150 Years of Common Ground

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of British Columibia & Yukon has its roots in the 20th October 1871 founding in Victoria, BC. The formation of Grand Lodge in British Columbia united the several lodges already created on the registry of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Grand Lodge of England.

A lot has changed in the past 150 years, and the modern face of Freemasonry reflects the growing diversity of heritage and perspective you find in all corners of Western Canada. One thing that has not changed, however, is the inclusive nature of the Masonic movement, which embraces men and women of all religions, all backgrounds and walks of life. Freemasonry is at the heart of a Masonic movement that includes Job’s Daughters for young women, de Molay for young men, the Oriental Shrine, the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine, York Rite, Scottish Rite and many more concordant bodies for women and men.

But in the early days of British Columbia, when the Gold Rush, fisheries, forestry and commerce brought settlement and growth, the first few buildings erected in each new town were a bank, a church and a Freemasons hall.

Today, Freemasons carry on that connection to community through service and support and as an enduring focal point for personal development and enlightenment through education in morality, civility and leadership. This is the shared purpose that bonds all Freemasons; it is our common ground.

In fact, Freemasonry’s ability to establish common ground among people of diverse backgrounds and varied experience it our greatest strength. A place where we are not divided by belief or perspective, we instead stand with each other on the level, united by a shared desire to improve ourselves and our communities.

150 Year Commemorative Project

Masonic Markers

As the legacy project of Most Worshipful Brother Donald W. Mackenzie, Grand Master 2020 to 2022, the Masonic Marker project will adorn 25 locations of Masonic Halls with commemorative 150 Year plaques.

Each plaque will link to a dynamic webpage with information about the building, the lodges that met there, and their connection to the community.

Together, the markers will form a series of interesting waypoints across British Columbia and Yukon, a Masonic highway that links BC history with Masonic connection and makes a fascinating drive for tourists and a rite of passage for Masons.

For further information please contact Masonic Markers Project Team.

Media Inquiries

Please contact us directly at 150 Media for press kits, photos, interviews, and event information.