Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1

Welcome!

The Coveted Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon
Certificate: Awarded to all Lodge
Brethren Who Qualify!

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.

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Open Installation January 6th, 2024

Save the date! Final arrangements have been made for the 2024 Victoria-Columbia Installation. The Banquet will again be at the Hotel Grand Pacific and the Lodge has arranged for very attractive accommodations rates for our guests who would like to overnight in Victoria.

The weekend's celebrations will start at the Fisgard St Masonic Hall on Friday evening January 5th 2024 with a social from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. On Saturday January 6th, the Lodge will be holding an Open Installation in the Fisgard St. Masonic Hall with Freemasons, partners, family & guests invited to attend starting at 1:00 PM (guests should be seated no-later than 12:45 PM).

Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1 is privileged to host the Grand Suites from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon, the Grand Lodge of Washington and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction. With this year's Open Installation, everyone can enjoy the pageantry of these amazing institutions!

The Saturday evening banquet also promises to be fabulous! 6:30 PM Social (no-host bar) for a 7:00 PM sit-down plated banquet at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Ticket prices for the banquet are the same as last year at $85 per person. Rooms at the Hotel Grand Pacific are available from $189 (plus taxes) which is also the same as last year!

How to get tickets for the Banquet and the Friday Social:

Please click-on the Buy Tickets graphic!

Last day for ticket sales is Wednesday December 27th, 2023, or until the banquet is sold-out. Consider getting your tickets right-away so that you don't miss out!

Need more information about the event and how to book your hotel accommodations? Click HERE for the Lodge's Installation Poster

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Master's Greeting

Brethren,

If 2022 was about getting the wheels of the lodge moving again, 2023 is about enjoying the ride!

Thanks to the dedication of our Immediate Past Master and hard working team of brethren, we are experiencing growth for the first time in years. Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1 meetings are inspiring, filled with brotherly love, quality ritual and thought-provoking education; for the year ahead, upcoming socials will warm your soul and education presentations will leave you awed!

While this all sounds exciting (and it is), our focus will be on our brethren; strengthening our fraternal bonds with each other and our fellow lodges. Freemasonry is about brotherhood and improving oneself. Victoria-Columbia is where you will experience this.

Our rich past and profound Past Masters laid the foundation and set the example we are following. As Worshipful Master, I am humbled to serve you and pledge to work hard for you, my brethren. If you have any concerns, thoughts, or ideas, please bring them to me. I want the fruits of our labour to be a reflection of what the brethren want.

I will be open about our goals and ambitions and brethren will have due and timely notice before we move forward with any plans. If our recent installation is any indication, the Lodge is on-track to have a fantastic year!

I wish you all peace and health this coming year and I look forward to both seeing you in Lodge and sharing Victoria-Columbia’s famous camaraderie at our Festive Boards!”

Sincerely and Fraternally,
WB Vance Smith
Worshipful Master

Lodge News & Events

Upcoming Lodge Meetings:

-Meetings first Thursday of every month, including July & August! Victoria-Columbia is the only Lodge in the Victoria area that operates year-round. Regular tyling at 7:30 PM.

Proof of vaccination and wearing of masks no-longer mandatory.

Next In-Person Meeting:

Thursday December 7th, 2023

Regular meeting. Masonic visitors are always welcome! Please contact the secretary in-advance so we can ensure a proper greeting, secretary@victoriacolumbia.ca. Social 5:30 PM, supper 6:00 PM, Lodge tyles at 7:30 PM.

Pre-Lodge supper: TBD, but our Jr Warden always rustles-up good eats!

2024 Annual Dues

The Online Annual Dues Form has been updated for 2024 and is ready for the membership!

In-arrears for 2023? There is a section on the 2024 portal to allow you to bring your account up-to-date

Annual dues may be paid online with a credit card, cheque, or e-transfer (email payment). Paying by cheque or e-transfer saves card processing fees. The discount schedule is included with the online form.

Use treasurer@victoriacolumbia.ca to send e- transfers!

Please Click Here for Online Dues Renewal!

Why Victoria-Columbia No.1 For a "Masonic Journey"?
Amor de Cosmos: Second premier of British Columbia and a founding member of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1

Men considering becoming a Freemason often have to choose between various Lodges and types of Freemasonry practiced. Victoria-Columbia No.1 is proud of being the first Lodge (1859) established on the Pacific-side of Canada, and being one of the co-builders of the beautiful Fisgard St. Freemasons' Hall in dowtown Victoria (1880).

English Past Master Robert Burnaby (the City of Burnaby was named after him) acted as one of the Installing Masters at the constitution of Victoria Lodge No. 1085
in 1860

The current members of the Lodge enjoy 164-years of history and preemminence of Freemasonry in British Columbia!

Other Web Links

Schedule of Events & Meetings in Lodges of District One and Vancouver Island

The Appeal of Freemasonry

"What attracts a man to Freemasonry? Every man comes of his own free will and accord, with his own individual needs and interests. One man may join so that he can associate with other men who believe that only by improving themselves can they hope to improve the world. Another man may join because he is looking for a focus for his charitable inclinations. And yet another may be attracted by a strong sense of history and tradition. Many join simply because they knew a friend or relative who was a freemason and they admired that man’s way of living his life. All who join and become active discover a bond of brotherly affection and a community of mutual support; a practical extension of their own religious and social beliefs."

Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon

Seals of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1 &
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon