Past District Deputy Grand Masters
Brant District

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list of Past D.D.G.M.s
William J Stephenson

1950-1951

Donald L Sandison

1978-1979

Ralph David Charter

1982-1983

Robert John Macaulay

1985-1986

Orvil Walker

1989-1990

R William L Clarke

1993-1994

T Clayton Oliver

1999-2000

Jack E. Shaver

2000-2001

Fred J. Kalliokoski

2001-2002

Ralph V. Baldwin

2002-2003

Dan Dawson

2003-2004

Eric Davidson

2004-2005

William E. Topp

2005-2006

Randy J. Hunt

2006-2007

Jack L. Herron

2007-2008

Stephen M. Dekruvf

2008-2009

Donald H. Elliott

2009-2010

William Harris

2010-2011

Allan R. Haggith

2011-2012

Ronald G. File

2012-2013

Albert S. Devereux

2013-2014

Robert L. Bailey

2014-2015

Bill Martin

2015-2016

Fred Sebring

2016-2017

Michel Hodgson

2017-2018

Kennith Lovett

2018-2019

Paul Isaac

2019-2021

David Durnford

2021-2023

Ronald E Rowe

2023-2024

Paul Isaac

2024-2025

TBD

2025-2026

2000 - 2001
Jack E. Shaver

Born in Brant County on July 08, 1931 to parents Howard and Eva (McIntyre) Shaver, Jack grew up on the family farm, learning many valuable lessons and life skills. He attended Oak Hill Public School and Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School, graduating in June, 1949. Then he attended Western University, receiving the Degree of Bachelor of Arts June, 1953, and Degree of Doctor of Medicine June, 1955.

Following this, he completed a two year Family Practice Internship at the Hamilton General Hospital, where he met Jeanette DeGrow, and they were married on August 31, 1957. They have three children, Jim, Jane, and Janet, and nine grandchildren.

Jack established a busy rural Family Practice in the village of Scotland, Ontario, in September, 1957, and in 1970 moved his Practice to the Medical Arts in Brantford, of which he was a founding member, and in 1989 again was instrumental in the establishment of the St. Paul Family Medical Centre at the Medical Arts. He retired from Family Practice in June, 1998.

Jack was initiated into Freemasonry, Scotland Lodge #193, on November 13, 1958, passed December 01, 1958, and raised on January 07, 1959. He served as Worshipful Master of Scotland Lodge 1986-1987. He was co-chairman of Brant District Blood Donors Committee, 1985, at which time R.W. Bro. Robert Macaulay was District Deputy Grand Master.

Jack served as District Deputy Grand Master of Brant District in year 2000-2001. He is a member of Scottish Rite Murton Lodge of Perfection, Rose Croix, and Moore Sovereign Consistory. He is a Past President of the Brantford Scottish Rite Association.

Jack was initially a member of Wellington Street United Church, Brantford, Ontario, and joined Scotland United Church in 1958, since which he has taken an active part in church activities, presently serves as an Elder, and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Old cars has been Jack's passion, and he is a member of the Historic Automobile Society of Canada, enjoys tinkering with his old cars, as well as the old farm tractors which he has restored. When he is not occupied with these, he enjoys woodworking in his workshop, restoring old furniture, as well as making some new. This takes place, of course, only when his Grandchildren or the occasional Lodge meeting do not require his presence.

2001 - 2002
Fred J. Kalliokoski

R. W. Bro. Kalliokoski was born in Timmins Ontario where he was raised before moving south through Barrie/Aurora/Newmarket/Hamilton and now Port Stanley. He was married to Carol and they had a son and daughter and two grandchildren. Carol died in 1999. Fred married Judy Knops and now has an extended family.

Fred’s education following Secondary School included CIM- Institute of Management 1968; CGA- Certified General Accountants Ontario 1977; ALA- Canadian Litigation and Valuation Institute 1994; FCGA- Fellowship 2002 and Life Member CGA -2003. He practised as a Certified General Accountant for over 25 years primarily in Brantford and environs. Currently practising from Port Stanley .

Fred was initiated into St. George Lodge No. 243 in 1983 where he became Master in 1993 and Secretary for 4 or 5 years. He is a Fellow of College of Freemasonry 2001 and DDGM 2001-2002.He is a Life Member of the Royal Arch and Preceptory; a Brantford Shriner and a member of Mocha Temple; President of the Brantford Shrine Club 1992 and for several years President of the Brantford Shrine Club Oriental Band.

He belongs to the United Church and has held several positions including chair.
Active in his community our Brother is also a member of the Brantford Ambassadors (Brantford Economic Development); Past President of Lynden Lions Club; Member of City of Brantford Advisory to assist small business with details of start-up etc.; Auditor for various community groups and fraternal organizations. Currently a member of the building committee for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.

R. W. Bro. Kalliokoski quote is as follows ”We make a living by what we get.....we make a life by what we give!”

2002 - 2003
Ralph V. Baldwin

Our 2002/2003 DDGM was born in St. Thomas on March 12, 1949 and educated at Central Elgin Collegiate Institute in St. Thomas Ontario. Following graduation he worked 11 years for the Ford Motor Company and 11 years for Canada Post Corporation. Working for the Post Office allowed him time to travel the country as a Work Measurement Officer. Ralph was also a restauranteur and salesperson while employed with Canada Post. In 1992 with the support of his wife Janice he started Arrow Flight Delivery Inc. and it is this venture that brought him to Brantford. Ralph and Janice have two children, Andrea and Jason plus a 3 year old grandson son Noah. Ralph is a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Our DDGM was initiated, passed and raised in St. John's Lodge No. 209a in London in 1990 and was chaplain from 1990-94. On arriving in Brantford, he affiliated with Ozias Lodge No. 508 and was Worshipful Master 1996-97. He joined the Royal Arch Masons in 1993. He is a member of the London Shrine Club joining in 1994 as well as the Brantford Shrine Club which he joined in 1996.

An avid curler since 1994 Ralph is also a very dedicated slo pitch player where he participated for four years on a senior competitive team. This team won two provincial and one national title. He also is a member of the Brantford Auxiliary Police as well as a volunteer & supporter of Habitat for Humanity.

Our DDGM states and I quote, "Masonry has developed me as a husband, father, employer, individual and has been a guiding influence in how I live my life".

2003 - 2004
Dan Dawson

Our DDGM was born in Hagersville on March 14, 1962 and has been of resident of the community his whole life. He was educated at Waterford District High School. Following graduation he was hired by the Canadian Gypsum Company where he is a Quality Control Foreman and has been with this company for 22 years. He and his family are members of Knox Presbyterian Church in Jarvis, where he is a past member of the Board of Managers.

Dan was initiated, passed and raised in King Solomon Lodge No. 329 in Jarvis in 1985 and served as Worshipful Master in 1990 and 1991. He has been Secretary of King Solomon Lodge for the last seven years. He comes from a Masonic family as his father, two uncles and two brothers are also members of the craft.

Dan is married to Debbie and they have two children, Josh age 13 and Kristen age 12. He enjoys camping and fishing with his family and friends as well as coaching youth baseball and hockey.

Dan gives many hours to his community serving as a volunteer for local charities.

Our DDGM states and I quote that "I believe the future of masonry is to extend itself beyond the walls of our lodges and into the community. We know the good works we do-it is incumbent on us to demonstrate it to the public at large".

2004 - 2005
Eric Davidson

Our DDGM was born in Dundee Scotland, educated at Harris Academy and Dundee College, Abertay University, and also holds a Marketing Designation from McMaster University Adult Programme.

Eric is divorced with 3 daughters and two Grandchildren, Savannah and Liam.

He is a member of the Church of Scotland Steeple Church in Dundee and affiliated with Greenbrier Church in Brantford.

His interests are Sports, in particular Soccer as a referee and is President of the Brant County Branch of the Ontario Soccer Referees Association. He is also a past director of the Kiwanis Club of Brantford.

At present he is a Division Director for Investors Group, the largest Independent Financial Services and Mutual Fund Company in Canada and has spent 25 years in the Financial Industry in Canada working both in the Banking and Brokerage areas.

Eric was Initiated into Reba Lodge No. 515 in Feb 1977, passed in March raised in April. Our DDGM was Worshipful Master of Reba Lodge No. 515 in 1985 and has sat in every chair except Steward. He has been Treasurer of Reba Lodge for many years and has held the position of Treasurer of the Brantford Masonic Temple Board for several years, retiring in 2004.

2005 - 2006
William E. Topp

Our DDGM was born and raised on a farm in Canfield, Ontario where he still resides with his wife Marlene. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. In 1973 he received a B.Sc.Agr. degree from the University of Guelph , majoring in Animal Science. After graduating, Marlene and Bill married and purchased the family farm. For the next 18 years they operated a dairy and hog farm. Today, they still live on the farm but, now grow soybeans and red clover. For the past 12 years Bill has worked as the head animal nutritionist for Minor Bros. Farm Supply Ltd. He enjoys working with wood in his spare time. Bill also assists Marlene with her travel agency, Topplane Travel. They both enjoy travelling and have met many new friends on their journeys. These travels have also given Bill the opportunity to meet other Masonic Brethren throughout Canada and the United States .

Bill was initiated into Masonry in March 1975 in St. John's Lodge No. 35 in Cayuga. This was the start of his Masonic journey and education. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1982 and chairman of Masonic Education for R.W. Bro. Douglas Hannah in 1991. Bill has been Treasurer of the Lodge for many years.

It is his sincere hope that "my Masonic journey will continue for many years to come as I embark on yet another great adventure with you as your District Deputy Grand Master".

2006 - 2007
Randy J. Hunt

Randy was born and raised in Troy . He graduated from Highland High School in Dundas . He now resides in St. George with his wife Wendy. They have three teenaged girls. He owns his own business, Big Bear Pumping Inc. He is well known throughout Brant and Flamborough through his involvement in the St. George Baseball League, the Rockton Men's Hockey League, his business, and also through Masonry.

He was initiated into Masonry in June 1983 at Lynden Lodge No. ­­505. He is a third-generation Mason with his father, Jim, and grandfather, George, preceding him. His uncles and his maternal grandfather, R. W. Leonard Meiler (DDGM 1978), were also Masons. He was Worshipful Master for two years in 1991-92 in Lynden Lodge. For the past five years he has been Secretary for Lynden Lodge.

As an initiative for this year he would like to see Brant District 's Masonic Pride. Send a photograph and explanation of how you and/or your Lodge have shown your Masonic Pride.

"As I proceed into the new and exciting venture of being District Deputy Grand Master for Brant my thoughts are with my family. Throughout the year I will strive to include each and every one of you into my family. Welcome to my family!"

2007 - 2008
Jack L. Harron

R. W. Bro Herron was born in the village of Haliburton and received his elementary and secondary education in the local schools. Jack and Barbara, his wife of 43 years, have four married children and six grandchildren. One of his sons-in-law is Bro. Sam Bessey(Sgt.), a member of Pembroke Lodge No.128, stationed with the Royal Canadian Dragoon Regiment in Petawawa.

R. W. Bro. Herron hold degrees from Queen’s University and The University of Toronto and, after a career in education, spent the last twenty years, prior to his retirement, in business.

He is a member of Brant Lodge No. 45(1976), King Solomon Lodge No. 329(2006),Heritage Lodge No. 730(1977), the Brantford Scottish Rite Association, the Brant District Masters’, Past Masters’ and Wardens’ Association and the Mocha Shrine. He is a 32 degree member of the Hamilton Valley of the Scottish Rite and a Noble of the Mocha Temple Shrine and the Brantford Shrine Club.

Jack was the Master of Brant Lodge N0. 45, for18 months, in 1983-84.

R. W. Bro. Herron has been deeply involved in his community as Past President of the Glenhyrst Arts Council, the Brant Historical Society, the Brantford Scottish Rite Association and Chairman of the Brantford Library Board for two years as well as sitting on many Boards and Commissions.

After acting as Secretary, Vice-President and President of the Masters’, Past Masters’ & Wardens’ Association of Brant District, he now serves the Grand Master and his brethren in Brant District as the District Deputy Grand Master for 2007-2008.

2008 - 2009
Stephen M. Dekruvf

R. W. Bro DeKruyf was born in Guelph , Ontario and graduated from Guelph Centennial C.V.I. At this time he moved to Alberta to experience the oilfield industry. In 1983 he started a courier company - BJ's Express that serviced the printing industry. In 1987 he moved back to Ontario where Steve an his wife Joyce, purchased a family business - Germar's Distributing Inc. in the lawn and garden industry, which they owned and operated for 18 years of service. During those years he also managed to be an owner/operator of a use car franchise - Cars for Less in Woodstock . Steve's passion/hobby is woodworking, which he has had the opportunity to make and repair projects of all kinds for many people, enjoys being a dad, motorcycling and sports. Steve and Joyce have been married for 26 years and have a family of two, Kelly and Daryl. He is a member of Burford United Church and has served as a trustee for the last five years.

Our DDGM was initiated, passed and raised in Rockyford Lodge #123 Rockyford , Alberta in 1986 and affiliated with Burford Lodge #106, on March 15th , 1989 where he became Worshipful Master in 1996 and has served as treasurer for the last six years. He is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Hamilton Valley and a member of the Brantford Scottish Rite, a member of the Royal Arch, Brant Mount Horab Chapter #20, a Shriner out of Mocha Temple in London, a Past Patron of Thames Valley Chapter #199 Order of the Eastern Star, and also one of the founding members of the South Coast Chapter of the Widows Sons - the Masonic based motorcycle club.

Steve was raised in a Masonic family, as his father Gerry DeKruyf, was master of Speed Lodge ( Guelph ) in 1974 and became DDGM of Wellington District in 1987/88. Steve is proud and honoured to wear his father's regalia. His mother is a past Matron and DDGM of Guelph District #20 and his wife a past Matron of Thames Valley Chapter #199, Innerkip.

2009 - 2010
Donald H. Elliott

R.W. Bro. Elliott was born and raised on a farm at Boston, Ontario and began his education at Boston Public School and Waterford District High School. After his education at W.D.H.S. he worked at a gravel pit in the Brantford area for a summer following which he commenced a career with Canadian Tire in Brantford for about 5 years where he became store manager. While there he was recruited by Metropolitan Life into the Insurance business in 1965. He then commenced his "real" education completing basic insurance courses and advancing to complete CLU, CH.F.C., CFP and RHU courses. He has been very involved in his Professional Association and has served as President of the Brant-Norfolk Chapter of Advocis and President of the Brant-Norfolk Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters. He also spent 12 years in Management with MetLife and considers Snoopy a close friend.

He resided in Brantford for about 30 years but returned to Waterford for the past 16 years, where he continues to operate his Sun Life Financial Insurance and Retirement Counseling business. He is a member of Waterford United Church, is a past Chair of the Official Board and still serves as a Trustee for the Church.

He was initiated, passed and raised in Wilson 113 in 1998 and served as Worshipful Master in 2004. He is a third generation Mason as his Grandfather was a member of Frederick Lodge 217 in Delhi, Ontario and his Father is a Past Master of Wilson 113 and a Grand Steward. His son has been initiated and passed in Wilson 113, thus becoming the fourth generation Mason. His Mother was a member of both the Eastern Star and Rebecca's.

Don is married to Pat and they spend their leisure time gardening in the summer and vacationing with family in warmer climates during the winter. They both enjoy being spectators at baseball and hockey games and attend many Brantford Red Sox Intercounty games.

Don has thoroughly enjoyed his Masonic journey and looks forward to serving as District Deputy Grand Master for Brant Masonic District Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario to the best of his ability this year.

2010 - 2011
William Harris

R.W. Bro. Harris was raised in Haldimand County and has resided there for the past 47 years. Educated at Seneca Central Public School and Cayuga Secondary School . From there he began his career in steel making at Dofasco, working his way from the melt shop pouring molten steel to operating at the new continuous casting plant. In 1994 he left Dofasco for Robertson building systems where he started loading pre-engineered buildings for shipment. During his course of employment at Robertson Bill returned to college and successfully earned his certificate in purchasing through PMAC Canada, and began his climb from Material Planning to the Purchasing and Inventory Manager. When the operations at Robertson were shut down he began his current position with Braemar Building Systems as the Purchasing, Customer Service and Logistics Manager.

R.W. Bro. Harris has had a very active community service career. Beginning with coaching both minor softball and hardball teams in Cayuga and Glanbrook. As well as serving as a committee chair on the 1996 International Plowing Match committee. He has been an active member of the Kinsmen Club of Cayuga for the past 14 years both at the club and district levels. As well he is an active member of St. John's No.35 in Cayuga where he was initiated, passed and raised .He has had the privilege of serving on a District team for 2 D.D.G.M's and has enjoyed the first 10 years of his Masonic journey.

Bill is married to Bev and they currently spend most of their spare tim e spoiling their first Granddaughter Hailey, and then send her home to Mommy Christine. And whenever possible visiting their son Jim who lives in the British Virgin Islands .

Bill has truly enjoyed his Masonic career to date and is looking forward to serving as our Grand Masters representative in Brant Masonic District Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario this coming year. As well as sharing in the outstanding hospitality and fellowship that the Lodges of Brant have to offer.

2011 - 2012
Allan R. Haggith

R. W. Bro. Haggith was born in Brant County and grew up on the family farm in Oakland until making the move to the village of Scotland where he and his wife Marylou have called home for the past 34 years. He attended Oakland Public School, Waterford District High School and Mohawk College in Hamilton where he obtained his diploma in Electronics Engineering. Upon graduating from Mohawk College he began a career with Rogers Communications. Over the 37 years with Rogers he had many opportunities to experience all aspects of the business. He travelled to many US and Canadian locations as the company expanded over the years. As the manager of Network Engineering and Operations for South West Ontario and the Ottawa Region he and the Technical staff were responsible for the ongoing construction, repair and maintenance of a highly diverse and sophisticated design providing video, internet, home and cellular services. He has just recently retired from Rogers and is now spending more time working on his other interest.

R. W. Bro. Haggith and MaryLou, have been married for 34 years and they have one daughter, Brooke. They are members of St. Johns Anglican Church in Brantford. They enjoy spending time on their boat on Lake Erie during the summer and taking the odd downhill ski trip in the winter. He also enjoys motorsports, hunting, fishing and competitive shooting along with home renovations.

Allan has been a member of Onondaga Lodge no. 519 for 15 years and has enjoyed every minute of his Masonic journey to date. He has served on two District Teams with two DDGM’s and is a past President of the Masters, Past Masters and Wardens Association of Brant District. He has served as District Chairman for Masonic Benevolence, The Masonic Foundation of Ontario and Local Charity.

2012 - 2013
Ronald G. File

R. W. Bro File was born and raised in Brantford Ontario. He attended Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School and then apprenticed with Jack Sherrit Limited as a Construction and Maintenance Electrician. After completing his apprenticeship in 1979 he married Sandy Simpson from St. George. They celebrated their 33rd anniversary in August of 2012. After being married for one year He and Sandy moved to Calgary where they lived for 4-1/2 years. Their daughter Amanda was born at the Foot Hills Hospital in June of 1983. Ron and Sandy moved back to the Brantford area living first in Paris and then settling in St. George. During the next 21years R.W. Bro. File worked at Eagle Precision Technologies as an Industrial electrician, Service Technician, Electrical Supervisor, Assembly Foreman and then Manufacturing Manager. During this time he obtained his certificate as an Industrial Electrician. He presently works at Mohawk Shared Services in Hamilton as the Maintenance Manager.

Their son Curtis was born at the Brantford General Hospital in August of 1986. Amanda and Curtis have done very well in School. Amanda is in her last year of a Phd. in evolutionary biology at McMaster University and lives in Hamilton with her Husband Mark Van Oord. Curtis graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Masters Degree in Journalism. He is presently living in South Korea working for a software company and writing stories for a wire service.

R. W. Bro. File started his Masonic carrier in 1988 at St. George Lodge No. 243 where his father-in-law W. Bro. Ken Simpson was a member. He was Master of the Lodge in 1996 and then again in 2002. He is a past president of the Master, Past Masters and Wardens Association as well as Past President of the Cambridge Shrine Club (2008). In April of 2012 he received his 18th degree in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Hamilton.

R.W. Bro. File enjoys golf, canoeing and camping as well as a passion for riding his motorcycle. He is a member of the Widow’s Sons motorcycle riders association and has been an active member of their degree team.

2013 - 2014
Albert S. Devereux

R.W. Bro. Devereux was born and raised in the County of Brant for all his life and now resides in Paris. He received his secondary school education at Burford District High School in Burford and graduated in 1983.

His first full time employment started at Paris Construction Co. Ltd. In 1984 as a general labourer for three years and then moved on to the kitchen cabinet manufacturing industry at Paris Kitchens where he held many positions in both the factory and office for 24 years. His services were no longer needed there, so he embarked on a new career as a real estate sales representative. He received his real estate education from the Ontario Real Estate College and obtained his real estate licence in March, 2012. He is now employed with RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc. and working out of the Paris office.

R.W. Bro. Devereux was initiated into masonry on April 23, 1996 at St. John’s Lodge No. 82 in Paris. He is a third generation member of the family to join the craft as both his father, Bro. Jim Devereux, and himself were initiated at the same time and his grandfather, the late W. Bro. Harry Devereux , was a Past Master of Onondaga Lodge No. 519 in 1945. He was Worshipful Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 82 in 2002 and 2007 and also held the position of Treasurer for one year and Secretary for five years. He is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and is an active member of the Woodstock Valley. He is also a Shriner with membership in the Mocha Temple and the Cambridge Shrine Club where he can be seen driving a mini-vette car in local parades. He is a member of the Brantford Scottish Rite Association and served as their President in 2009. He also served on the executive for the Masters’, Past Masters’ & Wardens’ Association of Brant District and was President in 2011.

He now proudly serves as District Deputy Grand Master for Brant Masonic District Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario for 2013 – 2014.

2014 - 2015
Robert L. Bailey

Bob was born and resided in Toronto for the first 20 years of his life.

He was first introduced to Masonry in his teenage years when his father would take him to Father and Son nights at Bay of Quinte Lodge No. 620 in Toronto.
On graduating from the University of Toronto in Civil Engineering, he entered the heavy civil construction industry where he worked on sites from Montreal to Vancouver. There was no time or stability of location that would allow him to put down roots in order to join a lodge. He settled down in Simcoe, Ontario in 1968 and was initiated in Vittoria Lodge No.359 in 1971. He rose up through the chairs to become Worshipful Master in 1978 and 1979.

In 1983 he moved to Brantford to be closer to his business and in 2006 when Vittoria Lodge went into darkness he affiliated with St.George Lodge No. 243 in St.George, Ontario.

It was there that R.W.Bro. William Lawrence convinced him to take the Junior Wardens chair in 2008 and then to the Master’s chair in 2009 and 2010. He stayed active in the lodge until his election to the position that he has now assumed

2015- 2016
Bill Martin

Bill was born and raised in Brantford, and lived there until 1982, when he was transferred to Brampton with his employer. In 1989 Bill was again moved, to Burlington, where he spent the next 22 years until retirement in 2011, at which time he moved back to Brantford. After graduating from Mohawk College in 1969 with a Business Degree, Bill was employed by the American Can Corp. which eventually was bought out by Ball Corp, a major manufacturer of cans, glass and plastics. He was employed with Ball for 38 years until he retired in 2007. Bill then held a temporary position which was supposed to be for18 months, but eventually lasted for 4 years at The Whiting Group in Burlington.

Bill was initiated into Brant Lodge No.45 on Feb. 24, 1976. He is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite, and a Shriner. While living in Brampton, He visited Ionic Lodge No.229 where he was approached by a group of Brethren, and became a Charter Lifetime Member of Chinguacousy Lodge No.738. In Burlington. Bill often visited Brant Lodge No.663, a sister Lodge of Brant No.45. In 2005-06, He became Worshipful Master of Brant Lodge and served 18 months in the Chair of King Solomon. Then in 2006, he affiliated with King Solomon Lodge No.329 in Jarvis.

Over the course of his Masonic career, Bill has continued to visit many lodges both in and out of our District and has made many friends in his travels. During his year as the representative of the Grand Master, it is his hope to continue visiting and renewing old friendships that he has made in the past, as well as making new ones.

2016 - 2017
Fred Sebring

R.W.Bro. Fred Sebring, District Deputy Grand Master of Brant Masonic District, 2016/2017

Fred was born in Simcoe, Ontario and raised with his three sisters by their parents, just outside Simcoe.

He attended elementary and high school in Port Dover before pursuing further education in Hamilton.

His working life has taken him to Tiverton, Woodstock, Nanticoke and London.

He and Debbie were married 28 years ago and have three grown children, a girl and two boys. All are pursuing their respective vocations.

Their daughter and youngest son reside in Ontario while their older son has chosen Alberta as his home.

Fred is a proud member of Wilson Lodge No. 113 in Waterford, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2002 and 2009 and Secretary from 2012 until July, 2016.

During his term as Worshipful Master in 2009, he was fortunate to be involved with the Committee responsible for placing the monument at the Old Town Hallin Waterford commemorating the near hanging which took place during the War of 1812 and at the same time, participating in hosting a reception in honour of Most Worshipful Brother Raymond S. J. Daniels, Grand Master at that time.

Spare time usually takes him to the workshop where various projects get some attention when time permits.

Traveling and visiting other lodges is a favorite past time.

2017 - 2018
Michel Hodgson

Michel was born in London, Ontario. Then he has lived in Brantford, Ontario, Red Deer, Alberta, Brookfield, N.S. and then settled down in Brantford, Ontario in 1985. Michel has a brother, sister and three step brothers, that all live in Brantford.

Michel is a proud member of Reba Lodge No. 515 in Paris, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and Secretary from 2009 until 2012. He is also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and is part of the cast of the 17th Degree that the Brantford Scottish Rite Association performs performs at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Hamilton each spring.

He attended elementary school in London and Brantford and high school in Brookfield, N.S. and later in Brantford. He furthered his education later in life at Mohawk College and Brock University.

Michel has two daughters; the older of the two is married and lives in London with his three grandchildren. The youngest is active in skating, piano, and rep. soccer all year round.

During his terms as Worshipful Master from 2015 to 2017, he was fortunate to be involved with different district committees and served as a Chairman on most of them. He was President of the Masters', Past Masters' and Wardens' Association for Brant District in 2015.

In his spare time, you can find Michel in his backyard BBQing (smoking), doing yard work and in the garage where various woodworking projects get some attention when time permits.

Hanging with family and friends is a favourite past time.

2018 - 2019
Kennith Lovett

Kennith was born in North Sydney, N.S. and moved to Ontario in 1966. He lived in the Hamilton area until 1987, at which time he moved to the Brantford area until 2011 and then retired to Port Ryerse after working 42 years at Slacan. Presently, Kenneth is enjoying his retirement and volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul's soup kitchen in Simcoe.

Kennith and his wife have 4 children and 1 granchild. His 3 sons live near and in the Brantford area and his daughter lives in Mexico.

He was Worshipful Master of Burford Lodge No. 106 in 2001 and 2007. He also has membership in the Royal Arch (3 times as 1st Principal), Mocha Shrine Temple, Simcoe Shrine Club, and the Order of the Eastern Star (5 times as Worthy Patron). He was also President of the Masters', Past Masters' and Wardens' Association of Brant District in 2017-2018.

At Slacan, he held positions on the Board of the Credit Union and social committees, as well as being involved with various committees with the Bethel Stone United Church.

In his spare time, you can find him doing renovations on his home or helping his sons with their projects.

2019 - 2021
Paul Isaac

R.W.Bro. Paul Isaac is a 34-year member of Hiram Lodge No.319. He also an affiliate member of Onondaga Lodge No.519. R.W.Bro. Isaac is a Scottish Rite member (32degrees) from Hamilton Valley and a member of the Brant Scottish Rite Association. He is Past President of the Brant District Masters, Past Masters and Wardens Association.

A construction electrician for IBEW Local No.105 for 35 years. He has extensive travel in Canada and USA on large construction projects. R.W.Bro. Isaac is a father of 3 children. He has been married for 20 over years to his beautiful wife Lorraine.

R.W.Bro. Isaac currently resides on the Six Nations Reserve but has also lived in major cities in the US of A. He is a Past President of the Six Nations minor lacrosse and Past President of the Jr.’B’ Rebels lacrosse. He is a former coach for minor lacrosse and the Jr. ‘B’ Rebels team. He has played the game for over 20 years and it’s one of his pastimes to support the sport of the game.

Masonry intrigued him when he was young and it still does. He believed that someday he would be in this position and hopes that this year he can influence others to become more involved in masonry and what it has to offer them. 

R.W.Bro. Paul Isaac is the first Native Canadian to become a District Deputy Grand Master in Canada

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic that started in March of 2020, Paul had to remain as D.D.G.M. for a second term.

1950-1951
William J. Stephenson

Born: Cathcart Ontario - Oct 27th 1881 Master of Burford Lodge- 1933

DDGM Brant District - 1950

Honourary Life Member 1962

Passed to the Grand Lodge Above July 11, 1967

1978-1979
Donald L Sandison

R. Wor. Bro. Sandison was born in Deseronto, Ontario on May 29, 1922 and moved to Brantford in 1924. He received his elementary education at Bellview School in Eagle Place and his secondary education at Brantford Collegiate Institute graduating from Grade 13 in June 1939.

Sandy started a five year Tool & Die apprenticeship at Robbins & Myers Ltd. on Oct. 4, 1939, finishing on Oct. 4, 1944. He continued at his trade until accepting a position at the Brantford P.U.C. in the Water Filtration Plant on Aug. 5, 1947 as a Maintenance Mechanic rising to Supervisor and retiring July 1, 1983 after 36 years of service.

On May 1, 1943 Sandy married the former Betty Fowler and they had two daughters, Denise (Mrs. David Papple) and Debra (Mrs. Geoff Dunlop). Betty passed away in Feb. 1981. Sandy married Marian Sykes in Sept. 1982, who has a son Paul and his wife Linda. Sandy now has 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

R. W. Bro. Sandison and his wife Marian belong to Fairview United Church where Sandy has been a Member for over 50 years serving as an Elder and a member of the Official Board.

In his early years Sandy played hockey and baseball and in recent years he is active in golf and recreational fishing. He has numerous Trophies for bowling and golf.

R. W. Bro. Sandison begun his masonic journey in 1944. He was initiated into Reba Lodge No. 515 A. F. & A. M. Brantford, on June 16, 1944, passed on Sept. 14, 1944 and raised on Jan. 18, 1945. He was installed Worshipful Master of Reba Lodge on Dec. 30, 1958. Elected D.D.G.M. in 1978. Affiliated with Heritage Lodge No. 730 Cambridge and St. John's No. 82 Paris.

He is a member of Brant-Mt. Horeb Chapter Royal Arch Masons; a member of Murton Lodge of Perfection A.A.S.R. May 13, 1947; Hamilton Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix Apr. 14, 1949; Moore Sovereign Consistory Nov. 11, 1949; and Coroneted Honorary Inspector General 33 Degrees of Supreme Council of Freemasonry of the Dominion of Canada Sept. 17, 1998.

He is Past President, Secretary & Manager of the Brantford Masonic Temple Ltd., Past President of the Brantford Scottish Rite Association; Past Patron of Brant Chapter No. 118 Order of the Eastern Star; Past Watchman of Shepherds Unity Shrine No. 14 White Shrine of Jerusalem; a member of Mocha Temple Order of the Mystic Shrine and the Brantford Shriner ' s Club of Brantford.

R. W. Bro. Sandison and R. W. Bro. Thomas E. Greenaway wrote the History of Reba Lodge from 1915-1980 assisting Bro. William Mitchell in the history of Brant District. R. W. Bro. Sandison wrote the updated history of Reba Lodge from 1980-2000 when R. W. Bro. R. William L. Clarke updated the District history in 2000.

R. W. Bro. Donald Sandison's Favourite Poem follows:

I AM FREEMASONRY

I was born in Antiquity, in the Ancient Days when men first dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages and found true. The crossroads of the world, bear the imprint of my feet, and the Cathedrals of the Nations, mark the skill of my hands. I strive for Beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. Upon my altars, is the Book of the Holy Writ, and my prayers are to the Omnipotent God.

My sons work and play together, without rank and discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. By signs and symbols, I teach the lessons of life and death, and the relationship of man to God and man to man. My arms are widespread, to receive those of lawful age and good report, who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereby find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain.

I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick, I hark to the orphan's cry, the widows tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not a church, nor party, nor school. Yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbours and themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking danger, at the end, I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting life.

I ponder the sand within the hourglass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. Always have I taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life. I AM FREEMASONRY . 

1982-1983
Ralph David (RD) Charter

R. W. Bro. Charter was born in 1920 and grew up in Coronation Alberta. He attended the Elementary and Secondary School there. After leaving School he worked with his father on the farm in Alberta. In 1938 the family moved to Boston Ontario. Ralph joined the Canadian Army in 1941, was trained in Brantford and Camp Borden. Following training he was sent to London Ontario. In 1942 he married Margaret McRae .He was sent overseas and his daughter Aliceann was born while he was away and he didn = t see her until a couple of years later when he returned to Canada. Later a son David was born to the family.

After his army service he worked at the Hagersville Boiler Room and Fire Department, before working for the County of Norfolk and farming. The last 16 years before retiring in 1977, he worked for the Department of Transport.

He was initiated into Wilson Lodge No. 113 on Oct. 13, 1954, passed on Nov. 10, 1954 and raised on Dec. 8, 1954. He was master of Wilson Lodge No. 113 1964-65. Ralph was District Deputy Grand Master for Brant Masonic District Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario 1982-83. On Oct. 26, 2005 he was presented with his 50 year pin the same night W. Bro. Alfred Langs was presented with his 50 year Past Master pin. For many years he has been active in his Lodge and has been Director of Ceremonies numerous times. Ralph has been on the Board of General Purposes and is still Chairman of Blood Donors for his Lodge. He is a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason.

He is a member of Bealton United Church where he has been Chairman of the Church Council and Chairman of the Trustees.

In his spare time our brother is a hobby farmer and over the years has grown many crops including tomatoes and cucumbers. He talks about raising more than 35 bushels of tomatoes in his garden and processing them. He has also raised pigs and chickens over the years.

He and Margaret during their retirement used to trailer all over the US and Canada but they never made it to Newfoundland. Every five years they returned to Coronation Alberta for the School reunion.

Locally besides masonry, Ralph is a member of Waterford Legion, Simcoe Army & Navy Club and the Foresters in Boston.

1985-1986
Robert John Macaulay

Born 1921 at Glen Morris, south Dumfries Township of Brant County, the eldest son of J. Stewart, later W. Bro., and Dorothy Macaulay. His father was a railway worker and his mother, a professional seamstress, was the first officially recorded librarian of the Glen Morris Library, in which building they lived in an apartment. A transfer of work caused the move of the family to Oakland where Bob and his brothers, Leslie and Gale, grew up, getting their elementary education in the old one-room school. Bob was confirmed in the Oakland United Church of Canada.

He attended Scotland Continuation School for the four grades that were taught there then it was off to Brantford Collegiate Institute and Vocational School for Grade Thirteen. At about age seventeen he was elected Member of Parliament for Brant County boys in the Older Boys' Parliament for a one year term. The Parliament's sessions occurred at McMaster University during the Christmas recess there.

When Bob was nineteen he began work as a station operator and ticket clerk in the Brantford station of the Lake Erie and Northern Railway. He was often called on to do holiday relief at most of the other stations up and down the line from Port Dover to Kitchener. In 1953 promotion to the Train Dispatchers office took him to Preston where he remained until 1981, retiring as Chief Train Dispatcher and Traffic Supervisor.

Bob was initiated in Scotland Lodge No. 193 in 1943, shortly after enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force. As posting overseas as a navigator-bomb aimer was imminent he received his Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees at the same meeting, the only member of the lodge ever to do so. His bomber crew performed a number of operational trips over Europe, including returning liberated British Army prisoners of war home to England; then they volunteered for service in the Far East. With the sudden end of hostilities Bob was discharged with the rank of Warrant Officer.

In 1948 he married Miss Norma Shaw, a clerk of Brantford City Hall, in Mount Pleasant United Church where they both were very active, having built a home on Mount Pleasant Road. Bob served in several official capacities at the church, including Steward, Treasurer, Elder, Clerk of Session and Lay Delegate. Five children were born to the couple, three sons and two daughters.

Bob was Worshipful Master of Scotland Lodge in 1958 and also became involved in Farringdon Hill Home and School Association. Several brethren invited him to be their Installing Master. Other sources of satisfaction come from being Ticket Chairman for the four or five District Receptions and heading up the Brant District's parking zone at the International Plowing Match near Paris. In 1985 he was elected District Deputy Grand Master of Brant District and had the pleasure of working with the Most Worshipful Brother A. Lou Copeland. In 2003 Scotland lodge presented him with the Veterans Jubilee Medal and Clasp for sixty years of membership and service. Being a friend and mentor to many Lodge and District brethren provides Bob with his greatest feeling of satisfaction and he continues to be as active as possible considering having been suddenly paralysed below the waist by transverse myelitis in November, 1998. Among his private interests are reading, listening to classical music, doting on their eight grandsons and family tree research as a member of the Brant Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.

1989-1990
Orvil Walker

Our DDGM was born in Walpole Township (near Jarvis) and educated in Jarvis Schools. He drove a transport for over 33 years. Orville's wife died in 2004 and he has 4 children, 3 sons and a daughter.

He is an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Jarvis.

Besides masonry Orville is a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows and the Walpole Antique Farm Machinery.

Orville was initiated into Masonry in King Solomon Lodge 329, Jarvis, Ontario on November 16, 1971, passed on January 11 1972 and raised on April 18, 1972. He was installed as Worshipful Master of King Solomon Lodge No. 329, Jarvis in 1978; Secretary of King Solomon Lodge No. 329 for 14 years from 1981-1995 and again in 2000.

He was elected District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario in 1989-90. He continues to be active in the District. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite. 

1993-1994
R. William L. Clarke 

Our DDGM was born in Brantford but educated in Dundas. He graduated from Dundas District High School and from Hamilton Teacher's College. He began his teaching career at New Bowman School behind the Plainsman Restaurant in West Flamboro. After moving back to Brantford in 1965 Bill continued teaching and earned his BA degree by extension from Waterloo Lutheran University now Wilfrid Laurier University in 1973. He plans to retire in June 1994 after completing 21 years at Herman E. Fawcett Secondary School.

Bill is married to Kaye and has two children, Stephen and Daphne.

Over the years he has been very active in St. Stephen's and St. Jude's Anglican Churches being a Lay Reader, Church Warden and a member of the Board of Management..

The Boy Scout organization has occupied many years of Bill's life. He has been a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Group Committee Chair as well as Registration Officer and is a Past President of Brant District Scouts. At present he is Secretary of the Former Optimist Club of Brantford Scout Scholarship Committee.

In his spare time he is a philatelist and enjoys curling.

Bill was initiated into Valley Lodge No. 100 in Dundas on February 10, 1964, passed in April and raised in June. He affiliated with Brant Lodge No. 45 in March 1974 becoming Worshipful Master in 1980. He was District Chaplain in 1981 for R. W. Bro. Lloyd Lawrence and President of Masters, Past Masters and Wardens Association in 1993. He is also a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason and has taken parts in the 5th and 10th degrees for many years. He continues to be an active mason in our District.

Bill always says and I quote " You only get out of Masonry what you put into it."

1999-2000
T. Clayton Oliver

Clayton Oliver was born April 29, 1929 at R. R. #3 Princeton in Burford Township in the County of Brant. He attended S.S. #9 in Burford Township, Burford High School, and Ontario Agricultural College short courses.

Active in community service, Clayton volunteered as a 4-H club leader for 12 years and served as President of the Brant County Junior Farmers in 1957, Past Director of the Brant County Crop Improvement Association, Brant Hog Producers Association, and Past President of the Brant Milk Trucking Cooperative. Clayton also served as Chairman of the Flying Farmers Committee for the 1990 International Plowing Match in Brant County and Chairman of the Water Services Committee for the 1995 Match in Waterloo County. Clayton is a life-long member of The United Church of Canada.

Clayton and his wife Janet were married in 1959 and have two children, a son Jeffrey who is Chief Pilot for SkyService, and a daughter, Mary who is Sales Operations Manager for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. They also have four grandsons, Steven and Bradley Oliver and Jack and Cameron Mordue.

Clayton purchased his father’s farm in 1959, operating it as a dairy farm until he retired in 1986. He worked for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment until 1995 and drove airport limousine until November of 2003. He remains active as a greeter / helper at Dennis Toll Funeral Home in Brantford.

A third generation Mason, Clayton was initiated at St. John’s Lodge No. 82 in October, 1981. He served as W.M. of St. John’s Lodge No. 82 in 1988, receiving his 32nd Degree Scottish Rite in 1986 and T.P.G.M of Woodstock Lodge of Perfection in 1996.

2021 - 2023
David Allan Durnford

R.W.Bro. David Allan Durnford is a proud member for over 31 years of Onondaga Lodge 519 A.F.A.M. Brant Masonic District . He served as Master of his Lodge both in 1995 and 2007 and has the distinct honour of being the last Master of their old Lodge building and the first at their present Temple Building.

He has been President of the Masters , Past Masters , and Wardens Association twice , has been on District Service Team 6 times and was Chairman of the Social Committee for almost a decade.

His service to his community includes being a hockey coach and trainer with B.M.H.A. for over 10 years, Scouting for over 25 years , being Scout Master 15 of those years . As well as holding positions on the District Service Team , Group Committee , and Quarter Master . He was also a Flag Football Coach , and assisted other youth groups his children were involved in as needed.

Allan and his wife of 48 years , Susan are the proud parents of 3 children . They have also been blessed with 10 grand children and 3 great grand children.

Due to Covid-19, R.W.Bro. Durnford was inastalled in the middle of the pandemic and continued to be D.D.G.M. for two years

2023 - 2024
Ronald E. Rowe

R.W.Bro. Ronald E Rowe was born in Brantford, ON in 1973

At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Trenton, ON

He was first introduced to Freemasonry when he was 17 by his father (V.W.Bro. Ronald M Rowe) who got him into DeMolay in Belleville, ON. R.W.Bro. Rowe was one of the foundering members of the Belleville DeMolay.

At the age of 21 he became a member of Eureka Lodge No.283 in Belleville, ON on the 9th November 1994. He became a Master Mason in June 1995.

In February 2011 R.W.Bro. Rowe affiliated with St. George Lodge No.243 in St. George, ON and became Worshipful Master in 2017. During his term as Master, he had a new Mosaic floor made and installed. It was dedicated by M.W.Bro. John C. Green at the 7th March 2017 meeting.

R.W.Bro. Rowe is a member of Brant Mount Horeb No.20 (York Rite). He is also a 32 Degree Mason and a member of Moore Sovereign Consistory (Scottish Rite). He is a member of the Brantford Scottish Rite and the Director of the 17th degree.

He was a member of the Mocha Shrine and the Brantford Shrine Club. He was President of the Brantford Shrine club in 2018.

R.W.Bro. Rowe has been a member of the Masters, Past Masters & Wardens Association of Brant District since 2015 and was Secretary from 2017 to 2021 and President from 2021 to 2023.

He is the webmaster for St. George Lodge No.243, the M., P.M., & W. Assoc. and the Brantford Scottish Rite Assoc.

He is a huge supporter of the MasoniCh.i.p. program and has been putting the program in practice for several years at the St. George AppleFest.

R.W.Bro. Rowe had planned to be DDGM in 2021 as that was the 150th anniversary of St. George Lodge No.243 but thanks to Covid-19 this never happened. It was then decided to hold the 150th Anniversary in September 2023 and for him to be the DDGM for that great milestone.

R.W.Bro. Rowe has been in the Telecommunications Industry since 1999. He has owned his own business as of 2011 in the same industry.