R.W. Bro. John G. Guinn
R.W. Bro. John G. Guinn, District Deputy Grand Master, Ottawa District 1
R.W. Bro. John G. Guinn brings to the office of District Deputy Grand Master a lifetime of service, fellowship, and commitment to his community and to Freemasonry.
Born and raised in Montreal, John moved to Ottawa in 1976 and built a long career in the transportation and distribution industries. Over the years, his work included truck rental and leasing, food warehousing, bakery and dairy distribution, as well as time in Ottawa’s catering industry. Throughout his professional life, he developed the practical leadership, dependability, and appreciation for people that would later characterize his many years of Masonic service.
Service has also been an important part of John’s life outside the Craft. A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, he has sung in the choir and served his congregation in several capacities, including Elder, Clerk of Session, and Auditor.
John began his Masonic journey in Sidney Albert Luke Lodge No. 558, where he was Initiated on March 9, 1988, Passed on April 13, 1988, and Raised on September 14, 1988. He went on to serve as Worshipful Master on two occasions, in 1992–1993 and again in 1998–1999, and later gave nearly a decade of service as Lodge Treasurer from 2017 to 2026.
His contribution to the Craft has extended well beyond his mother Lodge. In 2018, he was appointed Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. He affiliated with Russell Lodge No. 479 in 2024, where he subsequently served as Director of Ceremonies. He has also contributed to the broader Masonic community through his involvement with the Ottawa Masonic Association, the Ottawa Masonic Corporation Board of Directors, and the Masonic Hall Corporation. His travels in Masonry have taken him beyond Ontario as well, including visits to Lodges in Quebec and New York State.
John’s Masonic journey also includes distinguished service in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Canada, which he joined in 1989. He has served as Thrice Puissant Grand Master of the Lodge of Perfection and as Commander-in-Chief of Ottawa Consistory, and he presently serves as Registrar of Murray Chapter Rose Croix. For many years, he has also represented the Scottish Rite as liaison to Ottawa District 1. In recognition of his service, he was coroneted an Honorary Inspector General, 33°, on September 15, 2022, in the Valley of Saskatchewan.
His involvement with Tunis Shrine has been equally extensive. A member since 1989, John has served on the Shrine Circus Management Team, chaired the Circus Daddy program, spent nine years as a member of the Divan, and was elected Potentate of Tunis Shrine in 2002. He is also a proud member of Moonliter Hillbilly Clan No. 149, where he can occasionally be found parading aboard his much-loved John Deere tractor.
For all the titles and offices he has held, John places great importance on fellowship, family, and service. He and his wife, Sharron, make their home in Embrun, Ontario. Together they share three children, Maryann, Robert, who is sadly deceased, and Kristy, as well as three granddaughters, Emma, Chloe, and Olivia.
R.W. Bro. Guinn now brings more than three decades of Masonic experience to his service as District Deputy Grand Master of Ottawa District 1, continuing a journey defined by dedication to the Craft, service to others, and the friendships formed along the way.