DDGM

R.W. Bro. James (Jim) McLaren

A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF OUR DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERIt is with great pride that we recognize R.W. Bro. James (Jim) McLaren of Savard Township as the District Deputy Grand Master of Temiskaming District for the 2025–2026 Masonic year.

R.W. Bro. McLaren brings to the role a wealth of Masonic experience, community leadership, and deep personal integrity, grounded in his Northern Ontario upbringing and lifelong dedication to service.

R.W. Bro. McLaren was initiated, passed, and raised in Haileybury Lodge No. 485, where he was an active member before it went Dark and joined Englehart Lodge 534. Jim has served as Worshipful Master multiple times with distinction as well as leading Englehart Lodge during their 100th year celebrations. Jim has held numerous roles at both the lodge and district levels. His Masonic journey has been marked by a consistent devotion to the Craft, a deep respect for tradition, and a firm belief in mentoring younger Brethren.

A proud resident of Savard Township, James has built a life rooted in hard work, family values, and community involvement. Professionally, he has spent much of his career as an Instrumentation Technician for TransCanada Pipelines followed by operating his own Health and Safety Company “Bear Creek Consulting”, then keeping the Elk Lake Planning Mill operational as Maintenance Planner prior to his retirement. Jim is also Secretary Treasurer for 4 Townships. He is also a retired Volunteer Fire Fighter having spent 20 years with the Savard and Area Fire Department.

Outside the Lodge, James is a devoted family man. He and his wife Becky have two sons, Matthew and Jeffrey and raised their family with a strong foundation in faith, respect, and community spirit.

James leads by example and is deeply respected throughout the Temiskaming region and beyond. As District Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. McLaren is committed to encouraging strong lodge leadership, increasing engagement among Brethren, and upholding the high standards and ancient landmarks of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.

His approachable nature, practical wisdom, and sincere passion for Freemasonry make him an ideal representative of the Grand Master throughout our Northern lodges.

DDGM Official Visitation Dates

Lodge	Official Visits
Porcupine No. 506	Thursday October 2, 2025
Abitibi No. 540	Saturday October 25, 2025
Doric No. 623	Thursday November 13, 2025
Englehart No. 534	Monday December 8, 2025
Golden Beaver No. 528	Wednesday April 8, 2026
Elk Lake No. 507	Tuesday May 12, 2026