WILLIAM MERCER WILSON MEDAL
Bro. Royle Wolfenden receives the WMW medal
Biography of William Mercer Wilson
One of the most prominent Canadian figures of his time, William Mercer Wilson attained great eminence in political, military, municipal, legal and Masonic circles. Born in Scotland in 1813, he came to Canada in 1832. He was appointed a commissioner to hold courts of justice in the Talbot District in 1834. He took a leading part in quelling the Rebellion of 1837-38, being cavalry commander at Simcoe with the rank of captain. In 1840, he was appointed public notary and registrar of the Surrogate Court. The same year he was admitted as a Mason at St. John's and in 1842 became Master of the Lodge, a post he held at intervals for ten years. In 1873, he was elected first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada. He was active in municipal affairs, being councilor and reeve in Simcoe town council, and warden of Norfolk. He retired from the militia in 1869 with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. William Mercer Wilson died during his eleventh year as Grand Master, 16th January, 1875, in his 62nd year.
Most Wor. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels greeting Bro. Royle Wolfenden at the Civic Hospital.
A book about the life of our first Grand Master, William Mercer Wilson was presented to Bro. Wolfeneden by the Grand Master. The book was autographed by the Grand Master and those attending the ceremony. Here, Rt. Wor. Bro. Sam Kalinowski signs the book.
Royle enjoyed his chat with the Grand Master.
Most Wor. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels, Grand Master, accompanied by Marion Wolfenden and Wor. Bro. David Hamilton, presenting the William Mercer Wilson medal to Bro. Royle Wolfenden at the Civic Hospital.
Bro. Royle Wolfenden was most appreciative of the presentation.
Royle and Marion share the moment.
Defenders Lodge Worshipful Master Wor. Bro. David Hamilton presents Bro. Wolfenden with the collar of the William Mercer Wilson recipient.
The Worshipful Master and Royle after the presentation of the medal and collar.
Marion and the Grand Master found some common ground and enjoyed their chat with each other.
The Grand Master explaining the significance of the book.
The Grand Master explaining the significance of the book.
The Grand Master assisted by Rt. Wor. Bro. Sam Kalinowski presents Bro. Wolfenden with the William Mercer Wilson framed Certificate
The Grand Master assisted by Rt. Wor. Bro. Sam Kalinowski, Wor. Bro. David Hamilton and Marion Wolfenden presents Bro. Wolfenden with the William Mercer Wilson framed Certificate
The William Mercer Wilson presentation entourage, consisting of Wor. Bro. David Hamilton, Rt. Wor. Bro. Sam Kalinowski, Marion Wolfenden and the Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels pose with Bro. Wolfenden and his certificate.
Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels explains to Bro. Wolfenden WMW, that he is in rare company with just over 200 WMW recipients in all of Ontario.
Royle humbly accepted the William Mercer Wilson award and expressed his gratitude to the members of Defenders Lodge for nominating him to the Grand Master.
Bro. Royle Wolfenden thanked the entourage for taking the time to conduct the ceremony. He ws especially appreciative of the Grand Master for taking the time to drive from Guelph to make the presentation.
Bro. Royle Wolfenden WMW and the Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels.
Rt. wor. Bro. Sam Kalinowski, Wor, Bro. David Hamilton and Marion Wolfenden proudly witness the presentation of the William Mercer Wilson Medal to Bro. Royle Wolfenden.
The grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels and Bro. Royle Wolfenden WMW.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Sam Kalinowski, Marion Wolfenden and Wor. Bro. David Hamilton listen intently to the explanation of the significance of the William Mercer Wilson award.
Bro. Royle Wolfenden WMW.
The Grand Master and the Worshipful Master discuss future plans to celebrate the presentation of the William Mercer Wilson medal to Bro. Royle Wofenden WMW.
The Grand Master acknowledged that behind every good man stood an equally good woman. He congrtulated Marion on her support for Royle as a Mason and as a husband.
The Grand Master shares a moment of reflection with the entourage.
