November 2014

Editor: RWBro George Tapley Volume 79, No. 9

Canadian Freemasonry During the First World War RWBro Michael Jenkyns, FCF, Grand Historian, Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of in the Province of Ontario and RWBro George Tapley, PDDGM and Past Master of the Internet Lodge of Research GRA On 4 August 1914, Great Britain And throughout and Quadra 2, of Victoria and declared war on Germany in what this effort at a Past DDGM. The first Major- became known as the Great War. It home and abroad Generals of the other three would continue for almost five years. all elements of Canadian Divisions were The Armistice of 11 November 1918, Canada’s society also (by happenstance and which we observe every year to remind were touched and not design) members of the us of all those who have served our a great many were Craft: Richard Turner, VC, of Country and the many who gave their actively involved. the 2nd (whose VC dated from lives that our way of life could continue, All aspects of the South African War, was was not the end. The Great War would society — and our a member of St. Andrew’s not end until late 1919 when the last Masonic Brethren 6 of Quebec City), Malcolm Canadian troops returned from the war — were there in full Smith Mercer of the 3rd (a in Russia. Wars have continued since measure. member of River Park 356 then. The 1939–45 war saw “the Great Canada’s and Victoria 474 in Toronto, War” becoming known as “the First population and also, regrettably, the World War” and the latter the “Second (including RWBro Lt-General Arthur highest ranking Canadian World War.” And wars have continued Newfoundland) Currie, Commander of the killed in the war) and David th and still exist to haunt our lives. had reached 7.9 Canadian Corps Watson of the 4 (a member In 1914 all parts of the British Empire, million on 1 July of St. Andrew’s 6 of Quebec whether or colonies were 1914. By the end of 1919, about 118,300 City). Private Thomas Ricketts of the involved in support of Great Britain. So Freemasons belonged to Lodges spread Royal Newfoundland Regiment was the it was for Canada. This period did much across this area. During this period youngest. He enlisted at the age of 15½ to put Canada on the world stage in its about 12,300 of those Brethren enlisted and received the VC for his actions at own right. Canadian and an estimated Ledeghem, Belgium in October 1918 forces were raised 1,000 died serving the (when he was 17 years old), joining for the Canadian colours. Canadian Freemasonry in 1930. Expeditionary Force soldier-Masons Statistics show that the Grand Lodge (CEF) rather than being occupied all ranks of Alberta had 70 Lodges with 5,166 fed piecemeal into in the services from members reported as of 28 May 1913 British units. Within the most senior to the and would grow to 112 Lodges with a short time in France most junior. Sir Sam 9,343 members by 10 June 1920. While the CEF, through Hughes, Canada’s there are no clear statistics of Masonic force of character Minister of Militia enlistments in the forces, we know that and circumstances, and responsible 77 Alberta members of the Craft died became a Canadian for the good and in service Corps of four Canadian bad of Canada’s How did we as Masons act during Divisions, led and mobilization, the war? commanded by equipping and In some jurisdictions Masons who Canadians. The attack training, was a had been born in countries that now and capture of Vimy member of St. constituted “the enemy” were excluded Ridge on 9 April 1917 Andrew’s 16 in from Lodge activities. In Canada, where by Canadians showed Toronto. Lieutenant- we had immigrants from countries that our forces had General Sir Arthur with which we were now at war, it was become the equal Currie, commander generally left to the decision of the of all. And in 1919 Portrait of a British Freemason of the Canadian Corps Lodge and the ballot as to whether an Canada would attend wearing white tie, Freemasonry (and prior to that applicant was accepted the Peace Conference medals and, at the top, his WWI the first commander Charity assumed greater importance. and sign the Treaty of medals: 1914–15 Star with Bar, of the 1st Canadian Canadian Grand Lodges established Versailles in our own British War Medal, and Victory Division), was a funds for the relief of distressed Belgians right. Medal. member of Vancouver following Germany’s unprovoked attack there, and continued this assistance made equally welcome in Canada Lodge.” throughout the war years. Grand Lodges found In France, Canadian soldier-Masons themselves financing other more specific assisted in the formation of new Lodges near projects such as the building and equipping of the front lines. Through a fortuitous set of hospitals in Great Britain to treat the wounded. circumstances the furnishings of one wartime Grand Lodges responded quickly to the need Lodge formed in Havre, France by British and for support following domestic disasters such Commonwealth soldier-Masons has survived as the Hillcrest Mining Disaster (Alberta) and and now rests in Carleton 465 GRC at Carp, the Halifax explosion. Ontario. This was Loge Le Havre de Grâce, No. 4 Grand Lodges provided assistance, when GLNIR, whose 71 founder members from around requested, to dependents of our own serving the world included 15 Canadians: six from Brethren. Funds continued to be used in the Ontario, four from Manitoba, one each from BC, postwar period when it became obvious that WBro Maj-Gen Malcolm Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Canada would, for years to come, be concerned Smith Mercer is the Nova Scotia. The Alberta founder member with the welfare of the widows and children highest ranking Canadian was listed in the Lodge Register as “VERNON, of dead soldiers as well as those under long- officer ever to die in F. — Bandsman Pte. #86236 — 31st Can. Bn. term hospital care. By 1925 it was estimated battle (Mount Sorrel, Central Training Camp, Harfleur — Founder that there were 20,115 widows, children 1916). General Mercer 56 — member of Perfection Lodge, No. 9 GRC and destitute parents of soldiers who were Lodge No. 548, GRC is Canada. [The name and number actually refer receiving pensions and this number included named in his honour. to Perfection Lodge No. 9, GRA, Calgary.] many dependents of our soldier-Masons And soldier-Masons (such as Private Lodges provided support for their members R.J. Meekren of Golden Rule 5 of Stanstead, in uniform. Lodge histories frequently refer to Quebec, who was taken at Ypres in 1916) the remission of dues of serving Brethren, the were sometimes able to develop contact with provision of “care packages” and support for other captives and conduct informal Lodge dependents in times of need meetings. In other cases some of our Brethren At this time in Masonic development we were treated well by the enemy. Major W.H.V. did not use dues cards as we do today. Grand Hooper (a member of St. John’s 63 at Carleton Lodges across Canada authorized the issue Place and later mayor of the town) was one of a paper certificate or card attesting to the such who had been wounded, captured and member’s good standing in his Lodge (Alberta given preferential treatment that probably authorized an “Active Card certificate” in 1916). saved his life because, in his opinion, “he was This became an occasional problem in some known to be a Mason.” locations: the Grand Lodge of England had It has long been remarked in Lodge and constitutional conditions which precluded WBro Lt-Gen Richard District histories and in social reviews of the accepting such “informal statements.” Turner, VC (from the time that many returning soldiers sought a Resolution was achieved with the large number South African War). solace with others who had encountered the of Canadian soldier-Masons who visited same horrific wartime situations. They were Canada Lodge 3527 ER in London, in particular. also seeking an anchor in life. This is partly On more than one occasion Canada Lodge reflected by the immediate postwar period members had to find suitable blue paper to of growth in Alberta’s Masonic membership be used for temporary aprons. En passant at which, by 11 June 1924, had reached 12,017. the meeting of 23 April 1918, the secretary of With this growth, memories of the war Canada Lodge recorded the attendance of “[R] years are reflected in some names of new WBro Sir Arthur W. Currie, KCB, KCMG, Corps Lodges: Patricia 91 of Edmonton, instituted Commander, Canadian Expeditionary Force; 30 October 1915 (originally proposed to be WBro Sir Richard Turner, VC, KCB, KCMG, DSO, called “Crescent” but changed to honour the Commander II Division, CEF and WBro Sir David Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry), Watson, KCB, CMG, Commander IV Division, Kitchener 95 of Rimbey, instituted 19 January CEF. Thus, fate and fraternity brought together RWBro Maj-Gen David 1917 (named in honour of Horatio Herbert three of Canada’s highest ranking generals in Watson, oil on canvas by Kitchener, 1st Earl Kitchener of Khartoum and Lodge. Regardless of rank, all Brethren were William Orpen. Broome, British Secretary of State for War in Provided to Freemasons of Alberta and the Northwest The Committee on the Grand Lodge Bulletin Territories west of the 4th Meridian who are members of RWBro George Tapley (Chairman); The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. MWBro Robert E. Juthner, Editor emeritus; WBro Garth Cochran; WBro Loren Kline; 330 – 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0H2 Bro Trevor Morris; Ex Officio: Grand Master, Tel 403-262-1140 — Fax 403-290-0671 Published each month except July and August by Deputy Grand Master & Grand Secretary www.freemasons.ab.ca Annual subscription rate for non-members of the GLA The Grand Lodge of Alberta, A.F. & A.M. is C$10.00 plus mailing costs. Republication rights are Grand Master MWBro John Slade Editor: RWBro George Tapley granted to other Masonic Jurisdictions, but acknow­ ledgement of the source is requested. The Editor reserves Deputy Grand Master RWBro Chris Batty 339 Whitefield Dr NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5S2 Senior Grand Warden RWBro James Ratchford the right to accept, reject and re-write material submitted Junior Grand Warden RWBro Gordon Berard Tel 403-280-6776 — Fax 403-290-0671 for publication. Deadline for copy is the 1st day of the Grand Secretary RWBro Jerry W. Kopp e-mail: [email protected] month, two months prior to the month of issue. 2 1914, lost in the sinking Ypres while poison gas CD Available of HMS Hampshire on 6 shells exploded nearby. For those interested June 1916 (Bro Kitchener A few were recognized for in a CD of Canadian was District Grand Master exceptional service. Of Freemasonry during of Egypt and also of the 73 Canadian recipients of the First World War Punjab in his Masonic the during 1914–1918, email career) and Victory 112 , 13 were the author, RWBro of Jarrow, instituted 29 Freemasons. Michael Jenkyns, January 1920 What was the cost to at jenkyns@magma. In the Great War, as Canada of The Great War? ca and place a in other war and non- Our total contribution preliminary order. Bro Roy Brown war situations, men — is estimated at 650,000 The CD is presently brought down Canadians and others men and women out of sold out, but if a the Red Baron, — acted as situations our total population at Manfred von Thomas Rickets, VC — at minimum 50 orders demanded. Masons and the time. Of these 66,000 Richthofen 17 years of age, he was the are placed it will non-Masons behaved as gave their lives. We can be reprinted and they were expected so youngest Canadian to win never forget them and we the Victoria Cross in WW1. mailed. The cost would be $20.00 CDN to do. We cannot imagine must be forever grateful total, including mailing. Bro Jenkyns what conditions they to the many, today, who will advise by email when the minimum faced — in the Somme battles and at continue to defend our way of life. quantity of 50 has been ordered. Passchendaele, or to hold the line at So mote it be

There was no ride in Kananaskis Partnership Continues Between King in 2014, but there were two others in southern Alberta. That spurred the George Lodge No. 59 and Local Charity creation of two more saddles, but VWBro Roger Matas, PM, King George Lodge No. 59, AF&AM this time the support came from King The Brethren of King George Lodge come to the ride and are treated to a George Masonic Temple. The Temple No. 59 continued their support of a local special day. Members of King George is owned, through a board of directors, charity this year, providing another have looked after cooking and serving by King George Lodge and also has a significant boost to that organization. the food for most of the Kananaskis philanthropic mandate. The Temple The Alberta Wish Ride, a grassroots events since 2009. sponsored the saddles, both of which, by organization dedicated to supporting In 2013, a generous donation to the chance, went to the Taber area this year. the Children’s Wish Foundation of Lodge by RWBro Lior Shnitzer was The Chair of King George Masonic Canada, was started in Calgary in 2008 turned over to the Ride and enhanced Temple, Bro Dave Murray, and VWBro by Irene White and her husband, VWBro by the Alberta Masonic Foundation. Steve Kennard, the Treasurer, were on Roger Matas, a Past Master of King That donation funded the custom made hand to present a saddle at the ride at the George Lodge. Members of the Lodge saddles which are a top prize for the historic Reesor Ranch on 20 September. have contributed in one way or another riders. In 2013 the Ride gave away three The concept of the Ride has always to the Ride since its inception. saddles, emblazoned with the square been to minimize expenses and therefore The event is a one-day trail ride, and compasses and announcing the increase the donation to the charity, where participants raise funds, then source of the funding. which supports sick and terminally ill children and their families. Often the granting of even a small wish can put a smile on a child’s face and bring light into what can be a very dark time. Masons know about bringing light to darkness so this partnership is ideal for both parties. With the support of the Brethren from King George and all the others who have donated and supported the event over the past six years, the Alberta Wish Ride will top the $200,000 mark in donations to the Children’s Wish Foundation in 2014.

In the photo are (left to right): VWBro Roger Matas; Irene White, saddle winner; Sonja Waeckerlin; VWBro Steve Kennard; and Bro Dave Murray

3 Your DDGMs 2014–2015 We are pleased to introduce to our readers the District Deputy Grand Masters serving the Craft in Alberta during the 2014– 2015 term. This will be continued in the next two issues of The Alberta Freemason. Beaverhills District years. The investing game remains endlessly fascinating to RWBro Leon G. Comer was him and the days pass quickly while observing the ebb and born in London, England in 1946 flow of global markets. A caring relationship of 15 years came and immigrated to Canada in to an unexpected end on 13 June 2009 when our Brother’s 1980. He started his career in companion, Helen J. Rojek, passed to the great beyond. She telecommunication at the British was instrumental in encouraging his active involvement in Post Office (now BT) in 1963. After Freemasonry. several years he decided that telecom Our Brother was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master engineering was the path to follow Mason in Glenbow Lodge No 184 on 4 September 1996. He and attended BT’s engineering served as the Master of Glenbow for 2010–2011 on the occasion th college, graduating in 1969 as a of the 50 anniversary of the Lodge. He is a member of Alberta Telecommunications Traffic Officer Chapter No. 1, taking an active interest in the Chapter. He is and later being promoted to a also a member of Zadok Council No. 3, Cryptic Rite; Cyprus Telecommunication Traffic Supervisor. On arriving in Canada Preceptory No. 33 and Pompilius York Rite College No. 79. he joined AGT in a similar position and moved throughout RWBro Stewart, since 1999, has been very active in Scottish the company ending his career, after 22 years, as a manager Rite Freemasonry in the Valley of Calgary, where he is now in Cable Assignment. During this time, Leon was elected as Commander-in-Chief of South Alta Consistory. He served as chairman of an international telecom group which saw him Most Wise Sovereign of Delta Chapter of Rose Croix five years travel throughout the US, Canada and the UK. After retirement ago. He derives much pleasure visiting Lodges all around from TELUS, Leon opened his own day care business which Calgary and the surrounding areas. he has run for 10 years with a fellow Brother Mason. He spent his free time in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve as a CIC Yellowhead District (cadet) Officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, RWBro Reginald Karbonik was born and was awarded the Canada 125 medal for his work with and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. youth, and the Canadian Decoration for 12 years service, with He graduated from the Northern an additional bar for a further 10 years service. Alberta Institute of Technology Leon has been married to Valerie for 44 years and they have with a diploma in Construction two daughters, Harriet and Rachel, and four grandchildren Engineering Technology in 1981. Leon was initiated into Empire Lodge No. 63 on 17 He later attended the University September 1990, passed to the Second Degree on November of Alberta and graduated with a 19 and raised to Master Mason on 19 February 1991. He served Bachelor of Education Degree in 1988. as Worshipful Master for 2005, 2006 and 2007. He worked as an Educator from 1988– He was initiated into North Star Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch 2007 at Edmonton Public Schools, the Masons, on 16 February 2012, received as a Most Excellent Alberta School of Drafting and NAIT. Master on 15 March 2012 and exalted as a Royal Arch Mason He joined Stantec Consulting in 2007 and took on a role of on 21 June 2012. Structural Drafting Technician within the Oil & Gas Group. In 2010 he became a team lead for the group and was leading Calgary Highwood District a team that supports industrial and electrical substation design work until the fall of 2014. RWBro Gregory T. Stewart was Bro Karbonik from an early age had a passion for flying. born in Edmonton, Alberta on 12 This passion led to flying model aircraft and later to joining January 1959. The family moved to 395 Squadron of the Air Cadet League of Canada where he Calgary in 1971 and it has been home rose to the rank of Warrant Officer. He was selected for Glider ever since. Following graduation from Training in the summer of 1976 and attended the Cadet Gliding Lord Beaverbrook Sr. High he found Program at Rivers, Manitoba where he graduated near the work in the oil industry with Veritas top of his class. During the summer of 1975, RWBro Karbonik Seismic Processors, assuming roles happened to observe a hot air balloon that had landed in of increasing responsibility over the river valley in east Edmonton and it was through this a period of four years. Next was a encounter that he began his long career in balloon flying, one four-year turn at the wheel working that lasted 31 years. To fill the void that was created when for Manteis Transport, delivering RWBro Karbonik retired from flying, he rekindled an interest fuel throughout southern Alberta and northern Montana. in model railroading and has been collecting specialty brass Beginning in July 1985 he started a long career with Calgary trains, but has yet to create the layout he desires. In addition HandiBus as a driver for 21 years. Regular hours allowed to his many hobbies, RWBro Karbonik has built a cottage at for additional training with a thought of working in the Pigeon Lake where he spends most weekends. stock brokerage industry — a dream unrealized. After 25 Bro Karbonik was initiated into Redwood Lodge No. 193 in years of driving, ending in May of 2006, he “retired” taking October 1994 and served as Worshipful Master of Redwood on a management role with a small oil and gas firm for three Lodge in 2007–08. In 2009 he affiliated with Temple-Centennial 4 Lodge No. 167 and assumed the role of Secretary-Treasurer His interest in Freemasonry was sparked by his first Scout for the Lodge. Having completed his tenure as Secretary- Master, who was a member of Moosomin Lodge No. 7. Bro Treasurer, he served as Registrar and assumed duties as Ireland was initiated at Black Forest Lodge No. 901 in Lahr, required. Germany in Nov 1976, passed at Lodge No. 848 in RWBro Karbonik was initiated into the Ancient & Accepted Baden-Söllingen and raised in March 1977 at the American Scottish Rite, Valley of Edmonton in 2005. He is a 32nd Degree Canadian Grand Lodge of Germany in Frankfurt. He served Scottish Rite Mason, was Grand Expert in the Edmonton as Worshipful Master of Canada Lodge No. 165 and Gleichen Lodge of Perfection, past Director of the 17th Degree, and a Lodge No. 36. He was appointed a Grand Steward in 2011. Participant in the 10th Degree. He is currently taking a break Bro Ireland is also a Companion of Eheyeh Chapter No. 27, from these duties until work “settles down.” He was initiated Royal Arch Masons, in Drumheller. in 2009 into Al Shamal Shrine at the Athabasca Ceremonial. In 2007 he joined the Alberta Widow’s Sons and is serving as an Lakeland District officer in both Badlands Chapter and Alberta Grand Chapter. RWBro Ron Bacon was born 16 December 1943 in Fairview Alberta, No Picture Available Dinosaur District and grew up in Dell, Alberta. He RWBro Brian Ireland was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan moved to Fort St. John, British on 2 May 1951. He was active in Boy Columbia, at the age of 11 and went to school at Fort St. John Scouts, receiving his Queen Scout Jr/Sr High Schools. Bro Bacon Joined the Royal Canadian Certificate in 1967. On completion Air Force on 6 June 1961 and graduated 3rd in a class of 28 of high school, Bro Ireland enlisted Aero Engine Technicians in 1962. He transferred to RCAF Stn. in the Canadian Forces as a Military Lancaster Park, Edmonton, in 1962, then to 4 Wing, Baden, Policeman. During his career, he West Germany for 1966 to 1969 and finally to CAF Stn. Cold served across Canada, Europe and Lake for 1969 to 1979, before being honourably released in the Middle East, retiring in 1989. November 1979. On 31 December 2012, he retired Bro Bacon married Patricia L. Trudel in September 1965, (for good) from his position as Sr. and they have two sons and four grandchildren. Manager, Security and Life Safety He is the owner-operator of R.W.B Enterprises Ltd. and with an International Commercial has operated several businesses over the years. Real Estate Management Firm. He was initiated into Masonry in Astra Lodge No. 79 on 25 He and Marjorie have been happily married for 38 years. February 2005, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft 20 March They reside in Strathmore where Brian keeps occupied with 2005 and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason 20 his yard work. During the winter months Brian and Marj travel June 2005. He served as Worshipful Master 2009–2010 and to Arizona where golf, skeet shooting and visiting American 2010–2011 and as DDGM for Lakeland District 2013–2014. Lodges keep him occupied.

2014 Masonic Medal of Merit Presentations (Continued) Bro Lorne Fleischhacker was initiated business for oilfield and agricultural a family BBQ for the presentation into Freemasonry in Drayton Valley related products. He is now retired and ceremony, with about 60 people in Lodge No. 182 on 13 September 1990, working harder than ever. attendance, including 11 Grand Lodge passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft Bro Fleischhacker is active in various Officers. MWBro Slade presented the on 13 November 1990 and raised to the non-Masonic community organizations, Medal and RWBro Batty presented the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on such as the Drayton Valley Agriculture accompanying certificate. 13 December 1990. Society (20 plus years) and the Brazeau He quietly supports the Lodge in County Agriculture Service Board (six maintenance projects, installing a years), as an active promoter of local wheelchair ramp and, for many years, agricultural events. In addition he clearing snow off the parking lot. As has been involved for ten years with part of the Lodge’s outreach program the Community Scholarship Trust he volunteers to assist on numerous Fundraiser, a local initiative to support drive-home services and helps Brethren numerous students in their education. when they need a hand. To quote his nominators, “…a true He and Sherlyn have been married gentleman who does not seek the for 49 years, are the parents of two limelight and without reservation is a children (Darren and Tara-Lee) and wonderful man” and “He is one of those have four grandsons. He was born in people you can count on. If a neighbour Saskatchewan, and after they moved to needs a hand — no problem — he will be Drayton Valley in 1971 he was involved there.” The final quote I think says it all, in the petroleum industry, originally as “...all without pay or seeking thanks — Above (l to r): RWBro Chris Batty, DGM; an employee and subsequently owning just because it is the right thing to do”. MWBro John Slade, GM; and Bro Lorne a service company and a manufacturing Drayton Valley Lodge No. 182 held Fleishhacker 5 Social Media — Code of Conduct Freemason, United Grand Lodge of New South Wales & ACT, V46: 2, June 2014 (From RWBro Jerry W. Kopp, Grand Representative) The presence of Freemasons on organization to which he belongs. or investigation of any applicant. various social networking sites is growing • A Mason’s actions on the various • There should never be discussion exponentially and is drawing attention social media outlets must reflect regarding the ballot of an applicant. to the Fraternity. By participating on the same high standards of morality • There should never be discussion sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and virtue as he would practice and related to the business of a Lodge and and others, we should strive to make that experience with a Masonic Lodge, what is discussed within the Lodge. attention as positive as possible. When always remembering to moderate • The posting of photographs or videos we represent ourselves as members of the ebullitions of wrath. of Lodge or other Masonic events the Fraternity, we become someone’s • A Mason must advise another Brother must comply with the Constitution, impression of Freemasonry. As such, if he feels anything he has posted is Regulations, rules or other directives it is important that we act accordingly improper within the framework of our that are in existence at any time. Prior and subscribe to the lessons we are all Constitution, Regulations and rules. consent must always be obtained taught as Masons in terms of how we • A Mason should never identify any from the subjects in a photograph communicate and interact with Masons other Brother to be a member of or video before it is taken and/or and non-Masons. the Craft unless he has provided his published. • A Mason should conduct his social consent, or has already identified • No official communication with other media activities in a way that reflects himself as such. Grand Lodges or their subordinate a positive image to the world of his • Lodge Notice Papers should not Lodges may take place online. membership in Freemasonry. be discussed publicly, especially Contact must be conducted through • A Mason’s postings are a permanent if details of Lodge Officers or the Office of the Grand Secretary. record and therefore, must reflect Candidates are included. to the world a positive opinion • There should never be discussion Grand Lodge New South Wales & ACT about himself personally and the related to the application, background Website — May 2013

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