Category: Master’s Message

My Brethren,

By now you will have read the latest communication from Grand Lodge and may be wondering when Acacia will be meeting again in-person.

To that end, the Executive of the Westboro Temple Corporation has met to establish protocols for Lodge use of the building. Their plan will be presented to the WMTL Board of Directors the day before our November virtual meeting. I expect Bro. Sigouin will have an update for us when we meet on the 16th.

As it stands, the social distancing, contact tracing, mask-wearing, and rules around eating will make for a marked departure from our customary experience. With the continued health concerns expressed by some of our members, I believe it prudent to await the further lifting of Provincial Government restrictions before resuming our ritual. The expected availability of Westboro Temple should soon allow us to book in-person CGP’s and practices.

February/March 2022 appears to be the timeframe for the further lifting of Provincial health mandates, and is thus the target for the resumption of regular Acacia Lodge meetings.

It has been a difficult couple of years with the pandemic, but the Remembrance Day commemorations this month should give us perspective.

I cherish the bond that makes us brothers, and look forward to seeing you at this month’s virtual meeting.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

I hope you enjoyed last month’s presentation by our Deputy Grand Master and the perspectives R.W. Bro. Hogeboom shared. Your engagement in the discussion following the talk no doubt gave the Deputy a sense that the topic resonated. For those who cannot remember, R.W. Bro. Hogeboom recommended the Netflix show, “The Young Pope” as it relates to old institutions such as ours.

By now you will have received the latest update from Grand Lodge regarding reopening. While we may not be able to gather in person until the new year, we will continue to meet via Jitsi with W.Bro. Plummer’s support. We will, of course, organize practice before reopening, and will treat our first gathering as a rusty mason night.

During the discussion at our August Budget Meeting, W.Bro. Lillico shared some membership demographics. Our Lodge finances are solid, but the average age of our members is creeping higher. When we are able to hold breakfasts again we hope we can invite seekers to meet us. With that in mind, please keep your ears open to expressions of interest from good men.

I look forward to seeing you at this month’s virtual meeting, and hope you will share any ideas you may have for masonic education.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W. Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

I trust that you all had an enjoyable summer and that you are looking forward to gathering again soon in person.

The traditional GLAN cannot be held this year. In its place, we have a special guest to speak to us at this month’s virtual meeting. Thanks go to RW Bro. Burchill for suggesting the speaker, and to W.Bro. Harrison for extending the invitation.

You will notice our latest Budget delivered with this month’s Summons. W.Bro. Lillico is projecting a small surplus and there is no pressure to raise dues. Likewise, the District is unlikely to raise our assessment and still has unspent money from last year to support the DDGM’s work.

As we begin our first meeting of the year, 3 things stand ahead. We will soon be launching work to refresh Acacia’s By-laws; we will be seeking a successor to relieve our long-serving Treasurer; and we will be asking brethren to plant the thought of masonry in the minds of worthy and honourable men they may know.

I look forward to seeing you at this month’s meeting, and to feeling once again the bonds that we share.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W. Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the turn out at Temple Lodge for our fraternal visit on May 4. It was great to maintain our travelling tradition, and to partake of the Masonic education presented by RW. Bros. Ireland and Christie.

At Acacia’s virtual meeting this month the agenda will be light. We will wrap up the year with an informal focus on Lodge affairs and the usual wellness check. If you are in touch with any Brother who has not been joining our virtual get-togethers, I hope you will share their news at the meeting.

This year, as last, our Lodge has been obliged to remain dark. As vaccination numbers increase, though, we hold growing hope for reopening, the election of a new slate of Lodge Officers, and the resumption of Degree work.

In the interim, direction from Grand Lodge has been received and distributed by Brother Secretary. In summary:

• DDGM: We will be registering for remote voting of a new DDGM from 12-17 June with actual remote voting on 20-21 June.
• Other GL Officers: Remote Registration for voting will take place 12-18 July, followed by Remote voting on the 19-20 July.

Direction is expected in due course on what will be authorized for the election and installation of new officers at the Lodge level.

I have no doubt that our pandemic experiences will come to mind from now on when we reflect on the mosaic pavement in the Lodge. Our common experience of life’s changing fortunes is one we can now all share when crossing that pavement.

In closing, please be assured that as soon as Covid restrictions are lifted we will be gathering again for some Breakfasts, holding our BBQ, and greeting each other warmly; hand-to-hand, Brother-to-Brother.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

Thank-you all for attending last month’s virtual meeting and for welcoming both our Grand Lodge visitors and the delegation from Edinburgh Lodge.

Since we cannot do our traditional Travelling Gavel this year, it might be worth paying a virtual fraternal visit next month. We could don attire appropriate for a Lodge meeting, and reaffirm our bonds within the district.

I’ve received great feedback on last month’s presentation by Bro. Kidd. Based on the discussion it provoked, Bro. Kidd touched a nerve. Hopefully we can use what he taught in our post-pandemic fervour for travel.

Like many of you, I was shocked to learn of the recent arson attacks on Lodges in Vancouver. While rare, these things give pause as to what could happen while we are peacefully gathered upstairs at Westboro.

The Tyler’s role has an importance beyond simply minding the Register, and his sword represents a vigilance he keeps for our benefit. When we gather again in person, it might be worth considering if the downstairs door should be locked while we are at work in the Lodge room.

W.Bro. Harrison has passed along material from Grand Lodge which I hope you have had the chance to review. It remains to be determined what we can do at the Lodge level for elections.

There are only a few items of silver lodge regalia remaining, so if you are looking for an Acacia souvenir, the cost is a mere $25. Please contact W.Bro. Harrison if you are interested.

As always, my thanks are due to all of you for maintaining your interest in Masonry. Since we can’t do ritual during the shutdown, I will only ask that you consider completing your biography, if you haven’t already done so.

In closing, I have to say that these days when I put on a mask I remember my initiation and the lesson wherein I was “taught to be cautious.”

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

First of all, I would like to thank Bro. Peter Taylor for reaching out and getting our mailing list up-to-date.

We’d lost contact with Bro. Taylor and were at a loss as to how we could find him. Lucky for us, he reads the printed summons’ and got in touch. It is a reminder that in spite of email, text and social media, the printed summons is still relevant and essential.

Bro. Secretary has been in touch with some Grand Lodge Officers who may be visiting us at this month’s meeting. As well, a contingent from Edinburgh Lodge will likely join in. I hope as many of you as possible can be with us this month to meet our Grand Lodge visitors, and to renew the fellowship we enjoy with Edinburgh.

Following on from your agreement at past virtual meetings, Acacia has made a donation to the WMTL in support of renovations at Westboro Temple. In return for our donation, we will be receiving credits at discounted rates to use the Banquet Hall, once the pandemic is over.

This month’s Masonic Education will be given by Bro. David Kidd. Bro. Kidd is currently living in Hawaii and has done quite a bit of travelling due to work. I am looking forward to learning about his travels outside of our jurisdiction, his observations on the working of masonry in other countries, and his experience in finding and joining with Masons in distant lands. The selling off of our silver lodge regalia is ongoing. If you are looking for an Acacia souvenir, the cost is a nominal $25. Please contact W.Bro. Harrison if you are interested.

As always, W.Bro. Stephen Plummer has been awesome about organizing our on-line get-togethers. If you need a hand with the virtual format, please reach out to W.Bro. Plummer directly and he can help you connect.

Sincerely and Fraternally

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

I would like to thank everyone for attending last month’s Annual Roll Call and especially to those of you who brought updates from Brethren who could not attend. Bro. Secretary noted that we’ve lost contact with Bro. Peter Taylor. Bro. Taylor’s email no longer works and attempts to contact him have failed. Should you be able to help us contact Bro. Taylor, please let W.Bro. Harrison know.

The presentation by our DDGM on his “virtual official visit” was quite enlightening. It is a treat when R.W. Bro. Christie visits, and his most recent talk shed light on the work of the District Deputy, and his budget.

Alas, the pandemic drags on. Thoughts on resuming our Lodge meetings is top-of-mind, however, V.W. Bro. Gordon has offered a series of steps we should consider to smooth the process, Temple Corporation work parties continue to advance basement renovations at Westboro, and the need to convene a committee for our 2022 Bylaw Review has been signalled.

W.Bro. Lillico has proposed that we sell off our silver lodge regalia now that we will be wearing gold. The proposal has been adopted and the collars are being sold at a nominal cost of $25 each. You now have a chance to own a piece of Acacia’s history for a wall hanging or shadow box. Please contact W.Bro. Harrison if you are interested.

This month there is no masonic education booked for our virtual meeting. If you have a piece you would like to present, please let me know. In the meantime, we will use our meeting to keep the calendar alive, stay in touch, and share a little mirth.

W.Bro. Stephen Plummer has been awesome about organizing our on-line get-togethers and I hope you will try to join us. If you need a hand with the virtual format, please reach out to W.Bro. Plummer directly and he can help you connect.

My Brethren,

I trust you all had a peaceful and relaxing Christmas, and that the troubles we’ve endured in 2020 will soon be behind us.

You may recall that at this time last year, Bro. Brook organized a presentation from the Ottawa Men’s Mission. While we cannot support them by contracting catering services right now, the Lodge has been able to send them a donation. Your encouragement to support the Mission is much appreciated and I hope we will be able to work with them again soon on some catered events, once Lodge meetings resume.

As we normally host our DDGM Official Visit in January, R.W. Bro. Jeff Christie has offered to join us at this month’s Virtual Meeting. He will also be our guest speaker and Masonic Educator. I hope that as many of you as are able will join me in welcoming R.W. Bro. Christie.

Our Annual Roll Call will be conducted at this month’s Virtual Meeting. We will count ourselves present when Bro. Secretary calls our name, and will carry messages from those brethren who are unable to attend. If you are in touch with any Brother that has not been at our get-togethers, please take the opportunity to speak for them at Roll Call, and let us know how they are doing.

Since our report in November on the Basement Renovation at Westboro, WMTL has been looking for ways to offer something tangible in return for financial support. In this vein, we expect that they will be offering discounted credit towards the use of the Banquet Hall and Bar. The per-use cost for each credit should be known in the next month or so.

I am looking forward to seeing you in person in 2021 and hope that you are all staying safe.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

As the Christmas season is upon us, I would like to wish you, your family, and loved ones a safe and joyous holiday!

We usually celebrate the season with our Christmas Pot Luck but this being a “special” time, we are obligated to keep our distance. I can’t wait to have a bigger potluck, more wine, and greater mirth when the pandemic is behind us.

Our thanks go out to R.W.Bro. Burchill who treated us to a great piece of masonic education last month. The story of “Ed, Fred, and Ted” drove home the message that while we may approach the door of the Lodge for different reasons, the nature of masonry offers many paths for every brother to
find fulfillment.

Since our last meeting, the 4-Lodge Centennial Committee met and decided to closeout our efforts to hold a joint celebration. Monies that were paid up front for the Banquet and Ceremony were forfeit, however, when we were forced to cancel. While we could not reclaim what was spent for the hall, banquet and band, we will not be obliged to pay out the full contract. Funds left in the bank will be divided equally among the 4 Lodges.

Your feedback last month on Charity, and the Basement Renovation, is much appreciated. Normally we use CGP for these dialogues, but,
again, these are special times. I am happy to report that the Temple Board has provided the project budget, and a fuller explanation of their work. By the time we hold our next virtual meeting, you should have that material to peruse.

In closing, please remember that annual dues are payable by year-end. As disheartening as it is that we cannot meet in-Lodge, your financial support remains vital.

I look forward to seeing you on-line, and hope that 2021 will see us gathered happily again, in-person.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

I would like to thank everyone for making the time to join our monthly virtual meetings, and for keeping masonry in your hearts. While the isolation imposed by social distancing can be disheartening, I am glad to see everyone online and to hear your voices.

Thanks are due to W.Bro. Lillico for his historical presentation last month on life in 1920, and also to those of you who reached out to the Brethren who missed the last get-together.

November is usually a special month for us, and the time when we recognize those members of Acacia who have served both in war and in peacetime. Sadly, we have to add our Empty Chair Ceremony to the list of traditions we must forego this year.

It was proposed recently that we make a donation to the Men’s Mission. We were unable to hire them for GLAN this year, and will not be able to help them with work at DD Night. W. Bro. Lillico advises that our finances should be strong enough to support a donation since our budget for Festive Boards is going untouched.

Since our last meeting, we received a note from W.Bro. David Brown on behalf of the Temple Board. The renovations to the basement at Westboro have not yet been completed, and the space could be a significant source of revenue once Covid restrictions are lifted. While no work can be undertaken immediately, it would appear that the Temple Board will be seeking financial support to finish the project.

In closing, I would like to call upon anyone with ideas for Masonic education or related topics to get in touch. It was a consensus at the September meeting that regular talks are of interest, so I would like to fill up a schedule of topics and speakers.

I look forward to seeing and hearing you on-line, and hope that we will soon be able to meet again in-person. As always, if you need any assistance, please let any
Lodge officer know.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

My thanks to everyone for keeping in touch with one another, and for supporting our virtual get-togethers. It was heartwarming to have so many sign-in to our last meeting, and to even have W. Bro. Gravelle take a break to join us from his car!

Last month’s presentation by the Grand Master was a thought-provoking start to our year. His talk reminded us of the opportunities to live the values we share as Masons, and while tradition may constrain us in some ways, an open mind and heart does not.

Even though we cannot conduct our usual Masonic Business, Ritual or voting, W.Bro. Plummer’s has offered to keep organizing our monthly meet-up on our Regular Meeting night. With your participation as encouragement, we will keep up the effort to meet online, share news and maintain our bond.

As you may have all heard, W.Bro. Bruce Quinney, a Past Master and longtime member of Acacia passed to the Grand Lodge Above on October 3. As well, W.Bro. Jack Earnshaw’s wife, Susan Hawe, passed away on September 15. I hope we can share a moment’s silence at our next gathering, to reflect on our happy memories
of them, the good that they represented, and the legacy
they have left.

There was general consensus at our September gathering that we should plan some masonic education this month. As we are still in our anniversary year, I’ve asked W.Bro. Neil Lillico to give us a brief historical talk this month. He will no doubt preface and conclude his presentation with a request for personal biographies, so, well, please don’t be surprised.

I look forward to seeing and hearing you on-line and hope that we will soon be able to meet again in-person. As always, if you need any assistance, please let any Lodge officer know.

Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

We are living in interesting times. I hope that this note finds you and your family well and that in spite of the Covid-19 isolation, that you are holding masonry in your hearts.

As sad as it was to see our Silver-to-Gold event slip from our hands, time marched on. We are now a 100 year old Lodge and will deploy our new Lodge regalia, and proudly wear our new aprons when next we meet.

W. Bros. Harrison and Lillico have been unrelenting through the darkness. They have been maintaining the Lodge business and Grand Lodge correspondence on our behalf. We will be able to resume in-person gatherings as soon as it is safe to do so. Acacia is alive and well.

W. Bro. Plummer has lead several on-line get-togethers over the summer to keep us in touch. It’s been fun to see how shaggy we have become when we live in bubbles and wear masks! With W.Bro. Plummer’s help we can maintain our spirit of brotherhood until we can meet again in person.

This September, we will obviously not be able to hold our traditional Grand Lodge Appreciation Night or regular meetings. Likewise we could not elect and install a new slate of Officers before the lockdown.

The plan going forward, is to remain dark with regard to in-person meetings and any ritual. When public health authorities deem it safe, we will cautiously resume operations, catch up on degree work, and celebrate the brotherhood we have been missing.

If you would like to join any of the virtual get-togethers it would be great to see you. If you need any assistance, as always, let any Lodge officer know.

Please wear a mask, and stay safe.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

Time flies and our Centennial Celebration is upon us. On Saturday, March 14 we will be gathering at Tudor Hall with the Grand Master, Grand Lodge Officers, and 3 other Lodges for our combined Silver-to-Gold Ceremony. The Lodge will tyle at 1 pm.

The Ceremony will be conducted as an emergent meeting with Sydney Albert Luke as the host lodge. They will do the opening/closing, and Grand Lodge will conduct the Silver-to-Gold portion.

Our Grand Historian, RW Bro. Mike Jenkyns, will be giving a short presentation on the history of the 4 Lodges over the past 100 years. After closing the lodge, those who have booked a reservation will return at 6 pm. for our Banquet and Dance.

Brethren, even if you do not plan to attend the Banquet, please make an effort to come to the Lodge portion of the day. Many fine men have gone before us, and this is Acacia’s chance to recognize and celebrate the 100 Years we’ve devoted to Freemasonry.

The dress for the lodge meeting will be white tie for Grand Lodge Officers, Tuxedo for Lodge Officers, and dark business suit for all others. Tuxedo can be worn at the Banquet, if you wish, to complement the Ladies.

Silver aprons are to be worn for the Centennial Lodge Meeting. Our first occasion to wear the gold ones will be at our Regular Meeting on March 17. Work on the Acacia centennial challenge coins by W.Bro. Harrison and Bro. Perkins continues. We hope to have the coins ready for distribution before the end of the masonic year.

In addition to the Centennial Lodge on the 14th, our Regular Lodge meeting will go ahead as normally scheduled on Tuesday, (March 17). It will be a short meeting with regular business, a small piece of Masonic Education, and fellowship afterwards.

I hope you share my excitement at seeing you on the 14th for the ceremony, to your fellowship at the Banquet, and to our next 100 years together as Brothers!

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

If reports are to be believed, our DDGM Official Visit was a success!

R.W. Bro. Christie’s official visit proved memorable with, not one, but 2 entrances into the lodge. Bro. Hacker demonstrated his competence in the 3rd degree, and our Guest Speaker from the Men’s Mission gave us a thorough appreciation for the work that they do.

I would like to thank everyone who gave to the JW box at the Festive Board. The monies are gratefully received and will be sent to the Men’s mission to support their need.

Our March 14 Centennial Celebrations will soon be upon us. Grand Lodge will be in attendance for the afternoon ceremony, and food, wine, and dance will follow in the evening.

If you have not yet procured your tickets to the Banquet and Dance, please do so. Bro. Senior Warden can assist.
While on the topic of our 100th, I would be remiss if I did not ask again, if you would ensure that W. Bro. Lillico has your biography. Our History is the history of each member, and your biography is our tool to preserve it.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support that I’ve received due to the recent coronavirus outbreak. My Lady, Cindy, has chosen to remain in China to support her parents, and I have passed along your best wishes as she endures the quarantine.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

I trust you all had a peaceful and relaxing Christmas. The New Year has always been a time of reflection for me, and since becoming a Mason it also serves to remind me of the special bond we share, and the gift that we represent to one another.

Our Lodge is celebrating our 100th Anniversary this year, and we will be sharing the centennial celebration with 3 other lodges.

Grand Lodge will be conducting a special Silver to Gold Ceremony in the afternoon of March 14 at Tudor Hall, and there will be a Banquet and Dance in the evening. Bro. Frank Sigouin, is our contact for tickets which are now on sale for $75 each. E-mail, call, or speak with Frank, and he will set you up.
For our DDGM visit this year Bro. Brook has reached out to the Men’s Mission to speak to us in Lodge about a culinary training program that they run. We will not only learn about this program, but will be availing of it for the post-meeting Banquet.

Our Annual Roll call will be conducted at this month’s meeting. If you are in touch with any Brother that has not been to Lodge lately, please take the opportunity to speak for them at Roll Call, and let us know how they are doing.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master

My Brethren,

My neighbours have already turned on their Christmas lights so the holiday’s must soon be upon us!

I would like to wish you, your families and loved ones a peaceful, happy and restful season, and the chance to reflect on the year past, and the plans for the year ahead.

This month we will be holding our traditional potluck after the December regular meeting. If you’ve not already done so, please let our Junior Warden know how many will be in your party, and what dish you will be bringing. The meeting will be kept as short as possible so that we can focus on fellowship and our invited guests.

Planning for the 100th Centennial is moving ahead. Tickets are now on sale, and are $75 per person. This is a deal, as the meal alone is costing $71 and there will be wine on the table, butler service, and a live band for the dancing after the meal. Please mark March 14 in your calendars.

Bro. Secretary has received the gold-trimmed aprons, and our fingers are crossed that the Lodge Regalia order will have all the bits required. A special thank-you is due to W.Bros. Lillico and Harrison for their diligence in gathering the gold.

Our DDGM will be visiting St. Andrew’s Lodge on Dec. 5, which will feature a reading of the Old Charges by candlelight. As well, Doric Lodge has extended a particular welcome to Acacia for a 1st Degree on December 19.

I look forward to seeing you all soon, and wish you all the very best for the Holidays, and throughout 2020!

Sincerely and fraternally,

W.Bro. Donald Learning
Worshipful Master