INVERMERE MASONIC HALL

Columbia Lodge No. 38 was instituted in December of 1902, and for the next 45 years met above Tegart’s Hall in Windermere, a small community across Lake Windermere from the current town of Invermere. Early descriptions of the original Lodge include the adjectives “cold” and “drafty”, with a small and unheated preparation room. The photo provided shows a modern version of this building which now appears to be heated and much less drafty!  However, one can only speculate as Columbia Lodge departed this location in 1948; all the Columbia Lodge Brethren who attended there are now in the Grand Lodge above. 

The sale of this building in 1948 necessitated the building of a new Lodge facility, but the town of Invermere was chosen as it had grown substantially and was now the largest community in the area,  larger than Fairmont, Windermere, Athalmer, Wilmer, Edgewater, and Radium.  The new location was the intersection of 7th Avenue and 13th Street (now referred to as “dysfunction junction”), with a small pharmacy located next door to the south.  Columbia Lodge met here for 28 years; unfortunately, no photos of this building are readily available.

By 1976 the Pharmacy next door had grown in size and wished to expand, so a lease agreement was negotiated whereby the Pharmacy expanded into the Lodge building’s location. It now occupies the lower level of a new building with Columbia Lodge and York Rite bodies enjoying the increased space on the second floor.

Columbia Lodge No. 38 continues to be very active in supporting the local community. During the past youth programs, the local hospital, and other local charities have benefited from our contributions, including an individual bursary that was presented to one or more high school graduates during recent years.  More recently we have sponsored “pizza bursaries”, a $200 grant to a group exhibiting citizenship and community service from each of the six local schools.  Rather than being awarded to a single person, this bursary is intended to be used for a pizza lunch or other activity/items to benefit the entire group.