1855 ~Masonry at Work~ 2005

In the Spring of 2004, the Ontario Government announced an incredible expansion of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie . Phase One of the project was approved on September 29th, 2005. Construction of the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre will begin in 2008, at an estimated cost of 141 million dollars.  

The new Cancer Centre will serve, as its title suggests, the residents of Simcoe County and the Regional Municipality of Muskoka. The new Cancer Centre will offer its services to all residents in this geographic area, including the Members, Families, and Friends of the 10 lodges in Georgian South, the 12 lodges in Georgian North, and the 8 lodges in the Muskoka-Parry Sound District. The Centre will offer new Emergency Services, Diagnostic Imaging, and Laboratory Services, along with 100 New Beds.  

Our District Deputy Grand Master of 2004/2005, R.W. Bro. Stephen F. Bishop of Corinthian Lodge # 96, decided to undertake a major fund raising project to help support the cost of the new Cancer Center. Through the charitable part of our organization, the Masonic Foundation of Ontario, $25,000.00 will be raised over a two-year period, beginning in 2004 and ending in 2006.  

This fund raising project was started in honor of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario , 1855 to 2005. Having succeeded R.W. Bro. Bishop midway through the term of the Project, I am continuing to commit the energy, resources, and enthusiasm of the Members of Georgian South District in reaching the goal.  

The Project is named “A PRAYER OF HOPE” and is in honor of those Brethren and their family members who unfortunately have been touched by Cancer. Our contribution to the new hospital will not find a cure for the disease. WHAT IT WILL DO is assist in the construction of the much needed facility right here in our community. For all too long now, we and our families have had to travel far too many miles to receive treatment, which only adds to the pain and suffering, not to mention the financial hardships associated with traveling.  

We are still far from reaching our target. It will be through hard work, creative fund raising, and most of all, our personal and financial commitments to “A PRAYER OF HOPE”. We can do it, “FOR THE CAUSE OF GOOD”.  

Support of this endeavor from everyone, MASONS AND NON-MASONS alike, will be greatly appreciated. Financial contributions should be made payable to “The Masonic Foundation of Ontario” and earmarked “A Prayer of Hope – Project # 2436”. A Charitable Tax Receipt will be issued, by the Masonic Foundation, for all donations exceeding $10.00.  

Please forward your contributions to the Project Chairman of your Lodge, the Committee Chairman, W. Bro. Harry Welsh at the following address:

Sincerely,

R.W. Bro. Paul James Gower

District Deputy Grand Master

Georgian South District