Becoming A Freemason
There are 3.2 million masons across the world and more than 40,000 in Ontario. Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour or creed.
Masons are spiritual and moral people, but there’s no room for discussion of sectarian religion or partisan politics in freemasonry. Members are free to follow their own path, as long as it fits with the ethical principles of integrity and virtue symbolized by the square and compasses—the icon most commonly associated with Masonry.
Citizens of the World
Masonry stresses the principles of kindness and consideration at home, honesty in business, courtesy towards others, dependability in one’s work, compassion for the less fortunate and being a good citizen of the world. Masonry recognizes that each man has obligations to his family, his work, his religious beliefs, his community and himself – these must take priority and Masonry does not interfere with his ability to meet these obligations.
The Masonic Degrees
Masons participate in three progressive degrees, each one teaching an important lesson through the use of symbols. The degrees help a Mason think about the big questions: Where did I come from? What am I doing here? And what comes next?
A Secret Society?
Any information about Masons can be found at a well-stocked bookstore or local library. Masonic buildings are clearly marked and listed in the phonebook and members often identify themselves by wearing Masonic jewelry.
The so-called Masonic “Secrets” are confined to modes of recognition by which a visitor can prove himself to be a Mason and thereby become eligible to enter a lodge in which he was otherwise not known.
A Family Affair
Women, girls and boys who share Masonic values are welcome to participate in the many social and charitable events hosted by lodges. But there are affiliate organizations for those looking for ways to become formally involved. Young men can join DeMolay, young women can join the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and Job’s Daughters International.
The Extended Masonic Family
A Mason can choose to broaden and deepen his experience of Masonry by participating in other branches of the Masonic family: the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriners and Knights Templar.
Visit the Grand Lodge of Canada, District of Ontario Website
Toronto Don Valley District
Toronto Don Valley District (TDVD) is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. The following Grand Lodge officers serve to better our lodges, our district and our craft.
Greetings from the Toronto Don Valley Freemasons
On behalf of the Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario, I extend greetings.
Toronto Don Valley District has a rich history of Masonic practice and charitable giving. This year, the District will be raising funds for two charities; The Canadian Cancer Society, where the funds will be directed to Prostate Cancer research, and the Last Post Fund. Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men, and one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The Last Post Fund’s mission is to ensure that no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial, as well as a military gravestone, due to insufficient funds at the time of death. Both of these worthy causes deserve our attention and support.
Two of the eighteen Lodges that comprise Toronto Don Valley District will be celebrating significant milestones this year. Ionic Lodge will be celebrating their 175th year and Doric Lodge will be celebrating their 150th year. I encourage all Masons within our District to attend regularly and visit often.
I look forward to seeing you in my travels
R. W. Bro. Jeremy Fleming
DDGM, Toronto Don Valley District
A lodge is not a building…
it’s the men that form it.
The foundation of the Masonic family is the Masonic lodge. It is here that Masonry teaches its lessons: kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, concern for the unfortunate and respect for one another.
We form lodge on the Third (3rd) Wednesday of each Month, except July and August, at 7:30 P.M. at the Thornhill Masonic Hall.
