Interest Free Loans

M.W.Bro. (Most Worshipful Brother) John Albert Dobbie was born in 1875.  Throughout his career, first as a teacher at the Ottawa Normal School and then as a medical practitioner and Chief Administrator of the Ottawa Civic Hospital , M.W.Bro. Dobbie was a very prominent member of the Ottawa Society and Masonry in particular.  He was initiated into The Builders' Lodge No. 177, A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario on November 14, 1902, became the Worshipful Master of The Builders' Lodge in 1925, the District Deputy Grand Master of the Ottawa Masonic District in 1928-29, and the Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario from 1939-41.  M.W.Bro. Dobbie was a bachelor who lived most of his life on O'Connor St. in Ottawa.  He passed away on January 6, 1945 and was buried at Guelph, Ontario. 

As part of his will he wished to encourage sons and daughters of members of the Lodge to seek higher education. Once he had honoured his family obligations through his estate, he directed that 0% loans be made available to the children of the Lodge to further their education. To date some 50 member of the extended Builders family have benefited from this generousity and foresight of this continuing bequest. Thank you Dr. Dobbie!

M.W.Bro. Dobbie as Grand Master