Merrickville Lodge in Burritts Rapids
On this day, travelling with the GJW to Burritts Rapids, and to visit in particular the brethren of Merrickville 55, required a stopover in Kemptville on Jan 17, as we were heading the next morning to Vankleek Hill. It was a pleasure to visit Merrickville Lodge and really absorb the history that adorned the walls of their building, and to listen to the brethren talk about how they were in fact enjoying success, due to the influx of people into the growing nearby community of Kemptville - small towns but truly connected. The lodge warmly received us and in open lodge we enjoyed listening to a wonderful presentation on the valuable lessons taught on the floor.
According to historian Nelson King, this is a true story of Bro Miles McGuigan, who was a member of the 81st Regiment of Loyal Lincoln Volunteers and a member of Merrickville Lodge. When he died, it was his last wish that his body be dissected, and then placed in the lodge for future work in the Third Degree. His wishes were carried out, and his bones remained in the Merrickville Lodge until the original Lodge Room and building were gutted by fire in 1959.
Sidebar: General Sir James Kempt, GCB, GCH (c. 1765 – 20 December 1854) was a colonel of the 81st Regiment and who had famously led a British brigade at the Battle of Waterloo. Early in 1815 he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, and in July for his services at Waterloo, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. From 1828 to 1830 he served as Governor of British North America. During a public meeting the name "Kemptville" was suggested in 1829 to honour Sir Kempt, who was said to have once camped on the banks of the Rideau River near the settlement - initially known as "Clothier's Mill" - when the regiment was garrisoned in Canada.
After lodge we were guided to a local church hall across the river and had a fantastic home-cooked meal and the brethren did not disappoint as they shared more stories and we were entertained about their experiences in St Lawrence District - both Masonic and others - especially the various Parnell brethren, as some joked the lodge should be named Parnell Lodge due to the family's contributions over the years. The next morning we dressed in our morning suits were off to Vankleek Hill.
Sidebar: General Sir James Kempt, GCB, GCH (c. 1765 – 20 December 1854) was a colonel of the 81st Regiment and who had famously led a British brigade at the Battle of Waterloo. Early in 1815 he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, and in July for his services at Waterloo, a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. From 1828 to 1830 he served as Governor of British North America. During a public meeting the name "Kemptville" was suggested in 1829 to honour Sir Kempt, who was said to have once camped on the banks of the Rideau River near the settlement - initially known as "Clothier's Mill" - when the regiment was garrisoned in Canada.
After lodge we were guided to a local church hall across the river and had a fantastic home-cooked meal and the brethren did not disappoint as they shared more stories and we were entertained about their experiences in St Lawrence District - both Masonic and others - especially the various Parnell brethren, as some joked the lodge should be named Parnell Lodge due to the family's contributions over the years. The next morning we dressed in our morning suits were off to Vankleek Hill.
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