Who We Are and What We Do
Our Core Values
Doric Lodge No. 424 Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario has stood as a cornerstone of community and tradition in Ajax, Ontario since 1890.
We contribute to our community through acts such as donating to worthy causes, participating in blood donation drives, donating toys to less fortunate children over the holidays, and supporting seniors’ activities such as summer barbeques. Family involvement is also a core value of our Lodge. The partners and families of our members play an active role in hosting banquets following our meetings, and in organizing family-oriented events such as bowling nights, backyard BBQs, indoor and outdoor golf outings, and chili-and-movie nights, among others.
Location and Origin
The central location of our meeting place makes Doric a convenient Lodge for men from across the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region — particularly Markham, Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and surrounding communities — to gather in fellowship and pursue the timeless principles of Freemasonry.
Our story began in the small village of Duffins Creek — now Pickering Village — when a group of determined Freemasons set out to create a Lodge of their own. They travelled miles by horse, buggy, and sleigh to gather under the light of the full moon, united by friendship and the shared pursuit of knowledge and truth.
From those early meetings in a one-room schoolhouse, Doric Lodge grew steadily, moving through several halls before finally purchasing its permanent home in 1943 — the historic Quaker Meeting House at Mill Street and Kingston Road. Originally built in 1867, the building remains one of Ajax’s most cherished landmarks and a fitting home for a Lodge founded on enduring principles. While the Quaker Meeting House is now owned by the Town of Ajax, Doric Lodge continues to be a principal occupant — proudly carrying forward its legacy and tradition.
Resilience and Longevity
For more than 130 years, Doric Lodge has thrived through world wars, social change, and the growth of the Town of Ajax. It has sponsored new Lodges, celebrated centennials, and produced leaders who have served the wider Masonic fraternity - including one of its own, M.W. Bro. T. Shand, who served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario from 2001 - 2003. Many members of Doric Lodge No. 424 are also active in other Masonic concordant bodies, including both the Scottish Rite and York Rite.
Many familiar Ajax names — Westney, Chapman, White, and others — trace their roots to Doric brethren, linking the Lodge’s history to the very fabric of the community.
Today, Doric Lodge No. 424 continues to embody the timeless Masonic ideals of enlightenment, fellowship, and service. It remains a place where men of character and curiosity come together to learn, reflect, build, and uphold the tradition of making good men better. We welcome both non-Masons seeking to begin their journey in Freemasonry and current Masons wishing to affiliate and continue their Masonic careers — including brethren initiated under Grand Lodges in amity with our own who may be relocating to the area or new to Canada.
What the Brethren of Our Lodge Are Saying
“Freemasonry has given me a framework for living with integrity, compassion, and purpose - a true guiding light in my life.”
“The brotherhood within the Lodge is genuine, inspiring, and humbling. It’s a bond built on respect, kindness, and shared values.”
“Freemasonry keeps my mind active and my heart grounded - it’s a place where learning and fellowship go hand in hand.”
“What began as a curiosity became a journey of self-discovery. Freemasonry challenges me to think, reflect, and grow - at my own pace.”
“Through the teachings of Freemasonry, I’ve learned to measure success not by wealth or status, but by character, service, and how I treat others.”
“Being part of the Craft has introduced me to people and perspectives I would never have encountered otherwise - locally and across the globe.”
“In a divided world, Freemasonry remains a steady light, guiding good men to become better men. I have become a better person, husband, father, friend, and citizen. I am proud and grateful to call myself a Mason!”