Pythagoras Lodge in Meaford
Up we drove, the GJW and I, to Meaford - on the shores of Georgian Bay - to visit the brethren of Pythagoras Lodge 137 and their visitors on the occasion of the OV of DDGM RWBro John Bell. We went up to the Tird Degree, and while there I provided Masonic Education on the Grand Banner of Grand Lodge. VWBro Tom Wilcox also received his 50 Year Pin.
Yet another lodge steeped in history, as evidenced by its walls, including a very old dirk and a unique gavel used by the WM - a ram's head, carved by a local artisan, known for her totem poles. Fun fact: the lodge turned 100 the year I was born!
From their website:
Pythagoras Lodge No. 137, Meaford, received dispensation to form a lodge on January 13, 1860. It was a member of the old Toronto District and in1866 and was transferred to Georgian District in 1879 and became a member of Grey District in 1951.
In 1858 the amicable agreement to amalgamate the Ancient Grand Lodge of Canada and the Grand Lodge of Canada A.F. & A.M. took place. The interest and excitement generated by this amalgamation inspired a group of Masons in Meaford and vicinity to create their own Masonic home. Thus, in 1859 a petition was sent to the Grand Lodge of Canada requesting dispensation to create a Masonic Lodge in this locality and dispensation was granted. The initial meeting of Pythagoras Lodge #137 was held on January 13, 1860, in a school house in the area of town known as “Purdy Town” near Boucher and St Vincent Streets.
The Charter members were W.M. W.K. Henderson, S.W. W. Corley, J.W. S Richardson, J Lloyd, J. Hurd, R. Ormsby and G.Reekie. These early meetings were held on the first Friday on or after the full moon of every month, enabling Members to travel with “good light”. The lodge received two petitions for initiation at the first meeting.
Of these first two candidates W.H. Fife and D.G. MacIntosh – W.H. Fife became the first Secretary of Pythagoras Lodge. The early meetings were very busy! There were candidates to initiate; regalia to purchase; a committee to form to obtain a suitable venue to rent for meetings; and bylaws had to be written. At the end of 1860, membership numbered fifteen, seven charter plus eight new brothers. The first meeting after the warrant was issued took place on August 23, 1861.
The Lodge met in several places during those early year’s, however the first regular Lodge room was located in what was then known as the MacDonald House. This building was used as a hotel, located at 118 Sykes Street South, and has been re-configured as a “double house” still standing today. (2010)
In August of 1861, the members of the Lodge requested Brother W.H. Fife to complete a room in a building he was planning to erect on a lot just west of the Anglican Church on Boucher Street. The Lodge remained there for two years at rental of $40.00 per year. Two years later, in August 1863, the Lodge decided to rent a room from Brother A. Thompson at an annual rental of $25.00, known as “Thompson Hall” , located on the east side of Sykes Street between Boucher Street and the Big Head River.
Ten years later, in December 1873, a motion was made to look for a suitable lot and the costs involved in building a new Lodge Hall. The motion was defeated, but at that same meeting a motion was carried “to rent the third floor of what was then known as the Chisholm Block” which is now the Muxlow Drug Store. This hall was heated with a box stove and light was provided by oil lamps. When a supply of wood was required, a single cord was dumped on the sidewalk at the front of the building leading up to the hall. Of course this would be on a Lodge meeting night so that many hands made light work getting the wood up the stairs. Co-operation was part of the mandate.
Pythagoras Lodge was a constituent member Lodge of Toronto District in 1866 and subsequently was transferred to Georgian District in 1879. Pythagoras Lodge became a member of Grey District in 1951. The present Masonic Lodge Hall at 265 Cook Street was built in 1957 and was dedicated on June 4, 1958.
Up until the major renovation of the Lodge Room in the year 2000, Pythagoras Lodge had a beautiful carpet on the Lodge floor. This carpet had been originally ordered for the Masonic Lodge in Collingwood, but during the weaving the manufacturer incorporated eight stars in the carpet instead of seven. The lodge in Collingwood refused to accept this Masonic imperfection. Pythagoras Lodge decided and was able to purchase the carpet at a bargain price and it graced the lodge floor for many years.
During the early years of the Lodge there were three different attempts to move the Lodge to Clarksburg or Thornbury. These attempts were unsuccessful. However, Pythagoras Lodge recommended forming a new Lodge in Clarksburg on December 22, 1869. Eventually they formed Beaver Lodge #234.
On September 24, 1869 a motion was made to purchase a Bible, a Square and Compass, and have the Charter framed.
In May 1879 there was an order to purchase some spittoons..!
On April 20, 1883 a committee purchased an organ from R.W. Brother T. McCarrol. On a regular Lodge night the Worshipful Master directed the committee to go to the McCarrol home and return with the organ. No doubt this is the organ that still sits in the Lodge Room today.
In the summer of 1895 the Lodge installed electric lights. The power was supplied by Moore and Sons at a cost of one dollar per light per year. Lights were installed on the altar in 1939.
At most of the early meetings the Brethren must have enjoyed cigars, for most of the accounts reflect an item for cigar purchases.
Meetings in those early years were held early and often lasted well after midnight.
A significant change for meeting nights was made on April 2, 1915. The Lodge decided to change the meeting night to the first Tuesday of the month.
Pythagoras Lodge has a history of participating in cornerstone dedications the public and historical buildings in Meaford. The first High School in Meaford was erected in 1880. The Deputy Grand Master of the day being M.W. Brother Grand M aster John Ross Robertson was instrumental in the cornerstone dedication. He was a very impressive speaker and obviously impressed the high school members as he was invited back for the ribbon cutting ceremony. M.W. Brother John Robertson was one of the driving figures in the building of Sick Children`s Hospital in Toronto as well as many other accomplishments. Pythagoras Lodge donated money to that hospital for the next fifty years.
Pythagoras Lodge was instrumental in the cornerstone dedication of the Methodist Church in 1890. This old Church burned down and was replaced in 1908 by the present Church at the corner of Sykes and Boucher Streets in Meaford.
The cornerstone dedication of the second Methodist Church was provided over on May 3, 1908 by Most Worshipful Brother A.T. Freed. There was a huge parade of over 90 Masons in full regalia; the local Silver Band; assorted dignitaries and local political leaders and the Clergy of Meaford. This was a grand celebration for the community with Pythagoras Lodge #137 in the forefront.
The 100th Anniversary of Pythagoras Lodge #137 was marked on January 13, 1960. The regular meeting was re-scheduled and held on the Anniversary night. At that meeting the Lodge celebrated one hundred years of Masonry in Meaford. M.W. Brother C. MacLeod Pitts was in attendance. The minute books fail to explain the meeting content but, it is believed that this gala event was held in the Meaford Armories, where 268 people sat down to enjoy dinner. The Lodge at this point in history would be entitled to change their aprons from silver to gold trim, gold being the symbol of 100 years of faithful service.
The Lodge was prominent in early years in running excursions. These were discontinued when the Lodge began to lose money on those events. Other events that continued were at homes, picnics, ladies nights and the annual feasts on December 27.
During the early years, Masonry progressed favourably until the late1880’s when there were few initiations. As times improved new members began to join the craft. After the Boer War and the First World War a significant increase in members was achieved. An increase in membership was again shown at the end of World War Two. In January of 1960 Pythagoras Lodge boasted 145 members, at present the Lodge membership remains at 90 members.
A quote from the dedication that was made on May 19, 1960:
“Dedicated to the memory of all those members of Pythagoras Lodge #137, who have laboured long and steadfastly for the benefit of Masonry in general and of this lodge in particular, during the past 100 years “
From their website:
Pythagoras Lodge No. 137, Meaford, received dispensation to form a lodge on January 13, 1860. It was a member of the old Toronto District and in1866 and was transferred to Georgian District in 1879 and became a member of Grey District in 1951.
In 1858 the amicable agreement to amalgamate the Ancient Grand Lodge of Canada and the Grand Lodge of Canada A.F. & A.M. took place. The interest and excitement generated by this amalgamation inspired a group of Masons in Meaford and vicinity to create their own Masonic home. Thus, in 1859 a petition was sent to the Grand Lodge of Canada requesting dispensation to create a Masonic Lodge in this locality and dispensation was granted. The initial meeting of Pythagoras Lodge #137 was held on January 13, 1860, in a school house in the area of town known as “Purdy Town” near Boucher and St Vincent Streets.
The Charter members were W.M. W.K. Henderson, S.W. W. Corley, J.W. S Richardson, J Lloyd, J. Hurd, R. Ormsby and G.Reekie. These early meetings were held on the first Friday on or after the full moon of every month, enabling Members to travel with “good light”. The lodge received two petitions for initiation at the first meeting.
Of these first two candidates W.H. Fife and D.G. MacIntosh – W.H. Fife became the first Secretary of Pythagoras Lodge. The early meetings were very busy! There were candidates to initiate; regalia to purchase; a committee to form to obtain a suitable venue to rent for meetings; and bylaws had to be written. At the end of 1860, membership numbered fifteen, seven charter plus eight new brothers. The first meeting after the warrant was issued took place on August 23, 1861.
The Lodge met in several places during those early year’s, however the first regular Lodge room was located in what was then known as the MacDonald House. This building was used as a hotel, located at 118 Sykes Street South, and has been re-configured as a “double house” still standing today. (2010)
In August of 1861, the members of the Lodge requested Brother W.H. Fife to complete a room in a building he was planning to erect on a lot just west of the Anglican Church on Boucher Street. The Lodge remained there for two years at rental of $40.00 per year. Two years later, in August 1863, the Lodge decided to rent a room from Brother A. Thompson at an annual rental of $25.00, known as “Thompson Hall” , located on the east side of Sykes Street between Boucher Street and the Big Head River.
Ten years later, in December 1873, a motion was made to look for a suitable lot and the costs involved in building a new Lodge Hall. The motion was defeated, but at that same meeting a motion was carried “to rent the third floor of what was then known as the Chisholm Block” which is now the Muxlow Drug Store. This hall was heated with a box stove and light was provided by oil lamps. When a supply of wood was required, a single cord was dumped on the sidewalk at the front of the building leading up to the hall. Of course this would be on a Lodge meeting night so that many hands made light work getting the wood up the stairs. Co-operation was part of the mandate.
Pythagoras Lodge was a constituent member Lodge of Toronto District in 1866 and subsequently was transferred to Georgian District in 1879. Pythagoras Lodge became a member of Grey District in 1951. The present Masonic Lodge Hall at 265 Cook Street was built in 1957 and was dedicated on June 4, 1958.
Up until the major renovation of the Lodge Room in the year 2000, Pythagoras Lodge had a beautiful carpet on the Lodge floor. This carpet had been originally ordered for the Masonic Lodge in Collingwood, but during the weaving the manufacturer incorporated eight stars in the carpet instead of seven. The lodge in Collingwood refused to accept this Masonic imperfection. Pythagoras Lodge decided and was able to purchase the carpet at a bargain price and it graced the lodge floor for many years.
During the early years of the Lodge there were three different attempts to move the Lodge to Clarksburg or Thornbury. These attempts were unsuccessful. However, Pythagoras Lodge recommended forming a new Lodge in Clarksburg on December 22, 1869. Eventually they formed Beaver Lodge #234.
On September 24, 1869 a motion was made to purchase a Bible, a Square and Compass, and have the Charter framed.
In May 1879 there was an order to purchase some spittoons..!
On April 20, 1883 a committee purchased an organ from R.W. Brother T. McCarrol. On a regular Lodge night the Worshipful Master directed the committee to go to the McCarrol home and return with the organ. No doubt this is the organ that still sits in the Lodge Room today.
In the summer of 1895 the Lodge installed electric lights. The power was supplied by Moore and Sons at a cost of one dollar per light per year. Lights were installed on the altar in 1939.
At most of the early meetings the Brethren must have enjoyed cigars, for most of the accounts reflect an item for cigar purchases.
Meetings in those early years were held early and often lasted well after midnight.
A significant change for meeting nights was made on April 2, 1915. The Lodge decided to change the meeting night to the first Tuesday of the month.
Pythagoras Lodge has a history of participating in cornerstone dedications the public and historical buildings in Meaford. The first High School in Meaford was erected in 1880. The Deputy Grand Master of the day being M.W. Brother Grand M aster John Ross Robertson was instrumental in the cornerstone dedication. He was a very impressive speaker and obviously impressed the high school members as he was invited back for the ribbon cutting ceremony. M.W. Brother John Robertson was one of the driving figures in the building of Sick Children`s Hospital in Toronto as well as many other accomplishments. Pythagoras Lodge donated money to that hospital for the next fifty years.
Pythagoras Lodge was instrumental in the cornerstone dedication of the Methodist Church in 1890. This old Church burned down and was replaced in 1908 by the present Church at the corner of Sykes and Boucher Streets in Meaford.
The cornerstone dedication of the second Methodist Church was provided over on May 3, 1908 by Most Worshipful Brother A.T. Freed. There was a huge parade of over 90 Masons in full regalia; the local Silver Band; assorted dignitaries and local political leaders and the Clergy of Meaford. This was a grand celebration for the community with Pythagoras Lodge #137 in the forefront.
The 100th Anniversary of Pythagoras Lodge #137 was marked on January 13, 1960. The regular meeting was re-scheduled and held on the Anniversary night. At that meeting the Lodge celebrated one hundred years of Masonry in Meaford. M.W. Brother C. MacLeod Pitts was in attendance. The minute books fail to explain the meeting content but, it is believed that this gala event was held in the Meaford Armories, where 268 people sat down to enjoy dinner. The Lodge at this point in history would be entitled to change their aprons from silver to gold trim, gold being the symbol of 100 years of faithful service.
The Lodge was prominent in early years in running excursions. These were discontinued when the Lodge began to lose money on those events. Other events that continued were at homes, picnics, ladies nights and the annual feasts on December 27.
During the early years, Masonry progressed favourably until the late1880’s when there were few initiations. As times improved new members began to join the craft. After the Boer War and the First World War a significant increase in members was achieved. An increase in membership was again shown at the end of World War Two. In January of 1960 Pythagoras Lodge boasted 145 members, at present the Lodge membership remains at 90 members.
A quote from the dedication that was made on May 19, 1960:
“Dedicated to the memory of all those members of Pythagoras Lodge #137, who have laboured long and steadfastly for the benefit of Masonry in general and of this lodge in particular, during the past 100 years “
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