Pickering Temple

Pickering Masonic Temple

457 Kingston Road West (at Mill Street)

Ajax, ON L1S 6M1

905-430-2130

 

Pickering Village Masonic Hall

The “Doric Pickering Masonic Hall” in Pickering Village was purchased from the Society of Friends (Quaker) congregation in 1943 by Doric Lodge No. 424 G.R.C.

The building was erected in 1867 by the Society of Friends Congregation at a cost of $6000. A fire caused by lightening on June 24th, 1908 destroyed all but the outer walls which are 20 inches thick. The building was rebuilt within these walls the same year for the Quakers by an Oshawa contractor.

By the 1920’s services at the Meeting House had been discontinued. The building was used by several groups before falling into disuse in the 1930s. Negotiations for purchase by Doric Lodge were begun in late 1942. The purchase was completed in May 1943 and the work of renovating in order to make it suitable for Masonry was carried out. Much of this work was contributed by the members. The chestnut benches contributed to the original Society of Friends building by the Quakers of Philadelphia were retained and are still in use.

The Lodge Room was dedicated May 18th 1944 by M.W. Bro. T.C. Wardley and his accompanying Officers.

Over the years the members of Doric Lodge made many changes to improve the amenities within the building while maintaining the integrity of the structure. In 1991 “The Doric Pickering Masonic Hall Corporation” was formed as the legal entity to maintain and manage the property for the members. The Board of Directors elected by the Brethren of Doric continue with this philosophy in preserving and upgrading their beloved building.

The Toronto East Lodges which currently meet in this Temple are:
Doric Lodge No. 424 - Third Thursday
Canada Lodge No. 532 - First Tuesday
Coronati Lodge No.- Second Thursday
Friendship Lodge No. 729 - Second Wednesday
Scarboro Lodge No. 653 - Second Monday
Wexford Lodge No. 683 - First and Third Friday
Birch Cliff Lodge No. 612 - Second and Fourth Friday

Concordant bodies:
Oakwood Chapter Royal Arch- Third Tuesday
Ontario Chapter Order of Eastern Star- Third Monday
Horace Mundy De Molay Boys - 2nd & 4th Sunday
Toronto Assembly #2 Ch. Rainbow Girls - 1st Wednesday & 3rd Sunday

...based on excerpts from The Story of Doric Pickering 1890-2001 by David V. Radley

There is an Ontario Historical Plaque on the property near the Mill Street entrance and another across the street noting the Society of Friends Graveyard located there.

Contact:
Elroy J. MacKinnon
905-839-5789   elroy@sympatico.ca