Also read about the visit to the Zetland Lodge in Toronto, with photos.

MARITIMES OFFICIAL VISIT by RW.: Evan Thomas, PDGM

For many years now, Zetland Lodge has followed their August meeting with a feed of cracked Lobster. Some years ago, after having been privileged to attend lodge meetings where members of all 3 maritime grand lodges were in attendance, members of Zetland Lodge decided not only to invite local members to our Lobster Celebration, but, to specifically invite our Grand Master and ask him to invite the other maritime grand masters to accompany him. We have been doing this for about 4 years now with growing success. On Thursday August 24, 2000, Zetland Lodge again hosted what has become an annual inter-jurisdictional event; The Visitation of the three Maritime Grand Masters.

In addition to the 3 Grand Masters: MW James Pike, New Brunswick; MW Arthur Brown, Nova Scotia and MW Leigh Newcombe of Prince Edward Island, Past Grand Masters, Gordon Conrad and Lloyd Bragdon of Nova Scotia and Carr Graham and Don Judson of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island respectively. Most of the remaining "Principal Officers" of the maritime jurisdictions were present in the persons of; RW Ted Caulier, DGM and Shane MacFarlane, JGW of Nova Scotia; RW John Rogers, DGM and RW James Howatt, SGW of Prince Edward Island, along with RW Gordon Steeves, SGW and RW Paul Ketchum, JGW of New Brunswick.

RW Evan Thomas, PDGM acted as Grand Director of Ceremonies assisted by RW Delbert Alward, PDDGM #7, acting as Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Also attending were District Deputy Grand Masters 1, 2, 3, and 7 along with 4 Past District Deputies, including 1 from Maine. WB Ralph McKay, member of the Board of General Purpose of Nova Scotia attended as did RW Donald Jones, PJGW of St. Stephen. JGD Harold Planetta of St. Stephen and Grand Organist Ronald Jagoe of Bathurst attended as did the Masters of Salisbury Lodge #20, Lodge St. Andrew #16, Keith Lodge #23, Moncton and Sussex Lodge #4, and several Past Masters.

RW Ronald Bateman, PJGW and Past Master Herbert Amero were given the duty of escorting and introducing the Grand Master. After the introduction Worshipful Master Aubrey Buck conducted the Grand Master to the East and waited while the 2 escorting officers conducted the visiting Grand Masters to the East at MWB Pike's right. Grand Honours were then accorded to the Grand Masters and Grand Lodge.

The business meeting was kept very short that the lodge might adjourn more quickly to the primary business of socializing over a magnificent feed of fresh Lobster. Prior to closing in short but ample form the Grand Master called on the 4 visiting Worshipful Masters to bring greetings from their lodges. He also called for remarks from the 2 visiting Grand Masters who were most pleased to be in attendance.

The lobster and trimmings were furnished and prepared by the ladies of Zetland Lodge, under the direction of Ruth Buck the wife of our Worshipful Master Aubrey Buck. The Lodge gives great thanks and much appreciation to these ladies for having added so much to our meeting.

Zetland Lodge is very proud and gratified to have been able to host such a successful and August "Gathering of the Clan". SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!