Clarenville Community
Groups History
 

Clarenville Masonic Lodge No. 23

Formation of the Lodge in Clarenville: The first recorded attempt to form a Masonic Lodge in Clarenville occurred on Oct. 7 1965. At that time eight Masons met at the old high school with Eric Tucker (a Shriner) as convenor and Austin Baird as secretary to discuss the founding of a lodge. A By-laws committee, comprised of Eric Tucker, R. Wheaton and George Mills was established. A year later, on Oct 11, 1966, another meeting was called by which time additional names were added to the list. Among those attending the meeting were Rt. Wor. Bro. Jack Harnum, D.G.M. and Rt. Wor. Bro. Heldly Snelgrove D.D.G.M. of the Scottish Lodge in Newfoundland. Five Brethren signed a petition and presented it to Bro. Harnum. On Nov. 24, 1966 a further meeting was held. While the seed was planted, it lay dormant for another six years

On Oct. 4 1972, Eric Tucker, George Crewe, Lloyd Wicks, Cyril Pinsent, Hubert Stringer, Al MacPhee, W.G. Morgan, Jack Morris and Eldred Drodge met at the court house to help germinate the seed that had been planted six years previously. All but the first two on the list were new to the labours. From that meeting there was an agreement to form a Masonic Lodge at Clarenville to which current lodge owes its beginning. Business arising from that meeting included the establishment of a committee to formulate a set of by-laws and a Charter Membership Fee was set at $25.00. It was also decided that a letter would be sent to all known Masons in the area soliciting their support.

Two weeks later a second meeting was convened. At that meeting it was revealed that 15 Masons had replied to the questionnaire. 13 preferred we establish under the English Constitution and 11 wished to become Charter Members. By motion it was decided that the lodge would form under the EC Constitution.

On Oct. 31, 1972, the third meeting was held. It was decided that permission would be sought to use the I.O.O.F. Hall as the place to hold meetings, the name "Clarenville Lodge" would be used and an account would be opened at the Bank of Nova Scotia in the name of "The Clarenville Masonic Club". It was noted that at least 7 Charter Members were required who must be Master Masons of three years standing and who must submit a letter from their Mother Lodges certifying their good standing. Although some members were eligible to be Master, having served as Wardens in their Mother Lodges, it was felt that it would be more beneficial to have a Past Master as the first Master.

During the month of November two more meetings were held to further the progress of forming a lodge. At the Nov. 14 meeting it was reported that the I.O.O.F. hall was available for the extremely low cost of $10.00 per meeting. At the Nov. 28 meeting four of the D. G. Lodge members, who had been invited to the meeting were in attendance in addition to eleven members from the Gander Lodge, that had agreed to sponsor the Lodge in Clarenville.

After the Christmas recess, the intensity of the work increased, the flame of excitement grew and the goal of establishing a lodge in Clarenville was well underway. The date of consecration was set for May 12 and 13 at the Elementary School, with a dinner and dance to be included at the Canadian Legion. Subsequent to the activities, a church service would be held at St. Mary's Anglican Church.

At the February meeting membership had increased to 16 and Wor. Bro. Robert Hillier, from the sponsoring Lodge in Gander #6860 had been chosen as first Master. The brethren were notified that Clarenville Lodge would be given the number 8498 EC. and that the Master's and Warden's chair would be constructed by Newfoundland Hardwoods in St. John's. At that meeting it was also noted that a Ladies Auxiliary Association would be established.

The most important event in the history of Clarenville Lodge took place on May 12, 1973 with the consecration of the Clarenville Lodge at the Elementary School auditorium. Wor. Bro. James Gordon Barnes D.G.M accompanied by ten D. G. L. officers officiated the ceremony. There were 55 reigning and/or Past Masters and 68 Master Masons, representing 31 lodges under 5 jurisdictions, in attendance. Gifts were received from several brethren and 15 lodges. Total proceeds from the meeting including gifts and collections amounted to $1034.62

The first regular meeting of Clarenville Lodge #8498 with Wor. Bro. Hillier in the chair was held on June 5, 1973 with 20 members in attendance.

Source: Clarenville Masonic Lodge No. 23