On Saturday September 27th, 2014, 107 masons from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island assembled in the Lodge room of the first Host lodge, Westmorland Lodge #44 on the registry of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick In Port Elgin New Brunswick. Brethren assembled for this joint effort of Friendship and Fellowship with an almost equal representation of Brethren from each of the three Jurisdictions.There was to be Brethren from the Grand Lodge of Quebec including their Grand Master, but shortly after their chartered aircraft left the ground it experienced a hydraulic failure and had to return to the airfield ending their bid to attend. It is with great thanks that they returned safely to the ground but with great sadness that they could not attend with us on this great day.
The first Annual Interprovincial Lodge Day was by all accounts a tremendous success. The Brain Child of Most Worshipful Brother Stephen Allen, Grand Master of Masons in New Brunswick, and Very Worshipful Brother Buddy Trenholm, Grand Director of Ceremonies of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick. When MWB Allen approached then Grand Master MWB George Grant, Grand Master of Masons in Nova Scotia, and then Grand Master MWB Allison Coles, Grand Master of Masons in Prince Edward Island, both whole Heartedly agreed it was something their members would be interested in participating in. It was subsequently equally endorsed by their successors, MWB Paul Frank Grand Master of Masons in Nova Scotia, MWB William Heffel Past Grand Master of PEI and MWB Paul Montgomery Grand Master of Masons in Prince Edward Island.
The Distinduished East included MWB Grant PGM NS, MWB Coles PGM PEI, MWB Montgomery GM PEI, MWB Frank GM NS, MWB Allen GM NB, VWB McKay, WB Allen, RWB Steeves, RWB Ponsford, RWB Donald Leary, WB MacDonald, and RWB Townes
Our day started with the host lodge, Westmorland #44 GRNB, under the leadership of Worshipful Master Rod Allen and his officers, opening the Lodge under the New Brunswick ritual with all dignitaries sitting in the East. After singing of our National anthem lead by NB’s Grand Organist WB James Mckenna, the dignitaries were introduced. All three Grand Masters were present along with several Past Grand Masters from all three jurisdictions and several Grand Lodge Officers as well.
Our Grand Piper played us a “wee tune” at the request of our Grand Master, to the applause of the Brethren assembled. After entertaining some motions, which included establishing Interprovincial Day be set as the 4th Saturday in September for the following years, the Lodge was turned over to the Brethren from PEI where they presented their version of the Rusty Nail Degree for the Education part of the program. The degree was very entertaining as most Brothers present indicated it was the first time they had seen it.
The Lodge was turned back to WB Allen at which time he presented a picture to WB MacDonald of Alexandria Lodge #87 which is to be hung in prominent place in his Lodge, as the host lodge for next year, for the year to promote Interprovincial Day. WB Allen then turned the Gavel over to WB MacDonald for closing.
All dignitaries were called on for greetings and all gave praise for how great the day had gone. After greetings the Master preceded to close our first Interprovincial Day under the Ritual of the GLNS.
Once the Lodge was closed all retired to the Banquet Hall for meal of either Seafood Chowder or Chilli.
A collect for a Sunshine Fund which raised $320 which was turned over to Worshipful Brother MacDonald for safe keeping until next year’s meeting at Alexandria Lodge #87 in Amherst NS. The Sunshine Fund is to be used to offset any monetary shortfall that a Lodge may encounter when hosting Interprovincial Day.
For all that were in attendance, a big Thank You and for those who were not there, you missed a great day.
Click here to go to our photo album for all the pictures taken through the day.