Instituted on December 31, 1904, Britannia Lodge No.18 continues in operation today, 114 years later. In 1981 the Fort Ostell Museum relocated to this building and in 1905 (we assume) this boulder was placed by the sidewalk leading to the museum's entrance. Inscribed on the boulder is wording commemorating the centennials both of Britannia Lodge No.18, in 2005, and the Town of Ponoka, in 2004. Both the wording and a Masonic logo have been sandblasted into the stone and painted black.
While the lodge was instituted on December 31, 1904, it did not receive its charter until June 15, 1905, the year following the incorporation of the Town of Ponoka.
Britannia Lodge No.18
The Masons in Ponoka had a difficult time getting their Lodge under way. They needed seven Charter members and were able to muster six, the bank manager, the Lumber merchant, a lawyer and several hunters and traders are included in their list. The problem was that the hunters and traders were itinerant and could not be relied upon to remain in the town for any length of time. It was discovered that one resident of Ponoka was an Entered Apprentice Mason. The Brethren appealed to Eureka Lodge No. 65 G.R.M. to help them pass and raise the valuable Entered Apprentice. It was then that Eureka Lodge was able to sponsor the establishment of a lodge in Ponoka which was to be called Britannia.
The dispensation arrived in due course and Britannia Lodge was instituted on December 31, 1904. While the Lodge was under dispensation a disastrous fire destroyed all the possessions of the Lodge. Such was the enthusiasm that it took but four days for the Ponoka Masons to find new quarters and recommence their preparations for consecration. The Charter for Britannia Lodge No. 98 G.R.M. was issued on June 15, 1905 by the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. Despite their need for new members the Brethren did not allow a desire to grow overshadow the quality required for Masonic initiation. An early record states that "the Brethren were very careful with the ballot."
Britannia Lodge occupied several locations in Ponoka until in 1949 it was decided that they needed a Lodge Room of their own. Their desire was assisted by a bequest that was made to the Lodge. They managed the accumulated funds very well and in 1974 were able to build their long desired Masonic Hall for the sum of $20,000.00 which was paid for by the cash they had on hand.
From the Masonic World