A Short History
of
FREEMASONRY IN NOVA SCOTIA
1738 - 1966

By

Ronald S. Longley,
Grand Master

and

Reginald V. Harris
Past Grand Master

July 1, 1966
Halifax, N.S.

FOREWORD

When it was decided to make the Centennial Year, 1966, a time of retrospect, Thanksgiving and dedication, the written story of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia from 1866 to 1966 became a "must". On further study, it appeared that more background was needed, so the history was extended back to the appointment of Erasmus James Philipps as Provincial Grand Master in 1738, two hundred and twenty-eight years ago.

Much of the material for this history was collected by the senior Past Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Reginald V. Harris, who for more than forty years as Grand Historian, and in other offices, has been engaged in research in the records of Craft Masonry in Nova Scotia.

It is hoped that the little volume will meet a need, and that it will find its way into every lodge library and to the book-shelf of every member of the Craft in the Jurisdiction.

THE HISTORY COMMITTEE

Ronald S. Longley, G.M.
Donald M. Sinclair, P.G.M.
Ralph C. Chalmers, P.D.G.M.
Harold F. Sipprell, G. Sec.

PREFACE

This brief Centennial History of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia has been prepared to promote Masonic information and education throughout the Jurisdiction. It is believed that Masons in Nova Scotia and elsewhere will welcome the opportunity to learn of the beginnings of Freemasonry in the Province, the origin and activities of the various Provincial Grand Lodges before 1866, and the Story of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia since that date.

The history is in no sense exhaustive. Since its primary concern is with the Grand Lodge, such interesting and related topics as the military lodges that came and went with the British Army units to which they were attached, especially during the activities at Louisbourg, 1745-48, and 1758-60, and the story of the co-ordinate bodies, the York and Scottish Rites, have not been included. These must await the publication of a larger volume.

Whenever possible, sources of information have been provided at the end of each chapter. For the earlier period supplementary notes have been included. They do not interfere with the general narrative, but are there for those who are interested in them.

R.S.L.
R.V.H.

Seal of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia
1866 - 1869