Regular Meeting of Quinte St. Alban's Masonic Lodge,

Held on September 26, 2011.


On September 26, the Lodge was honored by the presence of Bro. Gregory Hunter, a member of Richmond Lodge No. 23 G.R.C. of Richmond Hill, Ontario, who introduced to us to the Spirituality and History of Masonry & the First Nations, Native Americans, some famous Native Masons, and the symbolism of the Eagle Feather VOTSL.


Bro. Gregory HunterBro. Hunter began by explaining why Masonry is so appealing to First Nation men. With references to pre-Columbus oral histories, we were introduced to many famous First Nation Freemasons in history. The Brother, shared with us the importance of the pipe, the number 4, and while 7 is important in lodge, you can pray to 7 directions. After explaining common symbols and meanings, we learned of First Nation secret societies and degrees. We discovered that Charity, is one of the most important virtues not only in Masonry but also for the First Nations. And the concept of First Nations brotherhood is expanded way beyond Masonic brotherhood. Like us, the First Nations are very much into oaths, and they place importance on "traditional penalties." Bro. Hunter used the (symbolic) Native VOTSL that he brought and put on the altar to share with us the teachings of a feather and how the spirit of the Eagle can be incorporated into our lives and our Masonic development.


Bro. Hunter at the Lectern

The Altar



For this occasion, the Eagle Feather VOTSL (red case) was placed at the altar together with the Bible, the Holy Qur'an, and the TANACH, symbolizing the universality of our Art.






Bro. Gregory HunterBro. Hunter and his wife, Dinah Cruse-Hunter, are committed followers of the "Red Road" or Native Spirituality. Bro. Hunter is guided in Anishanabe spiritual ways by his teacher on Manitoulin Island and has just completed his 4-year commitment to the Rain Dance Ceremony. He and his wife participate in War of 1812 re-enactments, honoring the Anishanabe ancestors and the huge and pivital role that they played in keeping the land of Canada from becoming another US state. Dinah's 3rd Great Grandfather, Lt. Col., and V. W. Bro. David Bridgeford, was the founding Worshipful Master of Richmond Lodge, G.R.C. 23 in 1824.


The group picture on Closing


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Following an unfortunate and offensive (to the First Nations Brethren) ruling of the Ritual Committee of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario dated December 3, 2014, and a series of messages exchanged by Bro. Hunter with various officers of this Grand Lodge, including the Grand Master, on December 15, 2014 Bro. Hunter resigned (demitted) from Masonry and from the two lodges he had been a member for many years. — A lesson on:


"How to make a good Man bitter."


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