Albert Lodge of Free Gardeners

The Albert Lodge of Free Gardeners was a fraternal society established in Quebec in 1846. The organization functioned as a mutual aid society, dedicated to supporting its members through financial distress and illness.

Overview and Mission

The society was officially recognized on September 1, 1846. Its primary object was to “assist their Brethren in distress, or otherwise prevented from gaining a livelihood”.

Membership Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Albert Lodge, an individual had to meet the following criteria:

• Allegiance: Must be a faithful subject of the Queen[cite: 30].
• Character: Must possess a good moral character and be sound in both body and mind.
• Age: Candidates were required to be between 18 and 45 years of age (though honorary members could be admitted under different terms)[cite: 35].
• Admission: Membership was granted via ballot; three “black balls” (negative votes) resulted in a candidate’s rejection.

Governance and Officers

The Lodge elected its officers annually on July 22nd. The hierarchy included:

• Master (and Past Master)
• Chaplain
• Wardens (Senior and Junior)
• Secretary and Treasurer [cite: 31, 37, 39]
• Stewards, Key Bearers, and a Tyler

Members elected to office were required to serve; refusal to accept a position resulted in a fine of five shillings[cite: 32].

Financial Structure

• Dues: Members were required to pay one shilling and three pence monthly.
• Fund Usage: The funds were strictly designated for “benevolent and charitable purposes” and the necessary expenses of management.
• Prohibition: No part of the lodge funds could be expended on drink or refreshments.
• Dissolution: The fund was permanent and could not be divided as private property as long as five members remained to manage it[cite: 34].

Code of Conduct and Rituals

• Apparel: Every brother was required to provide himself with an apron, which had to be worn at all lodge meetings under penalty of a fine[cite: 40, 41]. In public processions, members were required to dress in black[cite: 47].
• Forbidden Topics: To avoid discord, members were forbidden from introducing remarks or conversation regarding national, political, or religious subjects.
• Profanity: The use of profane or irreverent language in the Lodge was strictly prohibited[cite: 43].
• Secrecy: Disclosing any lodge proceedings or business to outsiders was a censurable offense, with a second offense leading to expulsion[cite: 48].

Meeting Schedule

• Summer (May to November): Fortnightly on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM[cite: 51].
• Winter (Remainder of year): Every Wednesday at 7:30 PM[cite: 51].
• Closing Time: Meetings were strictly required to close by 10:00 PM[cite: 52].

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Source: Rules and Regulations of Albert Lodge of Free Gardeners, Quebec, 1846. [cite: 27]