VICTORIA MASONIC CENTRE

Victoria Lodge No. 1085 received its charter from the United Grand Lodge of England in 1860, after an eighteen-month delay waiting for it to arrive by steamship from England via Cape Horn. On August 20, 1860, with eleven Brethren present, a special ceremony was conducted, and the new Lodge was formed.  J.J. Southgate was installed as the first Worshipful Master with Robert Burnaby being elected as first Past Master.  Amor de Cosmos, the second Premier of British Columbia, was also in attendance. This meeting and others were held above the Hibben and Carswell store on Yates Street.  

British Columbia Lodge No. 1187 was established in Victoria, BC in 1867, as the second Lodge to practice the English Ritual in the city. Thomas Harris was the Lodge's first Worshipful Master. In 1877, however, the decision was made to join Victoria Lodge and British Columbia Lodge together to form Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. I, newly chartered under the Grand Lodge of British Columbia (now of British Columbia and Yukon).  

In 1878, the construction of current Masonic Temple located at the corner of Fisgard Street and Douglas Street was begun. The architect was John Teague. He was Worshipful Master for three years (1880-1882) and he also designed many other buildings in Victoria including City Hall and portions of St. Ann's Convent.

Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 has a continuous history older than the country of Canada itself. In our Lodge's 161-year history, many prominent men have served as its Worshipful Master and have been members. These men helped shape British Columbia in its early days during the Gold Rush and throughout its evolution into the modem society we see today.  

There is every reason to believe that this strong tradition will continue well into the future.

During the 1800's, thousands of miners, and adventurers, mostly from California, passed through Victoria on their way to the Fraser River gold fields. Some of them set up businesses or found work in the bustling frontier town. A few of these newcomers were Freemasons who practiced the Ancient or American Ritual. In order to continue doing so, these founders applied to the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a charter. The Grand Lodge of Scotland issued a charter for Vancouver Lodge No. 421, Victoria, in the colony of Vancouver's Island, on August 4, 1862, and sent forward at once a warrant, or working letter, in order that no delay in opening the Lodge might be occasioned. 

The first meeting of Vancouver Lodge No. 421, S.C., was held on October 20, 1862, in Victoria's first Masonic Hall at the southwest corner of Yates and Langley Streets with Worshipful Brother Israel Wood Powell as Installing Master. 

The first Worshipful Master was Worshipful Brother William Jeffray.  On Dec 27, 1862, Worshipful Brother Powell was installed as District Deputy Grand Master, and given the title of Right Worshipful Brother.

 Quadra Lodge No. 508, S.C., was organized July 13, 1870. The first meeting was held on Jan 7, 1871, working under dispensation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland (which had been commissioned by the Grand Lodge of Scotland on May 6, 1867), pending the issuance of a Charter by the Grand Lodge of Scotland.  That Charter was granted August 7, 1871 but did not reach Victoria for almost seven months. 

The first Right Worshipful Master of Quadra Lodge was Brother James A. Grahame. Vancouver Lodge No. 421, S.R., took the first step towards the formation of an independent Grand Lodge of British Columbia, and strongly supported by Quadra Lodge No. 508, was the most persistent advocate of that course. This Grand Lodge was finally organized through the Masonic Cooperation of the Provincial Grand Master and the District Grand Master on October 21, 1871. At the first meeting of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia on December 21, 1871, Most Worshipful Brother I.W. Powell, Grand Master, announced that he had granted immediate warrants to the various

Lodges, naming Vancouver Lodge No. 2 and Quadra Lodge No. 8. These two Lodges were amalgamated May 16, 1877, under the title Vancouver and Quadra Lodge No. 2. The first Worshipful Master was Worshipful Brother R.B. McMicking who held that office in 1877, 1878 and 1879.  

Received Dispensation - August 17, 1911

Instituted Under Dispensation - September 25, 1911

Charter Granted - June 20, 1912

Constitution - July 15, 1912

It was Worshipful Brother John James Jackson who took the initiative to form Camosun Lodge and, at that time, was Past Master of Shuniah Lodge No. 287, Port Arthur, Ontario. As a distinct preference for what was then known as the Antient York Rite (now styled Ancient) was shown by those interested in forming another lodge in Victoria, Worshipful Brother J.J. Jackson agreed to its adoption. However, as he was unfamiliar with the work of the Antient York Rite, and realizing that to acquire the requisite knowledge would involve much hard study, he declined the office of Worshipful Master in favour of one better instructed in the work. Worshipful Brother James Hickling Tomlinson, a Past Master of Perfection Lodge No.9, Calgary, Alberta, which practised the Antient York Rite work, was eminently suited to fill the office of Worshipful Master and thus became the first Worshipful Master. Worshipful Brother J.J. Jackson was the first affiliated Past Master. 

On February 17, 1911, a meeting was held at 736 Fort Street, Victoria. Present were: Worshipful Brother J.J. Jackson, Worshipful Brother J.H. Tomlinson, Worshipful Brother Gordon Stewart and Brother's Tibbitts, Adams, Court, Duncan, Walls, Grohe, Johnson, Hearnden, Wilson, Dilsworth, and Morrison. Worshipful Brother Gordon Stewart was appointed Secretary, for the time being.  It was agreed to name the new Lodge "Camosun" and that all charter members pay the sum of $5 and, later, be assessed to defray all expenses connected with the formation. 

The first committee to formulate bylaws was held at 637 Fort Street on February 15, 1911. On May 8, 1911, Brother W.A.S. Duncan was appointed the first Secretary and the third Monday in each month was adopted as the regular meeting night of the lodge.  The first work exemplified was done on August 7, 1911, before Right Worshipful Brother Riddell, District Deputy Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Carey Pope. Right Worshipful Brother Riddell expressed his satisfaction of the manner in which the Brethren had put on the work and assured them a dispensation would be granted without delay. 

Dispensation was granted by Most Worshipful Brother F. J. Burd on August 17, 1911.  A meeting of Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the Grand Region of British Columbia was held in the Masonic Temple, Victoria, British Columbia, on September 25, 1911, for the purpose of instituting Camosun Lodge by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother F.J. Burd. The first officers to be installed were:

Worshipful Master – Worshipful Brother J.H. Tomlinson

Senior Warden – Brother F. Morrison

Junior Warden – Brother G. Pattison

Secretary – Brother W.A.S. Duncan

Senior Deacon – Brother R.C. Wilson

Junior Deacon – Brother E.E. Coady-Johnson

Senior Steward – Brother C.M. Hearnden

Junior Steward – Brother G. Tibbitts

Treasurer – Brother J. Dilsworth

72 Brethren attended and refreshments for the occasion cost $17.15.  

The first regular communication of Camosun Lodge, under dispensation, was held on October 16, 1911, when ten petitions for initiation were presented and, on November 20, 1911, Mr. Ernest Fairey and Mr. Harry Worswick were the first to be initiated.  The warrant of the Lodge was issued June 20, 1912, by Most Worshipful Brother J.M. Rudd. A communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M., of the Grand Region of British Columbia, was held in the Masonic Temple, Victoria, British Columbia, on July 15, 1912, for the purpose of consecrating and constituting Camosun Lodge, A.F. & A.M. No. 60, by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother J. M. Rudd. The following Brethren were installed:

Worshipful Master – Worshipful Brother J.H. Tomlinson

Senior Warden – Brother F. Morrison

Junior Warden – Brother G. Pattison

Chaplain – Brother J.J. Jackson

Treasurer – Brother J. Dilsworth

Secretary – Brother W.A.S. Duncan

Senior Deacon – Brother R.C. Wilson

Junior Deacon – Brother E.E. Coady-Johnson

Director of Ceremonies – Brother J.O. Cameron

Inner Guard – Brother E.O. Weston

Senior Steward – Brother C.M. Hearnden

Junior Steward – Brother G. Tibbitts

Tyler – Brother F. Hiligar

The first Bylaws were read and approved in open Lodge at an Emergent Communication held in the Masonic Temple in Victoria, B.C. on September 23, 1912.  The last meeting of the Lodge under dispensation was held on May 27, 1912, and the first regular communication, after the Lodge had been constituted, was held on August 19, 1912.  

Britannia Lodge was brought into being by a number of Brethren, mostly members of Lodges under the Jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland, with a few Brethren from various Jurisdictions throughout Canada. The first meeting was held at the Masonic Temple, on Friday, January 17, 1913, with Brother W. G. M. Rolston acting as Chairman, and Brother C. Dodd acting as Secretary.  

Matters decided at this meeting were: 

1. That the ritual of the new Lodge when formed be Emulation.
2. That the number of Charter Members be limited to 25 (this was subsequently raised to 40, and finally closed at 60). 
3. That fees for the Three Degrees (including E.A. and M.M. Aprons) be set at $75.00. 

At a subsequent meeting, Worshipful Brother A. C. Messer, Past Master, was elected as Worshipful Master, Brother Ralph Berrill as Senior Warden and Brother Cohn McFadyen as Junior Warden, Brother F. C. Winterburn as Secretary, and Brother W. Moir as Treasurer.  The name selected for the new Lodge was St. George, but this was turned down by the Grand Master, as there was already a Lodge by that name on the Registry of the Grand Lodge of B.C.  Four other Names were suggested for the new Lodge, namely: Britannia, Belmont, Douglas and St. Patrick. Having been submitted to the Brethren and balloted upon, the name “Britannia” was chosen. 

Application was made to Grand Lodge for Dispensation to form a new Lodge. Consent of the existing Lodges in the City had to be obtained before the Dispensation could be granted.  Certain issues were encountered to the formation of a new Lodge, but eventually the objections were overcome and Dispensation was granted by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother William Henderson.  Right Worshipful Brother W. F. C. Pope, Deputy District Grand Master. District No. 1, was appointed to examine the Officers in their work. He expressed his approval of the capabilities of the Officers to do the work, but observed there were slight differences between the Emulation ritual demonstrated and that of other Lodges in the City. 

At a meeting held on July 22, 1913, all the principal Officers who had been elected for the new Lodge resigned, and the following Officers were elected in their place: Worshipful Brother M. B. Lloyd, Past Master, was elected as Worshipful Master, but resigned at the following meeting held on July 29th, and Worshipful Brother P. James, Past Master, was elected and became the first Worshipful Master of Britannia Lodge. Brother C. McFadyen was elected Senior Warden, but the Grand Master ruled that he was ineligible, and Brother H. R. Woodley was elected as Senior Warden.  Brother D. A. Ross was chosen as Junior Warden, Brother J. W. Edwards as Treasurer and Brother C. Dodd as Secretary. 

The Lodge was duly Instituted on September 19, 1913, by Right Worshipful Brother Dr. G. L. Milne, Deputy District Grand Master, District No. 1.  On this evening, the first petition for membership by the degrees in Britannia Lodge was received from Dr. C. P. Higgins, M.D., who eventually became the first Candidate to be Initiated, Passed and Raised in Britannia Lodge, “Under Dispensation”. During the Dispensation year, fifteen Brethren were raised, and five Communications for degrees, three Fellowcraft, and two Master Masons, were held in May 1914.

The Ceremony of the Constitution of Britannia Lodge took place on Friday, July 17, 1914, when the Charter was presented, and the Lodge numbered 73 on the Registry of Grand Lodge of British Columbia.  Most Worshipful Brother James Stark, Most Worshipful Grand Master, presided.  The roll of the Lodge on this evening stood at 75 members.

The Regular Communication of the Lodge was held on the third Friday of each month at 8:00 p.m. This continued until May 18, 1917, when the time was changed to 7:30 p.m.  On September 13, 1917, the present day and time of meeting was adopted; the Second Thursday in each month at 7:30 p.m. 

At the 50th Anniversary held on September 20, 1963, of the 60 Charter Members, seven were still living and continued as Honourary Life Members of the Lodge, viz.: Worshipful Brother J. W. Edwards, Past Master (1917); Worshipful Brother N. O. Haugh, Past Master (1920); Brother A. W. Greaves, Brother G. S. Parsons, Brother D. Scott, Brother W. Telford and Brother N. Whittaker. Brother Greaves and Brother Scott were still regularly attending Lodge meetings. 

On the 100th Anniversary, we, of another generation, assembled to pay tribute to the labours of the well-skilled Craftsmen who laid the foundations of Britannia Lodge.  May the Great Architect of the Universe grant us the strength and wisdom to continue to build a worthy superstructure upon the foundations so well and truly laid. 

"For those who forget the Builders

There is no place in the Temple. "

Officers of the Lodge on Our 100th Anniversary

Worshipful Master ..................................... Worshipful Brother Kip Lyon

Immediate Past Master. ................... Right Worshipful Brother Bill Headen

Senior Warden .......................................... Worshipful Brother Don Kain

Junior Warden ............................................ Brother Henry Frew

Treasurer ............................... Right Worshipful Brother Jeffrey Woodburn

Secretary ..................................... Right Worshipful Brother Grant Kitching

Director of Ceremonies ...................... Worshipful Brother David Jaenen

Senior Deacon ................................. Brother Stephen O'Connor

Junior Deacon .............................. Very Worshipful Brother Roger Strange

Inner Guard ........................................ Brother Richard McLeod

Senior Steward ...................................... Brother Alan Longstaff

Junior Steward ................................... Brother Lance De Yaeger

Chaplain .......................................... Right Worshipful Brother Murray Kirk

Organist ........................................ Very Worshipful Brother Roger Strange

Tyler ................................................... Worshipful Brother Terry Jackson

Masonic Medal of Merit Recipients

Brother R. B. (Doc) Watson ................................................. 2005

Brother K. N. MacKenzie ...................................................... 2007

Brother J. Lang ......................................................................2013

Over 56 years ago, on February 3, 1917, the initial but informal meeting was held at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel to discuss the feasibility of forming a Masonic Lodge  in the Oak Bay area.  It was the forerunner of many meetings held during 1917, 1918 and the early part of 1919.  The Lodge was finally instituted under Dispensation in May, 1919 and the Ceremony of Constitution was held on July 16, 1920, with the Charter being presented by Most Worshipful Brother Dr. E.B. Paul. 

Great credit for the successful conclusion of the negotiations leading to the formation of the new Lodge must be given to Most Worshipful Brother William Henderson, Grand Master of the Grand Jurisdiction of British Columbia, 1913-1914. His experience and sagacious leadership, together with his untiring distinguished efforts, ably assisted by many distinguished Brethren, did much to establish the new Lodge on a firm and lasting foundation.

Dispensation was granted by the Grand Master Most Worshipful Brother John Shaw, the Charter Roll being numbered 34.  In recognition of the great service rendered by Most Worshipful Brother Henderson to the Craft in general and more particularly in and around Victoria, and also in token of the high esteem in which he was held, the Most Worshipful Brother was asked to allow the new Lodge to bear his name, and to accept the very responsible position of becoming its first Master, which, notwithstanding the burden of many years, he graciously consented to do. 

Only one of our original members remained with us (Editor’s Note: at the writing of this document in 1973): Right Worshipful Brother Walter M. Walker, No. 6 on the Charter Roll. He played a leading part in the early days of our Lodge.  Brother T. W. Gravlin, our Tyler for many years, Brother W.A. Westby, Wor­shipful Brother E.A. Robbins, and Wor­shipful Brother C.E. Laundy, candidate numbers 16, 20, 8 and 13 respectively, are four of our early candidates still active in Freemasonry.  On September 23, 1931, all men of good will were saddened to learn of the passing of our first Master, Most Worshipful Brother William Henderson in his 95th year. A Member of four Masonic Lodges, Victoria-Columbia No. 1, Vancouver - Quadra No. 2, Britannia No. 73; and Henderson No. 84, he was buried with full Masonic Honours on September 26th. There were 180 Brethren in attendance, the service being held at St. Columbia Church, now known as Oak Bay United, which our late Brother designed and built; the service was conducted by Brother, the Reverend, H. Guy. 

The Ceremony of Institution for Henderson Lodge was performed on June 6, 1919, in the old school house on Foul Bay Road.  Officiating was Most Worshipful Brother Angus McKeown, Past Grand Master 1890-1891. The Lodge was given the name of Henderson Lodge and numbered 84 on the Registry of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia.  As of December 31, 1922, the membership had increased to 84 and it was thought expedient to seek larger premises. In conjunction with the newly formed Victoria Lodge of Perfection, A.A, Scottish Rite, a more commodious hall with better facilities was secured at the Willows, where a disused schoolhouse was converted to provide increased accommodation. However, during the next few years a greater increase in the membership made it necessary to again seek larger premises. 

In 1929, space was secured in the newly built Shrine Temple on View Street, Victoria; and our first communication was held there on November 19, 1929. It is interesting to note that the question of building a new Masonic Temple in Victoria was being discussed and an option had been taken on several lots adjoining the Shrine Temple where it was proposed to erect the new Masonic Temple.  Nothing came of these proposals and we remained a tenant of the Shrine Temple until Grand Lodge granted permission to become a joint tenant with other lodges in the Victoria Masonic Temple, in February 1945.  

Minutes of the first decade show that Henderson Lodge admitted 128 new members, 79 by Initiation and 49 by Affiliation. Forty-three petitioners were rejected and 27 Members demitted.  

As mentioned, we became tenant in the Victoria Masonic Temple in 1945, remaining there until 1956, when Grand Lodge permitted us to return to Oak Bay where we were able to secure the use of St. Phillip's Church Hall. Our sixth, and perhaps final move came in 1963, when we participated in the purchase of our present Henderson Hall. The move was approved by Grand Lodge on June 11, 1963, with our first Regular Communication being held on September 24th of that year.  (Editor’s Note: this was not the final move)

Henderson Lodge has passed through many trying times but it has always retained "Peace and Harmony" and may it ever be thus!  Brother J.L. LeHuquet researched the early records of the Lodge and passed on the foregoing information to Worshipful Brother R.B.B. Crombie.  

Over the years, various social events have taken place such as the 'Ladies' Night', when in 1945, Worshipful Brother Crombie suggested a banquet followed by a dance. This was held in the Monterey Restaurant and was attended by over 150 Masons and their ladies. Another custom is that of holding a "Burns Night" on our Regular Communication on the fourth Monday in January each year. The Toast to the Haggis and to the Immortal Memory is always attended by a goodly number of Members and Visitors.  In 1938, some of our golfing brothers, while vacationing at Qualicum Beach, met members of Concord Lodge No. 79, of Parksville, B.C. As a result of this chance meeting, an exchange of visits ensued on Installation nights and by 1940, these visits became a yearly event which are still being enjoyed. 

At the time of the completion of the new Masonic Temple at Parksville, the three Principal Officers' Chairs were donated; the Master's Chair by Henderson Lodge, The Senior Warden's Chair by Worshipful Brother E.L. McNiven, and the Junior Warden's Chair by Worshipful Brother E.J. Cave-Brown­, both of whom were Members of Henderson Lodge. The Square & Tessellated Pavement, which was built by Brother J. Bostock of our Lodge was also donated. At the time the N.E. Corner Stone was laid by Most Worshipful Brother D. McGougan, the N.E. Corner of the building was well trussed with nails· driven by a large contingent of Henderson Lodge· Members.

When Henderson Lodge moved from the Shrine Temple to the Victoria Masonic Temple, the furniture was placed in storage and later donated to Sidney Lodge No. 143 when in July, 1951, they received their Dispensation.  In 1965, Worshipful Brother W.G. Passmore, then our Worshipful Master, arranged a Biannual visit with South Gate Lodge No. 247, F. &. A.M. Grand Lodge of Washington, U.S.A. A 'Friendly Gavel' was presented to Worshipful Brother S.D. Steere and is used on these occasions. Lapel pins with the emblem of the three principal officers were presented to our Officers and these are passed on following our Installation Ceremonies.

Haida Lodge 60th Anniversary 2016

On Monday, August 15, 2016, Haida Lodge No. 166 passed the milestone 60th anniversary of its Constitution and Consecration. The events leading up to the forming of Haida Lodge in 1956 are documented in the first By-Laws, published in 1957.  The idea of forming a small, Daughter Lodge, the founding members of which would be from Camosun Lodge No. 60, was conceived by Right Worshipful Brother Stanley H. Okell, assisted by Worshipful Brother B. Gough, and Worshipful Brother E.A. Bleathman. Within Camosun Lodge there were 29 Brethren who became Charter members of Haida Lodge. To this day, Haida continues to be unique, in that it is the only Lodge in our Jurisdiction that was founded entirely by Brethren from the same Lodge. 

The first meeting of these Brethren to plan their new Lodge was held on May 31, 1955. At the second meeting, held on June 7, 1955, the name “Haida” was suggested by Brother D.B. Turner, and adopted. At the third meeting, held on June 21, 1955, the main topic was the selection of Lodge Officers. Further meetings were held during the months of July to November 1955, in the Knights of Pythias Hall, 723 Cormorant Street, for the purpose of exemplifying the three Craft Degrees, using the American Work, before Right Worshipful Brother N.H. McMillan, District Deputy Grand Master, District 21 who subsequently presented a petition for Dispensation to the Most Worshipful Grand Master. On December 13, 1955, the Grand Secretary advised Brother G.C. Thomas, Secretary-Designate of Haida Lodge, that the petition had been favourably received. The Dispensation was presented to the founding members at the Ceremony of Institution held on Wednesday, January 18, 1956 at the Knights of Pythias Hall, with 100 Brethren in attendance. 

The Dispensation expired on May 31, 1956, when a petition for a warrant was presented to Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication in June, 1956. A warrant or Charter was duly granted, giving Haida Lodge No. 166 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, and situated in Victoria District 21. On August 15, 1956, at an Emergent Communication of Grand Lodge held in the Knights of Pythias Hall, Most Worshipful Brother D.A. Stewart presided at the ceremony of Constitution and Consecration. The District Deputy Grand Master was Right Worshipful Brother David Carley.  

Following the ceremony, the Grand Master declared Haida Lodge opened on the Master Mason Degree and proceeded to install the officers.  W.B. Bleathman was the first Worshipful Master. This was the first regular communication of Haida Lodge No. 166.

In 1956, there were 158 Lodges and nearly 25,000 Freemasons, averaging 160 per Lodge. In Victoria, Districts 1 and 21, there were 15 Lodges with a total of 3,102 members, or an average of 207 per Lodge. The largest Lodge was Victoria-Columbia No. 1, with 414 Brethren, also the largest in the Jurisdiction. The newly-constituted Haida Lodge was the smallest, with 37 members.

In the Grand Lodge Proceedings, Most Worshipful Brother Donald A. Stewart, Grand Master, reported under Special Events: "August 15, 1956. Victoria, B.C. Constitution and Consecration of Haida Lodge No. 166.  This was the only Lodge constituted this year. It was supported in the Ceremony by most of the Grand Lodge Officers and there was a large attendance of members of Victoria Lodges to pledge encouragement and support for this new Lodge. 

Haida Lodge is unique in this Jurisdiction in that it was created wholly from a mother Lodge, Camosun Lodge No. 60, also of Victoria. A precedent has been created here which might well be considered by other large Lodges in the Jurisdiction. There are so many greater opportunities for closer fraternal friendships and associations and for gaining experience in the work as well as in developing qualities of leadership through assuming the responsibilities of office in a small Lodge as compared with a Lodge with an excess of 150 to 200 members." 

True to its objectives of fellowship, excellence in ritual, and pursuit of Masonic Education, Haida Lodge remained a small Lodge over the years. When the total membership of the Craft in our Grand Jurisdiction peaked in 1963 at 27,129, Haida Lodge had 56 Brethren. The highest number of members in Haida Lodge was 87 in 1981. (Grand Lodge had 22,717 on its roll that year.) 

Over the years, Haida Lodge excelled in degree work, fraternal visitation, and Masonic Education. From time to time, our Lodge performed several outstanding Masonic plays.  Our special Lodge furniture is widely renowned.

The records the real beginnings are entombed somewhere in the Provincial Archives. It does not require much imagination to picture the debates and discussions Victoria-Columbia No. 1 had on the necessity for a Lodge of Instruction, as it was called. We still have their descendants in every lodge today; but there were other brethren with a thirst for further masonic knowledge.

The Worshipful Master of Victoria-Columbia explained the purpose of a Lodge of Instruction quoting from Mackey's "Lexicon of Freemasonry" that "a Lodge of Instruction was an assembly of Brethren congregated under the direction of a skillful Brother (usually called a Preceptor) for the purpose of improvement in Masonry; which is accomplished by the frequent rehearsals of work and Lectures of each Degree.” Forty brethren of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 had already completed applications for membership.  The first regular meeting of the Lodge of Instruction was held in the Masonic Temple on 18 September 1931 at 7:30 p.m.  Worshipful Brother W.E. Bland was in the chair and read this letter: 

Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 

This is to certify that a regular meeting of the above Lodge held on Thursday, May 7, 1931, permission was granted to form a Lodge of Instruction, according to Section 187 of the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia. 

Yours fraternally 

R.J. Saunders Secretary”.

With the Brethren proficient in the degrees by 1934, the type of program was changed for the ensuing year. On alternate months no degree would be exemplified, but four brethren would be chosen to prepare a paper of about ten minutes' duration on different portions of the ritual.  At a meeting January 5, 1938, there was a lengthy discussion on the Grand Lodge Educational Program and the part this Lodge should play in it.  It was resolved that Worshipful Brother Jones be authorized to negotiate with the Masters' and Wardens' Club and with Right Worshipful Brother P.H. Hughes with a view to the possible formation of some form of District Lodge of Education and Research wherewith this Lodge of Instruction could amalgamate.

On February 25th, Worshipful Brother Jones reported to the Lodge that a meeting of the representatives of the Educational Committees of the Lodges in the District had been held on February 21s at which it was resolved that:

1. It would be in the interests of the Grand Master's Educational Scheme to form such a Lodge.
2. A Lodge of Research would hold meetings solely for research and education, thus attracting those who are really interested along these lines.

3. The membership be drawn from all the Lodges in the District with the privilege extended to every Master Mason wishing to visit.

It was pointed out that since similar Lodges were in existence in various parts of the Old Country, Eastern Canada, and the United States, the nearest being in Seattle and Portland, it would be wise to procure from Seattle and Portland information which would be a guide to the formation of such a local Lodge.  It was moved, seconded and carried unanimously that: "This Lodge of Instruction go on record as being in favour of so extending the facilities of the Lodge until such a Lodge of Research is formed or the idea abandoned.”  At the meeting on June 24, 1938, the Worshipful Master informed the Lodge that he had received from Right Worshipful Brother Hughes attending the Grand Lodge Communication in Nelson a telegram which read: "Our petition presented and licence granted.” 

The final meeting of the Victoria-Columbia Lodge of Instruction was held in the Masonic Temple on September 30, 1938, at 7:30 p.m. With the election of Officers that night for the Victoria Lodge of Education and Research. All present were invited to be present at the next meeting and to take out membership at $2.00 per year. 

This Victoria landmark, built in 1878, is notable as an excellent expression of the Second Empire architectural style. Designed by Victoria's most prolific architect of the day, John Teague, the style echoes Victoria's City Hall, also a John Teague design. Second Empire style is notable for its mansard roof angled cornered topped with a square tower an elaborate pediment entrance embellished with Masonic symbols. The original 1878 building was substantially added to in 1909 with the Henderson edition. This continued the building along 650 Fisgard St towards Chinatown.

The interior of the building is equally impressive with Vaulted barrel ceiling. It's blue colour, highlighted by gold leaf stars, represents the constellation lyre over Jerusalem at the building of King Solomon’s Temple. Around the bottom edge of the barrel ceiling are representations in plaster of British Columbia’s floral emblem, the Pacific Dogwood which illuminate the ceiling’s constellation.

The furniture dates from 1878 and was manufactured locally from oak. Originally lit by coal gas, new incandescent lighting was installed when Victoria was electrified. The carpet shown in the pictures, has been replaced once, in the last 145 years with an exact copy manufactured by the original supplier in Scotland. 

The ownership of this building is equally unique. The Mmasonic fraternity in British Columbia was and still is an unincorporated body, this meant that in 1878 the ownership had to be through a Trust Deed, which was held by Victoria Columbia Lodge #1, Vancouver and Quadra Lodge #2 and Columbia Lodge Royal Arch Masons.  The first 15 years of operation were challenging for the deed holders, who, in 1893, petitioned the Provincial Government to release the trust deed.  The BC Legislature granted the request by creating a unique act of the Legislature in 1893.  The building still operates under the stewardship of this act and its benefit to the community persists through the outreach of Victoria’s Ffreemasons. One of the examples of this is the building next door - look up and you will see the Mmasonic symbol.  Ashlar Manor provides 48 units of subsidized housing for Victoria Community members with spinal cord impairment.