What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry: as old as BC itself
In October 1871, three months after BC joined confederation as a Canadian province, the Masonic lodges of the former colony joined together to form the Grand Lodge of British Columbia.
Freemasonry is the largest fraternal organization in the world.
Its origins are lost in the unrecorded history of medieval Europe, but it was formally organized in London, England in 1717.
Current worldwide membership totals approximately 6 million, 1.1 million of whom are in North America.
Freemasonry is not a religious or political institution but rather a fraternal and charitable organization comprising men of all backgrounds, heritage and faith who share a desire to improve themselves and their society. It teaches self-knowledge and self-improvement through participation in a progression of ancient ceremonies rooted in such moral virtues as temperance, prudence, justice and courage.
“Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join.
For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it’s about being able to help deserving causes and contributing to family or society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby that deepens their sense of purpose and enhances their lives and the lives of those around them.
We are not a Secret Society but a Society with Secrets.
Among them, our modes of recognition and the details of the ancient ceremonies mentioned above. Members are expected to have a belief in a supreme being, be of high moral character and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Freemasonry in BC and Yukon comprises Lodges, which are groups of Masons who meet to practice their Craft in the buildings highlighted on this website. This jurisdiction, like many others, is comprised of a larger Masonic family consisting of other groups that expand and enhance the journey through the Craft and broaden the Masonic Movement. Some of these you may recognize, like the Royal Arch, the Scottish Rite, the Knights Templar and of course the Shriners. It also includes groups for girls and women of all ages backgrounds and faiths like Job’s Daughters and The Order of the Eastern Star and one for male youth named Demolay International.