completely destroyed by fire. A new hall, erected on the same site, was used until 1954 when it became the property of the Memorial Hall Com- pany. This building was acquired by the Clark business interests in 1974. Meanwhile, the Legion had built a home near the residence of W.W. Glover, and this was subsequently moved to its present location on the Pisquid Road where it was greatly enlarged.

Over the years a number of colorful and impressive ceremonies have occurred in conjunction with this busy organization’s activities. On April 25, 1958, a gesture of good will bought an honorary life mem- bership to Comrade Norman W. Lowther “in appreciation of his con- tinued contribution to the progress of the Mount Stewart branch since its inauguration.” On the same occasion Comrades George MacKenzie and Joseph Fisher were presented 25 year Veteran Buttons. June 21, 1963 found the Legion members forming up in front of the churches and parading to the Memorial Hall for the purpose of being presented with a set of official colours. The presentation was made by Lt. Col. N. W. Lowther, assisted by Branch President, C. G. Douglas. The bearers were Robert Rose and Elmer MacIntyre, and the color escort was Lyman Jay and Roy Mitchell. A 45-year pin was presented to Joseph MacLeod, the oldest member of the Branch, in December, 1972 during the opening ceremonies of the new Legion Home. A great number of other presen- tations were made at the same time.

In recognition of his valuable service to the nation in both Legion and civic affairs, Mr. Hamilton Douglas of Mount Stewart was awarded the Government of Canada Centennial Medal in 1967. At that time he had been a member of the Legion Provincial Council for 14 years, hold- ing the offices of zone commander, vice~president and president of the Provincial Command and Provincial Command representative in the Dominion Command. He was then Provincial honorary treasurer of the Provincial Command and Chairman of Legion sports for the Province. He was a commissioner for Mount Stewart for three years, holding the office of Chairman of the Village Commission. A veteran of World War II, he had served overseas for 5% years, being honoured by General Montgomery for “outstanding service and devotion to duty” during the North West Europe Campaign. He was also presented the Royal Can— adian Legion Meritorious Service Medal by the Dominion Command of the Legion.

World War II

It was at a War Memorial Day service on June 28, 1936 that Dr. A. B. Martin, President of the Mount Stewart branch of the Legion, referred to “the grave situation in Europe where war clouds seemed to be gathering.” Gathering they were, and soon Canada and other peace- loving nations were called upon to help crush that “monstrous abortion of hatred and defeat” called Adolf Hitler and the pernicious doctrines he aspired to advance.

Just as hostilities were beginning, Rev. S. J. Boyce of Mount Ste- wart who, accompanied by Mrs. Boyce and their son, John, had been vacationing in the British Isles, sailed from Greenock, Scotland, on the C.P.R. liner, “Montrose.” They were about 800 miles out when it was rumoured they were to go back to Liverpool. The passengers, many of Whom as refugees from Czechoslovakia and Poland had witnessed Nazi barbarities at first hand, were greatly upset. However, after a period of seeming indecision which lasted for several hours, the ship proceeded on Its way and arrived at Quebec Without mishap.

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