the Keene United Church, 30 North Street, Keene, Ontario. Please assemble with regalia in the General Purpose Room (north entrance to the church) at 10:45 a.m.

 

Peterborough District’s Grand Master’s Reception:

This event will take place on Friday, May 30, 2008, at the Rock Haven Convention Centre, 1875 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough, Ontario. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:30 p.m.

 

Grand Lodge Annual Communication:

During the third week of July each year, the Grand Lodge Annual Communication is held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Peterborough District elects the D.D.G.M. for the upcoming year. All Freemasons are most welcome to attend this annual event.

The 153rd Annual Communication of Grand Lodge will take place from Wednesday, July 16 to Thursday, July 17, 2008.

 

Peterborough District Trestle Board, 2007 – 2008:

 Copies have been sent to all the Brethren of Peterborough District with their Lodge’s September Summons. Additional copies are available by contacting R.W. Bro. Robert (Bob) Collins McBride, Peterborough District Deputy Grand Master, 2007 – 2008.

 

Peterborough District Calendar Project, 2007 – 2008:

Peterborough District Calendar Chairman, W. Bro. Andy Stevenson, has developed an excellent and informative Masonic Calendar for September 2007 to June 2008. It includes information about the Peterborough District Masonic Association, the Peterborough District Chairmen, and up-coming Masonic events. To purchase a calendar, please contact W. Bro. Stevenson at 660 Fourth Line, Bailieboro, Ontario. K0L 1B0. Phone: 705-939-2345. E-mail: a.stevenson@sympatico.ca.

Finally my Brethren, I invite you to revisit this Peterborough District web site throughout this Masonic year for up-dates about events taking place within our District.

May the Great Architect Of The Universe be with each and every Mason and their families throughout our District and abroad for the upcoming year.

Fraternally and sincerely yours,

R.W. Bro. Robert (Bob) Collins McBride

Peterborough District Deputy Grand Master, 2007 – 2008.