An emer­gent meet­ing of the Michipi­coten Busi­ness Men’s Club was held after the funeral of Bro. James Wood, which was con­ducted by Wor. Bro. J. E. Edgar. Dur­ing his speech he stated that a large turn out at the funeral, approx. 24, con­firmed the desire to form a Lodge in Wawa.

On June 10th, 1954 the work­ing tools, jew­els, col­lars and tas­sels were pur­chased. Sept. 8th, 1954 was the final meet­ing of the “Michipi­coten Busi­ness Men’s Club” which was held in the Mis­sion with 24 mem­bers present. These 24 mem­bers formed the nucleus of the Masonic lodge in Wawa.

The work­ing tools were bor­rowed from Lorne Lodge No. 622 in Chap­leau for the dis­pen­sa­tion. Deputy Grand Mas­ter Bishop Wright was extended a spe­cial invi­ta­tion to attend the cer­e­mony on Sept. 25th 1954 and Ladies Night din­ner and dance was held at the Lions Club Hall.

Wood­land Lodge was named after Bro. James Wood who owned a large log style hotel in the Mis­sion. He was also involved in build­ing the munic­i­pal air­port and in pur­chas­ing the lodge build­ing from the Michipi­coten School Board, and to date there has been a con­tin­u­ing Wood Fam­ily influ­ence in the Lodge.