Chapter 1
Around the year 1955 a fraternal visit was instigated between Jefferson Lodge No. 553 of St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Grand River Lodge No. 151. The minutes as recorded in 1955 read as follows: that on October 29, 1955 the Worshipful Master O. M. Keffer accompanied by approximately 30 officers and members journeyed by bus to Jefferson Lodge No. 553. Lodge was opened in the First Degree and Grand River Lodge exemplified the Entered Apprentice Degree for the benefit of the Jefferson Lodge brethren. We have travelled back and forth for over 50 years.
The year 1961 was an important milestone in the history of Grand River Lodge as it signalled the completion of 100 years of its existence. W. Bro. George Jaggs was Worshipful Master. Many special events were scheduled, one of which being a reception for Most Worshipful Bro. R. W. Treleaven on September 26th, 196 1. Another event of note was a degree team of Past District Deputy Grand Masters of Wellington District, headed by the dean of the district, R.W. Bro. E. Flath, who initiated our centennial candidate W. Bro. Roland D. Barrett. Lodge equipment and paraphernalia was replaced with gold plated trim, mostly by donations from other lodges and individual masons.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Frank Barrett was elected Grand Registrar in 1961 and represented Grand Lodge in a very capable manner. He continued for many years as an ambassador.
In 1965 the City of Kitchener advised the Temple Board Directors that they wished to purchase the Temple property for use as a secondary school which was named Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute. Sale of the property was subsequently made and temporary accommodation was arranged with Waterloo Lodge at 6 Princess Street South. On June 14th, 1966, W. Bro. Harold Rothaermel, the secretary made this notation in the minute book at the close of the last meeting in the Cameron St. Temple: “and so ends another chapter in the long history of Grand River Lodge. This is our last meeting in this lodge room which we have considered our Masonic Home from October 1957 to June 1966. This building was laid to the wreckers hammer. Buildings come and go but Masonry will march on so long as men seek the truth and better way of life. This is not the end of the book but only the end of a chapter”.
January 1st, 1970, dues were increased to $20.00 for local members and $14.00 for those residing outside Waterloo County, with a discount of $2.00 if paid by May 1st. In 1996 the dues are $ 100.00 for local members. If paid before February 1st of the current year there is a $20.00 reduction. For out of district members and members who have attained the age of 65 years and have been a member of The Grand River Lodge No. 151 for 25 years, the 1996 dues are $85.00 and reduced to $65.00 if paid before February 1st of the current year. There is a yearly increase of $5.00 each year until 1998. The cost for initiation in 1996 is $250.00 and to affiliate the cost is $35.00.
In 1954 Rt. Wor. Bro. Allen C. Mason was elected District Deputy Grand Master (D.D.G.M.) of Wellington District. He served as Master of Grand River Lodge No. 151 in 1936 and again in 1952. Rt. Wor. Bro. Mason passed away on March 24th, 1970. District Secretary for 1954 was Wor. Bro. Harold Rothaermel who was appointed a Grand Steward the following year.
In 1970 Wellington District split with two Districts coming into being. The name Wellington District remained with Wellington County. The twelve lodges in Waterloo County became Waterloo District. The first District Deputy Grand Master of Waterloo District was Rt. Wor. Bro. Garfield Weber who was a member of Ayr Lodge No. 172. Since 1970, Waterloo District has grown to 17 lodges. Heritage Lodge became a roving research lodge in 1988. Sixteen lodges remain in Waterloo District.
In 1972 the Lodge was again moved, this time to a brand new temple at 440 Weber St. N. Waterloo. This temple was built to accommodate all of the lodges in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. On April 7th, 1972,the new lodge rooms were dedicated by Most Wor. Bro. Win. K. Bailey assisted by many Grand Lodge officers and distinguished brethren. Grand River Lodge acted as the host lodge assisted by Temple Lodge No. 690, Waterloo Lodge No. 539 and Twin City Lodge No. 509. Two hundred and forty masons from a parts of the Grand Jurisdiction sat down to the banquet which followed.