Before joining Canada, the Colony of British Columbia was a collection of forts, trading posts and settlements with a population of around 11,000 colonists and around 26,000 first nations peoples. Many of the towns that sprang up along the Railway and the Gold Rush trail had Masonic Halls among their first buildings. In these halls, groups of Freemasons ( called Lodges) promoted in their members deeper moral character and civic responsibility  and provided a place of deep spirituality for men of many different vocations, heritage and faiths.  As BC and Yukon have grown in opportunity, population and diversity, our Craft has grown to reflect the make up of our communities, towns and cities. As Masons, we meet each other on the level and we share a common purpose.  The rich diversity of our Craft is one of the hallmarks of Freemasonry.