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About Masonry
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Freemasonry is the oldest and largest world wide fraternity
dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of
a Supreme Being. Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry
is not a religion. It urges its members, however, to be
faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.
In our Province the governing body is called the Grand Lodge
of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the
Province of Ontario. It is under the leadership of the Grand
Master. He presides over 53,000 Masons who belong to one or
more of the 587 lodges in our jurisdiction. Each of these
lodges is under the direction of a Worshipful Master.
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What it does |
As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men
to meet and enjoy friendly companionship. In the spirit of
helpfulness and brotherly love and guided by strict moral
principles it encourages goodwill toward all mankind.
Freemasonry is of a personal nature in its private
ceremonies. Its ritual dramatizes a philosophy of life based
on morality. It promotes self improvement. The tools of
operative Masons are used to symbolize and teach the basic
principles of brotherly love, charity, and truth which
Masons are encouraged to practice in their daily lives.
Charity is a tangible way in which Masons help those whose
circumstances in life fairly warrant it.
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Historical Background |
Our traditions can be traced directly to the associations of
operative Masons. They were men of outstanding character and
high ideals, who built the cathedrals, abbeys, and castles
of the Middle Ages.
With the decline of cathedral building in the 17th Century,
many guilds of stone Masons, called "Operative" Masons,
started to accept into their membership those who were not
members of the Masons' craft and called them "Speculative"
or "Accepted" Masons.
It was in these groups, called lodges, comprised mainly of
"Accepted" Masons that Freemasonry, as we know it today, had
its beginning.
In 1717, four such lodges, which had been meeting regularly
in London, united to form the first Grand Lodge of England
under the direction of a Grand Master. From that first Grand
Lodge, Freemasonry has spread throughout the world. Today,
some 150 Grand Lodges have a total membership of
approximately four million Masons.
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Membership |
One of Freemasonry's customs is not to solicit members.
However, anyone should feel free to approach any Mason to
seek further information about the Craft.
Membership is for men, 21 years of age or older, who meet
the qualifications and standards of character and
reputation, who are of good moral character, and who believe
in the existence of a supreme being. He must understand that
his character will be investigated. After approval by the
members of that lodge, he will be accepted as an applicant
for membership in Freemasonry.
The doors of Freemasonry are open to men who seek harmony
with their fellow man, feel the need for self-improvement
and wish to participate in making this world a better place
to live.
In 1717, four such lodges, which had been meeting regularly
in London, united to form the first Grand Lodge of England
under the direction of a Grand Master. From that first Grand
Lodge, Freemasonry has spread throughout the world. Today,
some 150 Grand Lodges have a total membership of
approximately four million Masons.
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Prince Of Wales' Early Beginnings |
Instituted on March 31st, and constituted on
October 23rd, 1925, the Prince of Wales Lodge
brought together a preponderance of physicians, dentists,
bankers, locomotive engineers and teachers.
In those days of strong alliance to the British Empire, a
request had been made to the then Prince of Wales for
permission to incorporate the Coat of Arms of His Royal
Highness in our lodge crest. On May 28, 1926, the following
correspondence was received by A. B. Rice Esq., P.D.D.D.M,
Secretary of Prince of Wales Lodge.
Government
House
Toronto 5,
April 24, 1926
With
reference to correspondence of last January, 1 am this
morning in receipt of a dispatch, a copy of which I beg to
transmit herein:
“His Royal
Highness has asked that the lodge be informed that he very
much regrets that he is unable to accede to the wishes of
the lodge, as he has felt compelled, owing to the numerous
applications of such a nature, to refuse such requests. At
the same time His Royal Highness desires that his greetings
and best wishes for the prosperity of the lodge may be
conveyed to its members.
Yours Very
Truly
Alexander
Fraser, Colonel
Official
Secretary
Yet without
any discouragement, Prince of Wales #630 continued and
developed our own insignia which can be proudly found at the
top of this website.
Throughout the last 82 years, our lodge has seen many
changes. Today we are vibrant, enthusiastic, diverse and
welcoming. All members of Prince of Wales lodge receive full
print and/or CD-ROM copy of the full history of the lodge.
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