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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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!
Lively Bavarian music was provided by Harmonious Reeds.

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.
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 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
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
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.
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.
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
As summer has gone and we move into the fall season, we are grateful to have been able to meet since May. Our Lodge remained active throughout the past four months, and we look forward to
sharing these events with you.
The month of May saw installations happening across our District, as well as District 1. I am sure that a few of us gained a few pounds attending the festive boards prior to the meetings as it has always been a source of pride of all our Lodges to express great hospitality. As the outgoing Worshipful Master of Bytown it was exciting to see installations from start to finish, as our Lodge is always the last installation of the District. Bytown Lodge No. 721, held our installation on Thursday, May 15 under the Installing Master, R.W. Bro. Richard Loomes. Bro. Jon Orazietti was installed as Worshipful Master and placed in the chair of King Solomon by the outgoing Worshipful Master W. Bro Ruttan.
The Lodge is in great shape with all but one succession chair is held by Master Masons. W. Bro. Orazietti looks forward to a great year ahead and thanks all who participated in the installation and those that are supporting him in this journey.

On June 5th, an Emergent Meeting was held to initiate a new Brother. The evening began with a social from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. with a Festive Board beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Festive Board was prepared by our new Junior Warden Bro. Colin Bosche. Our new Brother was properly initiated into Masonry with excellent work completed by all present. Congratulations Brother and we look forward to seeing you in Lodge and taking this journey with us.
At the home of Bro. Kyle Walden, the members, family and friends gathered to celebrate the end of a Masonic year and to welcome in summer. Copious amounts of food was available to where no one couldn’t find something that liked. The weather, while starting off a little shaky quickly turned enjoyable. Thank you to Bro. Walden and his partner for opening their home. It is with great pride that Bytown Lodge No. 721 announces the installation of Right Worshipful Brother George Ingraham as the District Deputy Grand Master for Ottawa District 2. More to follow in the next issue.
Acting Editor
W. Bro. Peter Ruttan
Worshipful Master
W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that our Brother, R.W. Bro. John G. Hawkins, Past District Deputy Grand Master (2019-2022), has passed to the Grand Lodge Above, today, September 25, 2025.

R.W. Bro. Hawkins was a devoted Mason and proud member of Bytown and Renfrew Lodges. He served as Worshipful Master of Bytown in 1986 and again in 2004, and his leadership extended well beyond the walls of our lodge. He was Potentate of Tunis Shriners in 2014, initiated into the West Lawrentian Chapter, Order of DeMolay, in 1972, Master Councillor in 1974, and served as Grand Master of the Canadian Order of DeMolay from 1997 to 1999. His Masonic journey and service to the Craft left a profound mark on our Lodge and the wider fraternity.
On behalf of Bytown Lodge, we extend our heartfelt condolences to V.W. Bro. Jeff Hawkins, his mother Julie, his sister Jackie, and their extended family. They have expressed their appreciation for the kindness and support shown by the Masonic family during this difficult time.
Greetings Brethren,
With the change in temperature, and our first meeting under our belts, pumpkin spice season is definitely upon us.
I enjoyed seeing so many brethren and visitors out in September. Thank you to Bro. Bosche for the wonderful meal and to everyone who contributed or stayed to assist with clean up. Thank you as well to the brethren who made the trip from Pembroke to deliver the Traveling Gavel.
As you can see from the summons, we have a busy October with multiple District 2 events as well as our own two First Degrees including fraternal visits from our DDGM, a trip to Ashlar to present the Travelling Gavel and our first annual Oktoberfest event. Please promote this in your social circles and point your friends to the new Bytown Instagram account for details.
And remember:
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”
– Bro. Franklin D. Roosevelt
W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge
Brethren,
I hope you all survived the heat and had an enjoyable summer with many good memories. I spent the summer traveling around Southern Ontario and the United States as my 16-year-old had his first foray into travel baseball. While the travel was intense, I truly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with my son as he gains his independence. It is amazing how time flies.
I also want to say that it was a pleasure to see so many members and prospects at the Bytown BBQ, and other social events over the summer—a huge thank you to Bro. Walden
for hosting, to the sun for shedding its rays upon us, and to everyone who brought a dish.
Thank you as well to the Brethren who attended Grand Lodge in July, and those who made it out to the Ottawa District 2 meeting in August. Our DDGM appreciated our support at both events.
I also want to show my appreciation for the Officers who made it out to the first annual Bytown Officers Retreat. While we have a busy year ahead of us, I know this team will make it successful.
We indeed have a packed schedule, with a number of degrees to confer and no less than four activities in September alone. Further to our CGP and Regular Meeting where we will be opening and closing in all three degrees, and balloting for two applications for affiliation, we also have our annual visit to attend the Golden Rule Lodge Third Degree at the top of Owl’s Head Mountain on September 27, and Grand Lodge Appreciation Night on September 29. We will also try to fit in a Finance Committee meeting.
I am looking forward to the year ahead and the inclusion of masonic education at as many meetings as possible, so please sign up on the spreadsheet. Simply find a topic that interests you and put together no more
than 5 minutes. Speak to one of our Past Masters if you need help finding a resource. This is a great opportunity to hone your public speaking skills and explore our system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every
opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity
in every difficulty.”
– Bro. Winston Churchill
W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge
Brethren,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those responsible for my installation in May. To the Past Masters’s of Bytown, particularly V.W. Bro. George Ingraham and W Bro. Brodie Fraser, thank you for organizing the Ceremony of Installation—it was a night I will never forget!
To R.W. Bro. Richard Loomes, thank you for agreeing to be my Installing Master. While you didn’t know it during your time as DDGM in 2016, you played a key role in my masonic journey, and I might not have made it here otherwise. I am truly honoured that you agreed to be a part of this milestone in my life. Please let this be a lesson to all that you never know the impact you will have on the lives of others, so take every moment to act with uprightness and kindness.
To W. Bro. Peter Ruttan, thank you for your mentorship and leadership over the past year. As always, you are a hard act to follow, but I am very glad to have you by my side for the upcoming year. Thank you as well for agreeing to “move back a chair” for the initiation we have planned for June 5th.
To my mother, my son, and my beautiful wife, as well as to Holly Hawkins and Tamara MacDonald, thank you for cooking, serving, and cleaning up after my installation meal. I was honoured to have you as part of my installation night as well—you allowed us to make the most of the night. A big thanks to V.W. Bro. Scott Macdonald for the dessert, and to my wonderful sister-in-law for the masonic ashlar cake. Everyone agreed that, while we strive for the perfect side, the rough side is sometimes tastier.
Lastly, and certainly not least, thank you to the many brethren who participated in the Board of Installed Masters and/or the investment of the officers of Bytown Lodge, as well as to the visiting brethren from around the district.
To the brethren who have accepted officer positions within lodge—a very special thank you to you. While we will be learning together, I am excited to face the upcoming year with such a great group.
Finally, to all the brethren of Bytown Lodge, thank you for your faith in me as your Worshipful Master. I will strongly uphold my duties while maintaining our “Friendly” reputation.
As Henry Ford said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
Sincerely & Fraternally,
W. Bro. Jon Orazietti
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge
Brethren,
As Spring has finally arrived, I write this last message for the bulletin. In May the ceremony of installation will occur and I will hand over leadership of Bytown Lodge to Bro. Jon Orazetti. This past year has been a whirlwind of activities, learning and enjoyment. The many opportunities to visit other lodges and engage with the members have been great moments of which I am the better for it. While this year has not been as busy with degree work as last year, we had meaningful events each month. We welcomed three new Brethren into the Craft, received our District Deputy Grand Master once for his official visit, once for his fraternal visit and again during our regular meeting in April. We have successfully organized and reviewed our By-Laws to be sent to Grand Lodge for approval, had a successful Robbie Burns event in January and an outstanding turn-out at our annual chili cook-off raising over $1500 towards our District 2 charity, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
I would like to take this moment to thank all of you for your support over the past year, but in particular W. Bro Fraser who kept me on track with the summons and various points of order, and V.W. Bro Hawkins in his role as IPM keeping me calm in the East and providing that whispering voice in my head. To be honest, I could name every Brother that has attended Lodge faithfully this past year and the something you have contributed to me over the year, and from my full heart I truly thank you for your support.
In closing I would like to express my final thanks to Bro. Howard Schwartz who took on the role of editor for the Bytown Bulletin when I became Senior Warden. He has done a great job in rounding up our activities, collecting photos and telling the stories of our membership.
I look forward to seeing the Lodge move only forward in the years to come.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
W. Bro. Peter Ruttan
Worshipful Master, Bytown Lodge

Nine of Bytown Lodge’s chili chefs dished up their best April 11th, to help raise money for medical research.
Ticket sales and contributions from our lodge, along with the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, totaled more than $2,600. This amount will be donated to District 2’s selected charity, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
Roughly 70 people packed the dining room, elbow to elbow, for what was arguably the best chili selection in Canadian history.
The Judge’s Choice Award went to Holly Hawkins, while Bro. Scott Macdonald took home the People’s Choice Award. Congratulations to both of them, and a heartfelt “thank you” to all participants, their friends, family members, and visitors.
The Cal Bellamy Chili Cook-Off is an annual signature event for Bytown Lodge.
If you’re interested in entering next time, you’ve got a full year to tweak your recipe and get it ready for competition!