A Brief History of Seymour Lodge
One of the most famous members of Maple Leaf Lodge and one of its charter members, was James Seymour who became the Grand Master and Grand First Principal from the vicinity. He served as Grand Master during the year 1871 and as Grand First Principal during 1874.
As Maple Leaf Lodge was the child of St George's Lodge, so Maple Leaf in turn sponsored two other lodges that are flourishing in the immediate neighbourhood today, Seymour Lodge of Port Dalhousie in 1872 and Mountain Lodge of Thorold in 1873.
The first meeting of organization for Seymour Lodge, with 14 men present, was held on January 22, 1872 in the "new hall" of the Wood Block, situated on Front Street, facing East on Port Dalhousie harbour. This is the location now occupied by Murphy's Restaurant.
The reason for forming was a number of masons and members of Maple Leaf Lodge in St. Catharines, and residing in Port Dalhousie, found it awkward and inconvenient, especially during the spring season, to use the horse and buggy mode of transportation to attend their lodge, four or more miles distant, in St. Catharines.
Based on having received a promise of $60.00 annual rent for lodge quarters, from a Mr. R. Long, the group decided to petition the Grand Master for a dispensation to form a lodge. The lodge name "Seymour" was chosen out of their deep respect for the then Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother James Seymour, a past master of Maple Leaf Lodge, and with whom they were well acquainted. Regular monthly meetings were to be held on the Wednesday, on or before the full of the moon. Brother John Lawrie, later to become the first secretary of the newly formed lodge, was appointed to present the petition to Maple Leaf Lodge, and obtain their recommendation. Cordially endorsing the petition, Maple Leaf members also voted $30.00 to cover the cost of the dispensation and warrant.
Further meetings resulted in having R.W. Bro. Robert Wilson, D.D.G.M., issue to the lodge a dispensation, under date of May 22, 1872, permitting it to proceed with business until a warrant was granted. Grand Lodge approved and warranted Seymour Lodge No. 277 to operate officially as fully qualified from July 11, 1872.
An item of interest taken from the minutes of December 27, 1872, states; M.W. Bro. James Seymour, after waiting for some time for Past Masters, who were to assist in the dedication, but did not arrive, had to forgo the duty of consecration and dedication. The Grand Master then installed the first slate of Seymour Lodge officers and handed the Warrant to the Worshipful Master. No known record appears showing when the consecration and dedication was actually performed.
The original fees for initiation were $20.00; that for joining $4.00; annual dues were $3.00. It appears from numerous payments recorded, that these latter could be paid semi-annually.
The hopes and aspirations of our founders were well rewarded in that first year. From May 22, 1872 to December 27, 1872 the eleven charter members found it necessary to schedule ten regular meetings and three emergent meetings to confer 10 first degrees; 11 second degrees; 9 third degrees, as well as 2 affiliations, for a total of 27 members.
During the 1890's however, Seymour Lodge came on difficult times. With a large number of its brethren involved in shipping on the Welland Canal, and the canal becoming increasingly important, lodge attendance steadily decreased and the D.D.G.M.'s of the time raised questions about its future. By 1900 things were turning around and Seymour Lodge had a steady membership of 28. The lodge reached a membership high in the early 1960's of about 250. We can now report that since its inception Seymour Lodge has enrolled 751 members. The net membership as of today is 132.
The lodge occupied the same premises on Front Street from 1872 to 1925.During that period two fires were suffered. The second fire, on April 1, 1891, would seem to have extensive, as no meetings were held until August of that year.
Sometime about 1925 a property on Lock Street, known and remembered by many as the Erskine Building, was purchased. On November 1, 1947 the Lock Street property was sold, and a lot on Elgin Street was purchased from St. John's Anglican Church. Although plans were immediately drawn up for a new Temple, no definite action was taken, and the Lodge continued to rent the Lock Street property until 1953.
In the latter part of 1952 the Lodge contacted the Postal authorities with a view to incorporate Post Office facilities with a Lodge Hall. From these talks an agreement was made with the authorities, and plans and specifications, prepared by Mr. Thomas Wiley, Architect, were agreed upon. The lot on Elgin Street, being unsuitable to the Postal authorities, was transferred back to St. John's Church. A new site was then purchased on the corner of Main and Gertrude Streets. This lot was sub-divided and the part containing the house was sold to Mr. George Coles. A contract for the building of Seymour Masonic Hall was then awarded to J.R. Stork & Son.
The first sod was turned on August 5, 1953. The Post Office was given possession on January 1, 1954 under a ten year contract. Other tenants were Mr. G.A. Wing, Real Estate and Insurance Broker, and Mr. Nelson Brooks, barber. The financing of the building was made possible by a mortgage arranged with Mr. J.R. Stork. This mortgage was kept to a minimum by money realized from the previous lodge building, and from the issuance of non-interest bearing certificates to members, who generously contributed. The entire indebtedness of this mortgage was completely paid off by the end of 1968.
The first regular meeting held in the Seymour Building was on January 13, 1954 with W. Bro. Gerald Wing presiding. A goodly number of visitors were present, among them Mr. Murton Seymour, grandson of James Seymour who dedicated our Lodge in 1872. It was fitting that W. Bro. Wing had the distinction of being the first Master in the new building. While the members at large contributed greatly in finances and voluntary labour to provide our new quarters, it was mainly the leadership and organization of W. Bro. Gerry Wing which assured its success.
The dedication ceremonies were held on Wednesday, March 12, 1954, with R.W. Bro. A.L. Bennett as acting as Grand Master, together with many other distinguished Masons in attendance. The ceremony was followed by a banquet in the Legion Hall.
In January, 1953 a group of Masons, members of Seymour Lodge, met to discuss the idea of promoting the fellowship of the lodge. Out of this discussion the Doric Club was formed which has been of invaluable assistance, not only in furthering the original idea, but in many other ways. This Lodge is sincerely grateful to the Club for their generous contributions to the fine furnishings of our present quarters.
During the Nineteen-fifties many unattached Masons came to reside in Grantham Township, a residential area adjacent to St. Catharines. As excellent accommodations were available at the new Seymour Hall, a number of Seymour Masons, together with some of the unattached Masons, promoted the idea to establish a new lodge. This new lodge, to be known as Grantham Lodge, No. 697, was presented with its charter by M.W. Bro. W.J. Dunlop on September 29, 1958. Due credit must be given to Brothers Stan Costen and Russell MacLellan for their initiative and perseverance in promoting the project. These two members later attained Past Masters rank in Grantham Lodge, Brother MacLellan becoming its first elected Master. Worshipful Brothers Bunston, Down, Schaab and Wing joined with past rank. The members of Seymour Lodge take pride in the part these members played in the formation of Grantham Lodge. May the endeavors of our Grantham brethren continue to be both successful and rewarding.
The large portrait of M.W. Bro. James Seymour that hangs in our building was presented to this lodge by the Masonic Temple Association of Toronto in September, 1963. It had hung in the Masonic Temple, Davenport Road for almost a century. W. Bro. Robert Jackson accepted this most generous gift on behalf of the lodge.
Seymour Lodge celebrated its 100th year anniversary in 1972. Among the special events marking this milestone in our history were the following:
q A 24 page commemorative booklet was mailed to each member.
q A Centennial Dinner & Ladies' Appreciation Night was held on May 27th at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Church Street, St. Catharines. Tickets were $6.00 each.
q A fraternal visit to Seymour Lodge No.272, Ancaster took place on October 10th at which time a replica of the painting hanging in our building was presented.
q A fraternal visit to Maple Leaf Lodge No.103 was made on October 19th to confer a third degree.
q Seymour Lodge held a Divine Service on December 3rd at the Salvation Army Citadel.
q The Worshipful Master during this momentous year was W. Bro. T. Roy Adams.
During the recent past, Seymour Lodge has enjoyed the benefits of a strong and active membership. Many improvements have been made to our building, and more are planned. The ritual conducted by the officers and members has been maintained at a level which is the envy of many other lodges in the jurisdiction.
May Seymour Lodge Continue to attract a membership committed to upholding the high standards established and maintained by our past and present brethren.