05/06/08

One Hundred Years of Fellowship
1906 - 2006

 MWBro Gerald Thomas Webber, PGM

When our historical writer, RWBro V. J. (Vic) Ramsbottom, began to build a composite picture to preserve the Masonic history for generations to come, he found a collection of fascinating Lodge minutes and historical vignettes encompassing a variety of interests, viewpoints which demonstrated that no single presentation of historical data can give a definitive and complete picture of the Lodge’s history. Together, however, using the potpourri of historical writings he was able to build a comprehensive picture of the One hundred Years of History in Carstairs Lodge No 20.

Let’s take a moment to wander back in time, to a time when the C&E Railway tracks reached "the rough collection of tents and frame buildings that was called Carstairs." Together, men and women, from diverse ancestral roots came to “that speck of dust on a map”... These were hard working, courageous and dedicated citizens. Citizens who had a dream of better things to come. Yes, people of vision! People from varied backgrounds and occupations with one thing in common - to build a better life for their families.

Emerging from the pioneers was a small group of dedicated and highly motivated masons - RWBro. Robert Scott, WBro. Dr. W.C. Laidlaw and Bro. A.R. Shantz who decided there were sufficient number of Masons in the district willing to affiliate to form a new lodge. It was under their leadership and others that the Grand Lodge of Alberta granted a dispensation on 25^th December 1905, and, following the first meeting on 3^rd January 1906, the lodge was chartered 21^st February 1906.

These were the “horse and buggy days”, so Carstairs Lodge, like many country Lodges, set their meeting nights to coincide with, or near to, the full moon. In those early days, both street lights and good roads were usually few and far between and the members desired to be able to return to their homes when their meeting ended at the midnight hour "by the light of the moon". This demonstrates the commitment, dedication, and amazing loyalty of the Brethren who formed Carstairs Lodge. Carstairs Lodge operated as a "Moon Lodge” until 1925, with meetings held in Carstairs on the Tuesday - on or before the full of the moon.

In the spring of 1928, the Brethren proceeded with plans to build a hall with an estimated cost $8925.00. The hall was built, but, with alterations and furnishings, cost considerably more - in 1948 the Brethren celebrated the paying off of the mortgage. In April 1959, Carstairs Lodge No. 20 transferred the Masonic Hall, situated on Lot 5 and 6, Block 29, Plan 3845, to the Village of Carstairs, free from all encumbrances in consideration of 10 years rent free. In 1992, the Brethren left their home of more than 87 years in Carstairs to move to Crossfield.

During the years, the Lodge has experienced its share of set backs. First it was the loss of many young men who fought and died in the 1914-1918 World War, followed by the devastating drought in the 1920s, the Dirty Thirties, a Second World War, which again stripped the young men from their farms and communities. In the post war years, with the introduction of modern technology, many young men were encouraged to leave the land and their community in search of work in the cities. These events dramatically changed the community and impacted the Lodge. During this time, progress could not be halted or reversed. Some people speak of the good old days but, for those of us who lived through them, they were not all good. With the passing of time, the good years seem to overshadow the bad years, which is why we have many good memories of younger days.

The youth of today appear to live in an impersonal society with an ever increasing trend to be detached from their history. And........ So, we say thank-you to Bro Ramsbottom for his persistence in preparing this compilation of Masonic history for Carstairs Lodge.

Is it important for our generation and the next to know that in October 1971, the Brethren put a motion forward to discuss surrendering the Charter, due to lack of attendance and candidates? And, if it wasn’t for the tenacity of Grand Master James Woods along with three visiting brethren, would Carstairs Lodge be celebrating their Rededication in 2006? The Freemasons who remained true to the principles of the Order while playing a vital role in the revival of the Lodge were WBro Herman Miller, Bro Metro Gushaty and Bro Jack Hildebrandt.

Now for a look to the future. Without doubt, the challenge of the future is daunting. If the changes are as great in the next century years as they were in the last century, none of us can predict what course our society will take. However, we can predict with some certainty, that, when strong Masonic Lodges are in place, the fraternity will be a force in our communities.

To our Masonic descendants, your challenge will be to accept change while remaining steadfast to the fundamental principles of the Order:- Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth inspired by Faith, Hope and Charity. You can make a difference!

So Let’s Do It - with Quality and Class!! Carstairs Lodge No 20