If you’re unable to join during the scheduled time, you’re welcome to book an appointment that fits your own schedule; simply follow the directions above to join the Partners for Life Bytown team, then scan the Bytown Team’s QR code before donating so your contribution is counted toward the Lodge’s team total. Any participation makes a meaningful difference to the community.
R.W. Bro. John Graham Hawkins, at the age of 70, of Kanata, Ontario, surrounded by his loving family, passed away on September 25, 2025, following unforeseen complications from surgery.
Early Life
John was born March 14th, 1955, in Langley Prairie, British Columbia, the son of William Hawkins and Marjorie Hawkins (Packman).
John graduated from Confederation High School in 1973. It was while he was attending Confederation High School that he met the love of his life, Julie Grant. John married Julie on June 26th, 1976, at St. Michael and All Angels, Anglican Church, Ottawa. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 26, 2026.
Masonic Career
R.W. Bro. John Hawkins was initiated into Bytown Lodge no. 721 on October 20, 1977. Throughout his masonic journey, R.W. Bro. Hawkins served as Worshipful Master of his Mother Lodge in 1986-1987, and again in 2004-2005. He was also a member of Renfrew Lodge no. 122.
In 1995-1996, he was appointed Grand Steward, and he served as District Deputy Grand Master of Ottawa District 2 from 2019 to 2022.
Concordant Bodies
Throughout his masonic journey, John was actively involved with several of freemasonry’s concordant bodies.
• He served on both local and national advisory boards for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
• He was a member and Past Patron of Hope Chapter no. 184 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
• He was a dedicated Shriner and a member of Tunis Shriners no. 179; and served as Potentate of Tunis Shriners in 2014.
• He was a hardworking member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Kanata Branch 638, where he worked as bar manager.
John was especially proud of his work with the youth group DeMolay. He served as Master Councillor of West Laurentian Chapter as a 17-year-old young man. His involvement with the order continued as Chapter Dad of Ottawa Chapter, Executive Officer for the province of Ontario, and culminated with him serving as Grand Master of DeMolay Canada in 1997.
Memorial
A Masonic Memorial Service led by the WM of Bytown Lodge W. Bro. Jon Orazietti was held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638. Family, friends, and masons who knew John throughout his masonic journey gathered to remember him, and his son V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins gave a eulogy for his father.
Remaining to cherish John’s memory are his spouse, Julie; children, Jeff (and Holly) and Jackie (and Brian); grandchildren, Henry, Hannah, Alistair, and Evie; brother, Robert; sister, Dustie; sister-in-law, Lana; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding John in death are parents, William and Marjorie, and brother, Paul.
Donations
In honour of John’s many beloved feline companions over the years, the family has asked that donations in his memory be directed to Furry Tales Cat Rescue.
Donations can be made by etransfer: [email protected].
Charitable Status Number 791529910RR0001.
Donations may also be made to the Ottawa District 2 Charity Harvest House through the Ontario Masonic Foundation of Ontario, who will top up any donation by 33%. Masonic Foundation of Ontario Project Number 2559.
We cherish his memory in our hearts.
2025-2026 DDGM from Bytown Lodge
It is with great pride that Bytown Lodge No. 721 announces the installation of R.W. Bro. George Ingraham as the DDGM for Ottawa District 2. R.W. Bro. Ingraham was initiated into Bytown Lodge on April 20, 1989. He served as WM in 1998, and from 2019 to 2022, serving three consecutive years due to the COVID pandemic.
R.W. Bro. George R. Ingraham was born in Bellville, Ontario, while his late father, Bro. Roy E. Ingraham, was stationed in nearby Trenton with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He is the fourth consecutive generation to be a Mason.
R.W. Bro. Ingraham’s masonic journey began when he was initiated into Ottawa DeMolay in November 1980 at the age of 16. Since 1985, he has served as an adult volunteer advisor in roles at the local, provincial, and national levels.
R.W. Bro. Ingraham graduated from Carleton University with BA Honours in History / Political Science and was certified in 2001 from Algonquin College in Human Resources Management. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve at HMCS Carleton in 1984, and retired in 2021, after serving 37 years and attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His early retirement was due to the diagnosis of shingles and its debilitating impact on his right eye. During his naval career, he worked in Halifax, Victoria, Borden, and NDHQ Ottawa.
R.W. Bro. Ingraham is married to Heather, and they have two teenage daughters, Brooke and Lexi.
First Regular Meeting – September 18, 2025
Approximately 35 brethren, visitors and prospects joined us for our first Festive Board and Regular Meeting of the new masonic year.
During the meeting, we welcomed a distinguished group from Pembroke Lodge with the Travelling Gavel with Grand Honours for V. W. Bro Bart Wardlaw who was installed as a Grand Stewart during this summer’s annual convocation in North York.
The evening finished with positive ballots for the Affiliation of a new member hailing from Maine Lodge no. 20 in Maine, USA, and another Brother affiliating from the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
Annual Grand Lodge Appreciation Night – September 29, 2025
Article and Photos by David Brown
The Annual Grand Lodge Appreciation Night was enjoyed by numerous Brethren from all over Ontario. It was hosted by the Ottawa Masonic Association and the Lodges of Westboro Masonic Temple: Bytown Lodge, Ionic Lodge, and Temple Lodge.
In attendance was PGM Paul Todd and the PGM of GLQ Robert Dupel, along with the DDGMs of Ottawa District 1, R.W. Bro. Abe Garcia , Ottawa District 2, R.W. Bro. George Ingraham, St. Lawrence District, R.W. Bro. Douglas Miller, and Frontenac District, R.W. Bro. Steve Ramey. In the audience were many Board of General-Purpose members, both past and present.
The informative evening started with OMA Vice-President, W. Bro. Hashem (Sam) Sayed presentation on ‘the Digital Mason’—how to use digital tools to engage and retain Membership. The Keynote Address was presented by the Grand Lodge Membership Pillar Chairman, R.W. Bro. James O. Wark. It was a stimulating talk for Brethren to reflect on.
October Emergent Meeting – October 2, 2025
We had a goodly turn out of Masons, Prospects and visitors at our October Emergent Festive Board, with enough dinner of “egg roll in a bowl” with pumpkin pie for dessert to fill everyone twice over.
At the Emergent Meeting, we initiated a candidate into the Craft and officially welcomed him as a member of Bytown Lodge. It was also the occasion of the Fraternal Visit of R.W. Bro. George Ingraham, DDGM Ottawa District 2. The DDGM complimented the Lodge on conducting a great ceremony of initiation.
During the meeting, WM Orazietti opened the Lodge floor to the Brethren wishing to say a few words regarding R.W. Bro. John Hawkins, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above, after which, R.W. Bro. Hawkins’ sacred roll was read.
Officer Mentorship Workshop – October 4, 2025
The Westboro Masonic Temple was host to the Ottawa District 1 and 2 Officers’ Mentorship program. R.W. Bro. Charles Singh, R.W. Bro. Sam Roberts, W. Bro Sam Sayed were amongst a few of the guest lectures that day.
Bytown’s own Junior Warden, Bro. Colin Bosche, and our Junior Deacon, Bro. Kyle Walden were among the participants attending.
October Regular Meeting – October 16, 2025
The Festive Board was a true Thanksgiving feast prepared by Bro. Bosche and V.W. Bro. Macdonald, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, Brussel sprouts with bacon, stuffing, gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, pumpkin and apple pies.
Another candidate was initiated into the Craft and officially welcomed as a member of Bytown Lodge. He was truly a candidate who you know had no expectations or idea of what the ceremony of initiation was going to entail. Despite his trepidation, it was enjoyable to watch him go through the ceremony with faith in his guide.
We also had three visitors join us. V.W. Bro. Mark Pogue, who graciously performed the N.E. Angle lecture during the First Degree; W. Bro. Sanjay Gaurao from Swaran Jayanti no. 312 in the city of Noida part of the Indian state of Utter Pradesh—a suburb of the capital city New Delhi; and, W. Bro. Edouard Kabre of la Loge les Artisans Réunis, number 140, district 2, Montreal.
Bytown Oktoberfest – Inaugural Edition a Success!
Saturday, October 18, we hosted our inaugural Oktoberfest. With a large sign out front of the Westboro Temple and many signs decorating lawns around the Village of Westboro, a strong social media presence through our new Instagram account, and personal engagements with many of the local Westboro businesses businesses, our event was hugely successful. Throughout the afternoon Bytown welcomed many friends/family and made many new friendships from the neighbourhood.
Our kitchen and serving crew were kept busy with preparing and cooking many items for participant delight—from chicken schnitzel to potato salad, warm sauerkraut, bratwurst sausages on a bun and honey cakes, and of course, provided by local German brewery Braumeister Bierhalle…beer!
Bytown Lodge was honoured to host Courtney Tower from Furry Tales Cat Rescue as our guest at the November Festive Board. Courtney shared an overview of the organization mission is to support cats in urgent need of medical care, rehabilitation, and adoption.
The WM, W. Bro. Jon Orazietti, presented her with a cheque in the amount of $550 in memory of R.W. Bro. John Hawkins. This contribution was made possible through proceeds and donations collected at our October Festive Board.
During our Regular Meeting, we held our annual Remembrance Service in memory of all Navy, Army and Air Force veterans—those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who returned home carrying unseen wounds.
The Lodge was established by military Brethren who sought a place of their own, and we are proud to continue that tradition today, with many of our Brothers currently serving or proudly retired.
The work of the evening was the passing of a worthy Brother to the Second Degree. He made a strong impression during his examination before passing and an even stronger one when he was called upon to recite his First Degree obligation. The team did a fantastic job, and the degree was received with enthusiasm by the Brother.
December Regular Meeting – December 11, 2025
As per our custom, we meet in December on the second Thursday of the month (rather than the third Thursday) as it tends to get quite busy and our cable tows become a little stretched.
Our Festive Board this month was “build your own fajitas”— and they were quite delicious!
We were honoured to have members of St. Andrews Lodge, No.560, Ottawa District 1, as well as V.W. Bro. Phillip Campbell, Junior Grand Deacon, Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island, join us evening.
The work of the evening was to conduct our annual Masonic Memorial Service where we honoured W. Bro. Michel Jacques Sebastien Sastre, R.W. Bro. John Hawkins, V.W. Bro. Charles Morton.
Bro. Howard Schwartz presented a piece of masonic education entitled, “The Sacred Triad: The Significance of Three in Freemasonry”.
The Travelling Trowel Update
The Ottawa District 2 Travelling Trowel symbolic trowel that is awarded to the Lodge with the greatest number of visiting members at every Official Visit of the DDGM. The Lodge with the most wins over the course of the year is declared the recipient of the Travelling Trowel for that masonic year—earning both bragging rights and the admiration of the other Lodges in Ottawa District 2.
Bytown Lodge has currently won the Travelling Trowel twice (out of three opportunities) in the current masonic year:
Ionic Lodge, November 12, 2025
Winner – Bytown Lodge
Renfrew Lodge – December 1
Winner – Bytown Lodge
Upcoming Official Visits
The Builders’ Lodge no. 177 – January 19, 2026
Madawaska Lodge no. 196 – February 9, 2026
Bytown Lodge no. 721 – February 19, 2026
Pembroke Lodge no. 128 – March 5, 2026
Cobden Lodge no. 459 – March 10, 2026
Bytown Holiday Social – December 13, 2025
Special thank you to our hosts Scott and Tamara Macdonald for once again hosting out annual holiday potluck party at their house! Lots of food, drinks and laughter were shared between everyone.
Upcoming Events
January 2026
Jan 8 – Committee of General Purpose, 7:00 pm at the WMTL
Jan 15 – Regular Meeting.
Social: 5:45 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Lodge: Tyles 7:30 pm
First Degree
Jan 17 – Annual Robbie Burns Dinner, 5:30 pm at WMTL
February 2026
Feb 7- Masonic Charity Ball
Feb 12 – Committee of General Purpose, 7:00pm at the WMTL
Feb 19 – Regular Meeting, Official Visit of OD2 DDGM
Social: 5:45 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Lodge Tyles: 7:30 pm
Second Degree
March 2026
Mar 9 – Committee of General Purpose
Mar 16 – Regular Meeting
Social: 5:45 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Lodge Tyles: 7:30 pm
Step-Up Night
April 2026
Apr 9 – Committee of general Purpose
Apr 16 – Regular Meeting
Social: 5:45 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Lodge Tyles: 7:30 pm
Elections
Apr 25 – Annual Cal Bellamy Chili Cook-Off
As the Year Draws to a Close — A Masonic Reflection from the “Blue Collar Freemason” on Facebook.
As this year comes to an end, it’s natural to look back.
The highlights.
The low spots.
The good, the bad… and the ugly parts we don’t always talk about.
To my Brothers—take a moment to reflect but do it with kindness. Judge yourself honestly, yes…but not harshly. We are craftsmen, not finished works.
Rough stones don’t become perfect by being smashed—they’re shaped with patience, intention, and care.
If you stumbled this year, own it.
If you hurt someone, make amends.
If you carried anger, regret, or old demons a little too long—it’s time to set them down.
Freemasonry teaches us that renewal is always possible. Every day is another chance to square our actions, correct our course, and begin again—wiser than before.
Breathe in the blessing of a new year.
Breathe out what no longer serves you.
Because none of us know when the sand runs out…
when the music stops…
or when we’re called to lay down our working tools.
So, make the most of what remains.
Love deeper.
Forgive quicker.
Walk lighter.
And step into the coming year not as a perfect man—but as a better one.
R.W. Bro. John Graham Hawkins, at the age of 70, of Kanata, Ontario, surrounded by his loving family, passed away on September 25, 2025, following unforeseen complications from surgery.
Throughout his masonic journey, John was actively involved with several of freemasonry’s concordant bodies.
A Masonic Memorial Service led by the WM of Bytown Lodge W. Bro. Jon Orazietti was held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638. Family, friends, and masons who knew John throughout his masonic journey gathered to remember him, and his son V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins gave a eulogy for his father.
R.W. Bro. George R. Ingraham was born in Bellville, Ontario, while his late father, Bro. Roy E. Ingraham, was stationed in nearby Trenton with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He is the fourth consecutive generation to be a Mason.
R.W. Bro. Ingraham graduated from Carleton University with BA Honours in History / Political Science and was certified in 2001 from Algonquin College in Human Resources Management. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve at HMCS Carleton in 1984, and retired in 2021, after serving 37 years and attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His early retirement was due to the diagnosis of shingles and its debilitating impact on his right eye. During his naval career, he worked in Halifax, Victoria, Borden, and NDHQ Ottawa.
The Annual Grand Lodge Appreciation Night was enjoyed by numerous Brethren from all over Ontario. It was hosted by the Ottawa Masonic Association and the Lodges of Westboro Masonic Temple: Bytown Lodge, Ionic Lodge, and Temple Lodge.
In attendance was PGM Paul Todd and the PGM of GLQ Robert Dupel, along with the DDGMs of Ottawa District 1, R.W. Bro. Abe Garcia , Ottawa District 2, R.W. Bro. George Ingraham, St. Lawrence District, R.W. Bro. Douglas Miller, and Frontenac District, R.W. Bro. Steve Ramey. In the audience were many Board of General-Purpose members, both past and present.
Saturday, October 18, we hosted our inaugural Oktoberfest. With a large sign out front of the Westboro Temple and many signs decorating lawns around the Village of Westboro, a strong social media presence through our new Instagram account, and personal engagements with many of the local Westboro businesses businesses, our event was hugely successful. Throughout the afternoon Bytown welcomed many friends/family and made many new friendships from the neighbourhood.
Bytown Lodge was honoured to host Courtney Tower from 
