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Visit to Patterson Grey Lodge #265 in Toronto, Ontario.
Through my membership to The Philalethes Society (Research and History for FM), I knew that some brethren were located in Toronto. Taking the opportunity of a business trip there, I contacted some of them and Bro. Peter R. was kind to reply to my request. He provided me with a list of 3 or 4 events that week and indicated that I may want to consider a degree night.
My choice was set on a lodge closed to my hotel. I took a taxi and went unannounced to the Thornhill Masonic Hall, a small building in the middle of a residential neighborhood. By night, no sign distinguished it from a normal meeting place. Only after approaching the front door did I notice the name on the porch and the plaque announcing the name of the place and many security features.
I went him and there met several brethren moving fast to get ready. It was a double 2nd degree night and more special, a father-son degree night.
I was welcome by Bro. Gordon C. and Bro. Gerald R. who informed me they will have to proceed to an examination. After few minutes, it became clear to them I was who I was claiming to be and presented with all the necessary paperwork to reinforce the examination. The differences between F&AM and AF&AM were not major in the normal set of due guard and signs.
I waited in the main hall looking at plenty of Masonic Regalia, which were quite different from the California rituals. It looked almost as an integration of elements between the US and England.
After completing the monthly Stated meeting or as it is called in Canada, the Committee of General Purposes (which they kept amazingly very short), Wors. Keith L. welcomed me and invited me to be seated among the Brethren. Another regular visitor to this lodge was also present, Bro. Jacob J. who took excellent care of me prior and during the meeting, explaining patiently what was happening when I seemed lost in this new ritual.
It was amazing to see how many members are involved in conferring the degree. I think almost 10 different members participated. The lectures and degree work was quite different but the main essence of the 2nd degree was recognizable from my knowledge.
After the degree, Wors. Keith L. invited me to seat at the Head Table during the agape and I was to give the answer to the visitors toast. After thanking everyone and sharing my surprise on some aspects of the degree, I presented the fraternal salutations from Peninsula #168 to the Brethren of Patterson Grey #265
After dinner, Wors. Keith L. even drove me back to the hotel and patiently waited while I was trying to figure out where I was staying ?
In summary, I was met with true Fraternal support and warmth which at that time of the year was very very welcome.
Submitted by Bro. Sebastien Taveau
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