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

Worshipful Brother Howard Schwartz was born and raised in Montreal.

His career path ranged from television reporter and anchorman to consultant for the pharmaceutical and medical academic sectors in his hometown, and later to director of corporate communications for a nationwide organization in the United States.

While in Connecticut, Bro. Schwartz was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on November 29, 2010, at Federal Lodge in Watertown, Connecticut.

A 32nd Degree Mason in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, his Masonic journey also includes membership in the York Rite, the Shriners, and the MOVPER Grotto.
Brother Schwartz affiliated with Bytown Lodge No. 721 on December 20, 2022.

“I moved back to Canada during COVID and only got to meet the brethren of Bytown Lodge via Zoom meetings. It was more than a year and a half before I met them in person.

“Freemasonry has enhanced my life in ways I could never have imagined. I am pleased and proud to be a brother, mentor, and friend to many brethren — people whom I would never otherwise have met were it not for lodge activities.

“It has been a fulfilling journey that has satisfied me in so many ways, and I am fortunate to have received guidance and instruction from a superb group of brethren in lodges throughout District Two.”

Worshipful Brother Schwartz is an avid SCUBA diver, musician, and photographer. In retirement, he narrates books for a non-profit organization.

 

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. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master: W. Bro. Howard Schwartz
Senior Warden: Bro. Colin Bosche
Junior Warden: Bro. Spencer Jay
Chaplain: V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins
Secretary: W. Bro. Brodie Fraser
Treasurer: V.W. Bro. Scott Macdonald
Senior Deacon: Bro. Kyle Walden
Junior Deacon: Bro. Zachery Porter
Inner Guard: Bro. Shawn Stevenson
Tyler: W. Bro. J.F. Legault
Senior Steward: Vacant
Junior Steward: Vacant
Director of Ceremonies: W. Bro. Brian Pepper
Master of the Degrees – IPM: W. Bro. Jon Orazietti

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.