Newboro in Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Simpson Masonic Lodge No. 157, Newboro
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2024
1. Simpson Masonic Lodge No. 157, Newboro Marker
Newboro’s Simpson Masonic Lodge No. 157 in the Grand Lodge of Canada, in the Province of Ontario, received its warrant to exist in July 1863. The first meeting was not held until 29 July 1867 however, the same month and year that the Dominion of Canada was born. For over a hundred and fifty-five years Simpson Lodge was an integral part of the village of Newboro and the wider Rideau Lakes community. Simpson Lodge took its name from William Benjamin Simpson who was the provincial Grand Master of the Masonic Order at the time of its inception. The first Master of the Simpson Lodge was Dr. Robert Preston, a prominent citizen of Newboro, who also served as Leeds County MPP and was President of the Brockville and Westport Railway. The Lodge had an initial membership of 16.
Through two World Wars, the Great Depression, several catastrophic fires in the community, as well as other local calamities, Simpson Lodge was a positive force for good, providing assistance to those in need while at the same time seeking to fulfill the Masonic intention of 'making good men better.' A believer in strong communities, Simpson Lodge was heavily
this page online
Notable aspects of Simpson Lodge include its Newboro Masonic Band, which began in 1890 and was a staple of the community for many decades, and the strong financial support it has provided local high school graduates in the form of multiple scholarships over many years. In 2021 Simpson Lodge relinquished its building and left Newboro.
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• Simpson Lodge, Newboro, 1952 to 2021.
• Masonic Apron & Symbols: Level – Plumb Bob – Gavel – Trowel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1867.
Location. 44° 39.113′ N, 76° 19.069′ W. Marker is in Newboro, Ontario, in Leeds and Grenville United Counties. It is at the intersection of Drummond Street (County Road 42) and Carleton Street, on the left when traveling
2. Marker detail: First Home of Simpson Lodge, Newboro
Moved here by Masons in 1923, it is now the current community hall.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Ontario and specifically in Southeastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Mary's Anglican Church (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Sappers and Miners / Sapeurs et mineurs (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); The Royal Sappers and Miners (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Blanche A. Thompson Leggett (approx. 4.7 kilometers away); Crosby Methodist Church Bell (approx. 4.7 kilometers away); The Methodist New Connection Church (approx. 4.7 kilometers away); Blockhaus de Narrows Blockhouse (approx.
3. Marker detail: Dr. Robert Preston of Newboro
Also see . . . A Century of Masonry, Merriment and Good Fellowship in Newboro -1967 (Wordpress.com).
(Posted on September 4, 2026 by lindaseccaspina) Excerpt: The history of Simpson Lodge was every bit as interesting as its Centennial celebration. Its story began in April 1863, when Rising Sun Lodge of Farmerville—now Athens—petitioned Grand Lodge for permission to establish a new lodge in Delta. Permission was granted, and a warrant was issued on July 14, 1863, signed by Deputy Grand Master W. B. Simpson. Brother Hugh McKay was named Master designate. A second petition was approved in 1865, and on July 30, 1867, the first meeting of Simpson Lodge was held. R. H. Preston was installed as its first Master. Annual dues were fixed at the remarkably modest sum of three dollars, and Grand Lodge was asked to authorize the lodge’s move from Delta to Newboro.(Submitted on October 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
4. Marker detail: Simpson Lodge Masons in 1880
5. Marker detail: Newboro Masonic Band
Newboro Masonic Band played many benefit concerts, including one in 1923 to raise funds for a new fire engine.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2024
6. Simpson Masonic Lodge No. 157, Newboro Marker
Looking west from the Newboro Community Hall.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 29, 2024
7. Newboro Community Hall
Looking north from Drummond Street. This was the first home of Simpson Lodge in 1923. The historical marker is visible on the west side of the Hall (far left). Interestingly, there is still a telephone booth near the northeast corner of the Community Hall (right) today – as there was in the historic photo (circa early 1900’s) on the marker (above)!
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 27, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
