To celebrate 150 years of history in this province, the Freemasons are moving into the digital future.
The Masonic Markers Project will see bronze plaques etched with QR codes at each Masonic building throughout B.C. and the Yukon, including Abbotsford Masonic Lodge on Pine Street.
On Saturday, March 18, they held a Masonic Marker celebration there, with dignitaries on hand to offer well wishes.
The bronze plaque was unveiled by RW Bro. Baljeet Singh Kundan, district deputy grand master of district 18, and MW Bro. Kenneth Morgan Overy, most worshipful grand master.
Also in attendance were MLA Bruce Banman; worshipful brothers Arnold Byron and George Foster from Washington State; Burlington United Lodge No. 93 in Sedro Wooley, Wash., the sister lodge to Abbotsford; and RW Bro. Jim Bennie, who gave a history of the Abbotsford lodge.
Abbotsford Lodge No. 70 is home to Pacific Lodge No. 16 from Mission, the Order of the Eastern Star Electa Chapter, and the Bethel of Jobs Daughters No. 20.
When visiting a Masonic lodge it will now be easy to scan the code and bring up an interactive website featuring how the Masonic movement helped create and shape the communities in B.C. and Yukon.
“We want everyone, Mason and non-Mason, to go on a journey with us to discover the rich history of this centuries-old organization of people who dedicate their efforts to self-improvement and service in their communities,” the website states.
The Grand Lodge of British Columbia was formed in 1871, just three months after B.C. became a province.
The first premier, John Foster McCreight, was a Freemason, and the Yukon Territory was carved out of the Northwest Territories in 1898 and has been a part of Masonic jurisdiction ever since.
Some of the first buildings constructed by colonists were Masonic halls in the towns that grew along the railway lines, rivers and the Gold Rush trail.
Freemasons “promoted in their members deeper moral character and civic responsibility and provided a place of deep spirituality for men of many different vocations, heritage and faiths,” the website states.
The Abbotsford Masonic Hall was built in 1912 where it stands, but was re-positioned by members in 1951.
Freemasonry is largely about the “craft” of building, as they call it, underlining the significance historic first members significant.
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