GOLDEN RULE LODGE NO. 5
Golden Rule Lodge is steeped in history and tradition. One of the oldest Masonic lodges in Quebec, it traces its roots back to 1803, when Lively Stone Lodge was founded in Derby Line, Vermont. That lodge, composed of Masons from both sides of the border, met in a building situated half in Canada and half in the United States.
During the War of 1812, the Canadian members of Lively Stone formed a new lodge in Stanstead, on the Canadian side of the border. Golden Rule Lodge, as it was called, received its first charter from the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. In 1856, the lodge received a new charter from the Grand Lodge of Canada; in 1869, yet another charter was granted, this time from the Grand Lodge of Quebec.
Golden Rule Lodge has occupied the same hall for over a century and a half. That hall, financed and built by Masons from both sides of the border, is the oldest functioning lodge building in Quebec. Situated on Dufferin Street in Stanstead, it was built in the Classical Revival style in 1860. Bearing a strong resemblance to a Greek temple, with pilasters, cornices and a pediment suggestive of the architecture of antiquity, the lodge is considered one of the architectural gems of Stanstead. It has undergone little alteration, and in 2009, was designated a heritage site by the Town of Stanstead.
The lodge’s interior is a testament to living history. The walls on the first floor are covered with photographs of early pioneers and leading citizens from both sides of the border. The more formal second floor is decorated with allegorical paintings pertaining to the teachings of Freemasonry.G
Golden Rule claims another distinction: it is the only lodge in Quebec permitted to hold an outdoor “communication.” Thanks to an 1857 dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Canada, Golden Rule holds an annual gathering atop the 2,425-foot (739-metre) summit of Owl’s Head Mountain, overlooking Lake Memphremagog.
In the over 150 years since this meeting was first held in the open-air lodge room (actually a natural cleft in the rock) at the summit, it has become one of the most popular events on Quebec’s Masonic calendar. It attracts members of the fraternity from around the province, and from elsewhere in Canada, the United States, and further afield. The event, which usually includes the “raising” of a new Master Mason, is a much-anticipated occasion for fraternal exchange.
The ceremony, which takes place, rain or shine, each June, is a tradition of which Golden Rule Lodge is extremely proud. An unusual part of that tradition, and one that dates back beyond the memory of any living member, is that, as part of his raising, the candidate is required to climb Owl’s Head bearing a heavy backpack made of wicker and wood.
Referred to affectionately by members of Golden Rule as “the basket,” the backpack is well and truly loaded before its journey to the summit. Typically, it will contain ropes, a Bible, assorted Masonic tools and regalia, and the flags of Canada, the United States, and Quebec. When fully loaded, it will weigh about 60 pounds (27 kilos). The candidate must bear this burden alone as he struggles to the top of Owl’s Head. Once there, the formal and ancient ceremony of raising a Master Mason will begin.
THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN
The International Peace Garden is a 2,300 acre botanical park straddling the U.S. and Canadian border between North Dakota and Manitoba. Opened in 1932, the Garden is a non-profit organization which is supported by several groups and fraternal organizations, including the Freemasons, Order of Eastern Star, American and Canadian Junior Red Cross, the Women’s Federated Institute of Canada, Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, Daughters of the British Empire (IODE), and the Knights of Columbus.
The distinctively shaped Masonic Auditorium was built in 1981, and sponsored by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota AF&AM and the Grand Lodge of Manitoba AF&AM. The combined 20,000 Masons of the two grand lodges at that time initiated the $775,000 project for concerts and practice sessions for the young people of the International Music Camp. The Masonic Auditorium is one of the many shared projects in the International Peace Garden that encourages friendship between people of the United States and Canada.
The International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons was formed in 1993 with Warrants granted by the Grand Lodges of Manitoba, North Dakota and Minnesota. The Grand Lodge Of Saskatchewan became a chartering grand lodge in 2000. Its purpose is "to promote and enhance fraternal relations among Freemasons of North America and to assist in the expansion and maintenance of the International Peace Garden." It meets once a year. Membership in the International Peace Garden Lodge of Freemasons is open to any Master Mason for a onetime fee of $50.00.
Sources:
Owl’s Head Basket, Golden Rule Lodge No. 5 - 1900 - 1920, 100objects.qahn.org/content/owls-head-basket-golden-rule-lodge-no-5-1900-1920
Freemasons and the International Peace Garden, freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2010/06/freemasons-and-international-peace.html
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