To date, there are 1,250 individual stories making up St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 560; this is Tale Number 33.
It is the story of V.W. Bro. Gilbert McClymont McGill, a distinguished member of St. Andrew’s Lodge, who left a significant mark on the fraternity with his dedication and contributions.
Born in Scotland on October 11th, 1879, Bro. McGill emigrated to Canada in 1911 with his wife Isabella and their two daughters, Madge Elizabeth and Agnes. After arriving at the Port of Quebec, they settled in Ottawa, where Gilbert McGill embarked on an honourable career. Having served as a policeman in Scotland, he transitioned to the role of a Nightwatchman in Ottawa. He was a devoted husband and the family shared a life filled with love and companionship.
His commitment to service extended beyond his professional life, as evidenced by his active involvement in Freemasonry. Joining with other Scottish Masons who were then beginning new lives in Ottawa following the First World War, Bro. McGill became a Charter member of St. Andrew’s Lodge, serving as the Lodge’s first Inner Guard and assuming the role of Worshipful Master one hundred years ago, in 1924-1925. V.W. Bro. McGill’s influence within the fraternity extended with his appointment as Grand Custodian of Works in 1931-1932 by M.W. Bro. Walter S. Herrington during the Grand Lodge Communication in Windsor, thus becoming the first member of our Lodge to obtain the rank of Very Worshipful, and the only member to wear the Protractor Jewel. This distinction underscored his exceptional dedication and service to our Lodge and Freemasonry.
Throughout his tenure, V.W. Bro. McGill’s leadership and guidance were invaluable to the fraternity. His commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail left a lasting impression on his fellow brethren. His active participation in lodge activities and ceremonies, coupled with his supportive role in mentoring younger Officers, endeared him to the Masonic community. V.W. Bro. McGill’s contributions to St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 560 were especially notable.
V.W. Bro. McGill’s dedication to his Masonic duties, his family, and his faith was paralleled by his commitment to maintaining his residence at 49 Newton Street in the Glebe. He resided at this address from the moment he arrived in Ottawa until his final days.
This is where happenchance enters this tale. My father, Bro. Jack Campbell, was initiated into St. Andrew’s Lodge in September 1931, when V.W. Bro. McGill was serving as Grand Superintendent of Works. In 1936, my family moved into 25 Newton Street, where we lived until I was ten. No doubt V.W. Bro. McGill and my Dad attended lodge together.
While I did not personally know Bro. McGill, we kids did know that 49 Newton was “where the Policeman lived”. We treaded lightly passing his house!
In retrospect, Newton Street was a very safe place on which to live – up the street at Number 12 resided Chief of Police Duncan MacDonell and next door to us at Number 27 lived Mr. Godding, W.Bro. Don Godding’s Grandfather. During the war, Mr. Godding served as the neighbourhood Air Raid Warden and anyone with a crack of light showing through their window received the sharp edge of his tongue! However, it was not Mr. Godding’s dutiful surveillance, but rather a newer home that caused us to move around the block to Holmwood Avenue in 1945, two doors from Bro. Roy Deevy, also a member of St. Andrew’s.
V.W. Bro. McGill passed away on October 27th, 1958, in his 80th year.
Why begin this new year with a retrospective of V.W. Bro. McGill some 66 years after his death and beyond the memory of any current members? Oten good ideas come in odd ways – this one originated through our St. Andrew’s Web page. Years ago, a gentleman in Pembroke found a Masonic regalia case in his basement, but just kept it gathering dust until he decided to contact W.Bro. Federico to determine whether the Lodge would like to receive these treasured items, which comprised of: a Master Mason’s apron; a St. Andrew’s Past Master’s Jewel; and the Dress Regalia of a Grand Lodge Superintendent of Works.
Of course, W.Bro. Federico accepted the kind offer and retrieved these symbols of V.W. Bro. McGill’s Masonic journey and his unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership and profound impact on Freemasonry.
When W.Bro. Federico asked me to present an overview of V.W. Bro. McGill’s Masonic involvement, I had no recollection of him, until I learned his address – that placed me directly in his background.
As a fraternity, V.W. Bro. McGill’s story became W.Bro. Federico’s story; it became my story; it became my Dad’s story; and now it is a story upon which every member of St. Andrew’s Lodge can reflect.
Study and enjoy these pieces of Regalia presented to V.W. Bro. McGill over 100 years ago, 99 years ago, and 93 years ago, respectively, but that really have not changed in design over the years, thus reflecting the stability of Freemasonry!
Presented by: R.W. Bro. R. Campbell
September 5, 2024
