Welcome
The Coveted Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon
Master Mason Certificate: Awarded to all Lodge
Brethren Who Qualify!
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Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons has been proudly operating as an Emulation-Work Lodge since 1859. Located in Victoria, British Columbia, the Lodge was first Chartered by the United Grand Lodge of England, then later by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia (now known at the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon). Victoria-Columbia No.1 is older than Canada has been a country, and our Lodge is rich in history and tradtions.
Visitors to this website, particularly those men considering becoming a Freemason, are encouraged to enjoy and explore the information provided here, as well as the links to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon and other Freemasonry online resources.
What is Freemasonry?
From the United Grand Lodge of England:
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 – making a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. The following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge – which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.
Freemasonry instils in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Master's Greeting
Brethren and Guests,
After a very successful 2018, I am excited to build on the progress made by WBro Nick Mansley, Immediate Past Master, WBro Lane Luckow, Master in 2017, and the line of Masters going back to our first meeting in 1860!
All of us find our way to the west gate for different reasons, and through our journeys together, discover that those differences are eclipsed by our similarities. There exists a common thread of enthusiasm currently affecting Victoria-Columbia, and Freemasonry in Victoria is experiencing a great surge of energy.
The year ahead will be a busy one. Annual charity events, such as Music for Youth in March and the Masonic Picnic in July will be bolstered by extra social & community functions. The officers of Victoria-Columbia No.1 are focussed on expanding Lodge events and are and still putting forth new and fresh ideas that concurrently build upon our lodge's storied history!
H.W. Coil, Masonic author, perhaps sums-up what I am witnessing in our lodge today,
"Nowhere does one become more convinced of the strong hold which Freemasonry takes upon the minds and lives of those aging workers in the Craft who have attained its highest honors and of their firm belief in the power of its teachings to purify the soul of men and raise them to a new dignity and to greater heights of spirituality and practical morality".
Let us continue our work brethren. I look forward to seeing you all in lodge, and also look forward to meeting all of those interested in joining the craft.
Worshipful Master - Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1
WBro. F.J (Frank) O'Brien
