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

I was born and raised in Bracebridge, Ontario (Muskoka), and lived there until 2011 when I relocated to Ottawa. I currently live in Smiths Falls with my wife Cindy and one of three children. My two oldest boys live on their own in Jasper, and Brockville (both in Ontario).

I have been with Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) since 1998, for the first 12 years as a Correctional Officer in a medium security institution. In 2011, my role switched, and I am now the Chief of Protocol of CSC and Aide de Camp for the Commissioner of CSC. I am also a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces and have served for just over 30 years.

Some of my hobbies include camping (glamping) with my wife and best friends, touring on my motorcycle, hunting and fishing, carpentry, and enjoying quality time on secluded 200 acres in Muskoka. I am also the Director of the Baysville Veterans Association (volunteer position and interest).

I was never exposed to Masonry growing up; to my surprise, however, after submitting my application to join the craft, I learned that many of the men I knew through my childhood, teenage and early adult years were masons. I also learned through family research that my great-grandfather (x 7) was a close friend and colleague of Chief Joseph Brant who was a Mason. My great-grandfather must have admired Brother Brant greatly as he named one of his sons Joseph Brant Ruttan. (I can only surmise that my great-grandfather was also a mason.)

In 2007, I was initiated, passed, and raised in Muskoka Lodge no. 360 in the District of Nipissing-Muskoka in the Province of Ontario.

I have now been a Mason for 18 years and it has been an incredible journey thus far. I have formed many lifelong friendships, and am very grateful to have masonry in my life.

If you are interested in masonry or would like to meet the members of Bytown Lodge, please be sure to reach out. Bytown calls itself “The Friendly Lodge”, and it’s not just a clever name, it is something that is truly present whenever we get together.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
W. Bro. Peter Ruttan
Worshipful Master
Bytown Lodge no. 721

Our membership

While many of our members serve or have served in the Canadian Forces, the brethren of Bytown Lodge represent a diverse range of backgrounds. Members have the opportunity to take on various leadership roles, like planning lodge events, sitting on various committees or taking on other duties based on their specific skill set or experience they bring to the Lodge.

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

Elected and appointed officers

Worshipful Master: W. Bro. Peter Ruttan
Immediate Past Master: V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins
Senior Warden: Bro. Jon Orazietti
Junior Warden: Bro. Howard Schwartz
Chaplain: W. Bro. Ernest Nelson
Treasurer: V.W. Bro. Scott Macdonald
Secretary: W. Bro. Brodie Fraser
Senior Deacon: Bro. Colin Boche
Junior Deacon: Bro. Spencer Jay-Leafloor
Director of Ceremonies: R.W. Bro. John Hawkins
Inner Guard: Bro. Kyle Walden 
Senior Steward: Bro. Zachary Porter
Junior Steward: Bro. Corto Soulas-Nalet
Tyler: Bro. Sandy Mackie

 

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.