Welcome To
Lodge Renfrew 134
Est. 1924
Lodge Renfrew 134
Est. 1924
Members of Lodge Renfrew No. 134
Calgary, Alberta
Meetings
Calgary Freemasons Hall
320 – 12 Avenue SW.
Business & Emergent
Unless noted, Lodge Renfrew convenes on the 2nd Monday every month with the exception of July, August and December.
Festive Board (with meal and refreshments): 6:30pm
Tyle: 7:30pm
General Purpose
Dates are communicated by the Worshipful Master through the monthly summons. All Lodge Renfrew Members are encouraged to attend.
320 – 12 Avenue SW.
Business & Emergent
Unless noted, Lodge Renfrew convenes on the 2nd Monday every month with the exception of July, August and December.
Festive Board (with meal and refreshments): 6:30pm
Tyle: 7:30pm
General Purpose
Dates are communicated by the Worshipful Master through the monthly summons. All Lodge Renfrew Members are encouraged to attend.
Letter From The Worshipful Master
On behalf of the officers and brethren of Lodge Renfrew #134, I welcome you to our website.
Herein you will find a public record of our activities and a brief overview of Freemasonry in general and Lodge Renfrew in particular! Freemasonry, being one of the foremost fraternal organizations in the world, is based on an ancient and time-tested code of ethics, which has enriched the lives of its brethren, and their communities, for generations. Lodge Renfrew is one of the largest Masonic Lodge in Alberta and celebrated 100 years as a Lodge on May 25 , 2024. If you have questions and would like to know more, please see our contact page. Kind fraternal regards, J. Kjellbotn- Worshipful Master |
Freemasonry
History
Freemasonry's symbols, signs and rules are ancient and date back to the Stone Masons of ancient times. But its origins are shrouded in mystery and the source of much speculation and study. Masonic scholars speculate that it is based on the guilds of operative Stone Masons responsible for the immense cathedrals, churches, and castles throughout the middle ages. Freemasons of more noble purpose have been leaders, builders, and pillars of the local and global community, with Presidents, Prime Ministers, Generals and men of renown having membership in Lodges. Governed by a very specific mandate to improve the lives of those around them; individuals, families, communities, and countries have benefitted by the activities of Masons.
Today
There 3 million members throughout the world. For three centuries, modern Freemasonry stemming from the Grand Lodge of England sees every member equal and ready and willing to serve his brother and community. If you are yearning for both personal spiritual as well as fraternal enrichment, becoming a Mason is one of the finest methods of improving virtually every aspect of your life.
Joining
There are many misconceptions about the world’s largest fraternal organization. The best way to understand the meaning of Freemasonry is to reach out to a member of Lodge Renfrew. If you are interested in taking a tour and meeting the Brothers, simply send your request to the e-mail address listed on our contact page. We will outline preliminary aspects in person.
We look forward to meeting you.
Freemasonry's symbols, signs and rules are ancient and date back to the Stone Masons of ancient times. But its origins are shrouded in mystery and the source of much speculation and study. Masonic scholars speculate that it is based on the guilds of operative Stone Masons responsible for the immense cathedrals, churches, and castles throughout the middle ages. Freemasons of more noble purpose have been leaders, builders, and pillars of the local and global community, with Presidents, Prime Ministers, Generals and men of renown having membership in Lodges. Governed by a very specific mandate to improve the lives of those around them; individuals, families, communities, and countries have benefitted by the activities of Masons.
Today
There 3 million members throughout the world. For three centuries, modern Freemasonry stemming from the Grand Lodge of England sees every member equal and ready and willing to serve his brother and community. If you are yearning for both personal spiritual as well as fraternal enrichment, becoming a Mason is one of the finest methods of improving virtually every aspect of your life.
Joining
There are many misconceptions about the world’s largest fraternal organization. The best way to understand the meaning of Freemasonry is to reach out to a member of Lodge Renfrew. If you are interested in taking a tour and meeting the Brothers, simply send your request to the e-mail address listed on our contact page. We will outline preliminary aspects in person.
We look forward to meeting you.
Lodge Renfrew
History
The significance may escape the casual observer, but the story of why we are called Lodge Renfrew is as unique as the name itself.
Even our charter dated June 13th, 1924, lists our group of brothers as “Renfrew Lodge” which in fact is not correct.
The reason for the subtle difference is due to the connection to David Windsor, otherwise known as the Prince of Wales and later, King Edward VIII.
While his reign was short lived due to his wish to be married American Socialite Wallis Simpson this also necessitated his subsequent abdication of the throne to make that a reality.
That is a well-documented part of history.
What you don’t know is that Mr. Windsor or Baron Renfrew (one of his various titles) loved Calgary and southern Alberta, making a number of frequent unofficial visits, even purchasing land here, which became the E.P. Ranch, which stands for “Edward – Prince of Wales”; his highest title. He typically used “Edward P” when signing his name – although, within the house of Windsor, he was referred to as “David”.
The E.P. ranch is located in the Pekisko community – approximately one mile west of the Bar-U National Historic site. It has been in private hands since being sold by E.P. Ranching Company to Jim Cartwright in 1962.
Jim’s son - John Cartwright- subsequently sold his interest in the E.P. Ranch in the early 2000’s to a conservation trust. Jim’s other son – Gordon Cartwright – sold his interest in the adjacent “D Ranch” around the same time.
Together, these two historic ranches represent some of the largest grazing ranches in Alberta and are increasingly rare examples of ranches operating using traditional ranching methods to steward, conserve and protect native grasslands and forests.
Due to his popularity in the area, when it came time create a Masonic Lodge, it was decided to honor the frequent visitor and adopted son, naming it in his honour.
Permission was granted and because the name is associated with a member of the royal family, the “Lodge” goes in front of the royal title, hence Lodge Renfrew.
The significance may escape the casual observer, but the story of why we are called Lodge Renfrew is as unique as the name itself.
Even our charter dated June 13th, 1924, lists our group of brothers as “Renfrew Lodge” which in fact is not correct.
The reason for the subtle difference is due to the connection to David Windsor, otherwise known as the Prince of Wales and later, King Edward VIII.
While his reign was short lived due to his wish to be married American Socialite Wallis Simpson this also necessitated his subsequent abdication of the throne to make that a reality.
That is a well-documented part of history.
What you don’t know is that Mr. Windsor or Baron Renfrew (one of his various titles) loved Calgary and southern Alberta, making a number of frequent unofficial visits, even purchasing land here, which became the E.P. Ranch, which stands for “Edward – Prince of Wales”; his highest title. He typically used “Edward P” when signing his name – although, within the house of Windsor, he was referred to as “David”.
The E.P. ranch is located in the Pekisko community – approximately one mile west of the Bar-U National Historic site. It has been in private hands since being sold by E.P. Ranching Company to Jim Cartwright in 1962.
Jim’s son - John Cartwright- subsequently sold his interest in the E.P. Ranch in the early 2000’s to a conservation trust. Jim’s other son – Gordon Cartwright – sold his interest in the adjacent “D Ranch” around the same time.
Together, these two historic ranches represent some of the largest grazing ranches in Alberta and are increasingly rare examples of ranches operating using traditional ranching methods to steward, conserve and protect native grasslands and forests.
Due to his popularity in the area, when it came time create a Masonic Lodge, it was decided to honor the frequent visitor and adopted son, naming it in his honour.
Permission was granted and because the name is associated with a member of the royal family, the “Lodge” goes in front of the royal title, hence Lodge Renfrew.