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
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.
