The purpose of the Travelling Gavel is to promote visitation between Lodges within the District. The Lodge that has the most brothers present accompanying the District Deputy Grand Master on his visit to another Lodge, is declared the winner of that evening.. At the end of the Masonic year, the Lodge that has won the most number of times, is awarded the Travelling Gavel and has their name etched into it. It has become a source of pride, and bragging rights, for the winners.
The cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, which all other stones will be set in reference to, thus determining the position and strength of the entire edifice.
The cornerstone being so important to the foundation of any edifice, for Freemasons it acts as a reminder to having a strong foundation for one’s life.
The Cornerstone Program was developed to encourage and recognize Lodges that plan, implement, and manage a well-rounded yearly Lodge program that promotes Lodge activities, brotherhood, charitable work, and involvement in the community, developing a strong foundation for a Lodge to continue on for generations.
The Last Post Fund owns and manages its own military cemetery, the Last Post Fund National Field of Honour, as well as supporting and promoting other initiatives designed to honour the memory of Canadian and Allied Veterans. A national non-profit organization, the Last Post Fund’s National office is located in Montreal, supporting the Provincial Boards across the country. The Last Post Fund is supported financially by Veterans Affairs Canada and by private donations.
To donate visit www.canadahelps.org, select “Masonic Foundation of Ontario,” and enter “Project No. 2431” in the “send message” box. By making your donation in this way, 10% of every donation, up to $1,000, will be matched by the Masonic Foundation of Ontario
In 1958, the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario formed what would be known as the “Blood Donor Committee” with the purpose of informing Masons of the great work the Canadian Blood Services were doing, and encouraging them to donate.
“The good news is that one blood donation—in just one hour—can save up to three lives.”
Learn more and donate at https://www.blood.ca/en
