The International - Travelling Gavels

egarding No. 9 Gavel, Alberta, Canada. However, I did want to add my own notes to
whatever you have received from us.
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The original presentation, to start it on it's journey, was made to the Grand Secretary,
then to the District Deputy Grand Master of the Dinosaur District and on to Phoenix
District, back to Dinosaur District and now to Phoenix District The Gavel was presented
to Irricana Lodge No. 137, the undersigned the Worshipful Master, on March 19,1996,
from Strathmore Lodge No, 53. Both Lodges listed are within the Dinosaur District of
the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Alberta.
Irricana Lodge has had a long and on going fellowship with Crossfield Lodge and
including many joint social activities. After discussion in Lodge, the members accepted
that it would be our honor to pas the Gavel on to Crossfield and so we did on May 14,
1995. Crossfield Lodge had scheduled a 3rd. Degree and three candidates and there
were many visitors in attendance, the count being some 60 visitors and 20 members or
so in attendance. It was a very worthwhile evening for the presentation as many
members had the opportunity to review the Gavel and its intent
Enclosed for your reference and file, a copy of the May communications from both
Lodges. In regard to some background, I started my Masonic career in Greenfield Park
Lodge No. 133, G.R.Q., A. F. & A. M... the Province of Quebec, Canada, which is some
3,700 klm east of Alberta. I was Master in 1981 and in 1983 was elected as District
Representative and in 1994 as District Deputy Grand Master of the St Lawrence
District, G. R. Q. I was also very involved with the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
and the Shrine Organization. At retirement in 1988, my wife and I moved to Alberta, a
variety of personal reasons and we liked the area. On arrival I did visit a number of
Lodges and finally affiliated with Irricana Lodge. The Lodge saw fit to elect me as Jr.
and Sr. Warden and in December 1995 as Worshipful Master. I have continued my
involvement in Concordant Bodies and was just elected as the 2nd. General of the Rose
Croix Charter, A. & A. S. R. and from letterhead I am and have been for five years, the
Recorder of the Shrine Temple in Calgary, Alberta.
I, as a personal note, did think that your Traveling Gavel idea as a terrific one. In my
District in Quebec (I did retain my membership in Greenfield Park Lodge) there is a
Traveling Gavel and V. S. L and it moves,
each year, from Lodge to Lodge within the district. The D. D. G. M., as his first
function after installation, starts each year's cycle by presentation, the Gavel and V. S.
L, to a Lodge in the District and as his almost last function receives it from the last
Lodge, to complete his year.
I am sure that you will continue to receive many notes from Lodges as No. 9 travels this
jurisdiction. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this area, please do be in contact..
My wish to you, your Officers and members, best good wishes for continued success in
Lodge and in general
Fraternally yours,
D. Keith Rowley, Worshipful Master
Irricana Lodge No. 137 and Recorder
Al Azhar temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.
As a foot note, for information, a few pamphlets on the Shrine Organization.