HISTORYof BERNARD LODGE #225, LISTOWEL

The Warrent for the Listowel Lodge was granted on July 14th 1870This original warrent was destroyed by fire in March 1874 with a new warrent issued on Jun 2nd 1874. The First Master of the Lodge was W.Bro. George Towner with other chartered members being George Rodemich, Dr. JH Burns, JA Halstead, DD Campbell, Jos Zinkan, George Hess, John Turnbull, Rev. AE Millar, James Green and John Fitz. It was first held in the Photo Gallery of SM Smith then moved to the Bonnar Block. This building stood on the West side of the river and filled one with admiration for its' fearful and wonderful construction. The foundation was made of poles and various bits of sticks upn which the superstructure was raised.The lodge was located on the third floor of the building.

In a fine booklet by the lodge is many interesting pictures, copies of summons and other notable memorabalia. There is also much interesting information taken from the history of the lodge over many years recording not only historical events within the lodge but also from the history of the times. Mention is made of the death of King Edward the VIII and also Pres. Franklin D Roosevelt.

Bernard Lodge of course moved to Blair Lodge in Palmerston on Jan 17 1978 moving back to Listowel in the year 1999 when they held their first meeting in the new building on Dec 14th. The new building was dedicated on May 27th 2000 with the dedication being carried out by MWBro, Robert J McKibbon and R.W. Bro. Deryck Weber being the DDGM of North Huron District and W.Bro. John Brightling the W. M.

As of June 2002 there were 90 members in Bernard Lodge.