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Huron Expositor, 2015-02-11, Page 5Wednesday, February 11, 2015 • Huron Expositor 5 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com Seaforth's Britannia Masonic Lodge Celebrates 150 Years The founding fathers of the Huron Tract were a diverse lot of characters but Anthony VanEgmond, Tiger Dunlop, and John Galt had one thing in common. They were all Freemasons. An ancient frater- nity that traces its roots to the great cathedral builders of medieval Europe. In Seaforth, freemasonry is alive and well as Britannia Lodge celebrates its 150th anniversary in May 2015. Although freemasonry entered Huron Tract with the first settlers, it was not until 1840 that the first lodge was formed which met in taverns and ale houses throughout the area. More than a social club, freemasonry was an indispen- sable part of frontier life. Far from kith and kin, early settlers relied on 'brother' masons to help adjust to life in the new world. The masonic handshake and password opened doors to not just the lodge but a commu- nity of like-minded brethren dedicated to the ideals of 'Brotherly Love, Charity and Truth.' Before health care insurance, and like the medieval craft guilds, masons collected sick and death benefits to provide for the families of stricken brothers. Regardless of race, creed or political and religious affiliation, freemasonry accepted all men of good char- acter who had a belief in the Great Architect. In July 1865, the Grand Lodge of Canada issued a warrant for Huron History David Yates Britannia Lodge #170. Alexan- der Slemmon, a 35 year old Scottish immigrant, was installed as first lodge master. Seven other masons formed Britannia Lodge's original membership. Britannia Lodge originally met in a building on the south east corner of the Huron Road and Main Street, according to District Deputy Grand Master John Gibson who oversees the South Huron District's ten masonic lodges. In 1874, Bri- tannia Lodge moved to its pre- sent location on the west side of Main Street. Lodge members spared little expense in decorat- ing and furnishing the lodge rooms. The 'Huron Expositor' observed that 'the members of Britannia Lodge have just cause to feel proud of their handsome and comfortable premises' when it was consecrated on March 3, 1875. The paper described the lodge as 'beauti- fully decorated with appropri- ate pictures and paintings.' Amongst the lodge's decora- tions are four original oil paintings depicting the four seasons (It is speculated that they were painted by famed landscape artist William Nicholl Cresswell). The Seaforth masonic temple 'presented a most gorgeous appearance.' By 1875, freemasonry in Seaforth grew to include the Malloch Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons for those who wanted to advance further in the Craft. Far from being a secret soci- ety, freemasonry played a piv- otal role in the social life of the town. The brethren of Britannia Lodge regularly hosted public events. In January 1893, 'The Expositor' reported on a 'Con- versazione' where the 'wives, sisters, friends, etc' of Britannia Lodge were welcomed into the hall for games and refreshments. The lodge's historic meeting rooms were opened to the pub- lic as part of the annual St. John's Day Dinner every December and frequent 'At Homes' which formed an important part of Seaforth's social calendar. At one such 'At - Home' held in February, 1903, the 'Expositor' reported that had such 'a bright and pretty assemblage' of young ladies been seen within 'the walls of the temple.' Euchre, crokinole and 'other such amusements' followed an evening of musical recitals. Most recently, in May 2014, Britannia Lodge's historic meeting rooms were open to the public on the Shunpikers Tour. Several members of Britannia Lodge served King and Canada during the world wars. Some made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Lodge historians Reverend J. C. Britton and G. Wright record three members of Britannia Lodge, masons Andrew Archibald, Francis Cluff and Frank Welland, were killed dur- ing the Great War. In World War II, 21 year Frank Casson died in Ceylon serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Casson's death on August 9, 1945 (the same day as the Atomic Bomb was dropped on Nagasaki) was one of the last Canadian fatali- ties of the war. In April 1946, a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was formed in Seaforth. Over 300 people from across the province crammed into Cardno Hall to watch Margaret Snell installed as Worthy Matron. The Eastern Star is the female branch of freemasonry who met in Britan- nia Lodge's meeting rooms until the late 1990's. When John Bracken, leader of the federal Progressive Con- servative Party, came to Sea - forth in June 1943 to address the provincial gathering of the Ontario Federation of Farmers, he took time to visit the broth- ers of Britannia Lodge, accord- ing to Britton and Wrigth. In the last 150 years, Britan- nia Lodge has numbered amongst its ranks several may- ors, reeves, councillors and other local business and com- munity leaders. At least two Members of Parliament, Thomas McMillan and William letter to the editor An end is a new beginning for the Walk for Memories To the Editor, Sometimes people will ask whether it's disheartening working with Alzheimer's dis- ease and its repercussions day in and day out. It's a terrible disease, there's no getting around it. But there are days when there is also hope just brimming on the horizon. A hope for a cure - yes, but also one that's just as powerful; a hope for a better today, and a better tomorrow, for people liv- ing with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. That is what keeps our doors open here at the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. It's miraculous really, to think that for 20 years, the Walk for Memories has taken place in Huron County, helping thousands of people living with dementia. Over $583,000 has been raised over the past 20 years at Walk for Memories. These funds go right back into the community, sup- porting those affected by dementia and their care partners. We recognize the importance of funds for research, and while that's a vital part of our efforts, we also offer support for those who need help today. The Soci- ety provides help to people struggling with a new dementia diagnosis. We provide volun- teer matches for social connec- tion for those with a diagnosis, but also to give caregivers a short break. We realize it's about the people we serve; helping them is the most important thing we do. Each and every person that supports that goal helps to keep that in perspective each day here at the Alzheimer Society of Huron County. So thank you. Thank you to every walker, donor, sponsor, volunteer, whoever you are who supports what we do and why we Walk for Memories. The incredible support Walk for Memories has received will always be honoured and appre- ciated. It's an end to an era as we prepare to align our Walk with the brand-new Canada wide "Walk for Alzheimer's" coming Saturday, May 2. The necessity is not going any- where for the support we offer, but as Alzheimer's disease Golding belonged to the lodge. Golding also served as a Sena- tor in the Dominion Parliament from 1949 to his death in 1961. Senator Golding's son, Major Frank Golding is, perhaps, the oldest current member of Britan- nia Lodge at age 92. In an ironic twist of fate, Senator William Golding was the sitting Member of Parliament for Huron East when the Clinton airbase opened in 1941. Frank Golding, Senator Golding's son, happened to be the base commander when Canadian Forces Base Clinton closed in March 1972. Britannia Lodge masons have helped spearhead fundraising campaigns for the Seaforth arena, hospital and other com- munity projects. 'We are not a Secret Society,' District Deputy John Gibson has said, 'the only thing we keep to ourselves is the community support and contributions we make: On Saturday, May 2, 2015, Britannia Lodge will celebrate its sesquicentennial in Seaforth. In honour of the occasion, Barry Hutton, this year's lodge master will welcome Donald Campbell, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada, to Seaforth. The public is invited to attend Bruce Whitmore's play 'The History of Britannia Lodge and the Seaforth Community' at Northside United Church fol- lowed by a re -dedication of the lodge. With an active member- ship of 68 masons, Seaforth freemasonry looks forward to the next 150 years as a vital force in the community. becomes more prevalent in our communities, the need for more awareness and support will rise as well. Thank you for supporting our goal to make the future better for those liv- ing with Alzheimer's disease, and making our community one to be envied. Sincerely and with great regard, Brittany Williams Events Coordinator Alzheimer Society of Huron County seaforthhuronex s ositor.com