From the East: November 2019

Brethren,

October was a very busy month, as anticipated. Our regular meeting in October a worthy candidate was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason and I would be remiss if I didn’t, once again, thank all the Past Masters of Ionic Lodge who assisted with the Ceremony as I was absent from Lodge due to religious obligations. The number of texts and emails I received in the days following the meeting letting me know how well it went was a true credit to our Lodge. I received nothing but positive feedback, a credit to all involved. At our emergent meeting, a Saturday morning rarity for Ionic, we passed a well-prepared brother to the second degree followed by a Festive Board of typical brunch fare. While the timing of this meeting was not our standard emergent night, a good time was had by all and the work, as always, was exemplary. For various reasons a few last-minute replacements were needed and our ‘bench strength’ was obvious in us not missing a step. Also in October, and a new highlight of my Masonic career, I had the honour of presenting a brother with his 60 years a mason pin. A good showing of brethren attended the event, along with the Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden and a number of family members. Our brother was quite obviously elated with the turnout, and with the ceremony itself. A number of us stayed afterward to enjoy some refreshments and each other’s company.

As October falls behind us, the coming month will prove exciting. At our regular meeting on November 13 we will host the DDGM on his Official Visit. The work of the evening will be our Remembrance Day ceremony as well as some appropriate masonic education. Our emergent meeting on November 28th will be our Emulation of the First Degree; a much anticipated event at which the Grand Master will be our guest of honour as will other eminent Masons from around the District and the rand Jurisdiction. This will be an evening rich in education not only for newer Masons but for everyone.

Other important dates in November are the DDGM official visits to Ashlar Lodge on November 1st and Madawaska Lodge on the 11th. On Friday November 8th Ottawa Assembly #3 of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls will be holding their Remembrance Day ceremony and have invited the Masons of the Ottawa area to attend.

On November 11th, a somber and important day, we have been invited by Edinburgh Lodge to participate in the Remembrance Day parade which is organized by the Westboro Legion. Please approach me for further information with regards to this event. If you are unable to attend the parade in Westboro, the annual ceremony at The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa will be taking place. All Masons and families are welcome to attend.

As was written by Laurence Binyon “The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.”

See you in Lodge, Brethren.

- Jason Solomon, WM