The Sentinel Spring2015-Volume141-1 ANDONTHE THIRDDAY, THESTONE WASROLLED AWAY 2 Grand Master's Message TheSentinel the cost of labour and repairs. Spring2015 I know of a beautiful and historical Volume: 141 - 1 cathedral close of where I grew up Editor in Chief: James Bell being offered for sale, and after the Managing Editor: John Chalmers congregation raised over one million OrangeHeadquarters dollars to repair and renovate it, but 94 Sheppard Ave. West still even a million dollars couldn’t Toronto, ON M2N 1M5 make it a viable operation. So far the 1-800-565-6248 only people who have come forward 416-223-1690 regarding the sale of this beautiful old ISSN 1711-3989 cathedral is a brewery who because of Publications Agreement 40772033 its size and location sees some benefit The Sentinel is a publication of the in purchasing it, a very sad Grand Orange Lodge of Canada. commentary indeed. Reproduction in whole or in part The reality of the situation however, is MostWorshipfulGrandMasterandSovereign without written permission is that with a declining membership, a ofCanada,Bro/G.W.Budden aging membership, whether it be prohibited. In a few days time, I will be travelling All pictures and news stories are church, or lodge, the financial means, to Brockville, Ontario to participate in a and the ability to carry out the work is property of the Sentinel and may be dedication ceremony of a new lodge edited due to space. a tremendous challenge and building, as the old building no longer responsibility that often rests with a meets the needs of its members and select few. Printed in Canada by Britannia has become a financial challenge. We Printers Inc. We must take comfort however, in the certainly hope that this new facility will fact, that the lodge is the members, not meet the needs of its membership and NextArticleDueDate: the building, and that the church is the will be a great benefit for the orange people of God, who carry out God’s July15th.2015 association in the Brockville area. divine purpose here on earth. It is however, somewhat sad, to see To those members across Canada, General Advertising that part of our history come to an end, who own and operate lodge buildings, Number of ads: 123as I am sure that the old we are in debt for your service. To the Full Page $250 $450 $650 lodge building holds many a memory brethren of Brockville who are moving 1/2 Page $125 $225 $325 for many of the members of our to a new facility, we wish you all the 1/3 Page $100 $170 $250 association. We are however best and congratulate you on this Business Card $ 25 $ 45 $ 80 enthusiastic that a new page is being endeavour. SentinelEmail turned and we look forward to this new We trust that your lodge building will home which will serve the brethren and KeepsendinginyourArticles, be such as to show the high standard will help preserve orangeism with the Events,AdvertisementsandNews of orange presence in your community same zeal and determination that was to and a reflection of a proud past and a evident in the former surroundings. bright and meaningful future. As an observation, downsizing [email protected] seems to be the trend these days. Sincerely & fraternally. Whether it involves a lodge building, a church, or even ones home, members, GeraldW.Budden MissionStatementofthe congregations, or even families cannot GrandMaster&Sovereign “Sentinel” seem to keep up with rising costs and costly repairs. Both lodges in St. We shall..... John’s where I am a member have Take pride in our achievements over the years sold their halls and of the past rent. It is never the same, you miss Accept the realities of the present that environment, but you have less Embrace a positive vision of the financial headaches. During the last future few years churches are now disposing We publish with empathy for of their property and amalgamating the writer and in because of a declining membership compliance with our constitution. and the lack of financial support and 3 Chaplain’s Corner Christ Has Risen Luke 24:7 “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of men and be crucified and on the third day rise again.” In the weeks leading up to his death, Jesus told his disciples that he was going to be killed and rise again on the third day. The first time he shared this prediction, Peter rebuked him (Mark 8:31-32). In Mark 9:30-31 Jesus states again, to his disciples “ because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. The disciples and those present at the time did not understand what that meant. However, when the women took spices to the tomb on the third day to anoint the body, an angel repeated those words as we see in Luke 24:7. It was in remembering those words that they began to understand what had taken place. Jesus was no longer among the dead, he had risen from the dead and was alive. We have the advantage of being able to look back and see the whole thing and may even be frustrated with the disciples with their initial lack of understanding of what they had the privilege of being witness too. We cannot allow the time and space that separates us from this event diminish our awe and gratitude about the significance of it. Jesus, the Son of God, gave his life for us. He conquered death on our behalf so we may have eternal life. While we did not have the opportunity of witnessing the actual death and resurrection of Christ, we can witness the saving power of his sacrifice in our lives and in the lives of others as they choose to follow him. This year, brothers, as you contemplate Easter, put yourself in the shoes of the disciples and ask, “Would I have understood the magnitude of the prediction Jesus was making when he foretold of his death?” “How would my life be different if I had been there to witness such a life changing event?” “Knowing the significance of the sacrifice Christ made for you, what are you willing to do to show your gratitude?” MWBro.AllanBorden GrandChaplainofCanada 4 Secretary-Treasurer/C.E.O’s2014Synopsis The competition in our market niche is still challenging, and continued low interest rates have impacted our available reserves and revenue stream. Much time has been spent developing new market niches which are scheduled to come on line in 2015. As usual we received a clean audit report. In the spirit of compliance and transparency, I am using the CEO’s synopsis to keep members informed on the status of their insurance department. For clarification, be reminded that the license to operate a federally regulated financial institution is held by Grand Lodge Canada and that the Grand Master by virtue of his office has a seat on the Orange Insurance board. In order to stay abreast of industry and regulatory standards, the Orange Insurance board did establish a Governance Committee. Orange Insurance picks up the travel and accommodation costs of the Grand Master and all of the Grand Lodge executive except that of the Grand Secretary, who is not a member of the insurance board. The publishing and financing of the Sentinel was assumed by Orange Insurance over 10 years ago. As Editor in Chief I take great pleasure in thanking our Grand Secretary, John Chalmers for his outstanding work as Managing Editor of the Sentinel. A decision was made this year that on a go forward basis the Sentinel will be distributed primarily by electronics or viewed on the GLC website. Hard copies are available for those who do not have computers or prefer hard copy. Orange Insurance continues to provide an office and administrative support for the Grand Secretary as well as space for our museum. Please visit us at 94 Sheppard Ave. West from 9:00 – 4:00 Monday – Thursday. By Orange Insurance sharing its financial infrastructure, investment experience, personnel along with the sale of halls, Grand Lodge assets have increased to nearly $1,000,000. Direct financial support is given to all levels of the association upon request. The following are some examples of fund recipients. Lodge sponsored charities and projects, computers and web sites, hall dedications, bands and advertising for parades, funds for new banners, key boards for the LOBA, financial help for members sick or in distress and many more which are often profiled in the Sentinel. Again my thanks to our board members, management, staff and external professionals. JamesBell/Sec.-Treas./CEO Fullfinancialscanbeviewedatwww.orange.caorcontactusOrangeHeadQuartersforahardcopy. 5 IndependentAuditors'Report TothemembersofTheGrandOrangeLodgeofBritishAmericaBenefitFund: We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The Grand Orange Lodge of British America Benefit Fund, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2014, and the statements of net income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management'sResponsibilityfortheFinancialStatements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.