True Brothers Lodge No. 8
The Annual Masonic Curling Bonspiel is a special project of True Brothers Lodge. The first reference to a Masonic Bonspiel was in the Minutes of November 8, 1971 when Bro. Ronald Dawson, Worshipful Master, announced that “a curling event was suggested to be held at Crapaud.” A Committee consisting of W.Bro. Ronald Dawson, W.Bro. Lorne Inman, Bro Robert Muttart, W.Bro. Barry Dawson and W.Bro. John Leard organized the first Bonspiel for January 8, 1972. The Minutes of January 11, 1972 described the first Bonspiel as “a very successful day.” M.W.Bro. Douglas MacKinnon PGM was appointed to the committee for 1973 and has provided leadership for the annual event ever since. In the 1990’s a curling trophy was purchased with funds donated by W.Bro. Bruce Green of Boston, a friend of late W.Bro. Charles Thomson. (The ‘Charles Thomson Memorial Curling Trophy’ is retained by True Brothers Lodge with a keeper trophy awarded annually to the championship team.) Each year the Bonspiel attracts Brethren from throughout the Jurisdiction. In 2000 the event included a Cribbage Tournament. In 2000 a Trophy donated by W. Bro. James Jollimore PM of Prince Edward Lodge was presented in memory of the Late M.W.Bro.Elmer Paynter. The trophy was awarded at the closing banquet to W.Bro. James Rodd, oldest curler (ninety years) in the 2000 Bonspiel.
True Brothers Lodge holds several fundraising activities annually to fund maintenance work, to support benevolent activity and to assist worthwhile community projects. The Strawberry Social and Bake Table has been a tradition of the Lodge each July since 1993. The Beef Draw was established in 1996. One hundred and fifty tickets at $5 each are sold each autumn with $200 worth of beef as first prize. The Spring Flea Market and Bake Table began in 1997. Over $800 was cleared in each of the first two years. The Memorial Fund was created in 1997. The Fund accepts donations at funerals and bequests through the wills of deceased Brethren. Interest from the Fund is used for Lodge work.
Seven prominent members of True Brothers Lodge have served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island. Portraits of all seven are prominently displayed in the Lodge Room.