In the words of Right Worshipful Bro. The Rev. Lyttle's

Without going into finances, although we must pause for a moment to remind ourselves of the good work, and the generous contributions made by our members; allow me to carry you through a retrospect of the different stages of promoting and the building of our new Home, Acacia Hall.

I am given to understand that years ago the building of a Temple for the South side of the River was discussed at great length and a Lot was purchased on Whyte Avenue. So that it has always been the ambition of Acacia Lodge to have a home of their own in Strathcona.

We all know the years that followed, which impeded and affected ever organization in the country. That it was not until this year that anything really definite was accomplished.

Rumours were heard easily this year of the possibility of a Temple for ourselves. This was possible aided by the fact that similar ambitions were in the minds of Masons on the North side of the River.

At the regular meeting held Thursday February 14th. 1929. Bro. A. Bartlett introduced the subject to the Lodge, discussion followed, this Bro. was asked to consult Strathcona Lodge #77 on the matter. This was necessary as we did not know whether No. 77 contemplated moving to the proposed new Temple on the North side of the River.

On March 14th. 1929. Bros. Bartlett and Duncan reported progress to the Lodge, and Bros. J. Douglas and C. Fisher were appointed to the committee to devise ways and means for promoting the building of a new Temple. At the regular meeting in April, the prospectus of the proposed Building was presented. After discussion on motion of Wor. Bro. G.W. Haxlett and Bro. Baldwin the committee was empowered to canvass the members to ascertain what amount could be raised for the Building Fund.

Bro. A. Bartlett and Wor. Bro. James Duncan reported progress at the regular meeting in May; explaining the feeling of Strathcona Lodge as regards the New Hall, intimating that they would rent from us. The desire of other organizations to do likewise was also brought to the attention of the Lodge.

Among these being, The Native Son's, Strathcona Chapter No. 25, the Carman's Local, and the Eastern Star. It was intimated that the Hall could be rented to private parties, meetings, etc.

And would fulfill a need in the community as there was no Hall on the South side of sufficient size to accommodate any large gathering.

A great stimulus was given the building fund at the regular meeting in June when Wor. Bro. E. F. Pfrimmer, seconded by Wor. Bro. J. Duncan moved that 50% of all initiation fees from January 1929 be placed to the credit of this fund. On motion of the above Brethren the secretary was directed to write Bro. T. Rist thanking him for his generous donation of $1,000.00 and his offer of loaning the Lodge sufficient funds to carry the project through. These motions were unanimously carried.

The above was enough, I believe, to cure any superstitious or doubting Brethren as to the building of the Hall, for this meeting was held on the 13th of the month.

On Thursday the First of August 1929 at 7.45 p.m. a few members witnessed a pleasing ceremony when Bro. Thomas Rist turned the first sod of the Lot East of the South side Telephone Exchange on 83rd Avenue. Thus commencing operations of which Acacia has dreamed for years.

The Most Worshipful The Grand Master The Rev. Canon S.T. Middleton accompanied by His Grand Lodge Officers visited Acacia Lodge on Saturday Aug. 24th. and was received by Grand Honors. The Lodge then proceeded to the building site where the corner stone was laid by the Most Worshipful The Grand Master.

This very impressive ceremony was witnessed by a large gathering. Photographs were taken which will go to posterity.

Returning to the Lodge addresses were delivered by the Most Worshipful The Grand Master, the Most Worshipful The Grand Secretary, and Bro. Thomas Rist, which will be remembered by the members of Acacia very vividly.

The eventful day was commemorated by the presentation of a Trowel suitably engraved to the Most Worshipful The Grand Master Bro. Thomas Rist was the recipient of an engraved spade.

At the regular meeting in September Worshipful Bros. Duncan and Pfrimmer gave a very encouraging report on the progress of the new building and suggested that Bro. Thomas Rist be Presented with a Life Membership, This suggestion was well received by everyone.

It may be stated here that in order for a Hall to be built it was necessary that a Company be formed. This Company was named The Acacia Building Association. The following Brethren comprised the personnel:

Wor. Bro. E.E. Pfrimmer, President

Bro. A. Bartlett, Vice President

Wor. Bro. J. Duncan, Secretary

Bro. J.M. Douglas, Director

Bro. J.J. Henessy, Director

Wor. Bro. Geo. E. Clarke, Director

This Company was Capitalized at $20,000 Dollars. The first meeting in the new Lodge Room was held on October 10th. when it was decided that the Lodge have their customary Ladies Night. A committee was appointed by the Worshipful Master.

The Secretary of the Hall Committee Wor. Bro. James Duncan was tendered a hearty vote of thanks on motion of Wor. Bro's G. W. Hazlett and F.W. Carstairs for his untiring and loyalty.

At the meeting on November 14th. Bro. Thomas Rist was presented with Life Membership by Wor. Bro. A.H. Church.

The recipient of this honor giving the Lodge a wonderful discourse on masonry; full of color and accomplishment, as was possibly every heard or every will be heard and every remembered by those present.

A very beautiful ceremony was witnessed on Sunday, December 1st 1929 when Acacia Hall was dedicated by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. The Rev. Canon S.T. Middleton assisted by Grand Lodge Officers. Congratulating speeches being made by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary.

Despite the depression we closed 1934 in fair financial condition and due to the magnificent generosity of Brother Rist, in canceling, without payment, the large mortgage which had fallen due on the building, we are in an enviable position as regards the practical possession of an excellent facility, almost free of debt or other encumbrance.

As the nation mourns the loss of its sovereign so we members of Acacia Lodge mourn the loss of one of our oldest members, Bros. Thos. Rist, who passed away on October 4th 1936, at the age of 89 years. The Lodge met on Tuesday afternoon, October 6th to pay their last respects to our late Bro. Rist. The pall-bearers were: Wor. Bro. Stuart Hill, Wor. Bro. J. J. Hennessy, Wor. Bro. H. A. Thompson, Bro. A. C. Murphy, Bro. J. M. Douglas, and Bro. F. C. Jamieson, all old friends and brothers of the deceased.

Under the Chairmanship of Wor. Bro. A. Bartlett an artistic memorial plaque was designed and brought to completion and placed on the North (east) wall of the Lodge Room, and on November 26th the Thomas Rist Memorial was unveiled. With Wor. Bro. A. E. Ottewell in the Chair, Wor. Bro. R. S. Sheppard outlined in the life of our later brother. Wor. Bro. H. A. Thompson assisted in the unveiling and Rev. Bro. G. G. Reynolds offered the prayer, after which Bro. Jones' quartette rendered an appropriate number.

The Thomas. Rist memorial stands as a fitting remembrance of one who was a real friend of Acacia Lodge, and who more than anyone else made the erection of the Lodge building possible.