In 1912 the village of Abbotsford had only just begun to reap the benefits of being home to a thriving lumber industry, prairies of fertile soil and a stop on three railway lines.
As newcomers arrived, they began to make the connections that would make the community. Among them were Freemasons, members of now distant Lodges.
On May 18, 1912 local Masons welcomed Grand Lodge officers and visiting brethren, and laid the cornerstone of the Abbotsford lodge.
On Oct. 15, 1912 members of the Grand Lodge assembled again, this time to constitute “Abbottsford” Lodge No. 70 and install its officers. The spelling of the constituted name was as it appeared on the Great Northern Railway station, with the extra “t”.
As part of The Reach Living History series, join Abbottsford Lodge No. 70 historian, Bill Overy, as he shares the history of freemasonry, from its earliest beginnings to its establishment in Abbotsford, and debunks myths and misunderstandings about freemasonry. The free presentation is on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
The program is free but pre-registration is required. Contact Kris Foulds, kfoulds@thereach.ca or 604-864-8087 ext 112. Come early and view the 100 Years of Freemasonry in Abbotsford exhibit at the Reach.