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 the 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.
Humber Lodge today comprises a diverse group of men from Weston and the Greater Toronto area. The lodge members are committed to practicing Freemasonry according to the principles and teachings passed down to them by their forefathers.
Weston Masonic Temple Opens in 1924
JULY 1926 – W. Bro. H.J. Alexander was elected as D.D.G.M. Toronto District “A”. W. Bro. A.E. Scythes appointed as District Secretary. A Local School In Weston Now Carries W. Bro. H.J. Alexander’s Name.
OCTOBER 1932 – Diamond Jubilee of Humber Lodge was celebrated. W. Bro. Fred Pollett was W.M. Twenty-two Past Masters were present. R.W. Bro. A.J. Anderson unveiled the two frames containing the photographs of all Past Masters of Humber Lodge, with the sincere hope that the Lodge would continue to prosper, and that the brethren grouped together in the two frames was only the reflection of the Lodge of today.
May 1945 – Humber and Mt. Dennis Lodges jointly celebrated the allied victory in Europe. Members of His Majesty’s Forces were welcomed back to Lodge. W. Bro. G. Medhurst addressed the Lodge on “The Four Freedoms”.
JUNE 10, 1950 – W.M. James A. Case together with 39 officers and members of Humber Lodge chartered a plane and flew to Rochester, New York. They were met at the airport by W. Bro. Charles E. Kase, of Rochester Lodge No. 660, his officer and large number of their brethren. They gave Humber members a wonderful reception and a full day’s tour of the city, also conducting the brethren through their magnificent Masonic building. After dinner Humber Lodge officers exemplified the first degree following which they were entertained at their “fourth degree” fellowship hour. By 1 a.m. Sunday morning we were escorted back to the airport and Humber members were safely home within an hour.
MARCH 2, 1951 – A proud evening for our Bro. Wm. P. Graham Sr., who was present when four of his sons James A., A. Curie William P. Jr., and Glen L. were initiated into the Lodge.
JANUARY 17, 1974 – The 994th regular communication of Humber Lodge as we celebrate our centennial Birthday.