ORANGE LODGE № 296
Orillia's oldest Fraternity
About Us "What we Have, We'll Hold!"
The Orange Lodge in Orillia
Today, interest in the Lodge, by young men in their late twenties and mid thirties is on the increase, as rediscovery of the Orders principles and values are on the rise. In this area, there has been resurgence of patriotic males who are stirred by love of their country, their heritage, a desire for fraternal interaction, and are wanting to get involved in the community and contribute in charitable ventures.
"That I will steadily maintain the connection
between Canada, the Mother Country, and all members of the Commonwealth
beyond the seas, and be ever ready to resist all attempts to weaken
British influence or dismember the Commonwealth of Nations."
Here in Orillia, we try to offer a balance between Lodge ritual, protocol, social activities and benefits of the Order. Taking part in Lodge activities is a large part of being a member but is not mandatory as we realize that there are people who for some reason or another cannot take part fully in our business and activities and may miss a few meetings. This being said, the Lodge will question a brother about his membership where absence to meetings and functions become an ongoing issue.
"I will do my utmost to support and maintain the
Loyal Orange Association; observe and abide by its constitution and
laws; obey all regular summonses, and pay all just dues, if in my
power."
Our Meetings
Unlike some other Orange Lodges, Harmony Loyal Orange Lodge is one of
the few Lodges who have a regular Lodge meeting all twelve months of the
year. Other Lodges "shut down" for a couple of months during the year,
and others use their regular meeting nights as social nights (holding a
very short meeting (if any), and then having their social activities).
We feel that a balance of protocol and social activates is important,
hence the reason why we do not hold social nights on our meeting nights,
and that’s why we hold regular meetings year round (with the exception
of cancellation due to snow storms or extreme weather conditions during
the winter months).
It is during our Regular Lodge meetings where planning for day to day
management of the Hall takes place. At times, charitable activities are
at the forefront, or sometimes it's building maintenance. Sometimes it
may be protocol, or getting involved community activities. At times
there could be discussions about helping out other Lodges in the area,
whether they be Orange, or other Fraternal Lodges, and then sometimes it
could be about one of our own who is sick or has fallen on rough times.
"That I will be true and faithful to every brother
Orangeman in all just actions, neither wronging him nor knowing him to
be wronged or injured without giving him due notice thereof, and
preventing it if in my power."
Other than discussing the management of the Hall, the monthly meeting,
is the time for edification in the principles of the Canadian Orange
Order, to learn
proper parliamentary procedure, speaking etiquette, proper debate
principles and an opportunity to practice them.
Social Aspects
There are several times throughout the year that we gather together just
to have fun. We try to post all the events on our calendar or by posters
within the Hall, but sometimes events can just be a spare of the moment
thing where it just can’t be planned for... Such as the case of the
World Junior Hockey Championship, or some of the guys want to get
together for a social night, maybe watch a football game or some other
sporting event.
A couple of years ago we started “Pub Nights”. It was one night each
month when the guys could get together, play some darts or cards or
socialize over a few pints while watching a game on the big screen. Now
called “Dart Night”, it is typically held on the first Saturday of each
month. In some instances it is moved to the second Saturday of each
month. To check out the dates, view our calendar
Charity Programmes
Family Christmas
In the months leading up to Christmas, Lodge members are asked to donate
non-perishable food items, or purchase gift certificates to grocery
stores in the area, to stock our pantry. All this is done for our Family
Christmas programme, in which a local needy family is selected. All the
items, including any toys, clothes, Christmas dinner and the pantry are
packed up and delivered to the family shortly before Christmas,
accompanied by gift certificates for local grocery and department
stores.
Master’s Charity
Every year, the Master of the Lodge gets to select the Charity of his
choice. One charity or organization is chosen and for rest of the year,
all money raised through bake sales, yard sales, fundraisers, and
donations are then given to the recipient of that year.
Acts of Remembrance
Armistice Day
“Lest We Forget”
Each year the Lodge supports the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy fund and
places a cross at the cenotaph at Orillia’s Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
All members who are able meet across the street with many other
organizations. The Legion’s parade marshal then has everyone formed into
positions and all march across the street for the Remembrance service.