Most Worshipful Brother
Erwin A. Dennis, PGM
Grand Lodge of
Prince Edward Island, A.F. & A.M.;
Grand Master 1988 – 1989

Most Worshipful Bro. Dennis was born in Arlington, P.E.I. August 15, 1922, to William J. and Ruth (Gorrill) Dennis.

At an early age he moved with his family to the neighbouring district of Port Hill, where he completed his education. Following this he joined the R.C.A.F. as an Aero Engine Mechanic, serving until the war ended in 1945. Much of this time was spent in British Columbia.

In 1947 he married Olive Millar of Ellerslie and began working in Summerside. In 1949 Erwin and Olive moved back to Ellerslie, where he started a garage business which is still operated as “Dennis Motors Ultramar” by family members.

Erwin and Olive raised a family of three sons and two daughters: Barry lived in New London and later Fredericton, N.B., working in insurance and investments; Barbara became Post-Mistress in Montague, then moved to St. Andrews, N.B., still with Canada Post; Brian of Ellerslie continued the family business as a mechanic; Betty also worked at Dennis Motors and lived in Freeland; and Bruce moved out to Edmonton, Alberta, where he also worked as a mechanic, then back to Fredericton, N.B., where he worked with Fairview Chrysler. Between them, at last count, they had added thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Erwin and his wife have always been active in community life, and are members of St. John’s Anglican Church, Ellerslie, where he has served as warden several times, as well as Parish Warden and DCS Lay Representative. Erwin has been an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 22, where he served as President and in other offices over the years, and was awarded a Branch Life Membership for outstanding service and was named 1988 Legionnaire of the Year in the West Prince Zone.

For recreation over the years, Bro. Dennis has enjoyed travelling, hunting, boating and golfing.

Within Freemasonry, he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 5, 1956, in Alexandra Lodge No. 5 in Port Hill, serving there as Master in 1978. In Scottish Rite Freemasonry he is a past TPGM of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection and a past Most Wise Sovereign of Gordon L. Bennett Chapter Rose Croix (formerly St. Lawrence Chapter), both in the Valley of Summerside, a 32° member of the Nova Scotia Consistory in the Valley of Halifax, and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. After appointment as a Grand Steward in 1979, he progressed through the various offices of Grand Lodge until installation as Grand Master on June 25, 1988.

He has since remained active on Grand Lodge committees, and a frequent attendee at Grand Lodge Visitations around the jurisdiction.