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 car...