CRESTON MASONIC HALL

Creston Lodge No. 54 – The Building

In 1908, Freemasons in the Creston area obtained a dispensation to establish its own lodge, and ultimately received its official Charter in 1909.  The Lodge membership included, loggers, ranchers, merchants, railroad and ferry workers, miners, horticulturists, and veterans.  Several Lodge members served during WW1, and numerous returning veterans joined the Lodge in subsequent years. The Lodge proudly included over 30 WW1 veterans ranging from Privates to the Commanding Officer of the 230th Forestry Battalion.

Today, we proudly occupy this historic building located at the intersection of Vancouver Street and Tenth Avenue, which was constructed in 1938 as a dedicated Lodge hall. The property and construction expenses were estimated to be no more than $4,100. However, these costs did not include labour, prompting the Worshipful Master to request each brother present to state their willing contribution towards this aspect of the construction. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Over the course of its history, the building has undergone multiple transformations and renovations, adapting to the changing times while preserving its functionality. In preparation for Creston Lodge’s centennial celebration in 2009, a comprehensive makeover was undertaken, encompassing the walls, floor, and ceiling.

Currently, the building is shared by Creston lodge and Creston Valley Shrine Club. In the past, it housed esteemed organizations such as Daughters of the Nile, Eastern Star, and Cascade Council. The Masonic Hall Association oversees the maintenance of the building, rents out spaces to various organizations, including the Lions Club and Rotary, and ensuring its continuous utilization by the community.