The first period of any organization's existence is one of great excitement and enthusiasm, however, after all the initial euphoria has dispelled, enthusiasm and new ideas are necessary to ensure continuance.

In Concord Lodge, the second twenty five year period was one of stabilization, continued growth and some very interesting events.  The on-going enthusiasm of the brethren is obvious from the following Historical Register entries.

March 7th, 1947 

Most Worshipful Bro. Arthur G.R. Bond, Grand Master Launched "The Calgary Lodge Travelling Square" at a communication of Calgary Lodge No. 23.  This square was presented by Wor. Bro. Niven M. Jackson as a gesture of respect to the memory of M.W. Bro. T. Fred English, P.G.M., the first Master of Calgary Lodge, in the interest of Inter-Lodge visitation.  The beautifully engraved square is practically identical in king and purpose with the famous Ionic Lodge Square of the Grand Jurisdiction of Manitoba, which after several times travelling to the Lodges of that Grand Territory is now travelling to the Lodges of the Grand Jurisdiction of Minnesota. The first trip of the travelling square was to Cascade Lodge No. 5, Banff on May 10th when Wor. Bro. W. Les Ashton and members of Calgary Lodge No. 23 journeyed to Banff and made the presentation. Then on September 6th 1947 Wor. Bro. E.V. Robinson and members of St. Marks Lodge No. 118 Calgary paid Concord Lodge a fraternal visit and presented the Calgary Lodge Travelling Square to Concord Lodge.

September 9th, 1947

 

Tuesday - Concord Lodge paid a fraternal visit to King Hiram Lodge No. 21, Didsbury.  Wor. Bro. H.A. Mallery of Concord Lodge accompanied by 35 members conferred the E.A. Degree and then presented Wor. Bro. McInnes and King Hiram Lodge No. 21, Didsbury "The Travelling Square."  This was a very interesting evening.

Wonder where this square is now?

November 20th, 1948

On Saturday November 20th, a very enjoyable "Annual Ladies Night" was held.  Two hundred and seventy two sat down for dinner, after which a program and Card and dancing were indulged in.

June 10th, 1950

The Concord Picnic at Bowness Park, Calgary, Was revived after a lapse of several years.  These was a nice turnout of Members and their families and a wonderful time was enjoyed by all present.

November 18th, 1950

The following is a reproduction of the front and reverse of the program for the Annual Ladies Night held on this date.

 Front of Program:

Concord Lodge No. 124, A.F. & A.M.   29th Annual Ladies' Night ==========   Saturday, November 18th 1950   Dinner, 6:45 p.m. --- Movies, 8:15 p.m. Dancing, Bingo and Cards, 9:00 p.m.

Back of Program:

Wild Bill's Menu   Chilled Bond's Beverage Crispy Smith's Celery      Stuffy Dingle's Olives Oven Roasted Knight's Turkey Half Baked Solomon's Sausage Mashed Potatoes a la Austin Frozen Flewelling Peas Saint's Heavenly Salad   Bett's Woody Pickles Stale H.B. Roles and Brown's Oleo Mother Lloy's Pies with Nippie McRobert's cheese Lumley's Half Brew Mallery's Mocha Tremeer's Pure

The "Wild Bill" who devised the menu was the Junior Warden of that year, Bro. Bill Hamilton.  I wonder what the brethren mentioned on the menu thought of it.  I'm sure they enjoyed the humour.

June 23rd, 1951

 

On Saturday June 23rd, 1951, our Annual Lodge Picnic was arranged for Bowness Park but as we had nothing but rain, rain and more rain, our S.W. Bro. W.J. Hamilton made arrangements to hold the Picnic in our of the Hangers at Currie Barracks where the races and all other details were carried out according to Schedule. A large number were present and enjoyed the provision made by the J.W. Bob Smith and his committee.

October 18th, 1951

On October 2nd, 1951, the S.S. Empress of France landed their Royal Highnesses - The Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at Quebec City.  From there, they travelled an estimated 15,000 miles across Canada in a 5 week tour by Train, by Air Travel and by Ship. They visited President Truman in Washington D.C. for 2 days and sailed from St. John's Newfoundland on the same ship on November 5th for their homeland England. The Royal Party spent about 5 hours in Calgary on Thursday October 18th being driven through the street, meeting a few people at the City Hall and having a luncheon with the Children in the Stampede Corral, after which the were driven in an old fashioned open stage coach to the Grandstand to see a wonderful miniature Stampede during a very cold snow storm.

A memorable event of Canada and Calgary recorded in the records of Concord Lodge. 

February 17th, 1952

A Lodge of Mourning was held by dispensation, in cooperation with all Calgary Masonic Lodges, G.R.A, A.F & A.M. and also including King Solomon No. 41 of Cochrane in the Al Azhar Temple, 17 Ave W., Calgary on Sunday at 3 p.m. in memoriam for our late Most Worshipful Brother - His Majesty King George VI., Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England. The officers of Bow River No. 1 opened the Lodge and a very fitting ceremony was conducted for one hour.

June 6th, 1953

The Coronation of our "Queen Elizabeth II" took place on June 2nd in London and the entire world listened to the complete ceremony on radio as well as television.  At our regular communication on Saturday June 6th, a fitting ceremony was entered into to show our loyalty and devotion to Our Royal House.

October 2nd, 1954

The Master Mason's Degree was conferred on Lt. Col. H.W. MacEwing adn Major Bro. A.F. McIntosh when the Lodge Room was filled and a large number of uniforms of all the Forces were in evidence.  The Bules of the Navy, Army and Air Force with the colourful plaid of the kilts and the scarlet R.C.M.P. uniforms made a very interesting evening entitled "Services Night"

This was the first Services Night; an event that continued annually for twenty five years.

July 15th, 1955

On Friday July 15th, 1955, 20 Orphan Children for the Masonic Houses of Oklahoma, U.S.A., arrivers by special bus and were greeted by the courtesy car of radio station C.F.C.N., who made tape recordings for broadcasting, Mayor Don H. MacKay of Calgary, Mr. Maurice Brown of the Calgary Exhibition Board and a Motor Cycle Traffic Policeman and when the Officers and Committee of Concord Lodge asked the Children (Boys & Girls) how they wanted to proceed into Calgary about 2 miles south on the Macleod Trail, they immediately decided to proceed at about 40 or 45 miles per hour, so the policeman opened his siren and escorted the party to the Masonic Temple on 12th Ave., W, where they were greeted by the dignitaries mentioned and members of the Lodge. Besides the children ages 13 to 19, there were 6 adults - Supt. C.V. Townsend adn Mrs. Townsend and Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Castle.  Mrs. Castle is Wrothy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Oklahoma. They were billeted with members of Concord and were entertained Royally at the Exhibition and Stampede and had a picnic on Sunday, then proceeded west through the Rockies on Monday to return home. Then at our meeting on October 1st, coloured pictures taken of the visit were shown to the Ldoge adn our Ladies and were then sent to the Oklahoma Orphan's Home.

March 7th, 1959

Brother Dent W. McDerby living at Mirror Lake, B.C. was born in Nashville Michigan U.S.A. on June 21st 1886 and the presentation of "Fifty Year Jewel" was the 5th such presentation made in Concord Lodge.  1st one to the late Brother George Kemm, 2nd V.W Bro. W.C. McRobers, 3rd to Wor. Bro. Dave. S. Williams, 4th to Harold Donnelly.  On January 26th, 1959, Brother Chas. T. Sherman, Grand Secretary, Grand Rapids, Michigan wrote us with the information on record there.  Below is a copy of the notes of by Brother J. De Lisle May when accepting the Jewel for Bro. McDerby. Calgary, March 7th, 1959 Thanks you R.W. Bro. McKay and all connected with the arrangements for the presentation of this Jewel.  Bro. Dent McDerby wrote me to say, "it was mighty nice of the Lodge to get the 50 year Jewel." He was initiated in Nashville Lodge No. 255, Nashville Michigan on October 30th 1908, passed on April 21st, 1909 and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on June 6th 1909.  The 2nd and 3rd were conferred on him by Alpena Lodge, also in Michigan and Dent says he remembers both of these lodges very well. He demitted in March 1919 and affiliated with Perfection Lodge No. 9 Calgary on August 19th, 1919.  At this time I was not a member of the Craft, but my Father was a Past Master of Perfection Lodge.  Dent however demitted on June 16th 1936 and affiliated with Concord on April 4th, 1936.  It was at this time that I met him and we knew him well as "The Typewriter Man."  He has very fond recollection of the real old friends in his Mother Lodge, who presented his application and started him on his Masonic Career.  However, he told me that he has visited many Lodges in several different States in the U.S. and also in several Provinces in Canada, and he still says that he never met such a wonderful body of men, as in good old Concord.  While he probably will never be living in Calgary again, he just can't seemingly ask for his demit and affiliate with some Lodge closer to him.  He says he just hates to break that one tie.  While there are very few of the old guard left who he knew for so many years, that are a few such as myself, Alf. McKay and McRoberts and one or two others.  His mention is of R.W. Bro. A.E. McKay, V.W. Bro. W.C. McRoberts, M.W. Bro. George F. Ellis, Wor. Bro. Harry A. Glennie and all of Concord adn the Calgary and District Brethren. Bro. McDerby wrote me dated Wednesday March 4th and he fells very much like I do, he did not know what to say but he would up his letter with this paragraph. "Anyway if it is in order I would appreciate you telling the Lodge how appreciative I am of this honor and this jewel.  Anything else you may want to say I know will be quite in order and thanks in advance." I know that Bro. Dent would be able to handle this better that I can but I feel it is a great honor to be asked to do this for him and I thank the Lodge very much for the way that this has been handled. J. DeLisle May

June 14th, 1960

A beautiful set of gavels were gifted to Concord Lodge.  The following is the letter accompanying them.

 

Calgary, Alberta June 14, 1960 Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Concord Lodge This set of gavels was obtained from a shop in Bethlehem, owned by two brothers of the Masonic Order on 20th February 1960. The stone of the gavels comes from King Solomon's Quarries in Jordan and the handles and box are made of olive wood - a wood quite prevalent in Jordan.  It is believed that the set was made in Jerusalem, although purchased in Bethlehem. I would like to present this set to the Lodge as a memento of the Middle East in general and the Holy Land in particular, since very few of the Brethren will have the opportunity to visit that part of the world. I regret I will be unable to be present at Lodge for this presentation but I sincerely hope that the Lodge will accept this small souvenir of the Holy Land. Yours fraternally, Bro. A.M. (Pete) Hanton, Capt.

In 1977, this set of gavels was put on display at the Lodge Room at Heritage Park.

July 16th, 1961

Brother DeLisle (May) an outstanding Mason, an ardent and enthusiastic Lodge worker in his quiet and efficient way he accomplished a great deal for the Lodge and for Masonry.  He was Treasurer from 1934 to 1938 adn Registrar from 1942 until passing to the Grand Lodge above.

 

(Undated) Dear Brother DeLisle: On September 5, 1931, your association with Concord Lodge fist came into existence.  Your entrance into Masonry dates back a number of years to when I was admitted, however since that time it has been my privilege to know you as a brother of the Craft. Since joining our lodge you have done much to make the name of Concord one of the best known lodge names in Alberta.  Your association with the travelling brothers or our Craft and visits to many district lodges has spread the spirit of Concord to many places. The keen interest you have taken in our lodge affairs and the services spread over many years as Registrar, have been most appreciated and for which all Concord members would like to say thanks. So it is with the greatest of pleasure that I wish you all the best on this special occasion, the celebration of you Concord birthday. Yours fraternally, Murray Flewelling

April 1961

 Concord Lodge members always recognized that they were the part of a large fraternity.  This is evidenced by the fact that they made a donation of $25.00 to the Vancouver Masonic Service  Bureau and were awarded Honorary Membership for a period of one year.

The aim of this Bureau is stated in a letter to be "of service both to Sojourning Brethren and to the Lodges concerned".

This donation was made in response to that bureau assisting one of Concord's brothers who was in distress.

November 2nd, 1963

V.W. Bro. W.C. McRoberts was honoured on the occasion of his 85th Birthday.  He was presented with an illuminated scroll which read: 

Concord Lodge No. 124 A.F. & A.M. V.W. Bro. William Cowan McRoberts Fraternal Greeting: Beloved Sir and Brother: We of Concord Lodge have much pleasure in presenting you this scroll on such a memorial occasion as your 85th Birthday. Looking back over the years you have spent with us, your affability and friendliness has endeared you to all your brethren. It is a well known fact that you have spent a great number of years as a Mason, having been initiated in Woodhall St. John Lodge No. 304, Scottland: January 28th 1903 and then you made your home in Calgary, you became a Charter Member of this Lodge, July 2nd, 1921, its Worshipful Master in 1927, but more that that, you gave your talents as a musician and became Grand Organist in 1947 to 1949. Your record as a Mason is and has been an inspiration to all of us your which we hank you and pray that the Great Architect will grant you many more years of health a happiness in His service.

June 5th, 1965

V.W. Bro. W.C. McRoberts was presented with a 60 year bar.

April 5th 1969

This evening was also referred to as Grant MacEwan Night.  At 6:15 pm we received our most distinguished guest, The Honourable Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan, Lieutenant Governor, Province of Alberta.  Mr. MacEwan gave a very enjoyable talk on "Lessons for Yester Year."  The Shrine Chanters added to the evening with their musical numbers and the evening was enjoyed by all.

June 30th 1969

 

The Emergent Communication this month was in the form of a Family Barbeque at Hanger #6, Currie Barracks.  It was to be held outside but rain and cool weather forced us inside Hanger #6.  Games were held for the children and adults as well.  A real nice time was enjoyed by all and the final call was barbequed hamburger and beans which were the highlight of the afternoon.

March 14th 1970

Our Emergent Communication this month was in the form of a "Sportsman's Night."  Lodge was tyled at 4:30 p.m.  Concord conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree on two candidates.  Lodge was closed at 6:15 p.m.  Cocktails were served in the lower room of the temple from 6:15 to 7:00.  Dinner was at 7:00 with a very enjoyable meal of cooked ham.  Our guest speakers after dinner were as follows: George Hanson - Football Coordinator and also our Master of Ceremonies Frank Fowler - Pro. Golfer Fred Storey - Curling Master with the Ron Northcott rink Scotty Munro - Coach of the Calgary Centennial Hockey Team Dave Bates - President of the Calgary Fish and Game Association

March 21st 1971 

Concord Lodge #124 held a "Family Breakfast" on Sunday morning March 21st 1971 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am which was attended by some 95 Concord members and their families. The breakfast was held in the Banquet Room of the Al Azhar Temple at 4th Street and 17th Avenue SW and the menu consisted of sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes and rolls and beverage. The meal, which was prepared by the officers and members of Concord, was excellent and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. After breakfast there was a cartoon show for the children and a most enlightening film of the valuable work preformed by "The Shriners" and the "Shriners' Crippled Children's Hospitals." The affair gave our members the opportunity to become acquainted with other members and their families and all agreed that a "Family Breakfast" should become an annual affair for Concord Lodge.

June 5th 1971 

[A motion was made to move Concord Lodge meetings to Bowmont Lodge Hall] There were thirty members in attendance and each member was given the opportunity to speak once on the subject. The primary point at issue was strictly financial.  Certain members felt there would be a decided advantage in moving to Bowmont in the form of a cash saving.  Others felt unsure as to Concord's present equity in the Calgary Masonic Temple Ltd. and expressed their doubts as to whether Concord would indeed benefit by the move as there were indications that the contrary might be the case. The following members expressed their opinions: V.W. Bro. Hamilton, W. Bro. Cumming, W. Bro. McIntosh, W. Bro. Carle, W. Bro. Hamilton, Bro. Barrs, Bro. Ritchie, Bro. Hargreaves, Bro. Sharp, Bro. Young, Bro. Greenwood and Bro. Scott. The Notice of Motion was put to a vote and the Notice of Motion was defeated. W. Bro. Martinson expressed his thanks at the orderly manner in which the proceedings had been conducted.

October 16th 1971

 

On Saturday October 16th, 1971, Concord Lodge No. 124 G.R.A., A.F. & A.M. celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary.  Lodge was tyled at 5:00 pm and opened in the first degree. The Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Alberta, Most Worshipful James S. Woods and many Grand Lodge officers were received with appropriate honours. All present shared a Memoriam in remembrance of all Charter Members and other members of Concord Lodge who have passed to the Grand Lodge Above during the last half-century. Right Worshipful Brother Marshall F. Irvine, P.D.D.G.M., District No. 18, presented the Historical Reocrd of the founding of the Lodge and related two humourous stories of the "Salesmen Type" founders our our lodge. Wor. Bro. Harold Cameron then made a presentation of the Fifty Year Jewel to Bro. James Russell Dunlop. Presentation of the Three Great Lights of Masonry was made by Wor. Bro. S.G. Blaylock.  The book being donated by Wor. Bro. Blaylock and the square and compasses by Wor. Bro. Carle and V.W. Bro. Hamilton. The Rt. Reverend Maurice Goodman, Bishop of Southern Alberta then dedicated the Three Great Lights. In his remarks the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. James S. Woods elaborated on the meaning of the name "Concord" as related to the word "Concord"  and noted the spirit which Concord Lodge always extends to other lodges and visitors.  He further emphasized the importance of our ever working in Concord with one another. Following closing of the Lodge, all brethren assembled in the Banquet Room for an hour of fellowship.  This was then followed by a delicious banquet consisting of barbequed roast beef, toasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, sauce, apple pie and cheese.  The main address was given by the Very Eminient Rabbi N.L. Ginsberg. Over 170 brethren attended our Fiftieth Anniversary celebration and it was a most successful, enjoyable and memorable occasion.

December 1971

The year 1971, being the Fiftieth Year for Concord Lodge has been a most active and very successful year under the leadership of W. Bro. A.W. Martinson and with following remarks by W. Bro. Martinson exemplify the spirit which now prevails in Concord Lodge. Master's Corner Brethren, we have just completed 50 years in the life of Concord, which have been really good years to all of us, and now we must look forward to the years that lie ahead.  May these be as fruitful as the last fifty. The only way they can be is if every one of our members work in Harmony and Concord for the goof of the Craft. Do not consider what Masonry can do for you, but what you can do for Masonry.

The end of a half century saw Concord Lodge with a membership of 206 brethren.  Well staffed for the next 50 years.

To the Present