CanAm History

CanAm Lodge celebrated a significant milestone in its history in 2002 at the 50th anniversary of its founding as the 7219th Lodge under the registry of the United Grand Lodge of England. Since 1997 it has been under the registry of the Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador as CanAm Lodge No. 19.

Much of CanAm’s history is rooted in the uniqueness of its beginning and the multinational character of its Founders. From this foundation has grown a successful Lodge which meets in its own Temple, modestly but justifiably proud of its efforts and achievements.

Highlights of CanAm’s Rich History

May 1948 -- a meeting of the First Stop Square Club was attended by 13 American civilian and Military Masons including James Burrows who would become a founder of CanAm launch. First Stop Square Club was a social Club chartered under the National League of Masonic Clubs. The Club adopted its Constitution and By-Laws on November 27th, 1950.

August 5th, 1948 -- Reference was made in the minutes of the First Stop Square Club of the possibility of hosting R. Wor. B. George Williams DGM, United Grand Lodge of England, who would be visiting Corner Brook in late September.

Meetings held January 6th, 1949, May 5th, 1949, January 1950, March 5th, 1951, and May 21st, 1951 made reference to the presence of Bro. Ross Copper, Bro. Ben Schwartz, Wor. Bro. Edwin Colbourne, Bro. George Ross, and Bro. Derek Hammond respectively. All but Bro. Copper became founders of CanAm. The May 21st, 1951 meeting recorded the total membership of the Club as 33.

March 1951 -- The first efforts by the First Stop Square Club to form a working Masonic group when some brethren in Sydney were investigating the possibilities of setting up a chapter at Harmon Air Force Base. Following this was an unsuccessful attempt to form a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and it was this state which referred the Club to the United Grand Lodge of England.

October 1951 -- First contact made with the DGL of NFLD in St John's. This initiated a series of actions which occurred in positive and regular fashion, terminating with the formal consecration of the Lodge in September 1952. Notable these happenings were:

January 1952 - Talks on English and Scottish masonry in Newfoundland

February 1952 - Discussions with Corner Brook Lodge No. 4832 E.C. regarding the First Stop Square members assisting in the formation of a Lodge in Stephenville.

March 1952 - Plans for a trip to Corner Brook for formal discussions on the formation of a new Lodge.

April 1952 - Special recognition of Brethren H.M. Spencer Lewin, Fred Hawkins, and James Hann, all of Corner Brook Lodge, for their support in assisting the Club in its endeavor to establish a Lodge in Stephenville. The founders were officially named as seen on our Past Masters page. Seven Canadian and seven American, and assessment of five percent of a week's pay from each Club member to be applied against the expenses of forming the new Lodge, the selection of the name CanAm ( Canada - America), and the election of the first officers of the new Lodge by the First Stop Square Club.

July 30th, 1952 - Charter was granted to CanAm Lodge 7219 E.C.

September 23rd, 1952 - The Lodge saw its formal beginning at a special meeting of Corner Brook Lodge No. 4832 held in the upstairs premises of the Wells Trading Company building in Stephenville. The Brethren were assembled in the Lodge room at 8:15 pm. The consecration of the Lodge, the installation of the first Wor. Master and the Investiture of the officers were under the direction of Wor. George Rixon Williams M.B.E. DGM, assisted by District Grand Lodge Officers.

A banquet preceded the formal ceremonies at 6:15 p.m. at the Airman's Mess on Ernest Harmon Air Base. There were 125 Brethren in attendance.

First application for joining was from Brother Dorman G. Foster of Corner Brook Lodge No. 4832. He was a member of the RCMP stationed at Stephenville Crossing.

First application for initiation was from Robert G Wells, owner of the premises where the Lodge met during its early years.

October 6th, 1952 - First meeting of the Lodge and receiving of 14 applications.

June 6th, 1955 - Authorization was given for the purchase of land for a new Temple.

August 22nd, 1955 - Authorization for the purchase of steel and materials for the new Temple.

December 19th 1955 - First meeting held in the Jewish Sunday School. Visit by Sir Sydney White, Grand Secretary of the U.G.L.E.

July 7th, 1958 - First meeting held in the Masonic Temple.

December 1960 - Fire caused extensive damage to the Lodge building.

May 1961 - First meeting after the fire.

The Lodge was very busy during the 50s and early 60s doing courtesy work for Grand Lodges of several American Jurisdictions. It was meeting throughout the year for regular and emergency meetings. However, in 1965, with the closing of The Base, regular meetings were discontinued in July and August.

As a reminder and to show the friendly relationship that existed with our American Brethren, a unique ceremony of the Presentation of the Flags at all installations was introduced. Initially, the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes were presented. The Maple Leaf is now a part of this ceremony.

Starting in the early 70s and continuing into the 80s, CanAm saw an increase in the membership. Since these new members, for the most part, lived in the immediate area, attendance at meetings was very encouraging.

The 1977 installation of Wor. Bro. Reginald Headge marked the 25th Anniversary of CanAm. A large number of Masons and Ladies attended a banquet held at the Stephenville Lions Club.

Since 1977, a great deal of attention was given to the interior and exterior of the building. The social room became an active gathering place of Masons and Ladies on weekends and special occasions.

Active membership in 1973 was 106 including 35 American Brethren who remained loyal to their Mother Lodge in spite of being scattered throughout the world. Most were resident in continental USA, others in Hawaii, Vietnam, England, and Germany.

CanAm Lodge 7219 E.C. became CanAm Lodge No. 19 GLNL in 1998. Since this change of jurisdiction, CanAm has been supportive of the Grand Lodge, and saw one of its members, Rt. Wor. Bro. Dollimount become DDGM of the Western District.

CanAm contributes to the Grand Lodge Benevolent Fund, and the Patrick Tasker Masonic Educational Fund. It also contributes to local charities and organizations according to its financial ability.

Ouananiche Chapter No. 5, G.R. RAM, NL and Viking Preceptory 82 KT meet regularly at CamAm Lodge. Shriners in the area occasionally make use of the Lodge for meetings and fundraising activities.

August 2016 - Renovations to the exterior of the Lodge Building, Banquet Hall, and Lodge.

January 2017 - Renovations to the public areas of the Lodge Building (kitchen, lobby, washrooms, and bar).

July 2018 - installation of cabinetry in the bar.

March 2020 - Cancellation of in-person Masonic Gatherings, including all formal meetings, as directed by the G.M., GLNL due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the Pandemic, members of CanAm Masonic Lodge have met regularly via Zoom for Lodge Commitee Meetings and for in-person Lodge Meetings when permitted.