
founding of temple lodge
Temple Lodge had its beginnings when a group of members of Ionic Lodge # 526, in Westboro, conceived the idea of forming a new lodge in Westboro. Ionic Lodge, which was instituted in 1914, had increased steadily in membership over the years.
After the close of the Second World War, a rapid acceleration in membership to took place. It was becoming increasingly difficult for the officers and Members alike to maintain and cultivate the same friendly, social intercourse among the brethren. It was also deemed to be unfair to the new members of the lodge who could foresee little opportunity of becoming officers and leaders in the craft.
At a regular meeting of Ionic Lodge, on April 13, 1949 the W. M. W.Bro. Arthur Mason appointed a committee to study the feasibility of starting a third lodge in Westboro.
The Committee met on April 24, 1949, and subsequently a questionnaire was sent out to the members to get an indication of the support they could expect in the formation of a new lodge. The indication was that a large majority was in favour.
On October 17, 1949 a meeting was held in the Westboro Masonic Temple With R.W. Bro. G. Howard Carkner as Chairman and W. Bro. Thomas O’Neil as Secretary. The main outcome of that meeting was a recommendation to Ionic Lodge that the Lodge go on record as being favourable to the formation of a new lodge. On November 9, 1949 the above-mentioned recommendation was presented and carried in open lodge. On May 12, 1950 the organizing committee unanimously selected W. Bro. Charles Derry, a past Master of Ionic Lodge to be the first Master of the new Lodge.
It was announced that W. Bro. George M. Ritchie had agreed to act as Treasurer and that W. Bro. Claude E. Saunders had agreed to act as the Charter I.P.M.
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Six names for the new Lodge were submitted by the sub-committee for the ballot, as a result the name TEMPLE was selected by a majority vote.
At a general meeting of the Charter Members on June 9, 1950, the recommendations of the sub-committee were accepted as follows:
W.M. W. Bro. Charles A. Derry
I.P.M. W. Bro. Claude E. Saunders
S.W. Bro. Ward Stiles
J.W. Bro. J.E. (Burt) McGregor
Treasurer W. Bro. George M. Ritchie
Secretary W. Bro. H.L. Carson
S.D. Bro. J.C. Joynt
J.D. Bro. E.A. Henwood
I.G. Bro G.L. Scott
D of C W. Bro. W.C. (Charlie) Farley
S.S. Bro. B.A. McKendry
J.S. Bro. J.M. Hughes
Chaplain Bro. The Rev. J.C. (Jack) Anderson
The Institutions Ceremony of Temple Lodge # 665 took place on Friday, October 27, 1950
May we quote from the pen of W. Bro. H.L. Carson, Secretary, in his closing of the first minutes, “Temple Lodge was launched on its course, the charting of which, we all trust and pray will ever be under the direction of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe so that Temple Lodge may ever show forth His glory and contribute to the happiness of mankind”.
Temple Lodge # 665 through its Officers and members, continues to be a leader in the Ottawa Masonic District, and enjoys great fellowship with many superb programs.
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ABOUT our lodge
From its earliest meetings, Temple Lodge distinguished itself by its commitment to the Craft. The ritual was practiced with care, the landmarks respected, and the obligations taken seriously. Generations of Brethren have passed through its doors, each contributing their labour to the building of the Lodge and to the communities they served. Through periods of growth and challenge alike, Temple Lodge remained faithful to its mission: to cultivate virtue, strengthen character, and foster friendship among men of goodwill.As the decades unfolded, the Lodge evolved alongside the society around it. While remaining firmly rooted in ancient traditions, Temple Lodge learned that continuity does not mean stagnation. Each generation brought new perspectives, new energy, and new ways of expressing the same eternal Masonic values. The working tools remained the same, but the hands that wielded them reflected the changing times.
Today, as Temple Lodge No. 665 celebrates its 75th anniversary, it stands in a period of remarkable renewal. Its membership has been rejuvenated by Brethren who are passionate about the Craft of Freemasonry and committed to understanding it deeply—its symbolism, its history, and its moral teachings. The Lodge takes pride in well-executed ritual, meaningful education, and a culture that encourages every Brother to continue his Masonic journey with intention and humility. At the same time, Temple Lodge is open and receptive to the modern ways of life. It recognizes that Freemasonry flourishes when it meets men where they are, without compromising its principles.
The Lodge embraces thoughtful innovation, clear communication, and fellowship that respects the realities of contemporary family, work, and community life. This balance—honouring tradition while engaging the present—has become a defining strength.Membership at Temple Lodge is growing steadily, guided not by haste, but by care and discernment. Increasingly, eager men are looking to our fraternity for self-improvement, moral grounding, and authentic connection. They come seeking more than an organization; they seek meaning, mentorship, and a place to belong. Temple Lodge answers that call by offering a welcoming yet challenging environment, where each man is encouraged to reflect, to learn, and to serve.
As we mark seventy-five years of labour in the quarries of Freemasonry, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us, confidence in the Brethren who labour today, and hope for those yet to knock at our door. Temple Lodge No. 665 remains, as it has always aspired to be, a living Lodge—faithful to the past, engaged in the present, and committed to the future.
May the next seventy-five years be marked by the same light, harmony, and brotherly love that have guided us thus far.
PAST MASTERS of temple lodge
C.A. Derry - 1950
J.W. Stiles - 1952
E.A. Henwood - 1953
J.W. Hughes - 1955
C.E. Saunders - 1956
E.M. Hopper - 1957
J.A. Enstone - 1959
T.H. Birtch - 1960
G.W. Wilson - 1961
D.S. Cummings - 1962
R.S. Throop - 1963
W.K. Allen - 1964
W.A. Saunders - 1965
G.A. Bond - 1966
G.H. Chalmers - 1967
W.L. Lytle - 1968
L.W. Westwell - 1969
D. Parke-Taylor - 1970
L.L. Craig - 1971
W.I. Hall - 1972
G.E. White - 1973
I.T. Wilson - 1974
D.I. Steele - 1975
H. Comba - 1976
J. Murphy - 1977
P. Livingstone - 1978
P.H. Holvey - 1979
R. Borrowdale - 1980
G.W. McElree - 1982
D. Caldwell - 1983
R. Thompson - 1984
J. Hardy - 1985
D. Good - 1986
G. Ford - 1987
L. Hajjar- 1988
J. Fuentes - 1989
A. Van Strepen - 1990
T. Martin - 1991
H. Chalker - 1992
T. Martin - 1993
F. Crouch - 1994
J. McMunagle - 1995
R. Finlayson - 1996
T. Birtch - 1997
R. McLeod - 1998
J. Bampton - 1999
R. Williams - 2000
D. Gravelle - 2001
R. Edwards - 2002
R. Edwards - 2003
N. Shurei - 2004
H. Sainthill - 2005
C. Heney - 2006
D. Saikaley - 2007
K. Roy - 2008
K. Roy - 2009
G. D. O'Neill - 2010
T. L. Hemmerling - 2011
G. D. O'Neill - 2012
C. Heney - 2013
R. G. Conrad - 2014
T. L. Hemmerling - 2015
G.D. O’Neill 2016-17
G.D. O’Neill 2017-18
A. Meere -2018-19
A. Meere -2019-20
A. Meere -2020-21
S.Newman - 2022-23
S.Newman - 2023-24
J.Bizjak -2024-25
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P. Halcro 2025-Present

