This is the main factor that sets us apart from our competition and allows us to deliver a specialist business consultancy service
Masonic Education has significantly influenced societal development since the establishment of the first Premier Grand Lodge in England in 1717, and later in Ontario, Canada, in 1885. This form of education, championed by Ontario Masons, emphasizes moral and ethical development, leadership, and community service, aligning with Freemasonry’s core principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. These teachings have nurtured personal growth among Freemasons and encouraged them to contribute positively to their communities through charitable endeavors and moral leadership.
In Ontario, the introduction of Masonic Education by Freemasonry in Canada adapted to local needs, promoting literacy and lifelong learning through scholarships and public lectures, essential in the province’s developmental stages. The impact of this education is evident in the leaders and influencers it has produced, who have led social, political, and economic reforms. Ontario Masons’ focus on cultivating civic responsibility and community engagement remains influential, promoting a society that values public service and volunteerism.
Masonic Education’s contribution to fostering ethical conduct and community development has left a lasting legacy, shaping a well-informed and conscientious citizenry that benefits society at large.
Participating in Masonic mysteries and studying related literature significantly enhances memory work among lodge members. This disciplined engagement with complex texts and ceremonies promotes cognitive development through regular memorization, challenging the brain and improving both short-term recall and long-term memory retention. The Masonic practices require members to use multiple memory types—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—as they recall and perform detailed sequences during lodge activities. This not only boosts their ability to remember complex information but also deepens their understanding. Additionally, the collaborative nature of these activities within the lodge setting reinforces memory retention, making the memorized content more meaningful and memorable. Hence, involvement in Masonic mysteries sharpens memory skills and strengthens communal intellectual engagement.
The Builders Lodge No. 177, located in Ottawa, Ontario, stands as a beacon of the fellowship and brotherhood that defines Freemasonry. Established by the skilled artisans who constructed Canada’s Federal Parliament Buildings, this lodge has a storied history of unity and collaborative spirit. It provides a supportive environment where members share experiences, knowledge, and values, fostering personal growth and strong bonds among its brethren. This deep sense of fellowship is central to the lodge’s mission, empowering its members to work together on various community service projects and charitable initiatives. Through their collective efforts, The Builders Lodge No. 177 has significantly impacted the local community, supporting endeavors like healthcare improvements, educational scholarships, and aid for the underprivileged. The lodge’s commitment to fellowship ensures that each member contributes to and benefits from the collective strengths and resources of their fraternal family, reinforcing their role as vital contributors to the community’s welfare.
Freemasonry fosters leadership development by instilling in its members the values of integrity, responsibility, and service. The structured hierarchy and roles within the lodge provide a framework for members to practice leadership skills in a supportive environment. By taking on various roles and responsibilities, members learn crucial skills such as effective communication, decision-making, and team management. The emphasis on moral and ethical development also guides members to lead with honor and wisdom. Additionally, the collaborative projects and community service activities enable Freemasons to experience real-world leadership challenges and solutions. This hands-on approach not only builds competent leaders but also cultivates a lifelong commitment to leading by example in their personal, professional, and community lives.
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.
Relay For Life
Beginning in 1999, the Ottawa Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society has sponsored a fundraiser called the “Relay for Life.” It involves a 12 hour team relay originally held at Lansdowne Park , and for the last few years re-located to the Nepean Sportsplex.
Those would the bare bones facts. They do not tell the whole story:
The Relay starts with a victory lap taken by cancer survivors. To see the faces of the people of many ages walk and strut their way around the track to say that cancer is a part of who they are, but not all that they are, is to witness a celebration of the human spirit at its best.
At the beginning of the evening, to see yourself as a member of your own team and no more is OK. Reality is that over the course of the night you will hear and see and meet other people and stories, which will serve to make you a part of the Relay family.
The highlight of the celebration which is the Relay for Life is the “Luminary Ceremony.” At about 10:00 pm candles are lit to honour the memory of those who are remembered and those who are supported in their journey with cancer. In an age of busyness and noise, the Luminary Ceremony is marked in deep silence and profound respect.
Every year there are people we know and love for whom cancer becomes a part of their life and death. Every person at the Relay knows at least one of those stories, and knows exactly why they are there.
The Builders Lodge has a strong commitment to engaging with the community. Members have been involved in the event since its inception and there has been a lodge team since 2001. Since then over $35,000 has been raised by the lodge and its friends to make cancer history.
We would be more than happy to have you join us in the future.
He is a services industry veteran with a diversified wealth of expertise that includes worldwide operations, delivery, process improvements, mergers and acquisitions, and integration, as well as sales and business.
He is a services industry veteran with a diversified wealth of expertise that includes worldwide operations, delivery, process improvements, mergers and acquisitions, and integration, as well as sales and business.
Copyright © 2025 The Builders Lodge.
