Napanee Masonic Centre to open doors to public and host big band concert Oct. 20

For the first time, the hall of Napanee's Masonic Centre will invite members of the public inside for a fundraising concert on Oct. 20. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.

On Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. an historic first will take place in the mysterious castle-like building at the corner of Belleville Road and Bridge St. West as the public are invited in for a live concert. 

A well-known Kingston-based big band, The Nostalgic Sound Big Band will entertain a public audience, for the first time, on the premises. The fundraising event will assist to upgrade and preserve this historic building which has since 1941 housed Union Lodge No. 9 and presently Victoria Lodge No. 299 and Mount Sinai Chapter No. 44 as well.  These fraternal organizations are founded on the principal of ‘making good men better.’ Brotherhood and support in changing times along with leadership skills, charity, and benevolence are important aspects of Freemasonry.

 

Napanee Masonic Centre. Photo by Bill Chambers.

 

The building was originally St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church completed in the 1880’s.  In 1925 when The United Church of Canada came into being, it became one of three United Churches within four blocks on Bridge St.  In 1941, Union Lodge No. 9 purchased it to become their lodge room and social centre after having occupied many locations around town going back as far as 1812 when the lodge was established. In 1992, the lodge room was redecorated to what we see today.

The upper level of the building since 1941 has always been a lodge room, but the lower level has been a dining hall and social space used widely by the community. From 2015 to 2022, the entire building was the home of the Canadian Museum of Fraternal Lodges. Community Living utilized the lower level during the pandemic. Now, a new daycare centre is taking shape in the lower level which is a totally renovated refit of the space. A play yard west of the building is included in the design.

The Nostalgic Sound Big Band is a band of 11 players playing big band hits from as far back as the 1930’s but as current as modern sounds of today. They are well known throughout Eastern Ontario. In the smaller confines of the lodge room, their sound will be impressive. Tickets are $30 a piece and are selling quickly. Advance tickets by reservations only at (613) 354-9254.

The concert is Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2 to 4 pm. At intermission non alcoholic wine refreshments with cheese treats will be served while you explore the venue and socialize. Asking questions and searching for family names and connections will be encouraged.

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