(This is a summary. The Secretary maintains a complete and detailed history of the Lodge.)

The history of Centennial Lodge No.53 is of a much more recent vintage dating back to 1964, when five masons met to discuss the formation of a lodge in Oromocto. The five brethren met on the evening of 20th March 1967 at Brother Freelove's home.

The five brothers were: Brother Ivan Freelove, Brother Edgar Murphy, Brother Harvey Finley, Worshipful Brother James Gaudet, and Right Worshipful Brother Frederick Pollitt.

Due to Oromocto's proximity to the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, the majority of the masons in the area were from the military and as such classed as transient. Up to 1964, this fact had proved to be a serious obstacle when attempting to band together the brethren for the purpose of forming a lodge. It was known that there were a large number of masons resident in the area but exactly how many had never been determined. It was also known that majority of the masons were members of the military and as such considered themselves transients. These brethren so far had been content t assume a passive role and to exercise their Masonic landmark 'the right to visit', while some played an active role within lodges in the jurisdiction.

On 2nd April 1967, an organizational meeting was held in the conference room of the Oromocto Hotel. Brother Pollitt called the meeting to order and a prayer was offered for guidance in our efforts. Thirty-one masons had responded to Brother Murphy's letter, and they represented lodges of every Province of Canada plus the Northwest Territories and Germany. The aim of the meeting was explained, and some discussion resulted as to whether or not a Masonic Club rather than a Masonic Lodge should be formed. But in due course twenty-six of those present expressed a desire to form a regularly constituted lodge

An executive committee, consisting of Right Worshipful Brother Frederick Pollitt, Brother Sidney Yardy, and Brother Edgar Murphy, was elected to undertake the necessary work. It was agreed regular meetings should be held and efforts to raise funds undertaken. The second Monday of each month proved most convenient for those present.

The executive committee met on 27th April 1967 to develop an agenda for future organizational meetings. This agenda consisted of: motion to petition Grand Lodge of New Brunswick for a warrant to form a Masonic lodge in Oromocto, selection of a name for the lodge, election of brethren to fill the Master and Wardens offices, and prepare by-laws.

The second regular organizational meeting was held on 8th May 1967 at the Oromocto Hotel. Thirty-four brethren attended this meeting. Right Worshipful Brother Edward Perkins, District Deputy Grand Master, was present and proceeded to detail the course that would be necessary to follow in order to obtain a warrant. Brother Perkins made many valid and important suggestions, agreeing to assist the brethren of Oromocto in their efforts. He then stated that should it be decided to proceed with the formation of a lodge, he would be pleased to accept the petition and personally place it before the Grand Lodge together with his recommendation that the petition be granted.

In the matter of a lodge name, two names were suggested: (1) Centennial Lodge No.100 in recognition of the one hundredth anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, as well as the one hundredth anniversary of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick, and (2) Oromocto Lodge No.53. A majority of those present voted in favour of Centennial Lodge No.100. A motion was then passed that a petition to form a Masonic Lodge in Oromocto - to be known as Centennial Lodge No.100 - be drafted and present to the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick.

Brethren next moved on to the selection of members willing to fill the Master and Wardens' chairs. The first officers elected were:

Wor Bro Stanley Winslow Brown - Worshipful Master, Bro Harvey Edwin Finley - Senior Warden, Bro Gregory Edmond Collins - Junior Walden

It is general practice that the Master elect appoints the brethren he feels best qualified to fill the remaining chairs. In this case however, since the brethren had never sat in a common lodge together, it was agreed that a nominating committee should bring forth a slate of officers based on their interviews with those brethren interested in forming a lodge to determine their experiences and willingness to serve. Brother Ronald Tracey, Leonard Johnson and Ralph Haugen were appointed to carry out this task and present their recommendations at the next regular meeting. The nominating committee's recommendations for the first officers were unanimously accepted,

The third organizational meeting was held on 19th June 1967 in the basement of the Oromocto United Church, Winnebago Street. Twenty-four (24) brethren were present.

The by-laws committee circulated draft copies of the proposed by-laws. After discussion and some changes, the by-laws as proposed and amended be accepted and forwarded to the Grand Lodge for consideration.

A suitable design to be cast as Lodge Seal was agreed. Worshipful Brother James Gaudet suggested the use of the Canadian Centennial logo as a central theme but with the addition of a small square and compass in the centre of the stylized maple leaf. The name and number of the lodge was to be printed around the outside diameter of the seal.

The Grand Lodge accepted our petitions referring them to the Board of General Purposes. However, before the Grand Lodge arrived at a decision, we were advised that it would be necessary that a favourable recommendation be obtained from each of the lodges within our district. Towards this end, Right Worshipful Brother Pollitt and the officers elect visited the various lodges to plead their cause. The lodges so approached not only pledged their moral support but readily offered either financial assistance or presentation of lodge paraphernalia.

In July 1967, notification was received that the Grand Lodge had approved the formation of Centennial Lodge to work under dispensation for a period of one year after which it would be eligible to receive its charter and become a regularly constituted lodge. The Grand Lodge granted number 53, and not number 100 as requested, which was the next number in sequence. Installation of officers Under Dispensation would occur on the evening of 11th September 1967 with officers of the Grand Lodge presiding. Due to the large number of masons expected to attend, the Grand Lodge suggested that suitable arrangements be made to accommodate the large gathering.

Following the installation ceremony on 11th September 1967, the first meeting of Centennial Lodge Under Dispensation was held on 9th October 1967. At this meeting, the first application for initiation was received, the Lodge was advised that the Grand Lodge, after reviewing our By-Laws, granted their approval.

The Lodge now operating Under Dispensation was empowered to carry out all functions of a regular lodge but still lacked a charter or warrant of constitution, it being withheld until the brethren could demonstrate and prove themselves worthy.

On 12th February 1968, the first candidates were initiated into the Centennial Lodge.

The Most Worshipful Brother John Summerville, presented Centennial Lodge with its warrant on the evening of 28th October. For this purpose the Grand Master issued a proclamation summoning all Grand Lodge members to attend a Special Communication of the Grand Lodge to be held at the Oromocto Senior High School gymnasium for the purpose of dedication, consecration and presentation of warrant to Centennial Lodge No.53. Officers of the Grand Lodge also installed Centennial Lodge officers into their respective chairs.

In April 1975, the Lodge purchased a property at Maugerville at a cost of $6,500. The Maugerville Lodge Hall served our purpose well, although we felt cramped in small quarters. However, with the growth in membership, and a desire for a more central location, members prayed and were on the look out for an opportunity to locate within the Town of Oromocto.

In November 1990, such an opportunity arose, and on 14th November 1990, the Lodge purchased the I.O.O.F. building at 110 Winnebago Street, in the Town of Oromocto. The Lodge property was registered in the name of Oromocto Masonic Hall Inc.

At the regular meeting in April 1991, the Lodge Hall at 110 Winnebago Street was dedicated to masonry by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Charles N. Hollett, accompanied by his officers. The Lodge Hall is maintained in good repair and is also used by the Margaret Chapter, Order of Eastern Star for their meetings.