The Ancient International order of the Sawyers
The Ancient International Order of the Sawyers – more commonly known as simply The Sawyers – was founded in Graveney, Kent, England in 1467 by a small group of Sawyers – workers who transformed rough logs into usable timbers for the shipbuilding industry.
Over the years, The Sawyers spread across Europe and eventually found their way into North America in the 1700s. The St. Catharines chapter was founded in 1828 alongside the establishment of the Shickluna Shipyards on Twelve Mile Creek.
Though the modern history of The Sawyers begins in the 15th century, some believe The Sawyers have existed as a “secret society” reaching all the way back to ancient Rome. The organization’s logo also feeds into conspiracy theories, despite the organization’s insistence that the triangular shape does not symbolize the Eye of Providence, and that the prominent central T stands for “trestle” – a wooden stand used by Sawyers for elevating and preparing logs into timbers – not “taking over the world.”
The St. Catharines chapter of The Sawyers work extensively in the community, sponsoring scholarships at local high schools, assisting in the planning and fundraising for the annual Grape and Wine Parade, along with owning and operating several community centres and banquet halls across the city.
