The brethren of Ivanhoe were gathered on Sunday evening at Freemasons Hall to watch the Grey Cup and enjoy some chili and fellowship. “Good times were had by all!” We also took the time to determine the winners of the annual 50/50 Grey Cup raffle:

First quarter: West 10 East 0 (0-0) Winner: Richard D. — 10 percent of the pool

Second quarter: West 17 East 3 (7-3) Winner: Blank square: 10 percent added to MHEB fund.

Third quarter: West 20 East 10 (0-0) Winner, once again: Richard D. — 10 percent of the pool

Final: West 27 East 28 (7-8) Winner: Ken G. — 20 percent of the pool.

All told, we raised $252 for the Masonic Higher Education Bursary fund. Thanks to all who participated, and good luck next year! Winners will be notified ASAP.

On Grey Cup Sunday, November 29th, 2009, join the brethren of Ivanhoe for an afternoon of bowling, after which, we’ll gather to watch the game and unveil the winner of the 2009 Ivanhoe Grey Cup 50/50 pool!

UPDATE: We will be bowling at Gateway Lanes (34th ave & Gateway Boulevard) at 1:15 p.m., followed by meeting at Freemasons Hall at 4 p.m. for the game. Chili and buns will be served at half-time. Cost: $15 for bowling, $10 for the game only, $20 for both. Please RSVP with the Junior Warden (jw [at] ivanhoe142 [dot] org) or bro. Mike Sirdiak (msirdiak [at] gmail [dot] com) if you plan on attending. This is an open event, so feel free to invite your family and friends!

To access the grid for the pool, go to this link:

ivanhoe_pool_public

The grid is now updated with the scores.

Pool info: Each square on the grid costs $5. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to the Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund; 10 percent will go to the winners of each quarter, and 20 percent will go to the winner at the end of the game.

Ivanhoe’s annual Ladies’ Appreciation Evening was held on October 3, 2009 at the Petroleum Club and featured the talented jazz ensemble, Armada , who dazzled us with old and new jazz and pop songs while brethren and their ladies danced the night away.  Gifts and prizes were awarded, one being a beautiful opal donated by Westmount Jewelers.

If your lodge or group is interested in hiring Armada, contact James Clarke at entertainmentbykingsley [at ] gmail [dot] com.

A huge thanks to our Junior Warden for organizing a fantastic event.

After coming off an elegant Ladies’ Appreciation Evening Dinner and Dance, please join the brethren of Ivanhoe at what they do best, an upcoming Fellowcraft Degree on Thursday October 15. Lodge tyles at 7:30pm in the large lodge room at Freemasons’ Hall Edmonton on 103 Street, 100 Avenue.

Brethren are cordially invited to treat their wife, date, or guest to an elegant evening at the Annual Ladies’ Appreciation Night on Saturday October 3, 2009 at the Edmonton Petroleum Club.  Cocktails at 5:30pm. Dinner at 6:30pm.  Dance to follow.  Live vocal jazz and dance music provided by the James Clarke Quintet.  Tickets $60/person.  Dress is formal/semi-formal.  Contact the Junior Warden at jw (at) ivanhoe142 (dot) org

On Thursday September 17 at 7:30pm in the large lodge room of Edmonton Freemasons’ Hall, the brethren of Ivanhoe continue the tradition of hosting the Builders’ Degree team. This team, comprised of Masons from around the Edmonton area involved in the construction industry, always put on an excellent Entered Apprentice degree. All Masons are welcome to attend.

Come one, come all to Ivanhoe’s lodge BBQ on August 15, 2009 at the Edmonton Corn Maize just west of the city. Maze run from 1:00pm onward. BBQ starts at 3:00pm. $20/person for maze and food. Email the Junior Warden to RSVP ( jw [at] ivanhoe142 [dot] org )

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Although the Lodge is dark over July and August, the officers of Ivanhoe are busy with Doric Plan meetings and putting time in on various projects.  The Doric Plan is a Grand Lodge-sanctioned plan that has been around for many years now which seeks to bring officers and members together in planning and improving on meetings and events for the lodge as well as making the lodge function more efficiently and get members involved.

This June 11th, 12th, and 13th is the 104th Grand Lodge of Alberta Annual Communication at the Norsemen Inn in Camrose, Alberta.  The agenda can be found here.  Several brethren from Ivanhoe, including our Worshipful Master will be in attendance to vote in the Grand Lodge officer and board member elections.  All Master Masons in good standing can vote, so attend the Communication and express your democratic right to guide the Craft in Alberta for the next several years.

The brethren of Ivanhoe Lodge remember the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served during World War II.  In particular, we recognize and remorse the thousands of our Masonic brethren from all over the world who lost their lives on this historical and unforgettable day.

Bro. Gordon Wright (pictured as he looked then), from our Lodge, and a WWII veteran who served with the Canadian Navy, was there.

You can read an interview with him here.

This is a program from the Commemorative Ceremony at the Alberta Legislature on June 6, 2004 where our brother was honoured and spoke to the crowd gathered.

This is a remarkable story in the Wainwright Mainstreet about Bro. Gordon meeting and touring with a former German POW who’s u-boat was sunk by the HMCS Swansea, but members rescued by the crew.

They shall grow not old,as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

We will remember them.