About
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Tradition
Vancouver and Quadra is the oldest Lodge of Freemasons practicing the Ancient Work in the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. Our founding members were instrumental in the establishment of Victoria in the nineteenth century. Today, our brethren come from all walks of life and continue to represent the strength and support of our community.
Honour
We aim to be the architects and builders of men, that by the application of moral and Masonic principles, they will be better enabled to improve themselves, their families, and their communities. V&Q; performs this work through excellence in Masonic practice, popular social engagements, Masonic education, support for brothers and their families in times of need, and charitable contributions to the Greater Victoria community.
Visiting Brothers
Join us for our next Regular Communication!
Lodge tyles at 7:30 PM, the third Wednesday of each month except June (first Wednesday) and July and August (dark). Each Communication is followed by a Festive Board.
Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and be prepared with the usual means of recognition.
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The Original Gentlemen’s Club
Freemasonry describes itself as a "'beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." It is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, with over six million men hailing from all over the world. While the exact origins of the brotherhood are shrouded in the mists of time, Freemasonry hearkens back several centuries to the medieval craft guilds of stonemasons who built the great cathedrals of Europe. Present-day Freemasonry preserves in its traditions the working tools and operating structure of the exclusive society those craftsmen enjoyed. The establishment of the Grand Lodge of England formalized this ancient protocol in 1717, and our practices have changed very little since that time.
Your Local Craft Lodge
Vancouver & Quadra Lodge has been practicing the Ancient form of the Masonic ritual since 1862. We have brought thousands of men into the Craft, and have provided moral and mutual support for our brethren and their families. As with all regularly constituted Lodges of Freemasonry, Vancouver and Quadra Lodge does not solicit or recruit new members. Instead, the first step to entering into the world of Freemasonry begins with a candidate’s expression of intent.
Finding Purpose
Freemasonry is about intellectual, moral, and philosophical self-improvement. In a world fixated on improvement of the material self, V&Q; № 2 provides an alternative.
The unrelenting pace of modern life detracts from actual living. The traditional role of men has all but vanished. Increasingly, men find themselves experiencing a diminished sense of self-worth, even though we live in a time of relative prosperity and stability. We live in a time of great personal wealth and physical vitality, yet many feel poor in spirit and weak in fortitude.
One aim of Vancouver and Quadra Lodge is to fulfill our members’ desire for self-actualization by addressing psychological and spiritual needs that all men share. We provide purpose to those who want to do the hard work of civility, charity, respect, and honesty. We provide this with care and urgency, for we are all on our way to that place “from whose bourne no traveller returns.”
Being accepted into the Lodge and passing through the induction process is a symbolic confirmation of the initiate’s value as a man and Brother. He then progresses through the subsequent steps, learning the lessons of Freemasonry and internalizing their message. Ultimately, this course of learning culminates in the Masonic capstone of the third degree.
Personal Mastery
At the core of Freemasonry is a story about something important that was lost, and the endless search to recover it. Freemasonry introduces its initiates to the great stream of knowledge that flows through the history of Western Civilization, beginning with the mystery schools of antiquity, including esotericism, rationalism, humanism, natural law, and religious tolerance.
A Freemason believes in making himself better than he is, not better than other men. Through the work of the Craft, the Lodge provides opportunities to learn and practice new skills. In addition to building his character through discipline, self-restraint, and the exercise of willpower, a Freemason develops other skills:
- ☞ Public Speaking
- ☞ Leadership
- ☞ The Memory Arts
- ☞ Deportment
- ☞ Presentation
- ☞ Dramatic Arts
- ☞ Protocol
Above all, the Craft is a system of symbols couched in a long narrative. Throughout the course of his life as a Freemason, a member will return in quiet contemplation to this narrative to discover its many layers of meaning.
The Masonic Experience
The career of a V&Q; member is a lifelong obligation to commit to a few hours every month in the work of the Lodge. Upon attaining the third degree, members are entitled to the rights and benefits that accrue to all Master Masons:
- ☞ Masonic regalia
- ☞ Admission to Regular Communications (monthly meetings)
- ☞ Full voting privileges
- ☞ A seat at the Festive Board
- ☞ Eligibility to serve as a Lodge Officer
- ☞ Mutual assistance
- ☞ Access to the Concordant and Appendant Bodies
- ☞ Entitlement to visit other Lodges in all recognized jurisdictions worldwide
As recent research shows, one of the secrets to happiness in life lies in the way one makes and maintains relationships. Above all, the Masonic experience is about living in a community and providing service to others. Freemasons believe that not only is it more blessed to give than to receive, but it is also more rewarding. We provide for sick and distressed brethren, and we tend to the families of deceased brothers. In the community at large, V&Q; donates to dozens of different charitable causes annually. We believe that every person should strive to be a good citizen and uphold one’s moral duty to one’s country. The sustainable stewardship of our world begins with the design, construction, and reinforcement of individual communities.
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Our Members
Who are we? Freemasonry cares little about who a man is outside of the Lodge room. We come from all walks of life, and accept each other regardless of nationality, creed, marital status, age, religion, or socioeconomic status. Here are a few examples from our membership.
Bro. Dale Armstrong, 40
Member since April 2016
Adjudicator, the Province of BC"I wanted to become a Freemason out of respect for my late grandfather, who was a Freemason in The Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham (England). I was also curious about the traditions and history of Masonry. In my youth, I was heavily involved in the Army Cadets, which helped shaped me to be the man I am today and provided me with an appreciation for tradition, respect, structure, and camaraderie. Freemasonry allows me to continue observing these values. I am excited to learn all of what Freemasonry has to offer, and I strive to be a better man, working in tandem with other, like-minded men."
R.W. Bro. I. D. L. Brown
Member since 1991
Retired Police Officer
Married, Father of three, Grandfather of two,
Great-grandfather of two."The theme, 'to do good to your fellow man', was one of the main principles that inspired me to join. The world would be a better place if all were Freemasons, as we are non-denominational with a belief in a Supreme Being, and politics are left at the door of the Lodge. I have a number of relatives who were or are Freemasons in Scotland and I belong to a number of concordant bodies."
W. Bro. S. Clark, 42
Member since 2007
Business Manager
Married, Father of one"I was curious about Freemasonry throughout my twenties, mostly because of its reputation for prestige, long and interesting history, and secrecy. But it wasn't until I was into my thirties that I began to understand the Fraternity's true attraction and I petitioned to join:
Freemasonry provides so many things to its members. For me, it satisfies spiritual and intellectual needs. It is the world's best system for self-improvement and there is not a day that goes by that the Craft doesn't challenge me to be better than I am."W. Bro. D.L., 46
Member since 2005
Police Dispatcher
Married, Father of one"I joined for the brotherhood, and the few Masons I knew were all good men, so I wanted to be a part of that. What I like about the Craft is the camaraderie, brotherhood, and being a part of a culture/fraternity with so much history and traditions."
W. Bro. Kevin W. Maxwell, 34
Member since 2012
Golf Professional
Married, Father of two"I wasn’t sure if freemasonry was for me until I met my brother masons. If you can imagine a group of friends learning how to be better people by working together. Also knowing that your brothers all over the world, (especially those you haven’t met yet) are looking forward to seeing you. If you are willing to be a good friend to many, Freemasonry will fill your life with riches as it has mine."
Bro. Robin Patterson
Member since 2010
Student
Single"I became a Freemason because I am interested in esoteric subjects. Freemasonry has shaped many esoteric societies and I feel that joining Freemasonry gets me in touch with that root influence. I also joined because Freemasonry puts strong emphasis on morality and self-improvement, as well being charity- and service-oriented.
My favourite aspects of Freemasonry include the feeling of belonging to a fraternity of friends and brothers who so readily accept me and would not hesitate to assist me should I ever need it. There is a culture of betterment and self-improvement that is framed in ritual and metaphor that I value deeply. I feel like I belong in Freemasonry, which is a rare feeling for me."Bro. D.S., 53
Member since 2012
Civil Servant
Married, Father of one"My brother is a Freemason, and other men in my family have also been Freemasons. I enjoy the structure and fellowship of Freemasonry. It feels like I belong in lodge. You go to work, it's work; you go home, it's just as hectic; you get to Lodge and it's peaceful. It's like meditation for me.
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Address to the Brethren
Brethren, such is the nature of our Institution, that while some must, of necessity, rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn, submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The Brethren elected and appointed to assist in the government of the lodge are too well acquainted with the principles of Freemasonry and the rules of propriety to exceed the power with which they are entrusted, and you are of too generous a disposition to envy their preferment. I, there, shall trust that we have but one aim, to please each other and unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.
Masonry, my brethren, according to the general acceptance of the term, is an art, founded on the principles of Geometry, and directed to the service and convenience of mankind, but Freemasonry, embracing a wider range, and having a nobler object in view, namely the cultivation and improvement of the human mind, may with more propriety be styled a science, inasmuch as availing itself of the terms of the former, it inculcates the principles of the purest morality, though its lessons are chiefly veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. To draw aside this veil, therefore, or more properly speaking, to penetrate through it, is the object of rulers in Freemasonry, and by a careful and appropriate attention to them, we may hope ultimately to become acquainted with all its mysteries.
Freemasonry, from its origin to the present time, in all its vicissitudes, has been the steady and unvarying friend of man. It has (in the language of an eloquent brother) gone forth from age to age; the constant messenger of peace and love; never weary, never forgetful of its holy mission, patiently administering to the relief of want and sorrow, and scattering with unsparing hands, blessings and benefits to all around. It comforts the mourner, it speaks peace and consolation to the troubled spirit, it carries relief and gladness to the habitations of want and destitution, it dries the tears of the widow and orphan, it opens the source of knowledge, it widens the sphere of human happiness, it even seeks to light up the darkness and gloom of the grave by pointing to the hopes and promises of a better life to come. All this Freemasonry has done and is still doing. Such is Freemasonry, and such as its mission; and we should never forget, while enjoying its benefits and appreciating its value, the duties we owe to the order; for there is no right without a parallel duty, no liberty without the supremacy of the law, no high destiny without earnest perseverance, and no real greatness without self-denial.
A lodge of freemasons is the temple of peace, harmony and brotherly love; nothing is allowed to enter which has the remotest tendency to disturb the quietude of its pursuit. A calm enquiry into the beauty of wisdom and virtue, and the study of moral geometry, constitute the chief employments in the tyled recesses of the lodge. The lessons of virtue which proceed from the East, like rays of brilliant light from the rising sun, illuminate the West and South, and as the work proceeds, are carefully imbibed by the workmen. Thus, while wisdom contrives the plan, strength lends its able support to the moral fabric, and beauty adorns it with curious and cunning workmanship. All this is accomplished without any compulsory or coercive means, but on the principle of friendship and brotherly love, which guards the precincts of our temple that nothing may enter to disturb the peaceful sanctity of that holy place.
The object, however, of meeting in the lodge is of a two-fold nature, namely, moral instruction and social intercourse. Our meetings are intended to cultivate and enlighten the mind, to induce a habit of virtue, and to strengthen the fundamental principles of our Order: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. And if these meetings are blended with social mirth and a mutual interchange of fraternal feelings, then Freemasonry will be shown in its true light, as an institution which fosters and improves the best affections of our nature, and carries into active operation the practice of the four cardinal virtues: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, combined with the theological virtues - Faith, Hope and Charity - thereby demonstrating to the world at large that in Freemasonry there is found the true import of the three great social treasures: Fraternity, Liberty and Equality. Therefore the utmost extension of fraternal feeling and affection which can subsist between man and man is expected to be displayed among the brethren of our order in a lodge of freemasons, and then will be attained the chief point of Freemasonry, namely, to endeavor to be happy ourselves, and to communicate that happiness to others.Before I conclude, my brethren, let me endeavor to portray to you the ideal of a freemason.
If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who, without blemish, fulfils his duty as a man a subject, a husband and a father; who is pious without hypocrisy, benevolent without ostentation, and aids his fellowman without self-interest; whose heart beats warm for friendship. whose serene mind is open for licensed pleasures, who in vicissitudes does not despair, nor in fortune will be presumptuous, and who will be resolute in the hour of danger;The man who is free from superstition and free from infidelity; who in nature sees the finger of the Eternal Master; who feels and adores the higher destination of man; to whom faith, hope and charity are not mere words without any meaning; to whom property, nay, even life, is not too dear for the protection of innocence and virtue, and for the defence of truth;
The man who towards himself is a severe judge, but who is tolerant with the debilities of his neighbour; who endeavors to oppose errors without arrogance, and to promote intelligence without impatience; who properly understands how to estimate and employ his means; who honours virtue, though it be in the most humble garment, and who does not favour vice though it be clad in purple; and who administers justice to merit whether dwelling in palaces or cottages;The man who, without courting applause, is loved by all noble-minded men, respected by his superiors and revered by his subordinates; the man who never proclaims what he has done, can do, or will do, but where need is will lay hold with dispassionate courage, circumspect resolution, indefatigable exertion and a rare power of mind, and who will not cease until he has accomplished his work, and who then, without pretension, will retire into the multitude because he did the good act, not for himself, but for the cause of good!
If you, my brethren meet such a man, you will see the personification of brotherly love, relief and truth; and you will have found the ideal of a freemason.
Finally, my brethren, as our fraternity has been formed and perfected in complete unanimity and concord, in which we all greatly rejoice, so may it continue until time shall be no more. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can afford. Within your peaceful walls may your children’s children celebrate with joy and gratitude the annual recurrence of this auspicious solemnity. And may the genuine tenets of our time-honoured Institution be transmitted through your Lodges pure and unimpaired from generation to generation.
“Address to the Brethren” from the Installation of Officers Program, Canadian Work, The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/address_to_brethren.html
