Worshipful Master's Message
Left: W.Bro John Nicholson, Worshipful Master of The Barton Lodge No. 6.
Right: R.W.Bro. Cory Alexander McCarthy, District Deputy Grand Master, Hamilton South District
February, 2026
Brethren,
Our masonic year continues undeterred by the cold and frigid air and winter darkness as this past month we initiated our first brother of 2026. It was a fulfilling feeling seeing all the visitors who came out to support our Lodge, despite the threat of snow. I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to both the degree team and officers for all your efforts in making this a memorable experience to our newest brother.
It had been a busy month, having attended our Advisory Board (all are welcome to attend), practice as well as attended two installations (Hillcrest No 594 and Seymour No 272) the days leading up to our own Lodge night. I want to extend my appreciation and thanks to the officers and brethren who stepped up to accompany me to these installations.
February will see us conduct another initiation during our Official visit by District Deputy Grand Master R. W. Bro Cory Alexander McCarthy and his delegation of district officers and brethren from the lodges within Hamilton South and beyond. It will be a splendid evening, so I ask that the brethren of The Barton to come out in numbers for our Official Visit.
With the weather related postponement of the Union Official visit we extended or possession of the Travelling Gavel, however; I would ask all brethren to loosen their cable tow a little further out and accompany me to not only our own Official Visit but the upcoming the Official Visits being: Electric Valley (Feb 9) as well as Landmarks Temple No 324) on February 24 so that we can retain the Travelling Gavel. The value with visitation is twofold as visitation allows us to observe the nuances in how other Lodges conduct their business and a time to rekindle friendships and build new and lasting friendships. I continue to remind all the brethren, including our EA, FC and new MM, that you are very much welcome to accompany me to these district events. I am humbled by the support you have shown this far and look forward to what February brings us.
W. Bro. John R. Nicholson