The Masonic Bruce Lodge No. 36 at Francis celebrated an amalgamated history of 100 years on July 21. The first Mason to settle in the Francis district was Charles Reid in 1904, and by 1906 there were 11 who were interested in forming a lodge. On January 7, 1907, a dispensation was granted to form one with the first meeting held on April 16, 1907.

Bruce Lodge No. 36 is an amalgamated lodge. In April 1977 the Osage Lodge No. 184 was amalgamated with the Fillmore Lodge No. 163, taking the name Osage-Fillmore Lodge No. 163 until 1997. At that time the Osage-Fillmore Lodge amalgamated with Bruce Lodge, with Bruce Lodge kept as the lodge name. Then in 1979 the Colfax Lodge No. 189 amalgamated with Bruce Lodge under the name and number of Bruce Lodge.

The name Bruce was chosen by the first Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Cordingly who hailed from Bruce County in Ontario and thought Bruce to be a fitting and dignified name.

At the institution of the Bruce Lodge in 1907 there were 11 members, and there have been well over 250 members pass through the lodge by initiation, affiliation or amalgamation. Currently there are 28 members, three life members, one non-resident and 12 active Masons who attend lodge. Together with other Brothers from other Lodges, they celebrated 100 years at the Francis Hall.

During celebrations of 100 years, the Masons also had an opportunity to recognize the dedication of 50-year members Art Linnen, George Gillies and Joe Dundas. There was also an opportunity to honor Ben LaRose as Mason of the Year for 2007.

A history of Bruce Lodge and the amalgamated lodges was presented to those in the attendance, with Ed Bartlett detailing the Colfax history, Darrol Driver the Osage history, Bud Elias the Fillmore history, George LaRose the Bruce Lodge history, and Ben LaRose gave the history behind the Bruce Master's Chair.

The chair itself, to be noted, was used by outstanding and remembered Mason W.G. Robinson, who was a member of the Legislature and appointed Speaker of the House for a term. The chair, used by Robinson during his terms in Legislature, was donated back to the Bruce Lodge after his death

The complete history of the Bruce Lodge #36 can be seen in their records, over the years as a lodge of service to their community, to the Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Saskatchewan and to its members. The members meet currently at the Francis Hall and are always welcoming of new members. For more information, contact current Worshipful Master George LaRose.