Author: Michel Houde

Announcement

Bytown Lodge’s Gavel Passed to Newly Installed Worshipful Master Bro. Howard Schwartz

 

Congratulations to the newly installed officers for the 2026–2027 Masonic year.

W. Bro. Howard Schwartz and the officer line each advanced one chair during the installation and investiture ceremony on May 21, 2026.

“We have a new trestle board filled with social events and upcoming degrees,” says Bro. Schwartz.

“Our lodge has a strong line of committed officers, all of whom are accomplished ritualists. More importantly, they are enthusiastic and care deeply about our lodge and Freemasonry in general.”

Bro. Schwartz says Immediate Past Master W. Bro. Jon Orazietti is now focusing on the development of a comprehensive mentoring program that will incorporate an existing initiative created by Senior Deacon Bro. Kyle Walden.

“There will be an even greater emphasis on mentoring and Masonic education. These efforts have already proven popular among initiates and officers alike.”

Another major focus will be visitation.

“It can be intimidating for new members to walk into a room filled with brethren they do not know. There is always something to be gained from attending meetings at other lodges.”

Visitation also provides valuable opportunities to meet fellow Masons and build lasting friendships. In addition, it broadens a Mason’s experience by exposing members to the operations and ritual practices of other lodges.

Bytown Lodge meets on the third Thursday of the month.

2026-2027 Officer Line

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

Installation night photos

Announcement

Brethren,

It has been quite a year with numerous degrees, three very successful events, and unfortunately three Masonic Memorial Services. As my last message from the East for the year, I want to let everyone know how thankful I am for all of your passion, participation and support this year.

Congratulations to all brethren who have been elected for next year and I look forward to working under the leadership of our Worshipful Master Elect Bro. Howard Schwartz.

Please make every effort to attend both our Emergent Meeting on May 7— where we will pass a worthy brother to the Second Degree—and our Regular Meeting for the Ceremony of Installation and Investiture of Officers for our 2026/2027.

Thank you all again it has been an honour and a privilege to be the humble representative of King Solomon.

W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge

Announcement

We had full house Saturday April 25, at Bytown Lodge No. 721’s 2026 Cal Bellamy Memorial Chili Cook Off.  Over $1,000 was raised in support of Harvest House Ministries charity.

Familiar faces from around the district and new friends pulled up chairs together in the dining room to sample one of the finest assortments of chili in the nation.

The Bytown Lodge Annual Cal Bellamy Memorial Chili Cook Off is one of the lodge’s signature events.

Take a look around the website to learn more about The Friendly Lodge and its activities.

At Bytown Lodge, the hand of brotherhood is always extended.

 

 

Announcement

Brethren,

Further to the previous communication regarding the passing of V.W. Bro. Don Osborne, we Bytown Lodge will hold a Masonic Memorial Service in his honour with the following details:

• Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
• Time: 7:00 p.m. (brethren to arrive by 6:00 p.m.)
• Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638 (70 Hines Road, Kanata)

Brethren who wish to take part in the Memorial Service are asked to please let the WM know at your earliest convenience so that we may coordinate roles accordingly.

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Dear Brethren,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of V.W. Bro. Don Osborne, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above this morning, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Many of you had the opportunity to visit Don in recent days. We know those visits meant a great deal to him, and he spoke warmly and in appreciation of the brethren who came to see him.

At this time, there are no details available regarding the arrangement of a service. However, we will share further information with the membership as soon as it becomes available.

On behalf of Bytown Lodge, we extend our sincere condolences to Rose and the Osborne family. A card will be sent from the Lodge.

S&F

Announcement

Brethren,

Congratulations to the Officers of Bytown who impressively took on new roles at our annual Step-Up Night. It was a packed, but successful evening. Particular kudos to Bro. Jay on his JW duties—coordinating a meal, MC’ing the Festive Board, and carrying the JW portion of the openings and closings should not be understated. Furthermore, the Irish stew was delicious.

Congratulations also to our two new Fellowcraft who were well prepared and who represented their sponsors and mentors well. We were all impressed by your work.

Thank you to all of the brothers who attended the various DDGM Official Visits. While Bytown didn’t sweep the Traveling Trowel, we were well represented at all of the visits and the DD was very proud of our efforts in supporting him throughout his year.

April brings the elections for the upcoming Masonic year. Please note that our April meetings will be held a week early with our CGP on April 2 and elections on April 9. Please attend if within the length of your cable tow as your vote is important. We will also be initiating a new member to Bytown that evening. In closing, please remember:

“Masonry is not a secret society. Everybody knows that the Masonic fraternity exists and no effort is made to hide the fact. It is only the wisdom of Masonry which is hidden, not because it is subtle, but because it is simple. Its secret is profound; not obscure. If Masonry uses the illusion of secrecy, it is because it knows that it is the nature of man to seek what is hidden. We are seekers after truth and we are so made that we cannot find the truth alone, but only in the love and service of our fellow man.”

– Author Unknown

W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge

Announcement

Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for the Cal Bellamy Memorial Chili Cook Off, an annual Bytown Lodge tradition celebrating great chili, great people, and a great cause.

Held at the Westboro Masonic Temple, this lively community event invites guests to sample delicious homemade chili, cheer on local contestants, and enjoy an evening of friendly competition. With awards like Judge’s Choice and Crowd Favourite, plus excellent prizes for the winners, it’s always a highlight on the Bytown calendar.

Announcement

Brethren,

It was great to see so many brethren engaged and out travelling in February. With a busy month capped off with the very successful visit of our DD and Brother of Bytown R.W. Bro. George Ingraham, it was a month full of fellowship. I would like to thank all of the brethren who played a role in the evening, but particularly to Bros. Bosche and Oliver for their work in the kitchen—both the night before and the night itself. We planned for 50…and fed 70!

At our Official Visit, our Ottawa District 2 sister lodge at Westboro Temple, Ionic Lodge no. 526, brought out a staggering 17 members to win the Travelling Trowel—and according to their summons, they are planning to keep it at both Pembroke and Cobden. I encourage you to make the trip up the valley so that we might bring the Trowel back to Bytown!

I also encourage all brethren to attend the Day of Masonry on March 14, as well as our Regular Meeting where the potential officers for next year will try out their new roles, and we will be conferring Second Degrees on two worthy brethren.

Lastly, March is when we begin the work for our final fundraiser of the year; the Cal Bellamy Memorial Chili Cookoff, which will take place April 25. I am looking forward to tasting as many secret family recipes as I can!

“Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.”
– Bro. Irving Berlin (1888 – 1989)

W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge

Announcement

Brethren,

As the winter months move along so does our Masonic year. I am extremely proud of the team and their stellar work in welcoming our newest member into the Craft. It was a great night that I am sure he won’t forget.

Thank you all as well to all who put on another successful Robbie Burns Night. We are all a little more Scottish because of the wonderful night of food, merriment, music and prose.

February will be another exciting month! I implore all members to come out to as many events as you can, but in particular, our Regular Meeting where we will host our DDGM on his Official Visit to his home lodge and pass a worthy brother to the Second Degree.

Lastly, the Ottawa Masonic Charity Ball will be an excellent opportunity to raise money for both district charities, so I hope to see a goodly number of Bytown brethren.

Remember brethren, Brotherly Love is the cement which unites us. Without it, our sacred institution would crumble. Yet with it, we can build ever higher. So please come out to support new and experienced brethren alike.

W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge

Announcement

This year’s Robbie Burns Dinner is sold out. Thank you to all who will be attending!

Bytown Lodge No. 721 is hosting Robbie Burns Night, Saturday January 17, 2026.

Announcement

Brethren, Happy New Year!

While we had the chance to enjoy some time off, I know that the holidays can be a busy and sometimes stressful time. I hope you were able to participate in some classic traditions or even make some new ones. We spent time with family, ate too much, and watched the staple Christmas movies.

Speaking of traditions, thank you to everyone who attended the holiday social at V.W. Bro. Macdonald’s home. The food and fellowship were wonderful, and it was great to see so many smiling, and full faces.

The New Year is a time for renewal, so we will exemplify this with the First Degree for Mr. Oliver at our Regular Meeting. Thanks to all who have stepped up for roles and agreed to back up.

We also have our annual Robbie Burns Night on January 17, so come out, try some haggis and embrace your inner Scott.

Happy 2026!

“Oh would some power the gift give us,
to see ourselves as others see us.”
– Bro. Robert Burns

W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge