About

Bytown Lodge is a Cornerstone-designated Lodge in Ottawa District 2 that belongs to the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, within the global brotherhood of Freemasonry.

Who we are

Bytown Lodge is a group of men united by our commitment to practicing the virtues of fraternal love, charity and truth. We call ourselves “The Friendly Lodge” because it captures the fun and fellowship we enjoy when we get together.

Our lodge meets regularly, in the evening on every third Thursday of the month, from September to May, at the Westboro Masonic Hall (430 Churchill Avenue North, Ottawa).

We take pride in creating a warm and welcoming environment for one another and visitors alike, and encourage Brother Masons and others who are curious about Freemasonry to plan a visit by getting in touch with our Secretary.

Get to know our leader

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, I am the first of my name to become a Mason.

I moved to Ottawa in 2003 to pursue a career in the Federal Public Service, where I continue to work to this day.

I became interested in Masonry in 2013, was initiated into Bytown Lodge in 2014 and passed and raised in 2015 and have been an active and engaged member since.

My spouse Robyn and I are the proud parents of 18 and 16 year old boys. I strive to exemplify the Masonic values of which I hope to pass on to them by volunteering with their activities and playing an active role in their lives.

Bytown lodge is known as “The Friendly Lodge”, a name which all members take to heart. So if you are interested in Masonry in General and our lodge in particular, please contact our Secretary and join us for one of our festive boards (banquets) or social activities. I am always pleased to welcome a new visitor or brother Mason.

Sincerely & Fraternally,
W. Bro Jon Orazietti,
Worshipful Master,
Bytown Lodge no. 721
Ottawa District 2

 

Note: The following lists are updated annually. To communicate with a member, please contact our Secretary.

Elected and appointed officers

Immediate Past Master: W. Bro. Peter Ruttan
Worshipful Master: W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Senior Warden: Bro. Howard Schwartz
Junior Warden: Bro. Colin Bosche
Chaplain: V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins
Secretary: W. Bro. Brodie Fraser
Treasurer: V.W. Bro. Scott Macdonald
Senior Deacon: Bro. Spencer Jay
Junior Deacon: Bro. Kyle Walden
Inner Guard: Bro. Zachery Porter
Tyler: W. Bro. J.F. Legault
Senior Steward: Bro. Corto Soulas-Nallet
Junior Steward: Bro. Joseph Samaha
Director of Ceremonies: W. Bro. Brian Pepper
Master of the Degrees – IPM: W. Bro. Peter Ruttan

Our history

Bytown Lodge was founded in 1969 when a group of masons and members of the armed forces were posted home to Canada. Most had served in the Air Force in France and Germany, and then became stationed in Ottawa at the Rockcliffe Air Base.

With the goal of discussing their masonic future, Brothers Joe Johnston and Jim Heffel led the friendly group in a gathering somewhat akin to a Lodge meeting, rumoured to have taken place in someone’s basement—or possibly a recreation hall on the base. Not long after, the group applied to Grand Lodge for dispensation with the help of Acacia Lodge. The authorization was granted on October 11, 1969, launching the Bytown Lodge no. 721—a name that paid homage to British military engineer and founder of the City of Ottawa, Colonel John By.

On October 16, 1969, the first meeting was held at the Churchill Avenue Masonic Temple on the third Thursday of the month, a schedule that is maintained to this day. It was a packed house, led by Past District Deputy Grand Master Colin Lillico, who became the first Master of Bytown Lodge. Thirty-nine members were in attendance, rounded out by past Grand Lodge Officers from other lodges in the Ottawa district.

We are defined by the spirit of friendship upon which our Lodge was founded back in 1969, and honour that tradition through our practice of community-building. Hundreds of brethren of all creeds and backgrounds have been admitted to Bytown Lodge throughout our history, including two Grand Masters, five District Deputy Grand Masters, six Very Worshipful Brethren and one William Mercer Wilson Medal recipient.