My Year In The Grand West

The GJW and I arrived in Vankleek Hill a wee bit early for our visit to Hawkesbury Lodge 450 and thus had time in the morning to visit Beau's Brewery - the home of Lugtread Beer. Situated above the library in this quaint town, finding the address was not a problem, yet finding the entrance to the lodge seemed quite a task, until the librarian showed up for work and let us know it was simply through the front door and up the stairs. When we arrived, the brethren had concluded their GP meeting and welcomed us with open arms, and proceeded to invite us to open lodge and join in the traditional odes to be sung, and upon being given the requisite paperwork were happy to do so. The odes were accompanied by the organist who was also the church organist and has been for 55 years. Located in Eastern District, this is a lodge steeped in history, from its beginnings to their chairs and the WM's pedestal, and the various documents and pictures on the walls. It was a great meeting and we...

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...