Zeradatha in Uxbridge

It was the 150th anniversary celebration at Zeradatha Lodge No 220 in Uxbridge last night, and I learnt three things while sitting in the East, other than the members have met in various locations and currently meet in a temple that was built in 1962. The lodge was formed in 1869 shortly after both the Civil War and Confederation had taken place. Since forming, they remain a vibrant lodge, its members still tightly woven with the community in general and Uxbridge specifically.  History abounds in the lodge - from the huge painted scrolls (measuring over 7 feet in width and nearly 400 feet in length) to the Vimy Gavel and and Lt Col Sam Sharpe, DSO, who is a true Canadian hero.

Sharpe was not only a proud member of the Zeradatha Lodge, but he was also a Member of Parliament, and only one of two who has ever gone to war while sitting in parliament and he was re-eleted to office while serving overseas. He helped to recruit an entire battalion from the Uxbridge area, who eventually fought for Vimy Ridge in 1917, a decisive and defining battle for Canada. Although control of Vimy was won, his battalion was decimated and very few of his men survived the front. Sharpe did return, though shortly before the war ended jumped from his hospital room window in Montreal to his death, depressed and suffering from 'nervous shock' - also known as shell shock, and what we now know is PTSD - over a century ago.

Lest we forget.

There is now a memorial to Sharpe - owed in no small part to the efforts of his lodge - that stands in the centre of Uxbridge, and his bust has been added to our Houses of Parliament in Ottawa for leading heroically the 116th Battalion.

A portion of the aforementioned painting adorned the banquet room wall, which was completed by Bro Dowling, a member of the lodge in the late 1800s - though the exact date remains a mystery. The numerous paintings, depicting scenes from our ritual, are rarely publicly displayed, but for this anniversary the members were eager to show visitors a sampling of the massive scroll. And it is impressive!

Also, on this night of commemoration, Zeradatha presented to a very worthy brother, and very humble brother, his 60 Year a Mason Pin, as well as his Jubilee Medal (for 50 years of service), and his Lewis Jewel. These each proved the value of the lodge within the community, as it was mentioned the various activities that keep members engaged throughout the year, generation after generation. The Grand Master heartily congratulated the lodge and reminded us all that when the original members launched the lodge, they likely did not foresee it lasting 150 years, but encouraged the current members to look forward to the future.

So, it is interesting to note that the popular podcast "Three Knocks" is produced today by new members of the lodge - again a reminder of the vibrancy they bring to the Craft - and the example they demonstrate by their repeated efforts.