HAVELOCK LODGE #435 GRC Instituted 1895
Meets fourth Monday 7:30 Except July, August and December (May Installation)
Lodge Building Address: Ottawa St. East K0L 1Z0Officers for Havelock Lodge 435 for 2009
W.M. Dwight Gerow (Laura) - 705-277-3558 - dldw56@yahoo.comS.W. Rick Matheson (Susan) - 705-930-0200 (Cell) - brewer@netscape.ca
J.W. Dave Gerow (Frances) - 705-778-2714
S.D. Al Vuyk (Grace) - 705-778-2506
J.D. Larry Howarth 705-778-3520
P.D.M.A.
SEC. Andy Henderson 705-778-7320
HAVELOCK LODGE No. 435
The first surge of Masonry in Havelock took place about 1891, when a number of Masons, headed by Bro. Elias Williams, undertook to institute a Lodge in a building, since destroyed by fire, located on the corner of Orange and Ottawa St. The Lodge was to have been in a hall over a store, then occupied by the Workmen's Institute. Some furniture was purchased and prospective officers were selected for the new Masonic Lodge. The founders soon discovered that Grand Lodge would not permit the use of the hall with other Lodges. Another deterrent was the refusal of the Norwood Lodge to the granting of a dispensation for their Havelock brethren. A delegation of the local brethren journeyed to Madoc to talk to the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. John R. Robertson of Toronto, who was paying Madoc Lodge an official visit, but were told "that they would have to content themselves with patience" until such time as Norwood Lodge would grant consent, so their dreams of instituting a Lodge in Havelock came to an end at that time.
Finally, in 1895, Norwood Lodge did consent and on August 16, 1895 a dispensation was issued by Grand Lodge allowing the Havelock brethren to meet as a Lodge; hence the "date of institution.
The institution ceremony was held on October 8th, 1895, in a hall over Phillips Bros. hardware store, on the corner of George and Quebec St
The Institution proceedings were conducted by R.W. Bro. R.E. Wood of Peterborough who was the D.D.G.M. of this district at that time. Some 63 visitors from l7 different Lodges were present at the ceremony.
The first slate of officers was as follows; Wor. Master, Wm. Port; Sr.Warden, H. McQuade; Jr. Warden, A. McAuley; Chaplain, A.M. McClelland; Treasurer, Wm. Jeffs; Secretary, W.S. Dodd; Asst. Sec., Wm. Mathison; Sr. Deacon, Thos. Milne; Jr. Deacon, F. Drewitt; Dir. of Ceremonies, J. Dorricot; Sr. Steward, W.B. Ritchie; Jr. Steward, J. Barlow; Inner Guard, E. Williams; Tyler, Walter Code.
Other charter members were: Bros. Robt. Anderson, Thos. Cummings, Geo. Embleton, Matthew White, Jas Campbell, Angus Carmichael, Jas. Colquhoun, J.N Pettit, Andrew Kniewasser, W. Herrington, Robt. Barlow, Robt. Duke, Fred Drewitt, Henry Brown, Thomas Williams.
At the following meeting on Nov. 1, 1895, Bros. John Maidens and Elias Williams were admitted as charter members.
The first applications for initiation were Ed. M. Williams and Jos. Rose who received their E.A. Degree on November l, 1895.
Havelock Lodge received its Warrant on July 15, 1896, and was subsequently constituted and consecrated as a regular Warranted Lodge.
The consecration ceremony took place on October 16, 1896. This ceremony was presided over by R.W. Bro. Harding of Lindsay, who was the D.D.G.M. for that year.
In 1918 the Lodge was moved from the Phillips Bros. Building to the Jeff block (corner of Orange and George St.) which was owned by Bro. Wm. Jeff, the charter treasurer of Havelock Lodge. The Jeff block was destroyed by fire in1934, including our Lodge room and its furniture. From 1934 until 1937, Havelock Masonic Lodge met in Lodge rooms provided by the Orange Lodge. In 1937 the members of Havelock Masonic Lodge purchased our present building on Ottawa St., (formally known as the Queens Hotel and later the Dineen Hotel.) The hotel was renovated to include a Lodge room, dining room and ante rooms, with much free labour and material donated by the brethren.
On October 18 1937, a memorable occasion in the annals of Havelock Masonic Lodge was marked by the impressive and dignified dedication of the new Masonic Lodge building, the ceremony being conducted by R. W. Deputy Grand Master, J. A. Dobbie of Ottawa, acting for the Most Worshipful Grand Master, W. J. Dunlop of Toronto.-Those assisting in the dedication ceremony were; Grand Sr. Warden, G. Gowling of Ottawa; acting Grand Jr. Warden, John Hornsby of Peterborough; acting Grand Chaplain, S.A Kemp of Havelock; acting Grand Dir. of Ceremonies, T.P. Lancaster of Havelock; Grand Secretary, Ewart Dixon of Hamilton; acting Grand Architect, L.E. Nelson of Norwood; acting Deputy Grand Master, H. W. Roche of Havelock, plus several Grand Lodge officers and Worshipful Masters from all parts of the province.
Wor. Master W. D. Hutchinson of Havelock Lodge presided in the East in the preliminary portion of the ceremony and was ably assisted by his fellow officers. Havelock Lodge was highly praised by the 130 visiting brethren.
Following the ceremony, the same 200 local and visiting brethren were banqueting at the town hall by the home Lodge. The sumptuous refreshments were provided by the ladies of St. John's parish guild and were followed by the customary toasts and responses.
Another gala event in our history took place October 24,1945,it being the 50th anniversary of Havelock Lodge. Many brethren were present for this event including W. Bro. J. Dorricott and W. Bro. Andrew Kniewasser, both charter members of Havelock Lodge. The only two other charter members still alive at that time but not attending were Bro. Robert Barlow and Bro. John Barlow.
Approximately 93 brethren sat down to a sumptuous chicken supper in the dining room, served by the Belmont Women's Institute. W. Bro. W. Wright was Chairman for the banquet, and sitting at the head table besides the 2 charter members were, R.W. Bro. R.L. Dobbin, D.D.G.M. of the Peterborough District, W. Bro. Hill and W Bro. Campbell of Peterborough and P.D.D.G.M., R.W. Bro. Baker of Norwood.
Following the "Toast to the King" the chairman called on W. Bro. Kniewasser for a few remarks, and who, despite his advanced age, delivered a very interesting short address. He noted that only four charter members were still alive and that he was very pleased to be present on this very special occasion. He reminded the brethren that there was something to be learned in Masonry, and that it should not only be lived while in the Lodge room but outside as well, by little thoughtful acts that could mean so much to everyone.
The other charter member, W. Bro. Dorricott, in a short address, urged the members to attend the Lodge meetings regularly and learn to appreciate the ritual work. He wished the Lodge continued prosperity for the next 50 years.
The brethren then adjourned to the Lodge room where the Third Degree was exemplified on Bro. Harold Hunter by the officers of Golden Rule Lodge of Campbellford.
Masonry progressed rapidly in Havelock during the post war period 1945 to the late 1950s. In1949, W. Bro. Alex Buchanan was Master, and in that year there were 24 members who received degrees. On more than one occasion 4 members received a degree at the same meeting, with many meetings lasting well past midnight. During this same period, W. Bro. Hammel Cooke was the installing Master for 14 years, and played a very important role in the raising of many candidates in the Third Degree.
During this time R.W. Bro. Ross A. Barrons was elected D.D.G.M. for the year 1949-1950. The following year, V.W.Bro. Walter J. Nobes who was a secretary for Havelock Lodge for many years, was appointed a Grand Steward of Grand Lodge.
In 1970 V.W. Bro. Donald Buchanan presented Havelock Lodge with a new Volume of the Sacred Law and new flags on behalf of his wife and himself. It is interesting to note that V.W. Bro. Buchanan was the first Master of Wexford Lodge in Scarborough.
The spring of 1973 saw the beginning of Fraternal Visits (that still continue) between Havelock Lodge and Mid-Century Lodge No.725, Avon Lake in Ohio. our W. Bro. Walter Van Steenburgh's nephew, W. Bro. Kermit Shaffer was the Wor. Master of Mid Century Lodge at that time. He had visited the Havelock area on numerous occasions, for the purpose of fishing and visiting his uncle and family. From this grew the idea of alternating Fraternal Visits. These annual events have grown over the years to include not only Masons of Havelock Lodge, but also from other Lodges in the District and beyond.
With each trip the visiting Lodge exemplifies a degree in the Host Lodge. W. Bro. Andy Gray was the first Master of Havelock Lodge to embark upon these Fraternal Visits.
Another highlight of Havelock Lodge is the annual "Straw-berry Night", held at the regular June meeting. This tradition was started by Bro. William Smith, who operated the local dairy and supplied the cream for the berries. This annual event draws a great number of visitors from far and wide.
Over the years numerous degree teams have conferred various degrees upon members of Havelock Lodge. These include: the Ontario Provincial Police, the Toronto Metropolitan Police, the Masters of the District, the Senior Wardens of the District, the Junior Wardens of the District, the school teachers, the District Secretaries, and the Past District Deputy Grand Masters of the District.
Havelock Lodge has embarked upon many fund raisers to restore and enhance our Lodge building and Lodge room. In 1985-86 under the leadership of W. Bro. Norm Forrest, a contract was awarded for repairs and stuccoing of the exterior of the Lodge building, in the amount of $21,000. The capital for this project was loaned to Havelock Lodge by one of its generous and thoughtful members. With various fund raisers and contributions the loan was completely paid off in a very short time.
Another fund raiser was instituted by W. Bro. Bill Hay to purchase new carpet for the Lodge in 1989-90. This project was also completed in a brief period of time, thanks to the brethren of Havelock Lodge and the surrounding area.
The year 1992 was special in that this was the first time for a Grand Master to attend a function in Havelock. M. W. Bro. Norman E. Byrne attended a District Reception here. He gave interviews and had pictures taken in the Lodge room, and later attended a banquet in his honour at the Havelock Community Centre. Our own R.W. Bro. Cody Wheeler was the D.D.G.M. of the Peterborough District that year. Over 200 Masons enjoyed this fine occasion.
When the Village of Havelock held their Centennial celebrations in 1992, Havelock Lodge, with the help of W. Bro. Len Beatens and his old fashioned "Double Decker Bus," entered the parade with many Havelock brethren and their families riding the bus in full regalia. What a splendid sight!
The most auspicious occasion in the history of Havelock Lodge took place on October 21,1995, as Havelock Lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary, with more than 190 Masons in attendance, among them were 23 Grand Lodge officers, including the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Durward I.Greenwood.
The Lodge was opened at 2:30 p.m.by W. Bro. Frank Randall, the Worshipfrrl Master of Havelock Lodge. After the Grand Lodge officers were piped into the Lodge room, the Lodge was turned over to the presiding officer, R. W. Bro. Cody Wheeler, who then proceeded with the "Dedication Ceremony" of our gold trimmed regalia assisted by the District Chaplain, R. W. Bro. Robert Flowers.
Visitors for this ceremony came from as far away as Avon Lake, Ohio, and included 13 Worshipful Masters from Lodges in the surrounding area.
A banquet followed at the Havelock Community Centre, with the head table being piped in by Bro. John Reid at 6:00 p.m. More than 190 Masons sat down to a delicious roast beef dinner, served by the ladies of the Eastern Star.
After a fine meal, the Masons were entertained by W. Bro. Robert Watson on the keyboard, and by V. W. Bro. Laurence Gerow and his two grandsons, Walter and Daniel Gerow playing violins.
Following the entertainment the guests were welcomed to Havelock Lodge by W. Bro. Frank Randall and the head table was introduced by R. W. Bro. John Aukland.
R. W. Bro. Frank Lucas then introduced the members of a special table, that had been set up, front row centre, for 17 Peterborough District Masons who had been members of the craft for 50 years or more.
W. Bro. Scott Drummond then proposed a toast to the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Durward I. Greenwood.
The Grand Master addressed the group and spoke on the subject of anti-Masonic activities in the southern United States.
A beautiful wood carving of two chickadees, that had been hand carved by W. Bro' Hans Lauesen of Golden Rule Lodge, was then presented to the Grand Master by W.Bro. Hugh Rose on behalf of Havelock Lodge and the members of Peterborough District.
The Grand Master presented many senior members of the District with their Grand Lodge pins.
W. Bro. George Bloor, proposed a toast to the visitors, which was responded to by W. Bro. James Denton of Mid-Century Lodge, Avon Lake , Ohio .
R. W. Bro, Frank Lucas proposed a toast to Havelock Lodge, which was responded to by R. W. Bro. Cody Wheeler.
The evening was closed with the Junior Warden's toast proposed by Bro. James Cox, followed by the singing of O' Canada.
On July 19,1997,Havelock Lodge held its first ever "open house,, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in conjunction with the “Rock-N-Rail" festival that was being held in the village at that time. 243 signed the register that day, but it is estimated that more than 300 guests were shown through the Lodge room and ante rooms by members of the Lodge. The visitors were given a brief outline about Masonry, its activities, its values and its benefit to the community.
The video "Friend to Friend" ran all day for the visitors to watch, and many pamphlets were handed out, Many of the visitors inquired about old friends and relatives who had been members of the craft in the past and enjoyed looking at the old photographs that were on display. We believe that this "open house" gave the people of the community a favorable impression of our fraternity.
Havelock Lodge has been blessed over the years with many members who have had a long history in Masonry .In 1994,W. Bro. Tom Anderson was presented with his 60 year pin as a past Master by M.W. Bro. Edwin Drew at the District Reception held in Peterborough. W. Bro. Anderson was initiated into Masonry in 1926 and was Wor. Master in 1934 and passed to the Grand Lodge Above in 1996.
When one thinks of great Masons of Havelock Lodge, the name of W. Bro. Carl Purdy comes to mind. In 1989, W. Bro. Purdy was presented with a plaque in recognition of his many years of leadership and faithful support. W. Bro. Purdy was the Wor. Master of Havelock Lodge in 1954. It has been said that W. Bro. Purdy saw "the beauty in every day and the best in everyone in whom he met. W. Bro. Purdy passed to the Grand Lodge above in 1990.
V.W. Bro. James Rogers served the office of Treasurer of Havelock Lodge for many years. He was District secretary in 1979 when R.W. Bro. Jack Wenzel was the D.D.G.M. for the Peterborough District, and the following year V.W. Bro. Rogers was appointed Grand Standard Bearer of Grand Lodge. V.W. Bro. Rogers passed to the Grand Lodge above in 2002.
In 1991-92 W. Bro. Albert Smith served the office of District Secretary and in July 1992 he was appointed a Grand Steward of Grand Lodge. In 2002, V.W. Bro. Smith was presented with a special award for dedicated service to his Lodge by R.W.Bro. Brian Gilkinson, the D.D.G.M.of the Peterborough District. In May 2006, V.W. Bro. Smith was presented with his 50 year pin from the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Gary L. Atkinson. Havelock Lodge is indeed fortunate in having a secretary of long-standing, V.W. Bro. Smith has faithfully served the office of secretary of Havelock lodge for the past 43 years, from 1966 to 2009.
The present Chaplain of Havelock Lodge, V.W. Bro. Laurence Gerow was District Secretary for R.W. Bro. Harry Anderson in 1963-64, and the following year was appointed a Grand Steward of Grand Lodge. For over 40 years as a Past Master, V.W. Bro. Gerow has shared his acquired Masonic knowledge with the officers and members of Havelock Lodge. V.W. Bro.Gerow received his 50 year pin from the Grand Master M.W. Bro. Donald Mumby in May 2004.
On April 26,1999, W. Bro. Alex Buchanan received his 60 year a Mason Pin and his 50 year Past Master pin from R. W. Bro. Norman Blodgett the District Deputy Grand Master of the Peterborough Distict at that time. Many members of W. Bro. Buchanan's family were in attendance, including two of his sons and two of his sisters, to help us celebrate this very special occasion W. Bro. Buchanan passed to the Grand Lodge_ Above in 2001.
During the year 200l,the members of Havelock Lodge were the driving force behind a "District Calendar Project', which saw 300 calendars, for the year 2002, sold in the District. This project raised more than $3,000.00 to help with the construction of a new hospital in Peterborough.
The year 2002 saw Havelock Lodge take a giant step forward in modern communications, we now have our very own web site approved by Grand Lodge, thanks to the very dedicated efforts of Bro. Eric Martin.
A first for Havelock Lodge came in January 2003 when the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Terence Shand attended the Installation Ceremony for Worshipful Master Jamie Medcof, with R.W. Bro. Cody Wheeler being the Installing Master. Twelve present day Grand Lodge Officers attended the ceremony.
September 2003, the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Terence Shand again came to Havelock lodge to present V.W. Bro. Darwin Smith with his Grand lodge regalia, with V.W. Bro. Smith’s wife Lynda and family in attendance.
July 2003, R.W. Bro. Russ Pollock was elected the District Deputy Grand Master for the Peterborough District, with W. Bro. Frank Randall as the District secretary. The following year 2004, V.W. Bro. Frank Randall was appointed a Grand Steward. R.W. Bro. Russ Pollock presented V.W. Bro. Randall with his Grand Lodge Regalia in the presence of his wife June and their family in September 2004.
In May 2005 we had new steel added to the upper front of the Havelock Masonic Lodge building, thanks to a generous donation from the estate of Bro. Kenneth Hill.
Members of Havelock lodge manned a booth at the “Havelock Trade Show”, held in the Community Centre, in May of 2007, and again in May 2008. This booth contained such items as; a new Masonic apron; some old photographs; and an information display pertaining to Havelock Masonic Lodge in this community for the past 113 years. The booth attracted many visitors and inquiries on both occasions .
In July 2008 at Grand Lodge in Toronto, the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Allan J. Petrisor presented R.W. Bro. Cody Wheeler with the “Grand Master’s Distinguished Service Award”. R.W. Bro. Wheeler was the Worshipful Master of Havelock Lodge in 1981 and was elected District Deputy Grand Master in 1991, he received his 50 year pin in February 2005, and has been the Havelock Lodge Historian since 1995.
In September 2008, Havelock Masonic Lodge held a “Friend to Friend” evening, that consisted of a barbecue, the showing of a video and an explanation of Masonry in the Lodge Room to approximately 15 non-mason guests.
The Lodge register shows that 647 members have joined Havelock Lodge since its institution, and at the present date we have a membership 89 in good standing.
We at Havelock Lodge wish to sincerely thank the many members whose names do not appear in this history. It has been through their faithful and devoted efforts that we have been able to prosper throughout the past 113 years. With the continued support of all our members, may we embark upon the future with "Fervency and Zeal" and may the Most High continue to bless and guide us in our Masonic efforts.
This "Historical outline" of Havelock Lodge #435 was updated to December 31, 2008 by R.W. Bro. Cody Wheeler.
