The Otto Klotz Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 731 G.R.C.
The Otto Klotz Lodge was formed under Dispensation from M.W. Bro. R. W. Davies on October 17, 1977.
The impetus to form this lodge came from R. W. Bro. William S. McVittie, Past D.D.G.M. of Wellington District. The lodge was named in honour of Otto Klotz, an outstanding member of the Masonic fraternity. Initiated in to Barton Lodge No. 6- Hamilton - in 1846, he affiliated with Alma Lodge No. 72 - Galt - in 1858 and was elected as the first D.D.G.M of the newly formed Wellington District in 1869. He was appointed to the Board of General Purposes in 1864, and was elected Honorary Past Grand Master in 1885. His regalia was presented at the 90th anniversary of Barton Lodge No. 6 in Hamilton.
Otto Klotz was born in Keil, Denmark in 1817 and arrived at the German settlement of Preston in 1837. He witnessed its growth from a rural backwater to a major industrial centre of its time. He had a profound influence on his community, notably the founding of the Mechanics Institute (now Preston Public Library) in 1871. The institute provided free instruction through its large library to the Mechanic, Tradesmen, Farmer and students of Science and Art. The entire library was donated by Otto Klotz.
As stated in the Final charge - part of which he wrote - "He did the good act, not for himself, but for the cause of good"
