Embedded Files
booking@johnstonhall.ca for rental bookings. Check your spam/junk folder for replies
Public School
Public School
Johnston Hall was originally built in 1884 as a high school and was in use until 1911, when it was changed to a public school named Johnston School which was in use until 1960.
Heritage Designation
Heritage Designation
The exterior of the building was designated a Heritage Building in 1988 due to its distinct architecture featuring yellow brick quoins and friezes against red brick and its Mansard style roof. It was further entrenched in 2022 under section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Masonic Hall
Masonic Hall
The building was purchased jointly by the St. Francis No. 24 Masonic Holdings Corporation and the Osiris No. 485 Masonic Holding Corporation for the masonic organizations in Smiths Falls to have a meeting space.
Masonic groups using the building have included: St. Francis Masonic Lodge No. 24, AF & AM, GRC., Osiris Masonic Lodge No. 485, AF & AM, G.R.C until 2002 when it amalgamated with St. Francis No.24, St. Francis Chapter Royal Arch Masons No. 133, GRC. until 2009 when it amalgamated with Prince of Wales Chapter No. 222, GRC in Perth, ON, Ideal Chapter No. 61 of the Order of the Eastern Star until the early 2020's when it relocated, and the local assemblage of the Operative Masons.
This building has also been continually used by the Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band since the 1990's and J&B Steam Cleaners, and the Masonic Transportation Unit until 2012 when it disbanded.
-Sources:
Leeds County School Information - Upper Canada District School Board
Heritage | Smiths Falls - Protected Properties
Lockwood, G.L., Smiths Falls: A Social History of the Men and Women in a Rideau Canal Community 1794-1994, (Carleton Place 1994), 396-397.
municipal-registry-heritage-properties.pdf
Provincial Powers under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act | ontario.ca
Photo Credit:
Masonic Hall: Carrie Hauraney
Page updated
Report abuse