Forward Rebekah Lodge celebrating 100 years in Hagersville

By Sheila Phibbs

The Haldimand Press

HAGERSVILLE—On December 11, 1919, the Forward Rebekah Lodge was instituted in Hagersville. As a branch of the International Order of Oddfellows (IOOF), the Rebekah Lodge is part of a “fraternity that cares about its local communities.”

For 100 years, Hagersville has benefitted from that care and the dedication of the “sisters” who are committed to serve.

The first meeting of the Hagersville Forward Rebekah Lodge was held on January 3, 1920 at the curious time of 9:20 p.m., with Sister Janet E. Galbraith presiding as Noble Grand. Members met every Thursday throughout the year until 1923 when meetings were changed to the first and third Thursday of the month, a practice that continues today. By 1923 there were 82 members in Hagersville.

One of the many highlights in their history came in 1969 when Sally Laidlaw, a member of the Hagersville Lodge, became President of the Rebekah Assembly of Ontario.