TAMWORTH

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October 14, 1853.
It was resolved to relocate the Lodge to Vankleek Hill.
1856.
It was resolved to construct a building which was completed in 1860 and located on the west side of John
Street just South the corner of what is now County Road 10.
April 29, 1870.
It was resolved to sell the property to Bro. R.W. Lendrum for the sum of £50.By December 2nd the Lodge
was renting premises from James Stewart (innkeeper) across the street at the southeast corner of Main and
John Streets.
June 24, 1871.
The lodge was relocated to the home of James O’Brien where, with permission from the Grand Lodge of
Ireland, communication would be held in alternate years. During this period there was intense pressure to
have St. John’s Lodge come under the wing of the Grand Lodge of Canada.
March 14, 1872.
At this time R.W. Bro. Barbour, D.D.G.M. of Ottawa District, G.L.C. ruled that Lodges under his
jurisdiction were not to admit as visitors, members of St. John’s Lodge and the secretary was directed to
communicate with the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The discussions, motions, and counter motions as to which
Grand lodge to belong to were to continue for many more years.
1873.
The Lodge moved into the Lodge Hall at L’Orignal and in 1874 the building was leased from John Miller.
November 26, 1887.
After many surrenderings of the warrant and reversals, the following was passed. “Resolution passed 8-2
that the present warrant be surrendered and come under the Grand Lodge of Canada... It was also resolved
to move to Vankleek Hill.”
December 27, 1887.
Last Meeting under the Irish Charter, held at L’Orignal.Ontario.
December 18, 1888.
R.W. Bro. David Taylor and other Grand Lodge of Canada officers were received with grand honours and
warrants were exchanged.
1891-1930.
The Lodge moved several times within Vankleek Hill, from the Orange Hall to McCallum Hall in 1898.
Special meetings were sometimes held in Hawkesbury. The Lodge moved to Farmers block in 1910 and
finally to the present location in 1930.
1984.
The Lodge purchased the present building from the Bank of Nova Scotia and transferred the property to
the Town of Vankleek Hill in return for a 99 year lease. The building now houses the Champlain Public
Library on the main floor with the lodge and banquet rooms on the second level.
September 2004
St John’s held a gala 160th anniversary dinner where the guest of honor was M.W. Bro. Donald H.
Mumby, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.