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The Grave of "An Unknown Brother"

Description

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Object

Image

Text

Item Types

Memorial works

In Memoriam

Description

The original weathered headstone from the grave of the Unknown Mason, Oaklawn Cemetery, Jordan Station.
Framed photograph (on the wall) of the unveiling and dedication of a new headstone for the Unknown Mason in Oaklawn Cemetery, Jordan Station, Ontario, May 12, 1996, and an explanation of that event:
"In 1877 the body of a male person washed ashore on Lake Ontario near Jordan. There were "certain markings" on the body which identified him as a Mason and he was given a fitting burial by the Masons of the District. A headstone was erected to mark the grave site and dedicated to "An Unknown Brother".
The original stone had become eroded with the ravages of time and the environment, and was replaced on May 12, 1996 with generous donation by Heritage Lodge #703. Approximately 125 Masons of Niagara District "A", their families, and friends erected the new monument at Jordan Station Cemetery.
This shroud was used to cover the headstone until it was unveiled in a fitting ceremony. The veil was presented to the museum at Niagara Lodge #2 on June 24, 1996 by R.W. Bro. James E. James, the District Deputy Grand Master."

Notes

This headstone was replaced co-operatively on May 12, 1996, by Heritage Lodge, No. 703, Niagara District "A", and the Masters' and Wardens' Association of Niagara District "A". These principals considered the Museum of Niagara Lodge, No. 2, as an appropriate depository for the original headstone.

Inscriptions

(on the headstone):
"Here lieth the remains of An Unknown Brother whose body was washed ashore near the residence of Abram Martin, Esq., Louth, on 20th April 1877.
This tombstone is erected to show that while deceased had only on his person certain symbols to distinguish him as a Freemason yet were they sufficient to secure for the remains fraternal sympathy and Christian sepulture.

Dead Voiceless Battered Tempest-tossed
A stranger Friendless and unknown
The wave gave up its dead
A Brother came and saw
And raised above his lonly head
This sculptured stone.

The mystic points of Fellowship prevail
Death's Gavel cannot break that sacred tie
Gainst Light the Powers of Night can naught prevail
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to Die"

Date of Publication

12 May 1996

Date Of Event

20 Apr 1877

Subject(s)

Clubs
Fraternal organizations
Historic buildings
Masonic buildings
Masonry
Memorabilia
Organizations
Rites & ceremonies
Tombs & sepulchral monuments
Freemasonry
Masons
Men's clubs
Niagara (Ont.)--Buildings, structures, etc.
Niagara Masonic Lodge No. 2 (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Local identifier

NML00078

Language of Item

English

Geographic Coverage

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ontario, Canada

Latitude: 43.255895396406 Longitude: -79.0700992123031

Location of Original

Colin K. Duquemin Masonic Museum
Niagara Lodge #2 A.F. & A.M., G.R.C.
153 King Street, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
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The Museum was named after Bro. Colin Duquemin for his work in preserving masonic past.
It is home to many artifacts from Niagara district, including regalia, books, certificates,
and masonic documents.

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