The Lodge was founded in Port Credit Ontario and met in the upstairs part of a local home during its early years until 1917 when it moved to the Wesleyan Methodist Church building which became the Mississauga Masonic Temple.

Founders of Mississauga Lodge:

Among them were prominent figures of the local community, including a member of the local Anglican Clergy. Their passion for Freemasonry laid the foundation for our enduring legacy. Founded shortly after the beginning of the first year of World War I, their commitment to brotherhood and service in a time of global upheaval speaks volumes about their character and determination.

Logo of Mississauga Lodge:

The logo of Mississauga Lodge 524 is a visually striking circular shield. At the center of the shield is the dignified head of a Native Mississauga Chief, adorned with a traditional headdress. This central motif pays homage to the indigenous heritage of the region and serves as a powerful emblem of respect and cultural appreciation taking into consideration the Lodge building history as a Native Methodist Church.

Surrounding the Native Chief’s head is a golden cord, symbolizing unity and brotherhood within the Masonic fraternity. This cord serves as a unifying element, binding together the members of Mississauga Lodge in their shared commitment to the principles of Freemasonry.

Encircling the central motif and cord is the lodge’s name, “Mississauga Lodge A.F. & A.M. No.524 G.R.C,” boldly displayed in black lettering against a light blue background. This inscription not only identifies the lodge but also reaffirms its affiliation with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and its place within the Grand Lodge of Canada.

Finally, the entire design is framed by a second outer golden cord, adding a sense of completeness and symmetry to the logo.

Overall, the logo of Mississauga Lodge 524 is a powerful symbol of the lodge’s heritage, values, and commitment to brotherhood. It reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the area while honoring the timeless traditions of Freemasonry.

Land upon which the Lodge building now stands:

The indenture of land was originally acquired by the Crown from the Mississauga Nation of Indians on February 28, 1820. This parcel of land was itself a portion of the then Indian Reserve. The parcel, situated in the vicinity of the lower Credit River, encompassed 1500 acres. In exchange for this land, the Crown paid the sum of 20 shillings, denominated in lawful currency of the Province of Upper Canada.

The Mississauga Nation of Indians were represented in this transaction by some of their Principal Chiefs including Acheton, Nevoiquequah, Weiquesquome, Paushetaun Onquitome, and Wabakagigo. Acting on behalf of the Crown during the reign of King George III was W. Claus, Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs.

Building History:

The journey of Mississauga Lodge is deeply intertwined with the rich history of its beloved Masonic Temple, a structure with roots tracing back to the mid-19th century. Originally erected in 1849 by Methodist Minister Peter Jones, the building began its humble beginnings as the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Situated as a beacon of faith and community in Port Credit, its Neoclassical style and roughcast plaster walls quickly became a cherished landmark, embodying the spirit of the growing township.

The Wesleyan Methodist Connection, a branch of Methodism that emerged from the teachings and leadership of John Wesley, an Anglican cleric and theologian, officially formed in 1843 at an organizing conference in Utica, New York, by a group of ministers and laymen splitting from the Methodist Episcopal Church. The split was primarily over objections to slavery, though secondary issues such as ecclesiastical polity also played a role. The church sponsored traveling preachers to the American frontier and into Canada, where they appealed to workingmen, farmers, and natives.

The church served as a gathering place for the early settlers of the region and to the local Mississauga natives to whom Peter Jones, a converted First Nations member, would preach to following the original Wesleyan beliefs of inclusion.

In 1894, recognizing the need for more space, the church was relocated from its original Methodist church lot, now occupied by First United Church in Port Credit, to its current location at 45 Port St W.  There, it was repurposed as a community hall that hosted various events and gatherings in the years before Clarke Memorial Hall was built in 1927.

The Mississauga Masonic Corporation acquired the building in 1917. In 1928, recognizing the potential for expansion, the corporation took out a $5,000 mortgage for an enlargement of the building. This investment paved the way for a major renovation in 1926, which transformed the structure into the majestic temple-like edifice that stands today.

Throughout its storied past, the remnants of the Wesleyan Methodist Church remain enshrined within the walls of the current Masonic temple. As the walls of the Mississauga Masonic Temple bear witness to the passage of time, they also carry the echoes of its history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Mississauga Lodge.