The History of Freemasonry in Niagara-on-the-Lake
A brief overview of the history of Niagara Lodge No. 2
By Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Land Board Minutes, June 24, 1791 (Copy)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Masonry in Niagara-on-the-Lake is older than our Town. When the land board met in 1791 to layout the town of Newark (Niagara), they wanted a tavern and a Masonic Lodge to be built beside each other.
Certificate of Daniel Service (Servos) of Lodge No. 156, the King's or 8th Regiment of Foot, Fort Niagara, 1784. (1784/1784)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
In 1782 there were two lodges in the area, Old Town and Queenston, but their origin story, like much of Masonry in southern Ontario, originates from Fort Niagara and the Lodges that were established there.
This document belongs to one such Lodge established at Fort Niagara. The King's 8th Regiment of Foot met as Lodge No. 156 from 1773-1785. Some of these men eventually helped to establish Masonry in Niagara.
Masonic Apron (1790/1810)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Ca. 1800s aprons worn by some of Niagara's early Masons.
Masonic Apron (1790/1810)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Masonic Apron, c. 1800 (1790/1810)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Photograph of William Jarvis, Provincial Grand Master from 1792-1817Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
When the two Niagara lodges amalgamated, they received their warrant as Lodge No. 2, which was issued by Sir William Jarvis, Provincial Grand Master of Upper Canada, in 1792, and the lodge has been in operation ever since.
Masonic Declaration, 1797 Masonic Declaration, 1797 (1797/1797)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The Foot of King Street from the Land and from the Niagara River The Foot of King Street from the Land and from the Niagara River (1856/1856) by Francis Hincks Granger (1829-1906)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The original masonic lodge in Niagara was originally a wooden building and was constructed on the same site that the Lodge currently sits.
Photograph of Members of Niagara Lodge No. 2 (1893)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
In December 1813, the first lodge was burned, along with the rest of the town, by American soldiers during their retreat during the War of 1812. After the war the Masons used various temporary locations to hold their meetings.
Photograph of the Masonic LodgeNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The new lodge (pictured) was built sometime around 1816 and was built on the same spot as the destroyed lodge. In 1860, a fire destroyed the temporary location of the Niagara Lodge No. 2, in which many of the jewels, regalia and documents were lost.
Robert Fizette Masonic Certificate (1854/1854)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
One of the few documents that predates the 1860 fire.
Jewel of The Stewards ApronNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Some aprons used by members of Niagara Lodge No. 2 from 1860-1920.
Deacon ApronNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Senior Warden Apron (1860/1920)Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Jewel of the Chaplain ApronNiagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Tap to explore
In 1877, the Freemasons purchased the building, and have used it as their lodge ever since. The upper floor is where the meetings take place, while the lower floor functions as a gallery.
The history of Niagara Lodge No. 2 is a complicated one and we have done our best to simplify its long and convoluted history. We are in debt to all of the Masons of the Lodge and to the historians of Niagara Lodge No. 2 for their dedication to preserving and researching their history. For more information on the lodge:
Publication- "A Lodge of Friendship: 200 Years of History 1792-1992"
Web: http://www.niagaramasons.com/Lodges/Niagara/(Niagara%20HOME.htm
Web:http://niagara2.ca/
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