The following history was transcribed from the 75th Anniversary booklet (1926-2001) of Corner Brook Lodge No. 11 and West Gate Lodge No. 18.
(1926-2021)
In the last day of the sport-fishing season, 18 September 1925, Mr. W.G. Holloway, Chief accountant and his son Bert, Chief Timekeeper of Sir W. G. Armstrong, Withworth and Company Limited, Construction Engineers, were drowned at Steady Brook. It was known that the Chief accountant was a Mason and a Past Master under the Scottish Constitution and as a result of this double tragedy, Freemasonry came to light in Corner Brook. Soon after the burial in the Church of England Cemetery, Townsite, the grapevine spread the news of a meeting of Masons in “The Little White Church”. Magistrate Scott took the chair and A. R. Stanfield was appointed secretary. By a show of hands the large gathering voted to form a Scottish Lodge. However, the District Grand Lodge of Scotland, taking into consideration the large floating population of construction workers from many countries, decided that the time was not ripe and the matter was shelved.
The very next spring in 1926 a group of masons consisting of Bro. Major B. Butler, A. Ledingham, L.R.A. Simmons, J.C. Fitzgerald, E.L. Oake, and Fred Churchill met at No. 59 Park Street and decided to petition for a Lodge under the English Constitution, Wor. Bro. K.M. MacDonald, a Past Master of what became Corner Brook Lodge No. 4832 E.C. when it was consecrated on October 4, 1926 by Rt.Wor. Bro. Sir John R. Bennett, K. B. E. District Grand Master. The Loyal Orange Association, through Bro. L.R.A. Simmons, placed the Orange Hall, Humbermouth, at the disposal of the Charter Members. Other meetings were held over the Crown Laundry and in a construction shack located on Church Hill, Townsite. Finally, the old Town Construction Office on Park Street was rented from the Paper Mill Company and was used until it was agreed to build a Temple. Construction began in 1932, and the Corner Stone laid in 1933.
During the first three years of its life, Corner Brook Lodge initiated sixty candidates and it was evident the Lodge’s Membership was expanding quite rapidly. In 1951 Corner Brook Lodge, on the eve of its 25th Anniversary, had a membership of one hundred and sixty one. With confidence in the future, knowing that among its members there existed skilled, enthusiastic and loyal brethren capable and willing when called upon to maintain the high standards of the past quarter century, it was decided to form a daughter Lodge. This action, it was hoped, would take care of the sons and members who had expressed a desired to join the fraternity and relieve the pressure of deferred work on its officers. On the 26th of September 1951 West Gate Lodge No. 7085 was consecrated by Rt. Wor. Bro. Geo. R. Williams M.B.E. District Grand Master. Earlier in 1945 Corner Brook Lodge had sponsored Cabot Lodge in Port Aux Basques, and continued on through the years in sponsoring CanAM Lodge in Stephenville, Northern Lights in Wabush, Labrador and Pillars Lodge of Installed Masters in Corner Brook.
In 1997 Corner Brook Lodge, taking into consideration the declining membership and finding itself in a competitive field in attracting interest and attention decided that some corrective action would have to be taken in order to regain its popularity. It was agreed that Corner Brook Lodge would demit from the Grand Lodge of England and affiliate with the newly formed Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador, with the hope of adding a local flavor and stimulating renewed interest among member.
Corner Brook Lodge is now celebrating 75 years of history of which can be attributed to its dedication and competent members who have been extracted from all professions and culture. They have contributed their skills and knowledge and have earned not only the respect of the Lodge but the community in general. As the Lodge now moves forward to the last quarter of its century of service to the craft and community, no doubt many difficult challenges will have to be met and overcome. In order to keep growing, more people must be made aware of the value of Masonry as the Lodge becomes more visible in the community and practices the principles of Freemasonry, Corner Brook Lodge must be supported with the strength and character of its members so that, with confidence, it will prevail over any and all challenges. It will now begin to write the last quarter of its century and will look forward to the year, 2026.