Prince Edward Lodge No. 14
A Building Fund chaired by W.Bro. Henry Meek PM was established. The first fundraiser was a pot luck supper on March 30 in New London with $299 recorded as profit. Mrs. Rebecca Campbell, the wife of M.W.Bro. Archibald Campbell PGM and W.Bro. Garth Gillespie PM each contributed $500 to the Building Fund in its initial stages. (Campbell, p.4)
The first Communication in the new Lodge Room was held on May 4, 1977. Fifty-three Brethren attended including twenty-eight visitors. Bro. Robert Heaney received his Master Mason Degree at that Communication becoming the first member raised in the new Lodge Room. The first Application for Membership in Graham’s Road was received on October 5, 1977 from David Steward Johnstone of Mayfield.
After ninety years the closing and disposition of the Lodge Room in Stanley Bridge became part of the course of history. The last St. John’s Night Celebration was held on December 27, 1976. The traditional goose supper in the lower hall was followed by the Installation of new Officers for an historic year. Bro. Eric Carr was installed as Worshipful Master. The last Regular Communication in the Lodge Room in Stanley Bridge was held on April 6, 1977. In characteristic form one of the last acts of the Brethren was to approve a charitable donation to the Walter Callow League. The last Brother raised in the Lodge Room in Stanley Bridge was David Kevin Meek on February 4, 1976.
A Committee was appointed to dispose of the old Hall. W.Bro. Ralph Johnstone was successful in locating the Deed for the property. The Sterling Women’s Institute was given first option to buy. The sale price was $2000 with the Deed being transferred to the Sterling Women’s Institute on January 4, 1978. The Lodge received $500 through an auction of the furnishings that were not transferred to the new Lodge Room.
To assist in furnishing the new facility, a Chair Fund was established whereby the Brethren or the families of deceased Brethren could purchase an upholstered chair for $25 as a donation to the Lodge. Fifty-five chairs were purchased under the plan.
The new Lodge Building was dedicated and consecrated at a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island on August 27, 1977. Sixty-six Brethren from the Jurisdiction were in attendance. M.W.Bro. Archibald E. Campbell presided as Grand Master. He was ably supported by thirteen Grand Lodge Officers and eight Past Grand Masters.