Bytown Bulletin – Vol. 43, No. 2
Opening Comments from the Editor
In the previous issue we informed you, the reader, that we would be making a change to the publication dates of our bulletin. To recap, the publication of this bulletin it will change from four times per year to three times per year to allow for more substantial issues to be produced.
The new dates, starting in 2023 will cover the periods:
January-February-March-April – Issued in June
May-June-July-August – Issued in September
September-October-November-December – Issued in February
In closing I would like to announce that this will be my last issue as editor. My life has gotten a little more intense lately and in order for me to stay within my cable tow and ensure that I can serve Bytown Lodge properly as well as my personal and professional obligations I must turn over this project. Brother Howard Schwartz has agreed to take on the job of this bulletin, and I am grateful for that offer.
S&F, Bro. Peter Ruttan, UE,CD
Lodge News
January
January 19, 2023, was our first night of the new calendar year and what a better way to celebrate than with our annual Robert Burns Dinner. Prior to the dinner, Lodge was opened at 6:00 p.m. under Grand Lodge Dispensation to allow the dinner festivities to take place in good time. Lodge was opened and Grand Honours were given first to visiting current and past Grand Lodge Officers, followed by the District Deputy Grand Master. Thank you to Bro. Colin Bosche for leading the Grand Honours twice. Regular Lodge business was conducted with the usual proceedings and reports.
The DDGM introduced his delegation of present and past Grand Lodge Officers, followed by the visitors introducing themselves.
Bro. Howard Schwartz was invested by Worshipful Master Jean-Francois Legault as the Lodge’s Junior Deacon.
The Travelling Trowel was presented to Defenders Lodge followed by a short talk by the DDGM on the long-term sustainability of masonry. Lodge was closed at 7:30 p.m. and all proceeded to the banquet hall for the Robert Burns Dinner.
The dinner consisted of roast beef and haggis, “neeps” and more.
Our Master of Ceremonies was Bro. Sandy Mackie.
February
February 16 Lodge was opened at 7:30 and the various reports and committees established. The website for Bytown Lodge has undergone some changes and is now being kept up to date by Bro. Howard Schwartz.
A committee was established to review the application and meet with Bro. Cameron Arnot of Prince of Wales Lodge seeking affiliation.
March
Prior to our Lodge meeting of March 16, a festive board was held and in the tradition of Irish meals, breakfast for dinner was prepared and served to members and guests. Lodge was opened at 7:30 and the regular business conducted. An extensive report was given by Very Worshipful Brother George Ingraham on the Westboro Masonic Temple Corporation and what the possible future of the building may be. Both V.W. Bro. Ingraham and V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins were nominated by the members present to be Bytown Lodge’s representatives on the Temple Board for the ensuing year.
The committee of Inquiry for Bro. Cameron Arnot was read out and a ballot in favour of his affiliation was cast.
April
An emergent meeting was held on April 6 to conduct a Second Degree for Bro. Corto Soulas-Nallet. Prior to the ceremony Bro. Soulas-Nallet was asked the customary questions and proved his proficiency in the F.D. Bro. Soulas-Nallet was then Passed to the S.D. and Lodge was closed at 8:52 p.m. Congratulations Brother Soulas-Nallet.
April 20 saw the regular meeting of Bytown Lodge and after the regular business was conducted, balloting for the officers of Bytown for the upcoming Masonic year (June 2023-May 2024) was held. Under the watchful eyes of our scrutineers R.W. Bro. Ken Brinston and Bro. John Chamberlain, the following officer positions were elected:
V.W. Bro Jeff Hawkins, Worshipful Master Elect
Bro. Peter Ruttan, Senior Warden
Bro. Jon Orazietti, Junior Warden
W. Bro. Brodie Fraser, Secretary
V.W. Bro. Scott Macdonald, Treasurer
Bro. Sandy Mackie, Tyler
Following the elections, Mr. Spencer Jay-Leafloor was initiated into the secrets and mysteries of Masonry. Congratulations Brother Leafloor.
