History of the Project

This is Eastern District’s Sesquicentennial Project and it’s been a long time coming.  It was  envisioned by R. W. Bro. Bill Shields many years ago that we could have a demonstration lodge at our beloved local Upper Canada Village, which is very similar to the Black Creek Village in Maple Ontario where they do in fact have a demonstration lodge.  Upper Canada Village welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors each summer season.

 First we had to find a building.  It was located in the  Village of  Kars , just outside of Ottawa.  It was a former Loyal Orange Lodge and had been relocated across the street from its original setting and to ensure its’ longevity, the Rideau Valley Historical Society had the building and land designated as Heritage.  Since the amalgamation of all the small communities with the City of Ottawa, the ownership reverted to the city.

After a summer recess of the city’s committees in 2006, our application got going and by December 2006 it had passed 3 most important committees in the City.  Just one hiccup though, a Municipal Election.  There were other hot topics on the city’s agenda, like the Train project.  We got bumped at the first new city council meeting in early December 2006 however  our request was passed at the next  Council meeting and the project moved into high gear.

We now have permission to lift the building and locate it at Upper Canada Village.

We have a great location on the apple orchard, beside the Tin Smith shop, close to the Pastor’s House and the Hotel.

There will be a cornerstone laying ceremony as soon as is feasible.  Our goal is to have the building on site, although not renovated, by their opening on Victoria Day in May of this year.  Your donation will make it happen.  We have set the end of April as a date by which we would like to have the bulk of donations in.

There will be a commemorative book at the entrance of the Upper Canada Village Masonic Lodge with all donors will be listed there.  Although it will not be a constituted lodge, we will likely be able to hold special ceremonies there.

Our Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Gary Atkinson has graciously accepted to be our Honorary Chair.

We are developing, with the assistance of R.W. Bro. Len Fourney , a historical perspective of masonry in Eastern Ontario which will be available to visitors to the lodge.

This project was envisioned by masons, a mason identified the building, masons helped the city’s committees see the benefit of moving the building to a proper site where it could be recognized for its full potential and you brethren can help it come to fruition with your donation.