Brethren, please indulge me as I take up some space here at the Ashlar with a personal appeal. One of the reasons why I joined masonry was to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather (Ernie Mann). Unfortunately, while I know that he was a Mason, I have no idea what lodge he belonged to, and I have been unable to find any record of him in the Grand Lodge records.

I do have a photo of him with his lodge, which I have included here. I hope that some mason may recognize some of the faces and identify the lodge for me; if you can you will have my profound thanks. More photos inside.
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"No organization can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests". That Foundation supports an edifice, as we know it; that was built by dedicated men from all walks of life. Our Masonic forefathers took great pride in their Lodges and the performance of their work. They were Doctors, Farmers, Lawyers, plumbers and even, on occasion, operative Masons, Prime Ministers, Presidents and entertainers.
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Br. Barbour took part in the GLQ's first "one-day" class on April 12 2003. His previous recollections can be read here and here.

Ah! Those hazy, lazy days of summer, so hazy & lazy in fact that, as usual, I'm behind on the deadline our illustrious editor has set. On top of that, I’ve lost my copy of the last Epistle and don't remember where I left off (that would be the hazy part).

Suffice it to say, I'm just winging it at the last minute. So here goes.

The remainder of the One Day class was an overwhelming experience, filled with new ideas, brilliant lectures and work by extremely dedicated Freemasons. It was just a wonderful day, being accepted in this Fraternity by such gracious brothers. (How's that for a quick synopsis) I didn't really realize it at the time, but my own Thistle Lodge did the Third Degree, with their usual flair and competence. Just amazing.
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Brethren a great opportunity is coming our way on the 25th November to showcase masonry to the entire Province. I am talking about the evening for that great mason Dr. Arthur Porter. The who's who of the city and the Province will be in attendance at this gala. There might never be another chance like this for us to demonstrate to the public what masonry is all about. The masons in attendance will have the chance to sell the craft and increase membership. The tickets are going quickly so call and reserve your table. Brethren do not let the train go by.
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There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
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Bread was divided according to status.

Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust".
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Taxation without representation!

The Winston Canadian Dictionary defines the following words:

Assess or assessment; to fix or set a tax; to value officially for the purpose of taxation.

Tax: to impose a rate or duty upon.

With these words in mind let us examine the following scenarios.

I was a member of a union and was assessed an annual fee or assessment to operate this union which was working for improving conditions for their members. Because of this assessment I had the right to vote for the union president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and all other officers of the first line. I also had the right to vote for my district delegate.

I own a home and pay municipal tax to operate and improve my city. This also gives me the right to vote for my alderman and mayor.

I pay provincial taxes and have the right to vote for my Premier and local MNA.

I pay federal taxes and have the right to vote for my Prime Minister and MP.

Once elected all of the above have the right to name their own committees and various portfolios. They have the right to vote on issues without any interference from the people who elected them. I gave them my vote of confidence to administer their various tasks and responsibilities. If I am not satisfied then when the next election rolls around I will vote for someone else.

All masons pay an assessment or tax but all masons do not have a right to vote.
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