THE FOUNDING OF GRANTHAM LODGE

    On May 6, 1958, an interested group of nine Master Masons met at the home of Bro. Stanley D. Costen to discuss the formation of a new Masonic Lodge to fill an evident need in this area. W. Bro. B.E. Schaab was chosen chairman and W.Bro. W.W. Tanner as Secretary. The Brethren were authorized at this meeting to approach R.W. Bro. Farr, D.D.G.M. of Niagara District "A", and R.W. Bro. E.G. Dixon, the Grand Secretary, and Seymour Lodge re fostering the new Lodge.

    At a meeting held on May 20, 1958, reports re the above actions were considered. The name "Grantham Lodge" was chosen, so named after the Township of Grantham, fees and dues were decided; other Lodges in the jurisdiction were asked for approval, and a nominating committee was named.

    On June 3, 1958, the first meeting was held in Seymour Masonic Hall with 28 Masons present. All previous actions were upheld, the rental agreement with Seymour Masonic Hall was struck and the slate of officers approved. The first Master of our Lodge was W. Bro. Frank G. White, a Past Master of Adoniram #573. The approval of most of the Lodges in the jurisdiction was received and the charter Member list closed. Our petition for a dispensation to form Grantham Lodge received its final approval on September 8, 1958.
    On September 29, 1958, M.W. Bro. W.J. Dunlop, assisted by other Grand Lodge officers, performed the Ceremony of institution. Much necessary regalia and working tools were presented by various Lodges and individuals. Ten Past Masters and thirty brethren were accepted as Charter Members and signed the petition for a dispensation.

    The new Grantham Lodge accepted twenty members by initiation and three members by affiliation the following year and has since continued to thrive.

    One other item of interest to note perhaps is the Altar and Pedestal cloths which adorn our Lodge room. These were presented to Grantham Lodge in 1995, the Altar Cloth by Mrs. White in memory of W. Bro. Frank G. White, our first Master, and the Worshipful Masters Pedestal cloth in memory of W. Bro. W. Phillips, by his family. The other cloths were purchased by donations from the brethren.