Percy 161

History

The main centre in Northumberland County's Percy Township, was first called Upper Percy. It was named Warworth in 1857 by the first postmaster, Isreal Humphries, one of the township's earliest settlers and an officer in the Northumberland Regiment (originally the 5th Regiment of Foot, later the Northumberland Fusiliers and now a part of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers). He apparently chose the name from Warkworth, Northumberland, England.

Percy Lodge, Warkwarth (named after Percy Township) held it's first meeting May 18, 1864 under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Canada. It was represented at the 9th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Canada (July 13, 1864, Hamilton) by W. Bro. Isreal Humphries, WM. At the same Communication the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Thomas Douglas Harington, noted that he had granted eight dispensations during the year, and that "The petitions in each case, were strongly and regularly recommended, and I trust Grand Lodge will confirm them by Warrants." The report of the Board of General Purposes recommended Warrants be issued to all eight Lodges, including Percy, and Warrant No. 161 was issued bearing date July 14, 1864.

The first candidate for degrees, Bro. Abram Fraser was initiated on June 15, 1864. The Percy Lodge has met in three fascilities in Warkworth during it's lifetime: in the Douglas Block on Main Street, from 1864 to 1890; in the Humphries Block on Main Street, from 1890 to 1927 and in the Masonic Hall, Centre St., from 1928. However the building has been sold and a new building constructed at 13944 County Road 29, Warhworth. The first meeting in the new facility is planned for December 2009.