Bulletin

Opening Comments from the Editor

In discussion with the officers of Bytown Lodge, the publication of this bulletin will change from four times per year to three times per year to allow for more substantial issues to be produced.

The new dates, starting in 2023 will cover the following periods:
September to December – Published in February
January to April – Published in June
May to August – Published in September

Wishing You and Your Families a Very Happy, Safe, Healthy and Prosperous 2023

Lodge News

June 6, 2022

The annual meeting for Ottawa District 2 was held under the direction of District Deputy Grand Master (2019-2022), RW Bro. John Hawkins. Minutes from the virtual district meeting held on September 21, 2021, and various correspondence was read, the district financial update was presented, and various changes to district bylaws were also presented. Of these, the nomination for DDGM had to be submitted by May 31 annually and voting would occur by electronic ballot by June 15, annually. A revived Mentor Program was presented by RW Bro. Peter Harbert. W Bro. Robert Sullivan’s name was put forth to Grand Lodge to become the new DDGM for Ottawa District 2. The next district meeting was scheduled for August 22, 2022.

June 12, 2022

On Sunday, June 12 at the home of Mrs. Jan Fraser (mother of W Bro. Brodie Fraser) in Constance Bay along the beautiful shore of the Ottawa River, members of Bytown and their family held our annual summer BBQ. Despite the day being under the threat of tornado watches and heavy rains, the members of Bytown enjoyed the many delicious dishes brought. The highlight was W Bro Fraser BBQing in the rain with many members joking to give him a golf club or a longer set of metal tongs to ward off possible lightning strikes.

During the day the members also had the opportunity to meet with a couple of prospective candidates for masonry. After the rain had parted some of the members ventured down to splash along the shores of the Ottawa River before venturing home.

Thank you to Jan for opening your doors and once again being gracious and charming hostess.

June 23, 2022

Members of Bytown along with potential or interested candidates met for an evening social gathering at Local Heroes Restaurant and Pub on Merivale Road.

July 20-21, 2022

The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario was held at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites in Richmond Hill on July 20 and 21, 2022. Brothers from Bytown Lodge attended, and W Bro. Robert Sullivan was confirmed as the new DDGM for Ottawa District 2.

August 18, 2022

The final summer social event was held at MacLaren’s on Elgin Street, the downtown core of Ottawa. The many televisions, pool games and various food items kept everyone well entertained.

September 15, 2022

Bytown Lodge returned to regular meetings after our summer break. The night began with a Festive Board prepared by the Junior Warden consisting of a smoked beef brisket, cooler corn, and potato salad.

The Lodge was opened for ceremony at 7:30 p.m. and after the general business, opened up to the Third Degree, and then back to the First. Committees of Inquiries were established for the petitions of Mr. Corto Soulas–Nallet and Mr. Charly Olanga–Ondaka. Bro. Randy Nanjad from the Beaches Lodge No.473 of Toronto was a visitor this evening. A report was read regarding Bro. Roger Needham’s continued decline in health and that he remains hospitalized. VW Bro. Jeff Hawkins was invested as Senior Warden. Bro. Howard Schwartz presented masonic education on the topic of Living Masonic Values inside and outside of the Lodge.

October 20, 2022

October is our anniversary month and celebrates the formation of Bytown Lodge No. 721 AF & AM, a lodge of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. We are proud of the history that has been made since 1969. Our celebratory night began with the Junior Warden preparing a traditional thanksgiving meal consisting of “Trash Can Turkey,” mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots, homemade stuffing, and gravy.

The lodge opened at 7:30 p.m. and, after the regular order of business, the lodge was opened in the Second Degree where Bro. Colin Bosche proved his proficiency in that degree. The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree with Bro. Bosche being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.

October 29, 2022

A brunch social was held at Al’s Diner in Ottawa and was well attended. During this social gathering we met a couple of prospects interested in masonry.

November 17, 2022

Bro. Junior Warden was not able to be present this evening during our Regular Meeting, so with the help of a few Brothers, the Festive Board consisted of a ‘deconstructed chicken pot pie’ and desserts.

The evening’s work consisted of welcoming the District Deputy Grand Master of Ottawa District 2, RW Bro. Robert Sullivan, receiving the Travelling Gavel from The Builder’s Lodge No.177, and a Remembrance Service in honour of those sailors, soldiers and aviator’s from the past and present.

The main work of the evening was the double initiation of Bro. Charly Ondako–Olanga and Bro. Corto Soulas–Nallet into masonry.

December 8, 2022

As is customary of Bytown Lodge, our Regular Meeting in December was on the 2nd Thursday of this month to separate it from the craziness of the Holiday Season. The Festive Board consisted of smoked ham and roasted butternut squash prepared by the Junior Warden, and scalloped potatoes prepared by VW Bro. George Ingraham and VW Bro. Scott Macdonald. Dessert was cheesecake prepared by VW Bro. Scott Macdonald in honour of Bro. Colin Bosche who would later prove his proficiency in the 3rd Degree.

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