ASHCROFT MASONIC HALL

On March 3, 1922, nine Freemasons, living and working in and around the Ashcroft area met to discuss forming a Lodge in Ashcroft. The closest Lodge at the time was in Kamloops, which meant travel, usually by train. A request was made to the Oddfellows for the use of their hall as a meeting place.

During a meeting held on October 13, 1927, the question of the Lodge acquiring its own home arose. Brother Dr. Beech offered to sell his property, and building, to Zarthan Lodge for the sum of $1,500. A motion to purchase the property was carried. On May 10, 1928, the first meeting was held in the new renovated building.

In 2005, with declining membership, it became difficult to retain the Lodge building and a decision to sell was made. In May of 2005, Brother Andy Anderson, the Mayor of Ashcroft at the time, offered the use of an old board room above his Irly Bird retail store. This space has since been transformed into a small but attractive Lodge room where members and guests enjoy the work and fellowship found in most Craft Lodges.