Tag: Derek Brook

Brethren,

As another year closes, I can honestly say, as much as I was waiting for the days for my 3-year tenure to be ended, I will miss representing Acacia Lodge as the Master. I have had some meetings where I was not fully on my game and some others that felt magical. I would just like to say from the bottom of my heart that you have all made my journey in the east memorable and a learning experience. I believe it has made me better and a better man for the experience.

I know I leave the lodge in very capable hands with the in-coming officers for the next masonic year, and it will be my pleasure to continue to serve where needed. I look forward to mentoring the younger officers as my way of paying forward what R.W. Bro. Roberts, V.W. Bro. Learning, and Bro. Kidd did to prepare me for the chair.

The Eastern Tour will attend our installation this month, which is an honour for our lodge. Let’s have an impressive installation led by R.W. Bro. Roberts and his team.

Let’s continue to welcome new members to Acacia, as it is key to the success of the craft that we all continue to grow our membership.

Congratulations to all the newly elected and appointed officers for the upcoming year!

S&F,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master
Acacia Lodge #561

Brethren,

Another year is quickly winding down, and I would like to say how happy I am with the progress we have made in a few areas. We welcomed a brand-new mason this year, had another affiliate to Acacia from Haiti via New York and this month we will be voting on an affiliation for a brother from UGLE.

This month we will be holding our election of officers on our regular meeting night and then Bro. Secretary will be stepping into the east for step-up night at our emergent meeting. I will attend the district meeting on our emergent night.

We had a perfect number plus to carry the travelling gavel to Prince of Wales Lodge after a substantial delegation of brethren from Russell Lodge presented the gavel to us.

I would just like to send a huge appreciation to the brethren for not making me feel like I was old hat in the lodge after serving in my third year in the east. The buy-in and effort from everyone was very much appreciated.

Unfortunately, we lost a brother this year via a demit and his absence was noticeable as he is a friend and mentor to me.
Installation season will be upon us in a few short weeks, and I welcome as many as can join me to visit as many as we can as a group.

Let’s finish the year strong!

S&F, Derek Brook
WM Acacia 561

Brethren,

With the continued political unrest and warring nations around the world, I am thankful every day for where we live and the life that comes with it. The ability to sit in a lodge room with men such as yourselves makes the world easier to cope with.

As we turn the calendar on another winter and look forward to the spring and summer that will inevitably follow, we are reminded that for us, as Masons, we are about to get very busy. This month we will be receiving the travelling gavel from Russell Lodge and delivering it to Prince of Wales Lodge on March 27. As always, a goodly number of Masons will be expected and appreciated. The district has represented very well this year for visitation as well as the gavel and I expect Acacia to continue in that representation.

There will be several official visits from our DD, R.W. Abraham Garcia, in the district as well as a plethora of installations. My goal is to attend all of them that I am able and welcome any brother that would like to accompany me.

This month, we are going to start a new tradition of having an Irish stew for the festive board at this month’s meeting that always seems to fall near or on St. Patrick’s Day. Our festive board this month will be at 6:30pm. As the cost of food does not seem to be decreasing, we are asking for a nominal fee of $10 per person to offset the cost of the food. Please notify me or our secretary of your intent to attend and how many attendees you expect so we have enough food.

S&F,
Derek Brook
WM Acacia 561

Brethren,

Last month we had a very successful Official Visit from R.W. Bro. Abe Garcia, and I would like to say thank you to the brethren who were instrumental in making it a success. I would also like to extend my thanks to the brethren from the Lodge of Fidelity on their fraternal visit, the visit and the number of brethren present (I believe 14 was the number if memory serves), was a great representation of the lodge. I have seen quite a lot of visitation this year and am happy to see that we are almost back to Pre-COVID levels of visiting.

This month, we welcome a new candidate to the lodge, and we will be doing his initiation at our regular meeting on the 17th.

We will also be scheduling a breakfast on the 21st or 28th, details to follow shortly.

Next month we will be receiving and delivering the travelling gavel and, as always, a great number of Masons representing Acacia is expected and appreciated.

I ask that everyone stay vigilant in the coming weeks as the temperature fluctuations can and likely will make for some interesting travel conditions.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Derek Brook

WM Acacia Lodge 561

Brethren,

As we bid farewell to another year, we look forward with expectations of joy and kindness to a fruitful 2026. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season with friends and family and look forward to seeing you all over the next coming weeks and months.

As we step into the busy time for Ottawa districts 1 and 2 with official visits, travelling gavels, many degrees being bestowed upon worthy candidates and brothers, as well as outside of the lodge activities, I remind you all to stay safe.

We will be welcoming RW Brother Abraham Garcia on his official visit at our regular meeting this month and our district meeting is happening on Jan 27th at Walkley Rd. I recommend attending so you know what is happening around the district.

Our dinner for our official visit will be held at the Royals Restaurant in Richmond at a cost of $40 per person. Please send payments to AcaciaDues@gmail.com . It will require payment to confirm attendance as we will need to let the restaurant know what our final number will be for dinner. Dinner for 6:00 p.m. Tyle at 7:00 p.m.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Derek Brook

WM Acacia Lodge 561

Brethren,

Another year has come and is quickly exiting the scene as quickly as it entered.

This month we ready ourselves for the Acacia Christmas Pot-Luck Supper, which many of us look forward to every year.

There are a couple of DDGM Official Visits in the district over the next couple of weeks and I welcome anyone who is able and wants to, to join me.

Next month we will be hosting our own Official Visit on our Regular Meeting Night and initiating a brand-new candidate on our emergent night in January.

As always, please stay safe this holiday season and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Festivus, and if I missed any, I apologize and Happy that as well.

See you all at CGP and our upcoming Regular Meeting Night.

Happy Holidays,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master

Brethren,

It looks like winter will be upon us soon, with snow in the not-too-distant forecast.

This month we will be doing a fraternal visit to Lodge of Fidelity for their official visit. Our regular meeting will be held on our emergent night the following Tuesday. Our work for the evening will be an empty chair ceremony and regular business.

Worshipful Brother Earnshaw with be in the East this month conducting the ceremony.

I look forward to seeing a goodly number of the brethren of Acacia in attendance for our fraternal visit. A gentle reminder that visitation is one of the great blessings that we get as Masons. Being a member of one lodge allows visitation world-wide, and a good number of our brethren can attest to the welcome and open arms that they have been received with all over the world.

If you are able, there will be a Masonic gathering and a service at the Perley for Remembrance Day, and we have been asked to assemble at 10 am.

S&F,
Derek Brook

Brethren,

Another month is upon us already. The Second Degree that was scheduled for this month has been delayed as sometimes life gets in the way and the candidate is not ready to move forward yet.

This month, we will be voting on a prospective candidate based on the Investigating Committee’s findings.

There will also be final officer investitures, (Senior Deacon & Asst. Secretary), as well as a Master Mason’s Certificate presentation.

The night will be topped off with some Masonic Education presented by Bro. Mathew Van Seters.

A heartfelt thank you to R.W. Bro. Burchill who stepped in to fill the master’s chair on quite short notice as I forgot some important regalia at home and had to retrieve it quickly.

As a reminder, we have a Member’s Night approaching on the 18th at Cabotto’s. We have had approximately 21 confirm and the room is booked for 24. If you would like to attend and have not said so, please do so quickly, so I can try to arrange for more space.

S&F,
Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master

Brethren,

The new Masonic year is upon us, and we will be embarking on a very busy time. We will be having some Grand Lodge rank bestowed on two very worthy brothers and R.W. Bro. Sam Roberts will be presented with his undress regalia.

Over the summer we had a very successful BBQ and have just had a breakfast get-together for the brethren to catch up over a long summer. Our CGP will be held on the 10th of October, and we will be having a quick open /close practice afterwards so the newer officers can feel more comfortable in their new roles before we go live.

There will be degree work to be done over the coming months as we have a couple of brethren ready to advance in their Masonic journeys.

We have had several inquiries over the summer from people looking to join the fraternity, so, I will cautiously say that we will have more degree work to do in the near future.

I look forward to seeing you all in lodge this month and around the district whenever you are able.

S&F,

Derek Brook, Worshipful Master

Brethren,

Another year has come and gone. It once again has been my immense pleasure to sit in the east as the Worshipful Master of Acacia Lodge 561. Once again, the brethren have seen fit to place me in King Solomon’s chair in the east for the upcoming masonic year and I am proud to once again represent you all.

Our upcoming regular meeting will be the installation of the officers for 2025-2026. We will be having our CGP on Saturday May 10th at 3:00 p.m. at the lodge and it will be followed by practice for the installation night.

For the upcoming masonic year, the focus will be on doing more of the things that, frankly, as a lodge, we should be doing. This includes a lady’s night as well as looking at the Masonic ChIP program that will be spearheaded by one of our younger brethren. I will also be looking at pursuing more of the programs on the Cornerstone program to ensure that even if we are not a Cornerstone lodge, at least we are doing all the things to make us viable in the long term.

There will be a special CGP called on our Emergent night to discuss the long-term plans for Acacia and what we are going to do to increase our numbers in the coming years. We will also discuss the succession plan for the officers going forward.

The lodge BBQ is slated for early July at V.W. Bro. Jackson’s home, details to follow.

S&F,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

Another year has gone by at the speed of aging, (very quick for the younger guys), and we are down to our final evenings of the current Masonic year. As a result, this month is a little busier than normal.

I am requesting that all brethren that have a part to play in next months installation, (same as last year), attend CGP this month in person as WB Jordan McConnell has requested that we hold a quick practice after our CGP.
On our emergent night, there will be our annual “step up” night for the newly minted officers to practice their new roles before installation in May.

Along with elections this month R.W. Bro. Kosta Hatsis will be presenting a piece of education for the brethren. It has been a pleasure for the second year to be the Master of Acacia and you continue to make the East a pleasant experience for me.

Seeing all the visitation happening throughout Districts 1 and 2 this year brings me feelings of true positivity for the Craft in Ottawa. Let us remember that it is through our actions and answers that anyone looking to join the craft will make their decisions. If we act as our obligations tell us to, we are just and upright in the eyes of ‘seekers’. If we act as we are obligated, our actions speak for us. The reverse is also true.

I would like to issue a very heartfelt Thank You to the 14 brethren of Acacia that joined me on the delivery of the travelling gavel to Carleton Lodge on March 27. The number of brothers accompanying me was commented on many times throughout the evening.

S&F,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master

Brethren,

The year is quickly winding down, but we are no less busy. Likely, more so now. This month we will be receiving the Travelling Gavel, proving a Worthy Brother and hearing some masonic education from R.W. Bro. Hatsis and the Grand Chaplain R.W. Bro. David Spencer.

We will also be delivering the travelling gavel on March 27 to Carleton Lodge in Carp. I look forward to having as many members of the lodge as we can for this very important ceremony. I will have reminders sent out during the course of March.

Next month we will be holding elections for the upcoming Masonic Year followed by our Step-Up night. May will culminate the year with the installation and investiture of Officers in May / June.

As I stated at the commencement of this Masonic Year, travelling is very important to the long-term viability of the Craft and I would appreciate as many of you as are able to accompany me over the next few months to please do so, if your cable tows allow.

S&F,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master
Acacia Lodge No. 561 G.R.C. in O.

Brethren,

First off, I would just like to say how happy I am for the brethren of Acacia and the other lodges that have assisted with the Master Mason Degrees we have done over the past few months. Very smooth and well-remembered by the brethren being raised.

If you were not able to make it out to our DD night last month, you missed a very full house. Brother Secretary reports that 70 Masons were present. We had the honor of hosting three current DDGMs from Ottawa Districts 1 and 2 as well as Frontenac District. Their presence was enjoyed by all the brethren in attendance. We even had a visitor from Türkiye join us for the evening.

This month we will slow things down a bit with our annual Roll Call as well as Proving a brother in the Degree of a Master Mason.

Next month, we will be receiving, as well as delivering, the Travelling Gavel as we ready ourselves for the bustle that is the spring in Ottawa District 1 with many DDGM nights as well as elections and installations.

Over the next week or so, I will be reaching out to everyone that I have not seen in open lodge in some time as part of the roll call duties. I look forward to speaking with and/or seeing you all in lodge.

S&F,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master
Acacia Lodge No. 561 G.R.C. in O.

Brethren,

As the holiday season has passed, the busy time of year for all masons is now upon us. With most lodges gearing up for what is always a busy spring with elections, installations, and degree work, it is a challenge to find the time.

This month we are welcoming our DDGM, R.W. Bro. Sam Roberts, to Acacia on his official visit, along with conferring the sublime degree of a Master Mason on a worthy brother.

Just a reminder that being our DD night, we tyle at 7pm and the festive board will precede it at 6pm in the Banquet Hall of The St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 3529 McBean St. (Just south of the lodge building on the left hand side of the street).

I look forward to seeing many visitors at this month’s meeting, but just ask for a simple reminder to notify the Junior Warden at kidd.dg@gmail.com of your intent to attend. The meal will be a cost of $20 per person except for the guest of honor and his secretary.

S&F,
Derek Brook
Worshipful Master
Acacia Lodge No. 561 G.R.C. in O.

Brethren,

We are at that time of year again where we say goodbye to another year and openly welcome what will be a very good year ahead if all goes as we plan.

This month we will be having a very short meeting followed by our annual potluck, that honestly, without our better halves, would really be a bit lacking.

So, this month will be a short meeting, but then in January we hit the ground running with a Raising in January, followed by the travelling gavel, elections and installations.

While we get busy at this time of year with everything that happens around the Holiday times for everyone, let us remember that those nearest and dearest to us may like to hear from you if you don’t stay in regular contact. Loneliness at this time of year is a major health concern and a phone call or visit can go a long way.

I look forward to seeing you all in the next couple of weeks for our CGP and regular meetings. Remember in your hearts, those that we have lost this year both inside and outside of the lodge.

Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master,
Acacia Lodge No. 561 G.R.C. in O.

Brethren of Acacia,

I would like to, once again, commend everyone at Acacia, as well as the brethren from other lodges for making our Raising of Bro. Reid last month a very crisp evening, and I trust a memorable one for our brother.

This month’s meeting will be no less busy as we remember the fallen with an empty chair ceremony, as well as a couple of masonic education presenters.

We will also be proving our recently minted master mason as he proves his proficiency in the third degree.

As the winter season quickly approaches, please remember that the safety of everyone in attendance is of the utmost importance, so please ensure your vehicles are winterized and ready for whatever weather the next 4 months will bring with it.

We will also be doing another third degree in January at our official DDGM Visit and I look forward to seeing the exceptional work done last month, extended to another brother being raised to the sublime degree of a master mason.

See you all at our next CGP, November 12th, as well as our regular meeting on the 19th.

Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master,
Acacia Lodge No. 561 G.R.C. in O.

Brethren of Acacia,

First let me say, last month was a very good evening with proving brother Schulz and investing several officers in their new posts. This month the ball keeps right on rolling along with a very worthy brother being raised as a Master Mason. Many thanks go out to the brethren who have stepped up and agreed to help both from Acacia and elsewhere.

As a reminder to everyone, we will be assembling for our usual meeting night (15 October) at 7 pm at Walkley Rd. for a fraternal visit to Lodge of Fidelity. This is their official DD visit and having as many of you as possible join us for the meeting there in support of “our” DD would be very much appreciated.

Just a reminder that our Regular meeting to raise Bro. Reid will be conducted on the night of Oct. 22. We have dispensation from Grand Lodge to conduct the regular business of the Lodge on the night usually reserved for our emergent meetings.

On a more sombre note, we will be saying farewell to Bro. John Jenkyns this month as he passed to the Grand Lodge Above September 24th.

Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

It appears yet another summer has scurried away at the speed of light.

First, a huge congratulations to our very own R.W. Brother Sam Roberts, this year’s DDGM for Ottawa District 1.

As we are about to enter a new year of Masonic brotherhood and visitation, I want to say a simple, welcome back and it is my pleasure to continue as your Worshipful Master for another year.

We are about to embark on a busy year. We will be proving a worthy brother in the third and installing several officers at our upcoming meeting in September.

In October, there were scheduling issues with the Royal Arch, so I have asked for dispensation to move our regular meeting to our emergent night and would request as many of you as possible to join me in a delegation for a fraternal visit to The Lodge of Fidelity on our regular night. We never get to interact with one another as our lodges meet on the same night and as I stated in my message in May, my goal this year will be to encourage more visitation throughout the district.

We will also be doing two third degrees this year on two very worthy brethren in October and January.

Welcome back, and I look forward to seeing you all in person at the upcoming CGP and lodge meetings next month.

Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

Where has the year gone? We find ourselves in the installation season already. I was at the installation of the new master of Edinburgh Defenders a few days ago and it is refreshing to see the growth that is happening in Ottawa District 1.

The installation season across the district will enter its full swing in the upcoming weeks, ours included. I will attend most of those and if your cable tow’s will allow, I would love to see the representation of Acacia as high as we can make them as always. This will also be the main focal point of the upcoming masonic year for me as I believe it is our greatest honor to be able to visit other lodges on a regular basis.

Please join me in congratulating W. Bro. Sam Roberts on accepting the nomination for DDGM of Ottawa District 1 for the upcoming Masonic year. Our support in joining him during fraternal visits next year will be the greatest support that we can show for him. So please try to join us where you are able.

I believe we will be having a couple of motions this month, as well as the installation of the Master and officers for the upcoming year. I congratulate and thank everyone who has stepped into the line for the first time, is moving forward on their journey to the east, or is just filling a spot where the lodge is in need.

I look forward to seeing a brother or two at the meeting this month that we have not seen in some time, let this message be a reminder to everyone that while you have been away for whatever the reason, you have been missed and we look forward to seeing you all again.

Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

As we find ourselves winding down this Masonic Year, let me once again say, it has been a truly memorable year for me, and I hope for you as well. We have proved a worthy brother in the Third, done two Second Degrees and had the Shrine Degree Team conduct a Third. We have also found the time to move to our new home in Richmond, have a couple of breakfast get-togethers and do some visiting.

This coming month we will be conducting elections for officers for the next Masonic Year, so I remind you all to please bring a pen with you to lodge to make the writing of names an easier process.

If, by chance, you all see fit to have me sit in King Solomon’s chair again next year, we will be doing a couple of third degrees on our own, as well as possibly a second for a brother we have just welcomed back to Acacia after several years away if he deems himself ready to move upward and onward.

I would also like to focus more on fraternal visits next year. Visiting is one of the greatest undertakings we have as Masons and is also a very good way of getting to know the brethren around the District.

Derek Brook,
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

As the turmoil around the world continues, let us continue to remember the values that drive us as Mason’s are to be better and to do better. While many will not understand who we are and what we do, we must continue to be vigilant in the craft. Education is key. Some of the things we hear are funny to be sure, but correction of misgivings will be the only way to grow the craft that to this day, continues to dwindle.

I am very happy to see that travelling is happening again to the levels it was Pre-COVID.

For those in attendance last month, Bro. Joe Burchill did a presentation about his time in Hawaii, and it was very well received by those present. A big thank you from me personally and the lodge in general for the eloquent presentation! We need to reach out to the brethren from other lodges to keep things new and fresh in our own lodges to keep building enthusiasm. There are many brethren out there willing to help if asked, and we are all brothers after all, so go ahead and inquire.

The upcoming month will see us complete the passing of a worthy brother who had to bow out last month for health reasons. Our DD, Kosta Hatzis, will be present for a fraternal visit to observe the degree work. We will also be receiving the travelling gavel from Sidney Albert Luke. We will in turn be delivering the gavel to St. Andrew’s on March 7. A goodly number of Acacia Lodge Members in attendance would be very much appreciated both by the receiving lodge as well as myself.

I look forward to seeing you all online at this month’s CGP virtually, as well as in lodge. Stay safe and enjoy any winter vacations you may be taking, even though this winter has been far from normal.

Fraternally,

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master

Brethren,

2023 will soon be a distant memory. It has been a good year for many and for many, it has been a year worth forgetting.

As we have all seen by looking outside lately, winter is indeed upon us. At this time of year be a little more vigilant of your fellow man and brother as it is now when people need help the most.

Reach out to relatives and friends you have not spoken to in too long just to “check-in” to see how they are doing. Be a little more patient with everyone when the stress of the season takes away people’s better judgement and calm demeanor.

I look forward to seeing you all at our Christmas potluck this year and spending time with the ladies that show a great amount of patience towards us all.

Here’s to a great end to 2023 and the welcoming of a bright and hopeful 2024.

Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season to you all!

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

It has been a fast and furious opening to the current masonic year, and I wish to send out a thank you for making the step into the East enjoyable. Your assistance in the proving a third, as well as passing two worthy brethren was very good, especially when we are not fully proficient with these duties due to our recent time away from masonry in lodge.

This month, we will slow it down a bit and take a breath, while we remember those brothers who have fallen over the years for any long list of reasons.

I hope you are all enjoying the new home of Acacia in Richmond as much as I have been, and I look forward to seeing many more of you in the coming months.

Just a friendly reminder that the dues will be coming soon, and if you need to start planning it into your budget, there will be no time like the present. There is also a new electronic site to send your dues by direct deposit. The details are in the Secretary’s Notes of this summons.

Just a heartfelt wish for a quick resolution to the hostilities in Gaza and know that our hearts are with the many families affected by the on-going tragedies.

Fraternally,

Derek
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

Just a quick word of thanks for all the positive re-enforcement you provided to me on my first meeting in King Solomon’s chair. It went very well and made the evening a very enjoyable one for me.

When you get to the Richmond Masonic Hall, take a moment to go to the basement and look at the way Goodwood Lodge has welcomed us. Our name is now emblazoned on the wall down there as part of the community of Masonic bodies who call the hall home. I hope to see many of you there at upcoming meetings as well as our CGP.

This month during both the regular and emergent meetings, we will be passing two very worthy brothers who are continuing their Masonic journeys.

I will be travelling a great deal this year and having a goodly number of masons representing Acacia with me would be great to see. You are all welcome to join me whenever I am out. There is a lot going on in the District this year.

Fraternally,

Derek
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

Welcome to a new dawn in the history of Acacia Lodge No. 561. While we look back with fond memories of our time spent at Westboro Temple, we have a long future ahead of us in our new home in Richmond.

We will hit the ground running this year, with several degrees to look forward to as well as just being back in lodge with one another.

Our work for this upcoming meeting will include a memorial for W. Bro. Glenn Fleck who passed to the Grand Lodge Above during the summer break. We will also be going to the third degree to allow Bro. Perkins to prove himself and carry on with his masonic journey.

We will also be balloting for a new SW and Secretary as we, unfortunately, lost those brethren over the summer. I wish them well as they continue their journeys with whichever lodge they elect to join in the future.

There will also be a notice of motion to amend our bylaws as we have moved, and our bylaws need to reflect this change of address.

The DDGM, Kosta Hatzis, will also be joining us for his fraternal visit in the September meeting. Look forward to lots of gold on opening night.

I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master

Brethren of Acacia,

It is unfortunate that my first summons to you all is of an emergent nature, however, the future of Acacia needs to be decided by all of us.

As you are aware there have been discussions and research as to the future viability of Acacia 561 remaining in Westboro Temple. A special CGP was conducted this past Monday, June 12th, where options for our future were tabled, voted upon, and passed.

This emergent meeting will finalize the vote and officially vote on our future meeting residence. It was recommended and near-unanimously approved, that Goodwood Lodge, 3494 McBean St., Richmond, Ontario would be our new home. Many factors were considered and discussed before voting and it is with great sadness that the decision to vacate Westboro Temple, our home for nearly 100 years, has had to be made.

Your attendance at this emergent meeting is especially necessary and your attendance would be greatly appreciated if within the length of your cable tow to do so.

Derek Brook
Worshipful Master