Making Good Men Better Since 1874
Our Lodge – Yesterday and Today
In the 1870s, Jacob Bull returned to the town of Weston after spending time in California, where he had been involved in the building trade. During his time in California, Bull had seen the positive impact of Freemasonry in San Francisco and decided to establish the Freemason order in Weston.
Around the same time, a man named Mr. Eagle arrived in Weston after attempting to purchase Crown land from Indigenous people near Brantford. Impressed by the activity and prosperity in Weston, Eagle decided to stay and bought a large plot of land where he built a hotel and stables that could accommodate 100 teams of horses.
Eagle was surprised to find that, despite several lodges in the area, the Masonic Lodge, which he held in high regard from his time in England, did not have a meeting place. He discussed the situation with his friends and discovered that several of them were members in good standing of Humber Lodge.
So, to cater to the best people and contribute to the town’s prosperity, Eagle offered to build and maintain a Masonic Temple next to his hotel. One of his tenants, the manager of the Willoughby Shodding Mill and a Past Master of the Simcoe Lodge, agreed to be the first Master of the Humber Lodge, and Eagle became the first candidate.
In March 1873, a meeting was held in the home of John Linton with Benjamin Plewman, F.W. Forbes, and Wm. Brown to organize the Humber Lodge formally. Representation was sent to the Grand Lodge for a charter, granted on July 9, 1874, with F.W. Forbes as the Worshipful Master, Wm. Brown as the Senior Warden, Jacob Bull as the Junior Warden, and Charles McMunn as Secretary. The minutes of the Humber Lodge contains the signature of M.W. Bro. William Mercer Wilson.
The Humber Lodge experienced progress during its first six years and held many interesting meetings. However, the Grand Lodge did not permit the serving of liquor in connection with meetings, which caused a split and eventually led to the Humber Lodge finding a new, dry place to meet. In May 1880, the Humber Lodge moved to a small building on King Street owned by Bill Tyrell. The Lodge remained there until the Oddfellows opened a new hall on October 1, 1886. At that point, Humber Lodge moved into the former First Methodist Episcopal Church building, which had been put up for sale due to a dwindling congregation.
Throughout those years, the Humber Lodge had several initiatives and events, including raising initiation and affiliation fees, offering reduced dues to members living more than ten miles away from the Lodge, hosting a party for the Deputy District Grand Master, and aiding those in need. In 1893, M.W. Bro. John Ross Robertson, the Grand Master at the time, was so impressed by the Humber Lodge’s efforts to help those in need that he offered to buy a suit of clothes for every orphan the Lodge had assisted.
In addition to these efforts, Humber Lodge also hosted events such as “At Home” parties, which were highly sought after and considered the most prestigious events in town. The Lodge even had to contend with unexpected challenges, such as the feather beam giving out during one party and causing everything to fall into the hopper, except for the piano, which was luckily spared. Despite these setbacks, the Humber Lodge remained an essential and active part of the community for many years.
Humber Lodge continued to grow and evolve, with new members joining and taking on leadership roles. However, the Lodge faced its fair share of challenges, including financial difficulties and conflicts.
Weston Masonic Temple Opens in 1924
In 1924, the lodge moved into the newly built Weston Masonic Temple — a striking brick building that quickly became a neighbourhood landmark. For generations, the Temple has hosted lodge meetings, community events, and countless celebrations. The Weston Masonic Temple stands as a symbol of tradition, fellowship, and community. Today, it continues to serve as a gathering place for both Masons and the Weston community.
A Tradition of Leadership
Humber Lodge has produced many respected leaders within the Craft, including District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge officers, and dedicated volunteers who have shaped the lodge’s direction and culture.
Humber Lodge Today
Today, Humber Lodge is a diverse and active lodge with members from all backgrounds and professions from Weston and the Greater Toronto area. We continue to uphold the values of Freemasonry while embracing new ideas, new members, and new opportunities to serve our community. Our lodge is a place where men grow, connect, and make a meaningful impact. The lodge members are committed to practicing Freemasonry according to the principles and teachings passed down to them by their forefathers.
Looking Ahead
As we approach future milestones, our commitment remains the same: to foster brotherhood, preserve tradition, and contribute positively to the world around us.