Acacia Lodge in Toronto
On Saturday, September 21, Acacia Lodge No 430 held its last Installation and Investiture of its Officers at East Toronto Masonic Centre, which has now been sold, and the brethren will, as of October 1, begin to meet at the York Masonic Centre in Leaside. Acacia held its banquet (with a sumptuous array of food prepared by their own chef, and music supplied by a DJ, also a member) prior to the meeting, which was attended by many visitors, as well as guests, including members of the Grand Lodge of Philippines. The East Toronto Masonic Centre was built by members of Acacia over a century ago.
This was the first meeting where I could not where my White Tie and Tails, as this meeting was held during the day. I don't have a Morning Suit and thus the ol' tuxedo was dusted off.
WBro Jun Ogues was installed as Worshipful Master, and WBro Rodel Hernaez is now IPM of the lodge. According to their history, found on the Toronto East District website: "A preliminary meeting was held on March 31st, 1892, to discuss the formation of another Masonic Lodge in East Toronto. It was comprised of members from Orient Lodge No 399. In attendance were Brothers J.P. McMaster, J. Mitchell, W.R. Walters, John Richardson, John Parsell, G. Milne, D. Maginn, W. Brown and S. Newland.
In order to proceed, dispensation was requested of, and granted by, the surrounding Lodges and the G.M. John Ross Robertson on May 5th, 1892.
Bro. William Bowman loaned $200 for Hall Furnishings and a meeting place was secured through Bro. D.G. Stephenson, at Kingston Road and Main Street. The name ACACIA was chosen and the new lodge was constituted on June 12th, 1892, and formally opened on June 27th, 1892. R. W. Bro. T.H. Branton, D.D.G.M. officiated. The officers and members of Orient Lodge No. 339 were present to honour the occasion.
On Friday, July 15th, 1892, the G.M. J. Ross Robertson visited the Lodge. He delivered a well received lecture on the history of the Craft. On Monday, July 18th, 1892, the very first petition for membership was received from Mr. Alex Matthews, he was subsequently initiated on Monday, November 21st, 1892. On this occasion Bro. William Brown presented the Lodge with a volume of the Sacred Law.
In early February 1893, the Lodge furnishings were sold, and with the proceeds along with additional funds totalling $365 the hall was refurnished and made eminently more comfortable.
For some years after being constituted Acacia Lodge grew and prospered. Its members played an important part in the development and early history of East Toronto."
WBro Jun Ogues was installed as Worshipful Master, and WBro Rodel Hernaez is now IPM of the lodge. According to their history, found on the Toronto East District website: "A preliminary meeting was held on March 31st, 1892, to discuss the formation of another Masonic Lodge in East Toronto. It was comprised of members from Orient Lodge No 399. In attendance were Brothers J.P. McMaster, J. Mitchell, W.R. Walters, John Richardson, John Parsell, G. Milne, D. Maginn, W. Brown and S. Newland.
In order to proceed, dispensation was requested of, and granted by, the surrounding Lodges and the G.M. John Ross Robertson on May 5th, 1892.
Bro. William Bowman loaned $200 for Hall Furnishings and a meeting place was secured through Bro. D.G. Stephenson, at Kingston Road and Main Street. The name ACACIA was chosen and the new lodge was constituted on June 12th, 1892, and formally opened on June 27th, 1892. R. W. Bro. T.H. Branton, D.D.G.M. officiated. The officers and members of Orient Lodge No. 339 were present to honour the occasion.
On Friday, July 15th, 1892, the G.M. J. Ross Robertson visited the Lodge. He delivered a well received lecture on the history of the Craft. On Monday, July 18th, 1892, the very first petition for membership was received from Mr. Alex Matthews, he was subsequently initiated on Monday, November 21st, 1892. On this occasion Bro. William Brown presented the Lodge with a volume of the Sacred Law.
In early February 1893, the Lodge furnishings were sold, and with the proceeds along with additional funds totalling $365 the hall was refurnished and made eminently more comfortable.
For some years after being constituted Acacia Lodge grew and prospered. Its members played an important part in the development and early history of East Toronto."
Members of Acacia eventually created Mimosa Lodge No 576 - also now in Toronto East District - whereas Orient Lodge is now part of Toronto Humber Valley District.
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