Temple Lodge, No. 33

War Dead and Military Veterans

Lest We Forget

Cenotaph, Charles Hoey Park, Duncan, B.C. The names of four Brethren of Temple Lodge, No.33 appear on the Cenotaph.
Cenotaph, Charles Hoey Park, Duncan, B.C. The names of four Brethren of Temple Lodge, No.33 appear on the Cenotaph. [Photo: Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian]

Four Brethren of Temple Lodge, No. 33 were killed in action or died of wounds while serving in Canada’s military forces during the First World War (1914-1918). The are:

Information about these Brethren appears below. We have also included information about:

Here is some information on the four Brethren of Temple Lodge, No.33 who died while serving in Canada’s military during the First World War (1914-1918).

Allan Robert Bell (11 April 1885 – 24 May 1915)

Temple Lodge, No.33 records show Alan Robert Bell, born 1885; occupation: surveyor; residence, Duncan, B.C., was proposed for membership in Temple Lodge, No.33 by Brother George Franklin Tautz and Worshipful Brother William Mourdant Dwyer. A favourable ballot was held on 8 April 1913 and Brother Bell became a member of Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Initiation.

A petition from Allan Robert Bell was received at the Regular Communication of 11 March 1913 “for membership in Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Initiation.” According to the Lodge Minute Book, “the applicant states that he was born at Surbiton, England on April 11th, 1885, age 27 years. Resides at Duncan. Occupation: articled pupil surveyor. (He was articled to Brother Herbert Naden Clague, also a member of Temple Lodge.) An investigating Committee was appointed, comprised of W. Bro. Charles Sillence, Bro. Kenneth Forrest Duncan and Bro. John Henry Peterson.

Brother Bell received his Entered Apprentice degree on 24 April 1913, was Passed to a Fellow Craft on 18 November 1913 and Raised to a Master Mason on 24 February 1914.

He was killed in action on 24 May 1915.

(Source: Temple Lodge, No.33 records.)

Here is the local newspaper report of Brother Bell’s death:

“Private Alan Robert Bell, 7th Battalion, killed in action, (June 18 list) was born near Surbiton England, and was just 30 years of age. He was educated at Bradford College and came out to Canada in 1910. He worked on a ranch near Millarville, Alberta, for some time and later came to Duncan, where he was articled to Mr. H.N. Clague, surveyor in April 1912.

He joined the 88th Regiment last fall, immediately after returning from his summer`s work on Nootka Island, and went to the front with the 30th Battalion reinforcements to the 7th Battalion. He had many friends in Cowichan and was esteemed by all who knew or worked with him.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader, 24 June  1915)

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information On Brother Alan Robert Bell.

Here is some more information on Brother Alan Robert Bell from Temple Lodge, No.33 records:

“….Bro. Clague announced that he had heard that Bro. Bell, now serving in His Majesty’s forces, was ill in some hospital in Ottawa. The Secretary was instructed to send a night lettergram to some Lodge in Ottawa, Ont. asking them to call upon Bro Bell….”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Emergent Meeting of 23 February 1915

“…..The Wor. Master announced that it again became his painful duty to inform the Brethren of the Death of another Member of this Lodge that of Bro. Alan Robert Bell who had been killed in action, in Northern France, while fighting with His Majesty’s forces and he ordered the Lodge draped in mourning for a period of sixty days.

Moved by W. Bro. J.H. Peterson seconded by Bro. Clague that a page of the Minute Book be set aside in memory of our late Bro. Alan Robert Bell who was killed in action while fighting with His Majesty’s forces in France. The motion was carried……..”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Emergent Meeting of 22 June 1915

“In Memory
This page of the Minute Book is set aside
In Memory of our Late Brother Alan Robert Bell
Who was
Born at Surbiton, England Apl. 11th 1885
Elected to become a Member of Temple Lodge No. 33 Apl. 8th 1913
Initiated Apl. 24th 1913
Passed Nov. 18th 1913
and
Raised Feby. 24th 1914
And who was Killed in Action, while fighting
With His Majesty’s forces in Northern France
June 1915”

(Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book #2, page 151, Emergent Meeting of 22 June 1915)

Note: We will do more research on Brother Bell and post this information as it becomes available.

William Harrison Ingram

Temple Lodge, No.33 records show William Harrison Ingram, born 1888; occupation: Bookkeeper; residence: Duncan, B.C.; proposed for membership in Temple Lodge by Brothers (later Worshipful Brothers) Kenneth F. Duncan (first Mayor of Duncan) and John H. Peterson. Brother Ingram was apparently a cousin of Brother Kenneth F. Duncan (see newspaper report below).

According to the Temple Lodge Minute Book, a petition from William Harrison Ingram was received at the Regular Communication of 12 August 1911 “for membership in Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Initiation. The applicant states that he was born at Dunfanaghy, Donegal County, Ireland on the 11th  day of January, 1888, age 23 years. Resides at Duncan. His occupation: bookkeeper. An investigating Committee was appointed, comprised of W. Bro. Dobson, Wor. Bro. Campbell and Bro. Thomas Gibbins.”

A favourable ballot was held on 9 September 1911 and Brother Ingram became a member of Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Initiation. Brother Ingram did his Entered Apprentice degree on 21 October 1911, was Passed to a Fellow Craft on 29 November 1911 and Raised to a Master Mason on 3 January 1912.

He remained a Master Mason in Temple Lodge, No.33 until being killed in action on 24 April 1915.

Source: Temple Lodge, No.33 records

Here is the local newspaper report of Brother Ingram’s death:

“Among the missing who have not been noted here is Private W.H. Ingram, 7th Battalion, whose name was spelled wrongly in May 17th list. He hails from County Donegal, Ireland, and is a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Duncan, Duncan. He came to Canada five years ago, spending a year in Vancouver before reaching Duncan, where for two years he was accountant with the Cowichan Merchants, Ltd. He then took up surveying, being employed by Messrs. H.N. Clague and J.B. Green.”

Source: Cowichan Leader, 27 May 1915

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information On Brother Wiiliam Harrison Ingram.

Note: it is possible Brother Ingram was killed during the Battle of St. Julien, fought on the Western Front on 24 April – 4 May 1915. This battle is particularly notable as it was the first time poison gas was used against Canadian troops. Brother Ingram was killed in action on 24 April 1915, the first day of the Battle of St. Julien. We will do more research on this and post this information as it becomes available.

Archer Robert Payze

Temple Lodge, No.33 records show Archer Robert Payze, born 1884; occupation: carpenter; residence: Duncan, B.C.; proposed for membership in Temple Lodge by Brother (later Worshipful Brother) William Mourdant Dwyer and Worshipful Brother Samuel Robinson (charter member of Temple Lodge, No.33).

According the Temple Lodge Minute Book, a petition from Archer Robert Payze was received at the Regular Communication of 13 January 1914 “for membership in Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Initiation. The applicant states that he was born at Whitechurch, England on the 23rd day of September, 1884, age 29 years. Resides at Duncan. His occupation: carpenter. He has not presented his petition to any other Lodge.” An investigating Committee was appointed, comprised of W. Bro. Andrew H. Peterson, Bros. Richard Nelson and Roland Clayton Fawcett.

A favourable ballot was held on 10 February 1914 (along with balloting for 4 other candidates) and Brother Ingram became a member of Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Initiation. Brother Ingram did his Entered Apprentice degree on 10 March 1914, was Passed to a Fellow Craft on 7 April 1914 and Raised to a Master Mason on 9 June 1914.

Source: Temple Lodge records

Here is the local newspaper report of Brother Payze’s death:

“Private Archer Robert Payze, 16th Battalion, reported wounded last week, has since died of his wounds. He was born at Whitechurch, England, 31 years ago. He was unmarried and was well known in Duncan, being a member of Temple Lodge, A.F. & A.M. His occupation was that of carpenter.”

Source: Cowichan Leader, 10 June 1915

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information On Brother Archer Robert Payze.

 

Brother Payze died on 3 June 1915. This was before the Battle of Givenchy, which began on 15 June 1915. This was around the area of Festubert, and the Battle of Festubert was fought starting on 18 May 1915, so it’s possible Brother Payze was killed in the area near or around Festubert. We’ll do more research on this and post any information we uncover.

Here is more information on Brother Archer Robert Payze taken from Temple Lodge, No.33 records:

 “…Moved by W. Bro. J.H. Peterson seconded by Bro. Dwyer that a full page of the Minute Book be set aside in memory of our late Bro. Archer Robert Payze, who while fighting with the forces of the Allies in France was fatally injured and who died June 3rd. Also that a letter of condolence be sent to his relatives in England. The motion was carried……..”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 8 June 1915

“In Memory
This page is set aside In Memory of our
late Brother Archer Robert Payze
Born at Whitechurch, England Sept 22nd 1884
Elected to become a Member of Temple Lodge No. 33 February 10th 1914
Initiated March 10  1914
Passed April 7 1914
and
Raised June 9 1914
And who while serving with His Majesty’s Forces
in France was fatally injured and
Died in Hospital June 3rd 1915”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Emergent Meeting of 22 June 1915

 

James Osman Slade Young

Temple Lodge, No. 33 records show James Osman Slade Young, born in 1888; Occupation: farmer in Somenos, B.C.; a Master Mason of Coronation Lodge, No. 2923, G.R.E., proposed for Affiliation in Temple Lodge, No. 33 in 1911 by Worshipful Brother Thomas Pitt and Brother John Henry Peterson.

According to the Temple Lodge, No. 33 Minute Book, “Petitions were presented and read as follows, namely:

From Bro. James Osman Slade Young for membership by Affiliation, accompanied with a certificate from the Wor. Master and Secretary of Coronation Lodge, No. 2023, G.R.E., (Liverpool) that said Bro. Young had been regularly initiated, passed and raised and is clear on the books of the Lodge. Bro. Young further exhibited his M.M certificate issued to him by the United Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of England, dated the 15th day of February 1910. Petitioner, Bro. Young, states that he is born at Boothe, Liverpool, England, his age is 23 years, His occupation, farmer, and his residence, Somenos, B.C. Moved by Wor. Bro. J.M. Campbell, seconded by Bro. MacMillan, that the petition be received and the usual investigating committee appointed. Carried. The Wor. Master appointed as such committee Bros. J.Islay Mutter, Dr. Watson Dykes and K.F. Duncan.”

A favourable ballot was held on 11 March 1911 and Brother James Osman Slade Young became a member of Temple Lodge, No. 33 by Affiliation. He remained a Master Mason of Temple Lodge until being killed in action in October 1917.

Source: Temple Lodge, No. 33 records.

Here is the local newspaper report of Brother Young’s death:

“Pte. James Osman Slade Young, fourth son of Colonel and Mrs. T.F. Young, Victoria, and nephew of Miss Young, Somenos, was killed in action on October 30th.

Born in England, he was educated at Trent College and Liverpool College. He came out to Cowichan some seven years ago and after working with Mr. (Now Sergt.) F.A. Jackson at Somenos Lake for a time, he farmed for himself on the property formerly occupied by Mr. P. Murchison and now by Mr. Hastings, and known as ‘Inchigeela,’ Tyee Siding.

He joined the 88th Regiment soon after war broke out and was taken on the strength of the 62nd Bn.  at Vernon in August 1915. He proceeded to England in the following October and was speedily at the front. About a year ago he was badly wounded and, in fact, had not been long back at the front when he was killed. He was in a machine gun section.”


Source: Cowichan Leader, 15 November  1917

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information On Brother James Osman Slade Young.

Brother Young was killed in action on 30 October 1917. The primary action Canadians were involved in on that date was Passchendaele, so it is possible that Brother Young was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele, fought of the Western Front between 10 October- 12 November 1917.

Note: there appears to be some uncertainty and discrepancy in the records of Brother Slade’s Mother Lodge. Temple Lodge, No. 33 records show it as “Coronation Lodge, No. 2923, G.R.E. (Liverpool)” in our Ledger Book and as “Coronation Lodge, No. 2023, G.R.E., (Liverpool)” in our Minute Book.

United Grand Lodge of England records show a Coronation Lodge, No. 2930 in Lancashire East, which obtained its Warrant in 1902 but which was “erased” in 2008. We will do more research on this and post any information we uncover. For more information on Freemasonry in Liverpool, U,K,, check this link.

We will add more information on Brother Young as we uncover it.

OTHER FIRST WORLD WAR RECORDS FROM TEMPLE LODGE, No. 33

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Information On: Alan Robert Bell; William Harrison Ingram; Archer Robert Payze; James Osman Slade Young.

Click here for more infomation on Le Treport Military Cemetery.

Click here for more information on the Ypres (Menin Gate) War Memorial. Additional Information on the Ypres (Menin Gate) War Memorial is available at these sites: (1)(2)(3)(4)

Click here for more nformation on the Vimy War Memorial. Additional information on the Vimy War Memorial is available at these sites: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

Temple Lodge No. 33 Brethren Who Served In Canada’s Military During the First World War:

Note: these are the names we are currently aware of. We will add any additional names to this list as future research dictates.

 

Interesting Items From Temple Lodge, No. 33 Records About the First World War

Here are some interesting items we have found in our Lodge records from the period 1914-1918, dealing with the First World War:

“….Bro. Clague announced that he had heard that Bro. Bell, now serving in His Majesty’s forces, was ill in some hospital in Ottawa. The Secretary was instructed to send a night lettergram to some Lodge in Ottawa, Ont. asking them to call upon Bro Bell….”


Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Emergent Meeting of 23 February 1915

 

“THE WAR

“Our Empire has been suddenly plunged into the vortex of a terrible war, a war unparalled in the history of the world. Our Fraternity has responded nobly to the country’s call, by giving as its quota the very best material it possesses. Many of our Brethren have gone to the front imbued with commendable patriotism, sacrificing their possessions and all they hold dear, that they might assist in the defence of King, Right and Justice. It is our part, Brethren, to do all in our power for their cheer, comfort and encouragement. Let us not be lacking in this respect, but may we continue our unflagging interest in their behalf. Many valuable lives have already been sacrificed on the battlefield. Let the sympathy of this Grand Lodge flow out to the bereaved ones, let us unsparingly display the beauties of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.”

– Grand Master, M.W. Brother James Stark, Vancouver, B.C., 7 June 1915

 “…Moved by W. Bro. J.H. Peterson seconded by Bro. Dwyer that a full page of the Minute Book be set aside in memory of our late Bro. Archer Robert Payze, who while fighting with the forces of the Allies in France was fatally injured and who died June 3rd. Also that a letter of condolence be sent to his relatives in England. The motion was carried……..”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 8 June 1915

“…..It was moved by Bro. Jas. Grieg seconded by Bro. H. Prevost that at the conclusion of the present war in Europe, that the names of those Brothers who had given their lives for their Country be engraved on a suitable plate and placed in a conspicuous place. The motion was carried….”

[Note: a bronze plaque honouring Brothers Allan Robert Bell, William Harrison Ingram, Archer Robert Payze, James Osman Slade Young was placed at the entrance to the Duncan Masonic Temple in 1920.]

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 8 June 1915

“In Memory
This page is set aside In Memory of our
late Brother Archer Robert Payze
Born at Whitechurch, England Sept 22nd 1884
Elected to become a Member of Temple Lodge No. 33 February 10th 1914
Initiated March 10  1914
Passed April 7 1914
and
Raised June 9 1914
And who while serving with His Majesty’s Forces
in France was fatally injured and
Died in Hospital June 3rd 1915”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book #2, page 148, Emergent Meeting of 22 June 1915

 

“…..The Wor. Master announced that it again became his painful duty to inform the Brethren of the Death of another Member of this Lodge that of Bro. Alan Robert Bell who had been killed in action, in Northern France, while fighting with His Majesty’s forces and he order the Lodge draped in mourning for a period of sixty days.

Moved by W. Bro. J.H. Peterson seconded by Bro. Clague that a page of the Minute Book be set aside in memory of our late Bro. Alan Robert Bell who was killed in action while fighting with His Majesty’s forces in France. The motion was carried……..”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Emergent Meeting of 22 June 1915

“In Memory
This page of the Minute Book is set aside
In Memory of our Late Brother Alan Robert Bell
Who was
Born at Surbiton, England Apl. 11th 1885
Elected to become a Member of Temple Lodge No. 33 Apl. 8th 1913
Initiated Apl. 24th 1913
Passed Nov. 18th 1913
and
Raised Feby. 24th 1914
And who was Killed in Action, while fighting
With His Majesty’s forces in Northern France
June 1915”


Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book #2, page 151, Emergent Meeting of 22 June 1915

 

“…..Moved by W. Bro. Dwyer, seconded by Bro. J. Grieg, that the Wor. Master appoint a committee of three to look into the matter of providing a Roll of Honor scroll whereon the names of those Brothers serving with His Majesty’s forces may be enrolled. The motion was carried.

The Wor. Master appointed on this Committee W. Bro. J.H. Peterson, Bro. Jas. Grieg and Bro. Dunn…”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 14 September 1915

 

“….the following report was presented and read, viz:
‘Duncan, B.C. April 11th 1916

Your undersigned committee to whom it was assigned to have prepared some appropriate memorial honoring the Brethren of the Lodge who, impelled by patriotism and the ideals of Freemasonry, have voluntarily enlisted in the great war for the protection of innocence and virtue and for the defence of truth, beg leave to report:

That through the kindness and masterly skill of Wor. Brother Eric Barclay McKay your committee has been enabled at this time to present to you a beautifully executed Roll of Honour, in fact a gem of art, on which appears the names of the Brethren of this Lodge who have given their services for King and Country in the cause of Fraternity, Liberty and Equality  – . ‘

This Roll of Honour, suitably framed by the handiwork of our brother Craftsman George Almon Harris, and draped with the emblem of a United Empire, your committee now begs leave to place at your disposal for unveiling with appropriate ceremony.

Fraternally submitted,

(signed)                          Jas. Grieg)
(signed)                          W.L. Dunn) committee
(signed)                          J.H. Peterson)

The Worshipful Master ordered the Committee report received and filed and he prayed the Most Worshipful Grand Master to unveil the Roll of Honour. The Most Worshipful Grand Master responding expressed himself as esteeming it a great honour to unveil the roll containing the names of so many patriotic brethren and with fervent prayer for a glorious success to crown the devotion to duty and for a safe return to their homes and loved ones fervently drew aside the veil, the Lodge arising and joined in the singing of the national anthem, God Save The King. The M. Worshipful Grand Master expressed his pleasure at the work of the Wor. Master and Officers in conducting the ceremony in the F.C. degree, complimented the Lodge on its building and the general appearance of the Lodge room and concluding his remarks earnestly admonished the brethren each to bear in mind that in order to make Freemasonry an active force for the uplifting of man, to practice outside the Lodge those great and moral virtues inculcated within it…..

…..it was moved by Wor. Bro. W.M. Dwyer, seconded by Wor. Bro. Secretary, that the Lodge extend a hearty vote of thanks to Wor. Bro. E.B. McKay for his kindness and the masterly skill exhibited in produced the Roll of Honour unveiled this evening. The motion was carried…..”

[Note: Temple Lodge, No.33 still has this Roll of Honour displayed in our Masonic Temple.]

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 11 April 1916

“The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of British Columbia

GRAND MASTER’S OFFICE
VANCOUVER, B.C.
To the Worshipful Masters Officers and Brethren of the Lodges of British Columbia,

Greeting:                                                                                        18th July, 1916.

Brethren:

The fearful price that has to be paid for liberty and civilization is being brought home to us more and more as this terrible war goes on, and to the credit of British Columbia no section of this vast Empire has done more to prove to the world that the flag of liberty shall be kept flying than has this fair Province of ours. For that pur­pose she has sent forth her brave sons to give battle to the enemy; she has also poured out her golden trea­sures to help and succor the sick, the wounded and the oppressed, but, Brethren, it is only now, when the maimed and sick are returning, that we begin to realize what sacrifices these Brethren have made for us.

In British Columbia we have been spared the horrors of war, and we are justly proud of our heroes who have made it possible for ourselves and our families to escape those horrors; we are justly proud, also, when we gaze upon the Honour Rolls which are to be seen in every Lodge in this Jurisdiction; but, Brethren, are we, as Freemasons, doing what we ought for those brave Brethren who have done, and are still doing, so much for us? To-day they are coming back to us in small numbers (but maimed and crippled), but later on they will return (save those who make the supreme sacrifice) in greater numbers. To-day it is not so very difficult for us to take care of those few who need assistance, but later on, unless we do something really worth while, unless we make some effort ourselves as individuals that justifies us being called Freemasons, I fear we shall have failed to carry out those true Masonic principles upon which our Institution is founded. I feel sure that I echo the sentiments of every member of our Lodges when I say that we are prepared to drain to the dregs our treasury if necessary to bring relief to those Brethren and their dependents that need it. But, Brethren, the assets of Grand Lodge if turned into cash at their face value, would only realize a little in excess of fifty thousand dollars, a very small amount, indeed, and not nearly enough, in my humble opinion, for the work we will be called upon to do. Moreover, during these times of financial depression, it is impossible to realize on our securities if it were considered advisable to do so.

For this reason I am making a direct appeal to every Freemason in this Jurisdiction, asking each Brother to make some little extra effort by paying to his Lodge the small amount of ONE CENT per day during the con­tinuance of the war for the direct relief of deserving cases. The fund that will be created by this means will enable us to do something for those of our Brethren who will be in dire need and distress when this terrible conflict ceases.

I therefore ask every Worshipful Master of a Lodge in this Jurisdiction to order this appeal to be read at every meeting of his Lodge. I also ask every District Deputy Grand Master, and every true Freemason, to urge the Brethren to give ear to this appeal. The amount asked for is only ONE CENT per day, the smallest coin in our Dominion, but if every member of our noble Order will do as requested, I feel sure that they will be grati­fied at the results that will accrue, because by the fund that will be created we will be enabled to do something really worthwhile, and will in a small measure have justified our existence as Freemasons.

Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
William Astley
Grand Master”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 8 August 1916

“To the Worshipful Masters, Officers and Members
of the Lodges of Antient, Free and Accepted
Masons of British Columbia:

24 August 1916

Brethren :

Supplementing my Circular No- 3, of July 24 th, 1916, being my appeal for ONE CENT per day from the Freemasons of this Jurisdiction, 1 desire to inform you that the following plan has been selected for the manage­ment of the Fund. : —

The Fund shall be known as the ‘’Grand Master’s ONE CENT Fund” and shall be used solely for the benefit of Brethren who return disabled from the war, and their dependants.

A Savings Trust Account has been opened at the Merchants’ Bank of Canada, Vancouver, B.C.  and is known as the “Grand Master’s A. F. & A. M. ONE CENT Trust Account,”

A Committee of Management will be appointed later by the Grand Master, consisting of all the District Deputy Grand Masters in the Jurisdiction, and Worshipful Brethren from all sections of the Province.

Each case will be reported to the District Deputy Grand Master by the sitting Master of the Lodge to which the applicant belongs. A physician’s examination and report will be made and forwarded to the Grand Master, together with a report by the District Deputy Grand Master,

The physician should, wherever possible, be a member of the Craft, so that the examination fees will oat be excessive, the object of this Fund being that the returning heroes shall receive all the assistance possible. The physician’s report is required so that the Committee shall know exactly the extent of the injuries received, and what work the applicant is capable of doing; assistance will then be forwarded as considered necessary.

No salaries will be paid except occasionally to a stenographer who may be employed to reply to such letters as require an answer.

The Secretary of each Lodge is requested to receive the contributions and remit them to the Grand Master after each regular meeting, forwarding at the same time a list of the names of the Brethren contributing, With the names and numbers of their Lodges, and specifying the amount subscribed by each. The Grand Master will then forward to each Secretary official receipts, so that one may be sent to each Brother with his regular notice. Non-affiliates are also urged to subscribe, as this is a purely Masonic Fund.

LEST WE FORGET, Eight per cent, of our total membership has already donned the King’s uniform; therefore I ask you as Freemasons to give heed to this appeal, as every cent will be required that can possibly be collected. To-morrow the maimed will be returning, therefore send your donations NOW.

Sincerely and Fraternally Yours,
William Astley
Grand Master”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 12 September 1916

“…the Bro. Secretary, through the courtesy of Wor. Bro. Wm.M. Dwyer presented a letter from Bro. Capt. E.B. Baker. In this letter Bro. Baker writes from London Hospital under date of Dec. 13, 1916, that he had been wounded in France and had been in the hospital some weeks, but is so far recovered that he expects to soon be out again, and he thanks the Lodge for Xmas remembrance sent to him. This letter from Bro. Baker was very much appreciated by the Lodge, and especially from the fact that it had been reported in the public print that he had been killed in action several months ago…”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute, Regular Meeting of 9 January 1917

“….W. Bro. J. Grieg Special Committee on War Memorial reported collection of $88.50 and suggested that anything over $50.00 the amount mentioned for the Cowichan War Memorial be set aside for a tablet to be placed in the Lodge room. It was moved by Wor. Bro. Dobson and sec’d by W. Bro. Wm. Dwyer ‘That the action of W. Bro. J. Grieg in [illegible] the Bros. be endorsed and that Fifty Dollars  be turned over to Treasurer of War Mem’l Fund and balance be held toward the purchase of a bronze mem’l to Fallen Brethren and put in the Lodge [illegible]. On behalf of the Lodge the Actg. Master thanked W. Bro. J. Grieg for his successful work…..”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 9 November 1920

“…The next item of business was the unveiling of a War Memorial Tablet dedicated to the memory of Bros. Alan R. Bell, William H. Ingram, Archer R. Payze and James O.S. Young by the Most W. the Grand Master Bro. W.S. Terry. Preceding this ceremony, W. Bro. James Grieg, chairman of the W.M. Comm. gave a short but impressive account of the service rendered by the men of the Cowichan District, and stated that out of some 1600 men who had answered the call for service from this district thirty three had been members of Temple Lodge, four of whom had paid the supreme sacrifice.

The M.W. Grand Master then proceeded with the unveiling of the tablet. He stated that since he took office, that the request of Temple Lodge to perform this ceremony was the highest honour that had been paid to him. He regretted the fact that owing to illness Most W. Bro. E.B. Paul unable to be present; he further regretted that altho [sic] some scheme had been discussed by the Victoria Lodges nothing as yet had materialized, and congratulated Temple Lodge in taking the lead.

At the conclusion of the ceremony W.M. Hugh Savage thanked the M.W. the Grand Master for performing the ceremony. The Grand Master then returned and was accorded the honours due to his exalted station. It was proposed and agreed that the best position for the tablet was in the [illegible] porch of the Temple.”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 10 January 1922

“War Memorial – W. Bro. J. Grieg also reported on behalf of the W.M. Comm. [note: War Memorial Committee]

It was moved by W. Bro. A. Peterson sec’d by Bro. Geo. Savage and carried “That the thanks of Temple Lodge be extended to W. Bro. J. Grieg and his colleagues and a letter of thanks be sent to W. Bro. Dobson for fixing the tablet….”

Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Regular Meeting of 14 February 1922

World War II Veterans

The following Brethren of Temple Lodge, No. 33 are known to have served in Canada’s military forces during World War II (1939-1945). We will add more names as we do more research:

Korea Veterans

U.N. Peacekeeping Operations

The following Brethren of Temple Lodge, No. 33 have served in U.N. Peace Keeping operations:

  • Pat Chartres (Major, retd)
  • Paul Philcox (Lt. Col., retd)

Afghanistan

The following Brethren of Temple Lodge, No. 33 have served with Canadian Forces in Afghanistan:

  • Paul Philcox (Lt. Col., retd)

 

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