orange lodges of nova scotia a brief history of the loyal

ORANGE LODGES OF NOVA SCOTIAA Brief History of the Loyal Orange Association in Nova Scotia, Canada

By Brian McConnell

Introduction

It is difficult to find reading material about Orange Lodges in Nova Scotia. The historicalgeography of Canadian Orange Lodges by Cecil J. Houston and William J. Smyth entitled “TheSash Canada Wore” deals with all of Canada and therefore contains only a few details aboutNova Scotia. There are some social and other studies which include material on Orange Lodgesbut they focus largely on Ontario or New Brunswick.

The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the history of the Loyal OrangeAssociation of Nova Scotia. It uses for its sources a number of Orange Lodge publications thatare cited at the end of the article but the main one has been the annual reports of the Associationthat were published each year. These contain not only the business affairs of the Association butalso information about the leaders and membership.

For assistance in research and in motivation to prepare this article thanks are given to JimWorthylake, Past Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Nova Scotia in 1978, andAttendee at many meetings of the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada as well as the Orange Councilof the World. He was born in Truro, N.S and a member of the Orange Association for 77 yearsup to his death in 2004.

Jim Worthylake - 77 years an Orangeman

At end of Article are Appendices A, B, C, and D listing Past Grand Masters and Mistresses ofNova Scotia and names and locations of Orange Lodges in Nova Scotia .

Membership

There are no active Orange Lodges now left in Nova Scotia. In the early 1900's there were well over 100 active lodges however most ceased operations by the turn of the twenty-first century. As a consequence some may ask what was the Loyal Orange Association in Nova Scotia ?

On May 9, 1956 in Westville, Nova Scotia, Joseph Dawe, Grand Master of the Grand OrangeLodge of Nova Scotia said:

“ We need to stress more and more in our lodge meetings the history of our association,

the why and wherefore, in a word we need to re-educate ourselves in all this great

society requires of us. Let us then in loyalty and in union go forward and make this

orange association all that it should be, to the glory of God and honor to ourselves.”

Joseph Dawe, Grand Master

Membership in the Orange Lodge in Nova Scotia was open to all Protestant adult males whotook an oath of allegiance to the Crown and to maintain the link with Great Britain. Its originswere traced back to Ireland where the first Orange Lodges had opened and taken their name fromWilliam, Prince of Orange, and King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1689 - 1702 who haddefeated a Catholic King, James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

The first Orange Lodge was brought to Nova Scotia by British soldiers and the first meeting wasa military one in Halifax in 1799. A non - military lodge was established in the province inHalifax in 1845 called Roden Lodge. The Grand Orange Lodge of Nova Scotia was establishedin 1849 and by 1850 there were eight lodges in the province. The Order experienced steadygrowth and by 1862 there were 21 lodges including one in Bermuda which at that time was underthe jurisdiction of Nova Scotia.

In 1892 there six county, five district, and 53 primary lodges in Nova Scotia with a total of 1973members. This continued to increase and in 1914 there were 10 county, seven district, and 127primary lodges with 4303 members. In addition to the men’s lodges, there were as well in lateryears lodges for women and for youth.

Lodges varied in size from 30 members to some with as many as 200. Each year a large paradewas held in a different town on July 12th in celebration of the Battle of the Boyne. Memberswere outfitted in sashes and regalia. A special religious service also marked the occasion.

Twelfth of July Parade in Stellarton in 1891

In July 1903 the Orange Parade in Truro was reported at the time to have been the largest in theprovince’s history. The celebration was organized by Derry Loyal Orange Lodge 25 a lodgefounded in 1866 in Truro. The parade extended for a mile and attracted 6000 visitors to thetown. The 1916 parade in New Glasgow was said to have been attended by double that number. Some lodges also celebrated “Guy Fawkes Day” ( November 5).

Orange Lodges were concentrated in five regions of the province of Nova Scotia. These were themining areas of Pictou County including New Glasgow and Westville; central CumberlandCounty, northern Cape Breton Island, particularly the towns of North Sydney and Glace Bay,and around Cobequid Bay, and two smaller concentrations were found in Lunenburg andGuysborough Counties. In Kings County, the Annapolis Valley, and western Cape Breton therewere only a handful of Lodges which were isolated in locations like Margaretsville andOrangeville Station.

The arrival of the railway in 1891 stimulated coal mining and the iron and steel industry on CapeBreton Island. In the industrialized areas lodges were formed including some right at the minessuch as Reserve Mines # 1, L.O.L. 3029, Dominion # 6, L.O.L. 2840, and Acadian Iron MinesL.O.L. 1421. In 1900, Atlantic L.O.L. 1648 in Musquodoboit Harbour with 63 members was thelargest isolated lodge in the province.

Orange Hall at Denver, N.S.

The rise of the Loyal Orange Lodge in Truro came with its developing importance as a majorindustrial centre. It became known as the “Hub of Nova Scotia” as the main roads and rail linesall connected at it. As well it is interesting to note that the nearby area of Cobequid Bay wassettled by Ulster Scots in the 1760s. This area was one of the few in the province which receiveda concentration of Protestant Irish immigrants. There were other areas such as around Windsor,in the Annapolis Valley, and Antrim, outside Halifax, but the numbers were not as large.

Most Orange Halls constructed by Lodges in the province were two storey wooden structures. On the first floor there was usually a Hall and upstairs storage or office space. If there was abasement it might contain a kitchen and later washroom facilities. Through the years OrangeHalls were used for various activities in addition to Lodge ones including as polling stationsduring elections and for community meetings.

Inside Orange Hall with flags of Canada, Great Britain and N. Ireland, and Nova Scotia

Acadia Loyal Orange Lodge (L.O.L.) No. 45

One of the most active Orange Lodges in Nova Scotia was Acadia No. 45 founded in Westville,Pictou County in 1867, the same year as the confederation of the Dominion of Canada. TheLodge was one of the first Lodges formed in the province. Loyalist No. 14 at Chester,Lunenburg County was the oldest. Its charter was granted in 1853, Derry No. 25 at Truro,Colchester County came next, then Chosen Few No. 42 at Stellarton, Pictou County, Acadia No. 45, Ark No. 72 at Lattie’s Brook, Hants County, Prentice Boys No. 76 at Thorburn, PictouCounty and Wentworth Refuge No. 86 at Wentworth, Cumberland County.

The cornerstone of the Orange Hall in Westville was laid on the 12 of July in 1888. In additionth

to being the home of Acadia L.O.L. it was a meeting place for the youth lodge of the OrangeYoung Britons, called Johnston O.Y. B. No. 26, as well as the Loyal True Blue AssociationLodge, Lady Princess May Lodge No. 53, the Ladies Lodge, Acadia Sisters L.O.B.A. No. 609,and a Girl’s Juvenile Lodge, J.O.L. No. 363.

The lower hall of the Orange Hall was for many years known as the Empire Theatre and manynoteable actors and actresses of vaudeville, from the U.S.A. and Canada appeared on its stage. Itwas also the first Theatre in the Town of Westville to show the silent moving pictures. In morerecent years before the Orange Hall closed it was used for public meetings, church and schoolplays.

George E. Munro, a life long member of Acadia L.O.L. was chosen as the first Mayor ofWestville when it was incorporated in 1896. There were Orange members serving as Councillorson the Town Council for many years.

Members of Acadia L.O.L. also attained high offices within the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. William J. MacIntosh was elected Grand Master for three years, 1928 - 1930 and Alfred L.Matheson held the office for two years, 1951 and 1952. Robert F. Kerr served as GrandTreasurer for 23 years from 1910 - 1933.

In the 1890's Orangemen in the Town of Westville were so active that they were able to publishtheir own weekly newspaper.

A Brass Band was sponsored by Acadia L.O.L. for many years and during World War I many ofits members joined the famous 85 Band. In World War I Westville had the highest voluntaryth

enlistment of any town its size in Canada. This was demonstrated by the fact that the youthmembership was just about wiped out. The Lodge was revived after the War but again cleanedout by enlistment in the Second World War. After World War II the lodge was revived withwithout the vital spark it once had.

Acadia L.O.L. hosted the Provincial Grand Lodge in 1902 and again in 1956 and 1959.

Bible Hill Protestant Children’s Home

For over sixty years, from 1910, the Orange Association in Nova Scotia operated a ProtestantOrphanage in Bible Hill, Colchester County. The Home was built, maintained and operatedprimarily from funds raised by Orange Lodges in Nova Scotia. It began when a committeeconsisting of J.C. Gass, J.G. Putnam, Dan MacDougall, Hugh Fraser, Dr. W.R. Dunbar, J.M.Humphreys, Hector Ferguson, and Colonel E.M. Potter was appointed at the March 1909 sessionof the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia held in Amherst. The committee was to take steps to securea property to be used for the shelter and care of destitute and orphan Protestant children. At thenext session of the Grand Lodge held at New Glasgow in 1910 it was reported that a propertyconsisting of a house, barn, and some fruit trees with two acres of land had been purchased. Thehouse was renovated and the first children admitted in August 1910.

Bible Hill Protestant’s Children’s Home

Over the years the building was replaced with a larger entirely brick building in 1919 and anexpansion in 1927. Another six acres of land were purchased and the Home’s garden enlarged toprovide vegetables for the Home. In the “50 Anniversary Programme for the Bible Hillth

Protestant Children’s Home” published in August, 1960 it was noted that over 500 children hadbeen cared for since the Home opened.

The Orange Lodge also took an interest and involvement in matters of politics and education. Forexample, in 1932 the Pictou County Orange Lodge declared opposition to the DuncanCommission Report which recommended the closing of provincial coal mines and the laying offof many workers. The Lodge’s pro-worker position reflected the composition of its leadershipand membership as a significant number were employed in the mines.

Faith

At the annual session of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia held at New Glasgow in April, 1950,Grand Master Herbert Chant stated:

“Our Protestant Faith was founded on the Open Bible. It was the living word

that we obtained the freedom we now enjoy....The Loyal Orange Association

is founded on the open Bible. It upholds the Protestant Faith; by this quickened

Word we are, and have our being, it is the living spark by which we live.”

In 1940 Reverend Edward Morris of Armdale was the Grand Master. He also was the Presidentof the Orphanage Board. Ten church Ministers were elected Grand Master of the Orange Lodgeof Nova Scotia. These were: Reverend James Meadows (1879-80); Reverend Edwin Clay(1881-82); Reverend James Blesdale (1886,1889); Reverend A. Logan - Geggie (1897-98);Reverend A. H. Campbell (1906-7); Reverend F.C. Ward - White (1919-22); Reverend EdwardMorris (1931); Reverend D. A. MacKinnon (1932-34); and Reverend Edward Morris (1939-40).

Reverend Edward Morris pictured in middle. Others in photo taken

in 1930 are Jr. Dep. Grand Master L.L. Collins, Grand Treasuer R.F. Kerr,

Grand M aster Wm. J. McIntosh, and Grand Secretary John Power

Many church ministers also served as Chaplains for local primary Orange Lodges or were electedas Grand Chaplains for the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. For example in 1945 all six GrandChaplains were ministers. They were Rev. W.M. Forsythe of Advocate Harbor, Rev. Alex Allenof Lunenburg, Rev. J. G. Russell of Glace Bay, Rev. S. Knott of Truro, Rev. C.R. Webber ofTrenton, and Rev. Edward Morris of Armdale.

Ladies Lodges

The Ladies Orange Benevolent Association (L.O.B.A.) in Nova Scotia was instituted on June 29,1923 when approximately 100 delegates and visitors, representing 14 ladies lodges met in theOrange Hall, Peppett Street, North Sydney. Mrs. Mildred Ettinger of Halifax was elected thefirst Grand Mistress and Mrs. A.F. Weatherbee was chosen as the Grand Secretary. Shecontinued as Secretary for 21 years.

Mrs. A. F. Weatherbee, Secretary of L.O.B.A. of N.S. for 21 years

By 1959 there were 36 active Ladies Orange Lodges in Nova Scotia. Their members carried outconsiderable welfare work and made generous donations to organizations including the RedCross, Children’s Aid, March of Dimes, Cancer Fund, Blind Fund, and Flowers for sick andshut-in members.

Membership in the Ladies Lodges, as with the men, was drawn from the children of immigrantsand immigrants who largely came from Scotland and England with some from the north ofIreland. However, an exception was the Lunenbourg area where the membership was largelymade up of descendants of the German Protestants who settled that area.

Loyalty

Throughout its history the Orange Lodges in Nova Scotia promoted the principles ofProtestantism and support for the British connection. Lodges were strong proponents of supportfor the public school system and lobbied against any government assistance to separate schoolsand in particular Roman Catholic ones. The Lodge also campaigned against changes to theCoronation Oath, Irish Home Rule, and declared opposition to a visit by the leader of an IrishNationalist Party, especially on the basis on his opposition to British policy.

Orange member attending Grand Lodge Session, 1998

During World War I over 55,000 Canadian Orangemen fought overseas and more than 8,000were killed and many more injured. The loyalty of Orange members to the British connectionencouraged them to enlist in much greater numbers than the rest of the population.

In March 1918, James Forsythe, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, said at the annual meetingheld at the Orange Hall in Truro:

“I am sure that I voice the feelings of all here assembled, that we are proud, and

justly so, of the showing our Canadian boys have made, accomplishing at the

time what seemed impossible, many times saving the day for the Allies. I am

glad too, that such a high percentage of our members hve enlisted to serve the

Empire in the great cause for justice, that we may never ve found behind in

upholding the principles of freedom and honor, for which our institution stands.

Though many have paid the supreme sacrifice and today lin in unmarked

graves on the battle fields of Flanders, we shall never forget their unselfish

and unwritten history of honor.”

Orange War Memorial

At a meeting on February 11, 1919 in the Orange Hall, Glace Bay, Dan McDougall, GrandMaster, proposed the erection of a monument in memory of Orange members who had lost theirlives in war service during World War I. Primary Lodges in the province were canvassed and theresponse was sufficient to complete the construction of a monument in Wentworth Park, Sydneyin 1921. At an annual meeting held in Sydney on February 14, 1922 it was decided to hold aservice in memory of those who lost their lives in WWI at Wentworth Park each year.

It was decided to place a new block in the monument at a meeting held in Sydney on March 7,1946 to have inscribed on the names of members who lost their lives in World War II. Theunveiling of the names of the members who died in the Second World War took place on July 7,1946.

Placing a wreath at Orange Memorial in Sydney, 1958

In 1959, the Grand Orange Lodge of Nova Scotia celebrated its 100 anniversary withth

meetings in Westville. They received congratulations and thanks from businesses, officials, andsupporters across the province as well as in other parts of Canada.

Sources:

- Annual Reports of the Grand Orange Lodge of Nova Scotia- Annual Reports of the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association of Nova Scotia- Souvenir Book of the 100 Session of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Loyal Orangeth

Association of Nova Scotia, 1959- Booklet entitled “ Educational Conditions in Nova Scotia” published by the Grand OrangeLodge of Nova Scotia, 1921- “The Sash Canada Wore” by Cecil J. Houston and William J. Smyth, Univ. of Toronto Press,1984- “ The Londonderry Heirs” by J. M. Murphy, Black Printing Co. Ltd., 1976

About the Author:

Brian McConnell is a Past Master of Derry Loyal Orange Lodge 25. A lawyer by profession, hehas been researching his family roots and Orange Lodge history for several years. Some of hisancestors were members of the Orange Lodge in Canada and earlier in Ireland. To contact himemail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Appendix A

Appendix B

APPENDIX C

GRAND MISTRESSES OF THE LADIES ORANGE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA

1923 - 1924 Mrs. Mildred Ettinger1925 - 1927 Mrs. E.D. Benjamin1928 - 1929 Mrs. C.F. Sutherland1930 - 1932 Miss Ida MacDonald1933 - 1936 Mrs. Laura Johnston1937 - 1938 Mrs. Pearl Matheson1939 - 1940 Mrs. Gladys Dartt1941 - 1943 Mrs. Laura Grant1944 - 1945 Mrs. Lillian Simms1946 - 1947 Mrs. Martha MacDonald1948 - 1949 Mrs. Clyde Townend1950 - 1951 Mrs. Grace F. Turner1952 - 1953 Mrs. Ethel Fraser1954 - 1955 Mrs. Maude Sutton1956 - 1959 Mrs. Grace Pace1960 - 1961 Mrs. Marion Mader1962 - 1963 Mrs. Myrtle Engram1964 - 1965 Mrs. Gwen Milley1966 - 1967 Mrs. Annie Chant1968 - 1969 Mrs. Margaret MacDonald1970 - 1971 Mrs. Anne Bell1972 - 1973 Mrs. Anna MacQuarrie1974 - 1975 Mrs. Anna Reid1976 - 1977 Mrs. Elsie Pike1978 - 1979 Mrs. Helen Wamboldt1980 - 1981 Mrs. Lottie Burgess1982 - 1983 Mrs. Jean Robson

APPENDIX D

Names and Locations of Ladies Lodges in 1975

Name of Lodge Location Lodge No.

1. Cullum New Aberdeen 472. Daughters of Fulton North Sydney 603. Mayflower New Waterford 804. Daughters of Coronation Whitney Pier 2275. Vigilant Halifax 4156 Sisters of Ulster Glace Bay 4817. Lady Derry Truro 4848 Ecum Secum Loyal Ecum Secum 5569. Acadia Sisters Westville 60910. Capital City Halifax 71111. Sisters of Cumming Eureka 72912. Gem of the Sea Louisbourg 73413. Prentice Sisters Thorburn 80714. Maple Leaf Trenton 91415. Armistice Halifax 91516. Victoria Halifax 95517 Lady Eldon Blanford 957 18. Cumberland Springhill 99619. Princess Orange Garden of Eden 126320. Pride of Richmond Framboise 128321. Rising Sun Latties Brook 1304

Junior Lodges

1. Ray of Hope Garden of Eden 4012. Princess Elizabeth North Sydney 4493. Melda Halifax 4554. Star of Bethlehem Glace Bay 504

orange lodges of nova scotia a brief history of the loyal

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