(from left to right) Kitchener No. 117 Council: Ex. Comps. Steve MacDonald, H., Douglas Beatty, Z., Donald McLeod, J.

Living Past Principals

On January 27th, 1896, a Charter was granted to a small group of Royal Arch Masons to forma Chapter in the Town of Berlin. It was named "Berlin Chapter" and numbered 117. It was signed by Most Excellent Companion William Gibson, Grand First Principal and Right Excellent Companion George Bennett, Grand Scribe E. The population of the town of Berlin was about 9,000 and stood at 9,696 in the year 1900. The community was 80% German - speaking.

The Charter members were Comps.:

On March 6th, 1896, the First Principal, Comp. Allen S. Thornton, Second Principal, Comp. Alfred Oelschalager, Third Principal, Comp. William Oelschalager and the Scribe Ezra, Henry Wildfong were installed and invested. The Chapter Convocations were held on the 3rd Monday of the month. There were 8 admissions and 14 joinings for a total of 22 members.

On June 15th, 1896, R. Ex. Comp. R. Mahony, Grand Superintendent of Wellington District 4, made the first official visit to the Chapter to examine the work and books for M. Ex. Comp. William Gibson. He gave the following report:

"This meeting was an Emergent Meeting, and although held on a Saturday evening, all 22 Companions were present. The Royal Arch Degree was conferred on three candidates by the officers in a most credible manner. From the good start the Companions have made I have no doubt but what it will be one of the leading Chapters in this District."

The records of the first five years and all the paraphernalia were destroyed by fire on January 26th, 1901. A duplicate Charter was issued on April 16th of that year.

Meetings were held in the office of Dr. E.P. Cornell then in a small hall above what is now Jaimet's Book Store, King St. E., between Queen St. and Frederick St. Kitchener. The rent was $14.00 per year.

From 1901 to 1904, there was a small membership, very poor attendance and considerable unpaid dues. In 1904 there were ten candidates. The Exaltation fee was raised from $10.00 to $15.00 which included regalia. Refreshments were paid for by Companions present. The year 1904 closed with an indebtedness of $144.00.

In 1905, four large banners were presented to the Chapter by Dr. E.P. Cornell. The Companions presented 12 small banners. The annual dues were $3.00 for resident members and $2.00 for non- resident members. At the end 1906, the indebtedness was paid off and the Chapter had a credit balance of $6.99. The membership stood at 65. In 1907 the Scribe E's honorarium was set at $12.00 per year.

In 1908, 1909 and 1910 there were few candidates but 1911 and 1912 showed more progress, which continued through to 1915. The rent increased from $50.00 to $70.00 per year.

Companion Henry Schaefer presented a keystone and Comp. George DeKleinhans presented a Volume of the Sacred Law. In 1915, the Exaltation fee was raised to $20.00. The population of the Town of Berlin rose to the 15,000 number necessary for "city status", and on July 17th, 1912 celebrated its position as Ontario's newest city.

In 1914, the First World War broke out with Germany. The City of Berlin, of 80% Germanic extraction, witnessed the bust of Kaiser Wilhelm, a symbol of their heritage, dumped into the lake in Victoria Park by the local military unit. To promote social stability and for largely economic reasons, the name of the City of Berlin was changed to the City of Kitchener on September 1st, 1916. In keeping with the new City name, Berlin Chapter RAM. No. 117, became Kitchener Chapter RAM. No. 117 that same year. Twelve applications for membership were received in 1916.

In 1917, the Exaltation Fee was raised to $25.00. In 1919, Comp. Walker presented a Signet Ring to the Chapter. In 1920, the Exaltation Fee was raised to $35.00. Comp. J.H. Franks was presented with a Life Membership in 1923. In the same year, Comp. J.H. Walker presented two volumes of the "History of Freemasonry".

In 1926, the 30th Anniversary of Kitchener Chapter was celebrated with a card party and dance. The Exaltation Fee was raised to $40.00 in 1928.

An open meeting for Craft Masons was held in 1929 with Kenneth Doenstan as speaker. A visit to Port Credit Chapter to participate in the Banner Competition was very successful with the banner being brought here. The Grand First Principal, M. Ex. Comp. Edwin Smith paid a visit to the Chapter. Another meeting for Craft Masons was held the following year with Austin Evans as guest speaker. Port Credit made a return visit and took the banner back. A District Past Principal's Night was held. In 1931, a third Craft Masons' Night was held with 100 present. There was a considerable number of "exchange of visits" made with other Chapters.

By 1929, the "Great Depression" was in full swing in the area and reached its peak in 1933; it lasted through to 1936. Thousands of people were on community welfare. This did not affect the continuing growth of membership in the Chapter; 25 new members were registered during this period.

In 1935, when Ex. Comp. Allen C. Mason was First Principal, the Chapter acted as host for the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter. The meeting was held in the Scots Fusiliers Drill Hall in the Dunker Building between Gaukel Street and Water Street South. The visiting Companions filled all available hotel accommodations with many billeted in the homes of Chapter members and in the homes of many of the local Craft Masons.

World War II was in full swing during the early 40's. This did not have an adverse effect on the membership even though many joined the armed forces. The production of war material saw a surge in the economic growth of the area.

The Chapter Room was dedicated and consecrated by M. Ex. Comp. L. Stephens and a number of Grand Chapter Officers in 1941.

During the 1940's, steady progress was made. The membership hovered around the 200 mark. Considerable efforts were put forth to keep the arrears of dues at a minimum. Despite it all, the inflationary trend of the times reflected unfavourably on the treasury and it became necessary to increase the Exaltation Fee from $40.00 to $45.00 and the Annual Dues from $5.00 to $7.00 per year. The 50th Anniversary was celebrated on October 4th, 1946. M. Ex. Comp. Conover and many Grand Chapter Officers attended. The Grand Superintendent that year was the distinguished member of Kitchener Chapter, R. Ex. Comp. Allen Mason.

Even at this early stage the building of a new Temple was a live issue as the records indicate that a motion was passed authorizing the establishment of a private company with $100,000.00 capital to build a Temple.

The number of candidates in 1946 was good and the Chapter affairs were on the upswing.

The year 1947 saw Ex. Comp. Harold Shannon installed as First Principal. He had a busy year with 18 Bro.'s. advanced to the M.M.M. Degree, 19 to the M.E.M. Degree and 16 Exalted to the H.R.A. Degree.

In 1948 insurance on the paraphernalia was increased from $600.00 to $1,000.00. A fine Ladies Night was held at the Trails End Hotel in Conestoga.

The next few years the records show the number of applicants declining and fewer social events.

Ex. Comp. B. M. McNaughton had a second term as First Principal in 1954. Some Masonic education was provided after each meeting. Ex. Comp. McNaughton became Grand Superintendent of Wellington District 4 in 1955. In 1956, V. Ex. Comp. Irvin Tucker was appointed Grand Organist.

In 1959 it was necessary to increase the exaltation fee and the annual dues. The exaltation fee was increased to $70.00 and the annual dues to $12.00.

In 1960, under the direction of Ex. Comp. Terry Williams, the Chapter had the best attendance record it had enjoyed in 25 years. The Kitchener Chapter Past Principals' Association was also reactivated. The momentum in attendance created in 1960 began to drop off in the years following.

An event of note took place in May, 1962 when Companion J.H. Franks, who had given long and faithful service was presented with the "Distinguished Service Medal" by M. Ex. Comp. Alex Bradshaw.

In 1965, the City of Kitchener started negotiations to purchase the Masonic Temple at the end of Cameron St. S. to build Cameron Heights high school. This Temple was an imposing structure having been converted from the historic Rumple family home. It had a massive pillared portico at the entrance and pleasantly landscaped grounds. Purchase of the property was completed in early 1966 and temporary accommodation was arranged by the Temple Company Board of Directors with Waterloo Lodge in their Temple at 6 Princess St., (corner of King St. N.) Waterloo. Also in 1965, honor came to one of our members by the election of R. Ex. Comp. G. Harold Shannon to the office of Grand Third Principal at the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter.

In 1967 a group of Companions journeyed to White Oaks Chapter in Oakville to enjoy their strawberry festival. Visitations were also made to Mount Sinai Chapter, Palestine Chapter and Halton Chapter. One of the Stalwart members of the Chapter Ex. Comp. Fred C. Capling passed away.

The matter of rent paid to the Masonic Temple Company became a matter of concern in 1968. Finances in the Chapter are not too buoyant and applications are relatively few in number. R. Ex. Comp. G. Harold Shannon having been elected Grand Second Principal, was honoured by Preston Chapter No. 245, (of which he was a member) by a convocation and a reception. This was also the year that concurrent jurisdiction became a reality throughout the province.

In 1969 further honors were brought to the Chapter through the election at the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter, of M. Ex. Comp. G. Harold Shannon as Grand First Principal. R. Ex. Comp. Gordon A. Braby was elected Grand Principal Sojourner. A reception was held for the Grand First Principal on May 30th, 1969.

The condition of the Chapter regalia became a matter of concern as it has been in use for many years and was the worse for wear.

In 1970, all Chapter regalia was replaced and the old regalia presented to Vimy Chapter No. 214 at Irmwood whose belongings had been lost to a fire.

The year 1972 saw the culmination of many years of hopes and dreams of area Masons when a new Temple was completed at 440 Weber Street North, Waterloo. The first meetings were held in this beautiful new Temple in February of that year. It was dedicated for the purposes of Royal Arch Masonry by M. Ex. Comp. Leo Gent on June 2, 1972. A large gathering of Grand Chapter Officers and Royal Arch Masons attended.

In the fall of that year another event of importance took place - the Royal Arch Degree was conferred by a team of Grand Chapter Officers. The Chapter lost a long time faithful friend by the death of R. Ex. Comp. William N. Hemphill.

Ex. Comp. John Prentice was elected Grand Superintendent in 1972. The number of candidates is increasing and the work is well done. Comp. Harold Rothaermel who served with quiet distinction for many years as Scribe E, was relieved in order to take office as a Principal, and on leaving the office of Z presented a new Altar Bible to the Chapter. This Bible replaced the one presented to the Chapter by R. Ex. Comp. George DeKleinhans in 1915.

The Region of Waterloo was incorporated in 1973 and assumed responsibility for the police department, water wells, arterial roads, planning etc. for all communities within the Region of Waterloo; Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge being the major population centres.

The Temple Company raised the rent to $1,115.00 per year in 1974. V. Ex. Comp. William James presented an "Alms Box" to be placed on the altar at the closing of the meeting for the collection of Alms for benevolent purposes.

Entering the year 1974 the Chapter appears to be entering a period of well being. For the first time in many years all offices have been filled without calling on Past Principals to fill the chairs. This indicates a resurgence of Capitular Masonry. As the year 1974 draws to a close, the by-laws have been updated. The Exaltation Fee has been increased to $90.00 and the dues are $18.00 for residents of the Region of Waterloo, and $13.00 for those residing outside the Region of Waterloo.

The By-Laws were amended where necessary, approved in open Chapter the 3rd. of October, 1974, signed by the first Principal, Ex. Comp. William Rees, and the Scribe E., V. Ex. Comp. Franklin L. Barrett. On the recommendation of the District Superintendent, R. Ex. Comp. William Wright, the amended by-laws were approved by the Grand First Principal, M. Ex. Comp. William. S. Thomson on January 6, 1975. The cost to print the revised By - Laws was $256.37 in April 1975.

In 1975, the organization of social events was delegated to a newly formed committee to be known as Club 117 and chaired by the Senior Sojourner on the recommendation of the First Principal Ex. Comp. John E. Welker. Its mandate was to organize and carry out the arrangements for all social events held during the year. The organizational meetings were held in the home of the Chairman of Club 117 with the committee member's ladies present. These meetings were much enjoyed by the participants and created a fraternal bond not only between members of the committee, but between their ladies as well. The installation dinner held in January 1974, cost $3.50 per plate and was a bountiful delicious meal. The Installation Dinners and Ladies Night Dances in these years were very successful with attendance reaching the legal capacity limit of the Temple.

There were 16 candidates in 1976 which required Emergent Meetings throughout the year to keep up to the trestle.

In 1976, a group of dedicated Companions headed by V. Ex. Comp. Roy Cooper collected the funds to build the Past Principals' Board we see in the anteroom. The Board was dedicated by V. Ex. Comp. William James; unveiled by V. Ex. Comp. Alex Welker and V. Ex. Comp. Roy Cooper. The unveiling and dedication was followed by a moments silent prayer in memory of those departed Past Principals who served Kitchener Chapter so well over the years. The cost of board was $315.62.

In 1977, V. Ex. Comp. William James made the box portion of the "Ark of the Covenant" and V. Ex. Comp. Alex Welker made the "Cherubim" mounted thereon and presented it to the Chapter on October 6, 1977. The official dedication of the "Ark" was performed by R. Ex. Comp. John Prentice on January 7, 1978.

The six candleholders were made at a cost of $25.00 each by Comp. Donald Steele, presented to the Chapter on September 15, 1977 and dedicated on December 15th, 1977.

On June 7, V. Ex. Comp. Alex Welker, our oldest member, was presented with his "75 yr. Service with Distinction Jewel" by his nephew, R. Ex. Comp. John E. Welker. Alex passed away on June 26, 1982, four days short of his 100th birthday.

On February 7, 1980, Comp's. Art Sandrock, F.S. Durst and James Homer were presented with their "50 yr. Service With Distinction Jewels". Section 7 of the 1974 issue of the By-laws were revised to conform to the Grand Chapter Constitution. The Exaltation Fee was raised to $125.00, the Affiliation Fee - $10.00 and the dues structure adjusted to $25.00 less $7.00 for those over 65 years of age and those living outside the Region of Waterloo. The 1980's were a period of high inflation with bank interest rates reaching as much as 22% before turning around. It was a difficult period for the Chapter trying to keep up to the escalation of costs to operate. In May, 1980, the five white robes used by the Principal Sojourner, Senior Sojourner, Junior Sojourner, Scribe E. and Scribe N. were purchased at a cost of $157.77 from Dominion Regalia and put into use.

At the April Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter, V. Ex. Comp. Franklin L. Barrett was appointed as the Grand Chapter representative for Arkansas by M. Ex. Comp. Fred Scott, Grand First Principal. Since the social events were now be organized by the Principal Sojourner without the assistance of a committee, "Club 117" was disbanded in 1981. In 1982, R. Ex. Comp. John E. Welker was elected Grand Superintendent of Wellington District No. 4. He served the Office with quiet dignity.

The Ladies Night program held after the installation Ceremony realized a profit of $500.00 in 1983.

Due to usually inclement weather for our January Installation Ceremony, the election of officers was changed to October with the Installation to be held in November and the Bylaws amended accordingly.

Due to ill health, V. Ex. Comp. Franklyn L. Barrett resigned from the office of Scribe E. at the end of 1984. Frank served the office with distinction for 12 years.

V. Ex. Comp. Arthur G. Wolfe was elected to the office and assumed the duties of Scribe E. on January 5, 1985. M. Ex. Comp. Edward Elcombe, Grand First Principal, honoured Kitchener Chapter by appointing V. Ex. Comp. Arthur G. Wolfe to the office of Grand Sword Bearer at the Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter in 1985. The Investiture and presentation of Grand Sword Bearer Regalia was performed at the June Convocation of Kitchener Chapter by R. Ex. Comp. John E. Welker.

The years 1985 and 1986 saw rent increases of 11.5% each year. The rent was $2,620.00 in 1986. The result of these increases brought about an increase in the dues structure of the Chapter. The Exaltation fee was increased to $175.00, the dues for resident members increased to $40.00 reduced by $5.00 if paid on time; for those 65 years of age and those living outside the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, $33.00 reduced by $5.00 if paid on time.

The Life Membership Fund being inadequate to generate the income to pay for the annual dues (there were 41 at the time) of the life members, the Chapter changed to a flat rate charge of $1000.00 for a new Life Membership. Club 117 was reactivated in 1986. The time of opening our Convocations was changed to 7:30 p.m.

In 1987 there was a further rent increase of 5 %, 11.8% in 1988 and 15.77% in 1989. The rent per annum is now $3,561.00. The Chapter lodged a written complaint to the Temple Company. The Temple Company reduced the rent to the 1988 level giving the Chapter time to adjust their dues structure. There was much discussion of the rental rates applied to the Chapter.

This situation continued until 1994 when the rent was increased to $5,016.00. This amounted to $502.00 for each time the Chapter convened. After threatening to leave the Temple and find other quarters, (which was investigated) the Temple Company removed the Chapter and other rental bodies from the formula used for calculating the rental rates of the Temple owners. The owners are the five Craft Lodges who meet in the Temple.

In 1994 the rental structure applied to the rental bodies was changed to a flat rate per annum of $2,500.00 or $250.00 per meeting. This rental rate was still in effect in 1998. On February 28, 1987 Ex. Comp. W. Bruce Miller presented a gold square and compass to the Chapter to commemorate the passing of his father, "William P. Miller".

We were advised by Ambrose Kent that our die for our R.A.M. Jewel bar had been broken and that our distinctive "KITCHENER" jewel bar was no longer available. Due to the high cost of having new dies made, the Chapter opted to use the standard "CANADA" bar used by most Chapters in the Province.

The Wellington District 4 Principals' and Past Principals' Association increased the per capita fee for the District Superintendents' expense account from $1.25 to $2.00 per member as of 1989.R. Ex. Comp. Douglas Taylor was elected to the office of Grand Registrar at the April Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter. For health reasons, he was not invested with his regalia until September and died shortly thereafter. Through the intercession of our Scribe E, M. Ex. Comp. Leslie Levitt, Grand Z, appointed R. Ex. Comp. John P. Henley, Doug's Brother-in-law, to complete the term of office in his stead.

In 1989 the dues structure was again adjusted. The annual dues are now $60.00 less $10.00 if paid on time for resident members and $50.00 less $10.00 for non-resident members if paid on time.

Grand Chapter removed their actuarial chart for life members from the Constitution and discontinued the collection of the Commutation Fees. As of 1989, the Chapter must pay to Grand Chapter the annual per capita fee for all new Life Members.

On February 6, 1992, The Scribe E reminded the Companions that the 100th Anniversary of Kitchener Chapter to be celebrated in 1996 was soon to be upon us and that serious consideration should be given to putting the required organizational structure together. Also in 1992, the fees and dues structure was once again adjusted due to inflationary costs to operate. The Exaltation Fee was set at $200.00, the Affiliation Fee was set at $40.00, the annual dues are now $70.00 less $ 10.00 if paid on time and $60.00 less $10.00 if paid on time for those 65 years of age or those living outside the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

On March 4, 1993, the Chapter, with the support of Wellington District 4 Principals' Association, entered a bid to Grand Chapter to hold the 1996 Annual Convocation in Kitchener-Waterloo area as a part of the Centennial Celebration of Kitchener Chapter. It was December before the Chapter learned its bid for the 1996 was not successful. The Convocation would be held in the city of Toronto, the home territory of the Grand Z, for 1996 M. Ex. Comp. R. Frank Russell.

Grand Chapter continues to increase the per capita fee charged to the Chapter for each member. The fee in 1998 is $9.00 for each regular member on the roll except life members on the roll prior to 1989. There is no record in the minutes of a Convocation being cancelled for any reason, but this occurred on January 6, 1994, due to a severe winter storm that stopped the movement of all traffic in the area.

A new supply of 100 "Kitchener Chapter No. 117 R.A.M. Tokens" was purchased in 1994 from A&A First Recognition Incorporated, at a cost of $4.50 each plus 8% Provincial Sales tax and 7% Federal Sales Tax for a total of $517.00. The dies for this token are in the possession of A & A.

The Grand Chapter office was relocated from Toronto to Hamilton in September 1994. It is now located at 361 King St. W. on the second floor of the Grand Lodge Building.

The Kitchener Chapter "Centennial Committee" finalized arrangements for the celebration of the Chapter 100th Anniversary in September, 1995. The date set for the event was Saturday, June 8th, 1996. It was decided and approved in open Chapter, and with the approval of Grand Chapter, that the R.A.M. Apron would carry the gold embroidered dates of 1896 and 1996, in the lower corners of the lambskin and would be presented to all new candidates beginning January 1th,1996. The first "Centennial Apron" was presented to Comp. Frederick Gregory on February 26th, 1996, in Preston Chapter No. 245. The new style aprons with sash, jewel and plastic case now cost $132.00 with taxes, each.

June 8, 1996: "Centennial Celebration". The First Principal, Comp. John Pattison received the Grand First Principal, M. Ex. Comp. R. Frank Russell who was accompanied by R. Ex. Comp. Harry D. Turner, Grand Second Principal, M. Ex. Comp. Gordon Stuart, Past Grand Z, and an honorary life member of Kitchener Chapter, M. Ex. Comp. Robert Jackson P.G.Z, and 12 other Grand Chapter Officers in proper form. The Grand Z assumed the sceptre and with the assistance of the Grand Chapter Officers performed a" Rededication Ceremony". R. Ex. Comp. John Moore, Grand Chaplain, gave appropriate blessings as required throughout the Ceremony. The Grand Z declared the "Chapter Room" rededicated to the work of Royal Arch Masonry for many more years to come. The Scribe E, V. Ex. Comp. Arthur G. Wolfe gave a short summary of the history of "The First 100 Years".

The Companions retired to the banquet hall where they joined their ladies, enjoyed a sumptuous meal, and observed the proper toasts. R. Ex. Comp. Talbot Peyton presented a Peter Etril Snyder painting to the Grand First Principal as a memento of the occasion. A dated plaque was added to the Past Principal Board to commemorate this day.

In October 1996, Grand Chapter requested that Kitchener Chapter and Wellington District 4 consider hosting the year 2000 Annual Convocation in Kitchener. With the approval of the Chapter membership and the support of the District, Grand Chapter was advised of our acceptance of their invitation. R. Ex. Comp. W. Bruce Miller was elected Grand Superintendent of Wellington District 4 and was invested at the 138th Annual Convocation held in Toronto on April 20th 1996. He was subsequently appointed to the Grand Chapter Convocation Committee and would chair the committee in the year 2000. The 142nd Annual Convocation was held at the Four Points Hotel at the corner of King St. E. and Benton St. on April 14 , 15,16, 2000. In 1998 M. Ex. Comp. Harry D. Turner appointed R. Ex. Comp. W. Bruce Miller as the Grand Chapter Representative for Australia.

At the September 17, 1997 Convocation of Kitchener Chapter, Ex. Comp. Joe Edwards presented 100 "Jewish Half Shekels" to Kitchener Chapter which he requested be given to each new candidate at his reception. The presentation was accompanied by a written description of the" Shekel" and its long history, along with a detailed layout of the "Shekel".

In 1998, Ex. Comp. John Pattison was appointed to the Grand Executive as a Past Grand Junior Sojourner with the title of Very Excellent by M. Ex. Comp. Harry Turner. He was invested with his regalia with dignity by R. Ex. Comp. W. Bruce Miller, a member of the Grand Executive.

Over the past 100 years we have seen the membership grow from the original 22 members to a peak of 200 in the mid-forties. At the end of 1998, the membership stands at 86 regular paying members plus 30 life members for a total of 116.

Most of the membership losses have occurred during the last ten years.

The first 100 years have seen many social, moral and technological changes. Not always for the better. Two world wars, a full blown depression during the early 30's, a few mini recessions, family values have depreciated, technological advances - landing men on the moon, the computer, television, high speed transportation to name a few. The realities of today would probably be looked upon by our Companions of 1896 as the hallucinations of a dreamer. Throughout all this, the sturdy foundation laid down by our Companions of 1896 has stood the test of time.

The keystone was well laid, the superstructure has proven to be a sanctuary of stability, rectitude and of moral uprightness in a changing world that continues to give its members the peace and equanimity that seems to be missing in the everyday world around us.

As we embark on the next 100 years in the history of Kitchener Chapter, let us endeavour to emulate our founding Companions, let us continue to maintain the high standards set before us by those Companions for the next 100 years.