Orono Lodge in Orono

Quite a few years ago, I watched the initiation and progression of a new Mason in The Beaches Lodge, Bro Doug Lauder, and then a few months ago - after he had moved to Courtice - I asked if he'd like to attend a meeting of the Heritage Lodge which was being held on a Saturday afternoon in Orono. He agreed and together we went. While there, I introduced him to WBro Steve Spence and the next thing you know Doug had joined Orono Lodge and on this evening - at the annual Installation - was invested as their JW.
Per their website, Orono Lodge was founded in 1874, in the town of Orono, a small, vibrant town located about 60 minutes drive north east of Toronto. A group of eight Durham Lodge brethren, led by the Lockhart brothers, met December 17, 1874 to see if there was enough interest in Freemasonry. They proceeded to petition  for a warrant from the Grand Lodge, as four more brethren joined the eight! The warrant was granted, and the meetings were held in the ‘Sons of Temperence Hall’ on the corner of Park Street and Church Street, Orono. This handy location proved well received as membership in Orono Lodge grew to 65 by 1895.

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