Victoria Lodge – Masonic Lodge in Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Learn How to Become a Freemason

Dear brethren,

The winter solstice is approaching.

In the darkness of the longest night of the year, let us contemplate on the light we have found in Freemasonry. Let us cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practicing that virtue which we all profess to admire – Charity.

While we are cautiously advised to give within our means, there is one thing that we can always give in abundance. Love! Love for our family, for our brethren, for our neighbors, for those less fortunate than us, for our close friends and for those that we will never meet. The more we give, the more we will receive.

May you have blessed and loving holidays.

Brother Andrei Traikovski

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Brethren:

This month, March is said to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. It is true that it is the month when we mark the vernal equinox, the return of spring, the rebirth of the land.

It is also the month of the feast days of Saint Patrick.

So raise a glass and spread some cheer…

“May the lilt of Irish laughter
lighten every load.
May the mist of Irish magic
shorten every road…
And may all your friends remember
all the favours you are owed!”

Fraternally, Stephen Nichols W.M.

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The Beehive is a symbol of industry and co-operation. The bee is traditionally the symbol of hard work by many to a common end, and perhaps was so chosen because operative builders all laboured to a common end in erecting great castles and cathedrals.

Social obligation, as a part of the symbol, is also seen in the harmonious working together of many units to a single end, living in peace and harmony with their fellow creatures.

The Beehive appears on the collar of the undress regalia of District Deputy Grand Masters. It symbolises his untiring work and dedication to the Craft, with particular attention to the Lodges in his District.

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The Masonic Foundation of Ontario, the registered charitable arm of our Grand Lodge, supports bursaries to university and college students.

It supports research into the causes and cures of deafness, and supports voice programs for children with hearing impairments.

The Foundation fights drug, alcohol and substance abuse awareness in schools. It funds teaching and research for Autism.

It supports youth programs of the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, 4-H, and other similar organisations.

Donations are fully tax deductible, and every Mason should be aware of its charitable works.

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The oldest Lodge in Canada is St. Andrew’s Lodge # 1, Halifax in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. It was also recognised as being the oldest lodge in what used to be called, “The British Commonwealth, overseas”.

It was instituted in 1750, and was called, originally, “First Lodge”, and was  warranted under the St. John’s Grand Lodge of Boston (the then Grand Lodge for New England). It later came under the authority of the then Provincial Grand Lodge of England, and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.

In 1866, when the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia was formed, it finally became St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 1. The Lodge is an active one, and meets on the 1^st Tuesday in “Freemasons Hall” on Barrington St. in downtown Halifax.

The ritual used is the Ancient York ritual, which is mostly analogous to the Webb ritual used in the USA.

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