As part of Humber Lodge’s 150 Anniversary taking place in 2024, we will be sharing excerpts from historical documents and photos from the archives.
Above is a photo of the Oddfellows Hall, which was the home of Humber Lodge from 1886 until the opening of the Weston Masonic Temple in 1924. Interesting fact — this building still stands in the Weston neighbourhood and is now a private residence!
During our first year of holding meetings in the Oddfellows Hall, the District Deputy Grand Master made his annual visit to Humber Lodge. Below is an excerpt from his report back to Grand Lodge on the condition of Humber Lodge at the time, which was 12 years into the lodge’s existence.
Humber Lodge number 305, Weston; the Lodge has 36 members on its register the average attendance is 9. The Worshipful Master opens and closes in all the degrees and exemplifies the entered apprentice and fellowcraft fairly. His SW and Deacons were conveniently absent on the occasion of my second visit. His JW is only on average worker none of the others can do the work. The secretary’s book would be alright if the formula was followed. The treasure’s books are only passable. The cash is promptly paid over.
The hall is at least one, suitable, in excellent condition, comfortably furnished, and is used by the Odd Fellow’s Lodge, who are owners of the hall. The furniture of the Lodge is valued at $100 is uninsured. The total arrears of dues at the date of the visit were $75, one member being in arrears for over 4 and 2 / 2 years. The assets are $250, liabilities nil.
The outlook of this Lodge is poor. It seems to have outlived its usefulness. The Worshipful Master is anxious and willing, but nearly all the officers are careless. The attendance is poor, and I do not think it will improve. As the suburban villages and towns become more populous, the interest may revive, but it will be in the distant future.
Lucky for us, the Lodge was able to turn things around. And here we are 138 years later with a strong and vibrant lodge celebrating our 150th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of our home the Weston Masonic Temple. Here’s to another 150 years!
