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BOULT'S BOOK STORE (OfEN SATURDAY EVENINGS) 3t3^ CAMSIE STREET VICTORIA, B. C: PUHTID At Tn BUTISH CoU>NI|T OniCM, li71. .-. ■iMMMaiHIi J^ 'i> I H VIM^mi W IB iB •^tt^*" •g^~.^ .J- . ■ ■ifr^»gi1ii«llf_.^ A STATEMENT lOf the position of the Masonic Fraternity in tbe Colony of Vancouver Island and British Columbia, compiled for the information of the Craft, in consequence of a Proposition by certain Brethren to form an Indepen- dent Grand Lodge for the Colony. Formation op Lodges. The inauguratioD of Masonry ia this Colonj dates from the leonstitutioD of Victoria Lodge, No. 1085, (now No. 783,) under Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England, dated March 19th, 1859. This was followed by the constitution of a second Lodge, (under the Grand Lodge of England, at New Westminster, British Columbia, called Union Lodge, No. 1201, (now No. 899,) by I Warrant dated Dec. I6th, 1861. An application dated 1st April, 1862, was received by Vic- toria Lodge from certain of its members and other unaffiliated brethren, asking for a recommendation to the Grand Lodge of Scotland to entertain favorably their petition to form a Lodge, to be called Vancouver Lodge, No , under that jurisdiction. At the regular monthly meeting of Victoria Lodge, held on the 15th May, 1S62, the petition was read, and on motion duly pro- posed and seconded, the following resolution was adopted : << That the Viotoria Lodge No. 1085 eordialljr retpondt to the petition of tha Brethren desirous to establish a LodRe under the Orand Lodfte of Ssntland ; but in doing to, the/ reserre the precedence of the Grand Lodge of England in general MaRonio affairs within the colony, and Iheycommunicaie this reiolatioa t« tke Grand Lodge of Englandjas a matter of reeord." An amendment, duly moved and seconded by two of the pe- titioning Brethren, " That the petition be granted as it stood," was lost. Pftor.'however, to this action, the'following resolution appears on the minutes of Victoria Lodge, as having been duly passtd at the regular meeting held on January 24th, 1861: "Whereat we hare been icformed that a party in this community hare kpplied to the Grand Lbige of Washington Territory for a Dispensation or Warrant to organiae a Lodge of F, ft A. M. in this town, it is, therefore, " RisoLYED, Thai while we bail the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory and all other Orand Lodges as brethren and Masons, we dn not recognise their power to grant Dispensations or Warrants out of the district of their own country, and all Dis- pensations and Warrants emanating from any other seurce than tlie Orand Lodges nf the mother oouiitry in this plaee, we shall hold as clandestinci and all Masons riiit- ing such Lodges cannot be recognised by us as Masons." J I" FBEEMiSONRT IN BRITIBH OOLUMBIA. The result waa the formatiou of a Third Lodge, called Van- couver Lodge, No. 421, under Warrant from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. A Fourth Lodge, under the Grand Lodge of England, was conitituted at Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, called Nanaimo Lodge, No. 1090, by Warrant bearing date Jan. IGth, 18C6. A. Fifth Lodge, under the Grand Lodge of England, was constituted at Victoria, Vancouver Island, called British Colum- bia Lodge, No. 1187, by Warrant dated July 26th, 1867. A Sixth Lodge was formed at Barkervillo, Cariboo, Britirih Columbia, (under dispensation and subsequently bv Warrant No. 466,) under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. A Seventh Lodge was formed at Nanaimo (ander dispensation from the R. W. P. G. Master for Scotland) called Caledonia Lodge: (subsequently chartered by a Warrant No. 478) under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. An Eighth Lodge was formed at Hastings, British Columbia^ (under dispensation) called Mount HermoA Lodge, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. A Ninth Lodge was formed at Victoria, Vancouver Island, (under dispensation) called Quadra Lodge, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. , At this date the Lodges under the Grand Lodge of England are aware that there is no Charter for the Ninth Lodge and have Hot been notified of the receipt of a Charter for the Eighth ; nor have they been informed of the dates of the authollties under which the last two named Lodges are acting. A " Provincial Grand Master " was appointed by the M Grand Master of Scotland for the Scotch Jurisdiction in Colony, on the day of 186. A " District Grand Master " was appointed by the M Grand Master of England for the Enoriish Jurisdiction in Colony, by Patent dated 10th Sept., 1867. Such is the history of the Lodges in this Colony under the Two Jurisdictions up to the present date. W. this W. this First Proposal to Form ak iNDiPBNDEirr Grand Loxwe FOR THIS COLONT. At a meeting of Vanconver Lodge, No. 421, held on Jao, 2nd, 1869, a series ot Resolutions was passed, aid communicated to the Lodges in the Colony by the following Circular : \ »MMiMa wSiiM^, mtmmimMmm mH^ lOLUXBIA. PBEEMAFONRY IV imiTISlI COI.UMniA. f) ird Lodge, called Van- from the Qrand Lodge LodffC of England, was land, called Nnnuimo te Jan. lOtli, 18G6. )dge of England, was i, called British Colum- ^uly 26th, 1867. Jrvillo, Cariboo, British [uently bv Warrant No. imo (Hnder dispensation and) called Caledonia rant No. 478) under the tings, British Colombia, noA Lodge, under the ria, Vancouver Island, Jge, under the Grand •and Lodge of Engl»nd ! Ninth Lodge and have tor for the Eighth ; nor the authollties under ng- ppointed by the M. W. Jurisdiction in this 186. ointed by the If. W. 1 Jurisdiction in this this Colony under the DENT Grand Lodge No. 421, held on Jao. jerj, aid communicated ring Circular : Vancouvkii LomjE, 421, R. S. ) Victoria, Jan. 5th, 1809. [ \. Plummcr, Esq., District Grand Clerk, District Grand Lodge of English Masons in B. C. )eor Hir and Brother: I herewith transmit to you a Copy of Resolutions inanimously pas-sed by Vancouver Lodge, at a meeting held Jan. '.ud, 1869. Moved by Bro. R. H. Adams, seconded by Bro. H; B seelyo ; 1st — That there are at present in the Colony of British ]!olumbia, a Provincial Grand Lodge of Free Masons under the Furisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and a District rraud Lodge under that of the Grand Lodge of England. 2nd — That under these Provincial and District Grand jodges, there are only Eight Subonlinutc Lodges, ('one under lispensation), representing numerically a Brotherhood of about Three Hundred. 3rd— That the support of these two Provincial and District l^rand Lodges— in addition to the transmission of Grand Lodge fees to both Mother Grand Lodges in Scotland and England— causes a drain upon the funds of the Subordinate Lodges, so ^'reat as to prevent their accumuhition for any local, benevolenl "lor other purposes calculated to advance tlio iutorosts and happi- |uC3« of the Order in this Colony. ', 4th — That the existence of two Grand Lodges, or financially speaking, four Grand Lodges, tends [besides scattering the funds] to create jealousies and rivalry highly injurious to what would otherwise be a happy and united brothcrliood, to open our sacred Iportals to the unworthy, and dissipate strength and resources 'which, combined, would fully ■establish support and amply pro- ' vide for the permauent success and prosperity of one Independent j Grand Lodee. 5 5th — That the decisions and edicts of a Provincial or District jGrand Lodge are unsatisfactory, inasmuch as they are not final land may be appealed fiom, and the great distance of England or Scotland from the Colony, the uncertainty of mail communication and the delays which are apt to and do occur in correspondence, causing often vexatious repetition so as entirely to prevent the Jgood results which would accrue from tlic establishment of Grand j Lodge authority in this Colony. m 6th — That the formation of an Independent Grand Lodge of m British Columbia, uniting the brethren of both jurisdictions under 2 one Grand authority, responsible to tliemselves, would at once I ensure harm.ony and promote tiio success and prosperitv of aU, i ?> i: '■^ c l'UBKM.\8.)XUY IX UUITISlI COMJMIIIA. wlilcli ore now cxactoil by four (Jraiitl Lodj^es — two of wliiuh ur Toil I'houHiujtl mil(!i (Ji.staiit— and enable us at once to coininan tlio rospeci and hciirty co-opi'ration of slut^v Independent Grun Lodi^CR tiiroiiglioMt tlio world. Ttli— Tliat u Comniittoc bo afipointcd to confer with all si tor Lodfjcs upon tlio smbjoct of tlic forcjifoinjj resolutions, and ( rec )nimend ilifi best njear.s of carrying tliem into elVect, oitlior b calling a (ionoral Couvcution of the Craft, or othorwitie as ma Bceni most expedient. Bros. P. M., R. H. Adams, V. M., M. W. Waitt.and Bro. E E. Seolyo were appoint(!d a Committee on the foregoing resoli tions. I have the honor to be, My Dear Sir and Brother, Yours Fraternally, R. B. I'owELL, Secretary. On receipt of this Circular, Victoria Lodge, No. 783, passe a Resolution wliich they communicated to the R, W. D. C JMaiiiter, as foUowij : Victoria Lodob No. 783, E. R., ) nth February, 1869. J R. W. Sir, I have the honor to forward copy of a resolution passed h the Victoria Lodge No 788 at the last regular meeting, relativ to a communication received from Vancouver Lodge No. 42 R. S., embodying certain resolutions passed by the said Lodge i to the desirability of forming an Independent Grand Lodge ( British Columbia, and suf^^gesting that a committee be appointe to consider and recommend the best means of carrying said ret lutions into effect: Resolved, That the communication received from Vancoavi Lodge No. 421, R. S„ in relation to the subject of the formatio of an independftut Grand Lodge of British Columbia, bo forwan ed to the Rt. W. District Grand Master, with the request that I take immediate steps to lay the same before the Grand Lodge i England." Enclosing copy of said resolutions, I have the honor to be, Rt. Worshipful Sir and Brother, Wm. Leigh, Secretary. Robert Burnaby, Esq., R.W.D.G.M. On receipt of the above document, the R.W. D. G. M. iii dressed the following letter to tho V.W.G. Secretary: iiMi COI.UMIIiA. VIIKFMAHOXUT IN IlBlTlill COI.lMtUA. 0(1^(63— two of which aro us at onco to command i.stcr ludcpcnduiit Grand ad to confer witli all 8is- i;oinjx resolutions, and to liem into eft'ect, oithor by aft, or othorwiiio as may [. W. Waitt.andBro. H. )n the foregoing resola- S?ir and Brother, rnully, B. Powell, Secretary. 1 Li)d^e, No. 783, passed d to the R. W. D. G. oDOB No. 783, R. R., ) February, 1869. [ of & resolution passed by regular meeting, relative icourer Lodge No. 421, ised by the said Lodge as ipendent Grand Lodge of I committee be appointed ms of carrying said reio- received from VancoHVtr ; subject of the formation sh Columbia, be forward- , with the request that be 3fore the Grand Lodge of 3ir and Brother, Wii. Leigh, Secretary. , theR.W. D. fV. U.iid' G. Secretary: [ ViCTORU, Vancouver Island, British Colombia,) 8th Fcoruary, 1869. f The V. W. Brother John Ilorvey, Grami Secretary, &»•-., &a.. Freemasons' Hall, London, ^. W. AND Dear Sir and Brotheu, I enclose for your information a circalar which has. wltliout ny concurrence, been forwarded to t'le »CT«ral Lodges undtir juy urisdiction. All the Lod;?os, ^ith the exception of Victoria, No. 78a, de- fined to enter .n.o the qnogtion without autliority froln«thc irand Lo'l'ro. Victoria Lod^e, after much discussion, rcfoi\od he niatter lo nr.o. with a request tiiat I would take steps to bring before the authorities in England'. As a simple matter of coarse, looking to the source from hence my own rank is derived, and from whence the warrants ssue under which we work, I could not for v.n instant entertain ach questions as those propounded in this circular, nor could permit any Brethren under my control to take any action what- ver in respect of them, unless I were sure that the Grand Lodge f England would countenance or encourage any such course. I have already informed you in a previous letter of the com- lieations that occasionally threatened to arise owing to tbe ex- stence of the District Grand Lodge of English and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotch Freenaasons in this small community, and T tated that the Provincial Grand Master shewed every disposi- ion to unite with me in promoting harmony amongst the Breth- ren. He is no party to the present agitation, and is, I tliink, inteiiding to leek from his Grand Lodge the same counsel I am now asking from mine. In opening this case, it is necessary in the first place to pre- ■ise that this colony is a small and isolated British community in cloje proximity to American Territories and States, each ot which , las a matter of course, has its own Independent Grand Lodge. Oar population contains, besides many Americans, a large pro- irtion of Canadians, who have also an Independent Grand lOdge — hence among the more restless spirits of the Craft has arisen this desire to achieve also an independent position aad to take rank as a;distinct Grand Lodge. I also alluded in my for- mer letter to the fact that the working of the Scotch ritual assi- milates more closely than ours to that which is adopted in the American Lodges. This tends to unite the sympathies of these two branches of the Order, and to render our jurisdiction more isolated and select. Those Masons who were made in England and whose associations, like my own, cling affectionately to oar own noble mother Grand Lodge— second to none in the Craft — i w ^ (• FttRRMASOXHY IX nmTlSlI COLUMniA. view with appreliension, in the preseat small state of things her any such movement as that which is contemplated in thiscircula and I am convinced that many of them would at once retire fro any active connection with tlie Craft in the event of its bein consummated. Nevertheless, having at heart the good of Craft and the extension of its usefulness, I should be truly gla if the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland, by conference t< gether, could devise some plan under which the two jurisdictio could work in concert under one head. How far this may possible I do not know ; but any advice or assistance in this d rection will be most gratefully hailed by me. I candidly aro^ my apprehensions that, if soraeihing of the kind be not done, t Craft, which has thus far made much progress, may become divic ed against itself, and its influence for good may b© weakened this community. But. at the same time, the insignificance of ou numbers and the unimportance of the colony scarcely justify eve the idea of indepen fence. Your kind counsel and aid on thi diffi cult point will be gratefully acknowledged by me. Of on thing you may rest assured, tliat neither by thought, word or ac have I any inclination to sever myself from the authority of oa Grand Lodge nor from the supreme control of our noble anc esteemed Grand Master, by whose kind confidence andpatronag< I enjoy the dignities he has conferred upon me. With kind and fraternal regards, Believe me, Dear Brother and V. W. Sir, Yours Fraternally, Robert Bubnabt, D. 6. M. To which the following reply was received : Freemasons' Hall, ) London, W. C, May 10th, 1869. j R. W. and Dear Sir and Brother : I have delayed replying to your letter of tke 8th of Feb. much longer than I ougkt to have done, partly from over occupa tiott, the preparations tor opening our New Buildings here having monopolised my entire attention, and partly from feeling satisfiec that you would be able to deal with the subject you wrote abon much better by exercising your own judgment on the spot, thai by any advic« which could emanate from this quarter. I am sure I only speak the sentiments of ev«ry good Masoi when I say how much I should regret if the Masons of your Dis trict took any step which might lessen their own influence. Ai a District Grand Lodge of the Grand Lodge of England th( Brethren in Vancouver Island enjoy a far more influential posi tion than they could possibly do, if they formed themselves int( COLUMBIA. FRBBUASONRT IN BBITISU COLUMBIA. 9 mall state of things here, ternplated in this circular, vould at once retire from' in the event of its being t heart the good of the , ss, I should be truly glad j 3tland, by conference to- ich the two jurisdictions i. Hovv far this may be I or assistance in this di- )y me. I candidly arow he kind be not done, the gresg, may become divid- ood may be weakened in the insignificance of our loiiy scarcely justify even counsel and aid on this edged by me. Of one by thought, word or act 'om the authority of oar control of our noble and ionfidence and patronage on me. nd V. W. Sir, i'ly, IT BURNABY, D. 6. M, iceived : >N8' Hall, ) May 10th, 1869. ) etter of tkeSthof Feb. artly from over occupa- 7 Buildings here having tly from feeling satisfied ubject you wrote about fment on the spot, than liis quarter. 3 of evary good Mason he Masons of your Dis- eir own influence. As Lodge of England the more influential posi- armod themselves into Independent Grand Lodge, whose paucity of numbers would |mply render it ridiculous. So long as they forn>a branch of le parent stock and receive the moral support of the Mother !)ountrv, they will be loo'-'^d up to with respect. I think if you )uld enforce some arguments of this kind on the Brethren, it light tend to allay their desire for change. It should be borne mind that it is of far more importance for the Masons in your Mstrict to receive the support and countenance of the Grand )dgo of England, than the secession of a few lodges can be to ie latter body. I do not myself clearly see how the English and Icotch Lodges can be brought under one head; still the matter is >orth consideration. Parhaps, I may shortly be lavored with )me further information and communication from you, when if le matttr appears to warrant my doing so, I will bring the ^hole subject under the notice of the M. W. Grand Master. I ^ust, however, that the judiciousness of your measures and the )od sense of the Brethren under your control may not render lis necessary. Believe me, Dear and R. W. Sir and Brother, Yours Truly and Fraternally, John Hervby, G. S. lobert Burnaby, Esq., E. W. D. G. M. Britieh Columbia, As the Annual Meeting of District Grand Lodge occurred In the llth of March, 1869, the R. W. D. G. M. availed himself H the occasion to read his letter dated the 8th February addres- ed to the Grand Secretary of England, and stated he thought it lesirable this letter should be read, that this Grand Lodge might be aware of what he had done and that of course until he had a [eply he could do nothing more. By the printed Report of the Proceedings of the Second Annual Communicaaon of the P. G. Lodge, R. S., held at Vic- toria, May Ist, 18C9, it appears that the R. W. F. G. M. dealt '%rith this subject as follows : " Mt position i/eve as representative of the M. W. the Grand Ifaster Mason of Scotland, prevented me from taking any notice i)f this document either in favor of or against, unless with the ad- vice and direction of our Grand Lodge, In a local point of ^yiew it is difficult, however, to conceal from oneV self the impres- ^^ion that the existence of Lodges hailing from two Grand Lodges >ith thecc:'tingency of other jarisdictionsj being at no distant day Introduced, does tend to create diversity of interests and alle- jiance, to induce local and national prejudices, ungenerous and bamasonic rivalry between Lodge3 (already alluded to in a former part ot this address), and, as has been aptly szpressed in a reso- 3f :.■■ 10 FRBEMABONRT IN BBITI8H COLUMBIA. lution passed bj the Brethren of a sister colony, fosters mach & trangement among the Brethren of a society which in itsel ' knows no country, is confined to no race.' I will transmit th resolationt as passed to Scotland, for the action and advice, i any, of our Grand Lodge." The Craft are thus far uninfermdd as to any reply having bee received from the Grand Lodge of Scotland on this "subject ; bi it will bo perceived that the representatives of the two jurisdic tions regaraed the subject from the same point of view, as a ma ter of Masonic discipline. On the 10th of March, 1870, the D. G. S.Vrote to the G Sec. of England and enquired if the resolution of Victoria Lodg (referred to above under date May 15th, 1862,) had been receive and recorded in his office. To which enquiry he received a replj dated 16th September, 1870, as follows : " " I have examined the papers of 1863 a^d have ascertainei that the Victoria Lodge transmitted in the month of Septembe of that year a copy of the minute of their Lodge of i5ih Ma} 1862, in the exact terms transcribed by you m your letter of tli 10th March, 1870." At the quarterly communication of D. G. Lodge, held a Victoria on the 9th Sept., 1869, the R. W. D. G. M. caused th D. G. S. to read his letter of the 8th Feb., 1869, and the reply c the G. S., dated lOth May. 1869, on the proposal to form an Id dependent Grand Lodge. He then obserrea that the G. Secre tary's reply would commend itself to the good sense of all pn sent. He quite agreed with the G. S. that we were too small i numbers for any such step, and he thought we might very Wd rest content to hail under the FivMt Grand Lodge in the worh under which we were sure of commanding respect; whereas, as separate Grand Lodge, from our paucity of numbers and com parative insignificance, we should scarcely be recognized and I simply ridiculous. From this date the question remained in abeyance until a ci cnlav was sent to all the SvhordineUe Lodges in the colony from Committee of Vancouver Lodge, No. 421, B. S., of which tt following is a copy : Masonic Hall, Victoria, B. C, 24th Jan., 1871. To the Worshipful Master, Officers and Members of Lodge, No. 783, E. B. 2>0ar ^t>« and Brethrm, We beg to tratsmit to you enclosed a copy of the Besoh tions adopted by Vancouver Lodge, No. 421, in reference to th formation of an Independent Grand Lodge of British Coliunbii Victor! «^.>*r. ■*■■' 1 ;OLUUBIA. colony, fosters mach et society which in itdel ce.' I will transnit th( the action and advice, i to any reply having beei nd on this subject ; bir ives of the two jurisdic- point of view, as a mat D. G. S.VrotetotheG ution of Victoria Lodg) 1862,) had been received . jairy he received a replj 163 a^d have ascertained the month of Septembet heir Lodge of 15ih May you in your letter of the 9f D. G. Lodge, held ai W. D. G. M. caused the- b., 1869, and tbe reply ol } proposal to form an Id- erved that the G. Secre- \xe good sense of all pre- ;hat we were too small io ught we might very wall rand Lodge in the world, ig respect; whereas, as a ity of nnmbers and com- sely be recognized and be i in abeyance until a cir dges in the colony from a 421, R. S., of which the' Hill, ) I4th Jan., 1871. f i Members of Victoria FRGElLieONBT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 11 }d a copy of the Besolu- 421, in reference to the Se of British Colombia, iving in view the union of both the English and Scotch Juris- (ctions under one Grand Master, and al.-o an excerpt of the Re- )rt of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Canada at their last Session relerence to this subject. ^^ji At the Regular Meeting of Vancouvpj' Lod^e, No. 421, R. 8. ^Id at Victoria on Wednesday the ISth inst., it was announced: " That the Resolution? above referred to, so far aa heard )m, have met with the sympathy and approval of all Grand )dges to which they had been referred, thereby removing any kbt which might have been held with respect to the early and [mplete recognition of a proposed Independent Grand Lodge of ritish Columbia." It was moved by Bro. H. F. Heisterman and seconded by ^0. P. M., G. C. Keays : " That in view o( the aforesaid encouragement it is now ex- iient to form an Independent Grand Lodge of British Colum- and that this Lodge appoint a Committee of Three, to invite co-operation of all the other Sister Lodges in the Colony, to bet in Convention at a certain day, to be fixed by them, ia the |ty of Victoria." Which Resolution on being pnt, was unanimously adopted. The Lodge then appointed Bros. P. M.Simeon Duck; P. M., C. Keays ; H. F. Heisterman, Provincial Grand Secretary ; d Committee, with full powers to act. At a Meeting of the aforesaid Committee convened under above authority, to whom was added Bro. Geo. Grant, late W. of Cariboo Lodge, No. 469, but now S. W. of Quadra dge, U. D., it was Resolved, that Bro. Simeon Duck be Chairman, and Bro. B. F. Heisterman be Secretary, to the Meeting. " Resoltbd, That a copy of the above resolutions be ad- Ased to the different Lodges in British Columbia under the glish and Scotch Registers, requesting them to appoint the brshipful Master, P. M's and present Wardens, to meet in a )nvention to be held at the Masonic Hall, in the City of Vic- toria on Satnrday, the 18th day of March, 1871, at 2 o'clock p.m. t^ consider the ssmo and pursuant thereafter to form an lode- P^dent Grand Lodge of British Columbia, i' deemed thea and i^re expedient ; and further, that any Lodge not being in a po* n|ion to be re|-^esented by the above Officers, may appoint prox* M to represent them. Carried." The proposed Mee^'g is requested in the hope that en fiitemal discussion of .ad whole matter agreement may be s«- ^ 12 FREEMASOSRT IN BRITISH COLTJMBIA. cured and unanimoua actiou taken by the several Lodges in tlu Colony. Dated at the City of Victoria, in the Colony ot British Col ombia, the 24th day "of January, A. D. 1871. H. P. Heistebman, Simeon Duck. Secretary Chairman. [The resolutions enclosed in the above letter were the same as those already quoted which were circulated by the same Lodg( in 1869.] On receipt of this circular, Victoria Lodge, No. 783, ad dressed the following letter to the D. G. S.: Victoria Lodge, 783, E. R., ) 6th Feb., 1871. ) Dear Sir and Brother, I have the honor to forward for the information of R. W D. G. Master, Officers and Members of D. G. Lodge, a comniuni cation from Bro. Sec. of Vancouver Lodge, together with en cloanres, and read at the last regular meeting of this Lodge or the 2nd inst. when the following resolution, moved by Bro. P.M. E. Harrison, was duly carried : " Re;?olved That the communication now read be forwarder to Bro. D. G. Secretary and referred to R. W. D. G. Mastei Burnaby, asking his permission to allow the Victoria Lodge, No 783, to appoint a Committee to meet the Committee referred tc in said communication." The said resolution was seconded and carried. I beg further to state that Bro. P. M., Henry Nathan ertor ed his protest on the minutes against said communication, witli enclosures, being read, considering it out of the power of tin Lodge to take action in reference to said documents. I have the donor to be, Dear Sir and Brother, Yours Fraternally, Wm. Leigh, Secretary. The letter and circular were laid before the Board of Gene- ral Purposes of D. G. Lodge, with the following memoranduQ] from the O. G. M.: Victoria, B. C, 11th Feb., 1871. [memorandum.] " The D. G. Master, having read the communication from th( Committee of Vancouver Lodare, No- 421, R. S., to tke W. M officers and members of Victoria Lodge. No. 783, E. R., refer the same to the Board of General Purposes for their roport anc suggestions thereon. At the same time he wishes to point oa that the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge o r=^ COLITUBIA. FBEEJIASONRT IN BBITiaH COLUMBIA. 13 5 several Lodges in the B Colony ot British Col- i 171. ^ Simeon Duck. Chairman, ve letter were the same lated by the same Lodge | ria Lodge, No. 783, ad- S.: 1 Lodge, 783, E. R., ) *' h Feb., 1871. f | le information of R. W.. >. G. Lodge, a communi iodge, together with en- leetiug of this Lodge on i >n, moved by Bro. P.M.,! now read be forwarded to R. W. D. G. Master the Victoria Lodge, No. 8 Committee referred to d carried. tf., Henry Nathan erter- aid communication, with out of the power of the documents, ir and Brother, iiy. ^W. Leigh, Secretary. [ore the Board of Gene- following memorandum J. C, nth Feb., 1871. communication from the 421,R. S., totk« W. M. 3. No. 783, E. R., refers )sea for their roimrt and e he wishes to point out I of the Grand Lodge of ngland cannot accedo to such a proposition, without either vio- ating or abandoning the warrants under which they now act, and ?hich it is presumed would not be done without a full vote of ach Loflge being taken on tlie subject, supposing the Board of general Purposes should think it desirable to submit such a quea- ion to any Subordinate Lodge, without a previous reference to he Grand Lodge of Kngland. TheD. G. Master also suggests o the Board of General Purposes for their consideration bow far uch a communication as that now referred to them is consistent ith ordinary Masonic discipline, addressed as it is to private edges without any previous reference to the authorities under hose jurisdiction they are acting. The D. G-. Master hopes to receive the report of the Board f General Purposes on the above important question in time for ,he Annual Communication in March." The Board fully discussed and considered the question and uanimously adopted the following Resolution : " That this Board of General Purposes do not think it advi- able to take steps at present towards the formation of an Inde- endent Grand Lodge in British Columbia; whilst they feel that ircumstances may occur in the future to render such a proceed- ing advisable." Their Report was submitted to D. G. Lodge at its Annual Communication in March, 1871, when the D. G. Master referred to this subject in his Address, observing : " The R. W. D. G. M. then rose and said it gave him great pleasure once more to meet the Brethren in Quarterly Communi- cation and tr ^"i able to congratulate them upon the general prosperity oi Masonry in the Jurisdiction. If some lodges were 'slig!itly depressed others were quietly improving and certainly the general tendency was satisfactory. " The point to be brought before the D. G. L., was the Re- port of the Board of General Purposes on the prop-isition to form -an Independent Grand Lodge, which had been referred to him by ithe W. Masters and Brethren of the Lodges under his control. fin dealing with this very important subject, he would in the first instance I'ead to them his letter to the Grand Secretary of Eng- ^land. written on the 8th February. 1869, to which was received the following reply, dated May 16th, 1869. Vide p.p. above. " The Brethren would therefore perceive from this corres- pondence that he had not been insensible of, or indifferent to the importance of this question, two years ago. In referring it to : the Board of General Purposes, ho forwarded at the same time f the following Minute expressive of his views on tho subject, (see Memorandum above) and ho now wished further to say that he i 14 FREEMiSONRT IN BRITISH COKUMBTA- had no personal feeliiie: in the matter, but waa merely de.sirou^ to point out to them their position and his duty in such a case. He did not wlah to fetter the action of any of the Brethren — if tliey thouQfht the proposed ciiange desirable, a course was clear to them — they could retire from the Jurisdiction, and when he found he had no one to preside over he would cheerfully bow to that decision and retire also; but so long as any competent num- ber of the Brethren determined to abide by their Charters ho would support them to the last and not abandon bis post. ♦' He thought it only proper moreover to add that this ques- tion could not be decided by any section of the Craft antil it had received the consideration of a competent power to deal with it, and that was the reason why he had in the first instance referred it to the Board of General Purposes, with a view of bringing their decision before the Grand Lodge for adoption or otherwise. By strict rule the question should have been brought before him in the first instance. He now wished further to state that no Brother under his Jurisdiction could b« allowed as such to enter- taiu the question, they can only act under the sanction of their Warrants in a Warranted Lodge and as such a proceeding would be contrary to their allegiance to our constitution, all they can do is to leave their Lodge, if thev so desire it. If as, he had be- fore stated, they did so he should be governed by the law laid down in Sec. 29, p. 71, of the Book of Constitutions, and if any Brethren remained true to their allegiance be should remain firm with them. He left the whole matter in their hands for decis- ion upon the basis he had laid down, perfectly willing to bow to their decision ; but he wished to state emphatically from the chair that he personally did not think the proposed change would be in any way advantageous, but that if the Brethren thought other- wise he was willing at once to forego his position so soon as they by their deliberate action left him without a jurisdiction to pre- side over." On a vote being taken this Report and Resolution were unanimously adopted, and by direction of the D. G. Master the action of D. G. Lodge on this matter was communicated to the Committee of Vancouver Lodge by letter dated March 16th, 1871, in reply to their Circular, and also to the W. M's of the Lodges under the Euglis' Jurisdiction. Notwithstanding this notification of their objection emanating from the English Juris- diction, the Committee met on the 18th March, 1871, and other Brethren being present proceeded to elect a Grand Master and Grand Officers and to declare a Grand Lodge of British Colum- bia duly formed. The above named Brethren through the Grand Secretary elect (Bro. Heisterman) communicated (by Telegraph) with the v\ OLUMBTA- , was merely desirous- duty in such a case. y of the Brethren — if )le, a course was clear isdictioD, and when he )uld cheerfully bow to 18 any competent nura- ay their Charters ho andoD his post. to add that this ques- r the Craft until it had power to deal with it, ) first instance referred a view of bringing adoption or otherwise. I brought before him in her to state that no lowed as such to enter- the sanction of their ich a proceeding would stitution, all they can 3 it. If as, he had be- :ned by the law laid nstitutions, and if any ice be should remain n their hands for decis' ctly willing to bow to latically from the chair sed change would be rethren thought other- osition so soon as they a jurisdiction to pre- and Resolution were the D. G. Master the communicated to the r dated March 16th, o the W. M's of the Notwithstanding this om the English Juris- larch, 1871, and other Grand Master and Ige of British Colum- the Grand Secretary Telegraph) with the FREEMASONRY IN nRITISH COLUMBIA. 15 JM. W. Bro. P. G. Master Ellwood Evans, of Wnahington Terri- tory, and requested him to attend on Monday, tlie2l)thof March, 1871, aad install the Grand Master elect (It. W. Bro. Powell, [Provincial Grand Master for Scotland, who was at the time ab- sent from the Colony,) and officers of the proponed Grand Lodge [of British Columbia, which invitation fwith its result) was not [communicated to the Lodges iji the Colony, nor to the objecting 1 Brethren of the English Jnrisdiclion, until the following letter [was received by the R. W. I>. G. Master at 6:30 p. m., on the [evening of the said 20th day of March, 1871, being only one hour ibeiore the time fixed lor the intended Installation. Victoria, B. C, 20th March, 1871. Robert Burnaby, Esq., R. W. District Grand Master of British Columbia, E. R. R. W. and Dear Sir and Brother : I am instructed by a Committee of the M. W. Grand Lodge of British Columbia, to inform you that we have received a telegraui from the Bon. Ellwood Evans, M. W. P. Grand Master of Washington Territory, siating that he will arrive this evening and that he (gratefully) accepts tlie invitation to install the Grand Master elect, at half-past 7 o'clock this evening. On account of the deep interest you have always taken in Masonry in the Colony, it will afford us great pleasure if you will be present thereat. 1 h'^ve the honor to be, R. W. Dear Sir and Brother, Yours fraternally, H. P. Heistbrman, Secretary to G. L. Cof On receipt of which the D. G. M. at once directed the D. G. S. to attend at the place of meeting, and hand in the fol- lowing letters, protesting against any further action being taken ,in the matter for the present : i Victoria, B. C, 20th March, 1871. 'The Most Worshipful Ellwood Evans, P. Grand Master of Wash- er ington Territory. tDear Sir and BrotJier: I am directed by the R. W. District Grand Master of F. & A. IMasons under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England in ;^ritish Columbia, to enter a formal protest against your instal- ling an Independent Grand Master until you shall have been fully ieatisficd from information derived through him of the legality of Jthc Lodge in which it is proposed that you should inst all him. ^1 i it J -ji>r«h> !*■ 1'R *pam "fW*!?* 10 FREBMASONUY I» DRITISH COLUMllfA. Ml A There are various legal points whicli are at present op and to be l)roujiht before you. and I am instructed to express t wisli of the 11. VV. U. G. Master, acting on behalf of the Brctliri whom lie reprchents, as well as tlie representative of tlie Grai Lodge ot Kn',Maud, that you will not take any action without d consideration of the points adverted to. According to the laws of the.Grand Lodge of England, ui der which we work, and also of the Grand liodge of Scotland, meeting of Masons under the circumstances under which the pr posed Installation is to take place, is illegal and unmasonic. Ai fu'.iher information you may require, I am directed to state sha be furnished you in ample detail. 1 have the honor to be, Most Worshipful Sir and Brother, By command of the D. G. M., Thos. Shotuolt, D. G. S. Victoria, B. C, 20th March, 1871. H, P. Heisterman, Esq., Sir, — Your letter of this date to the D. G. M informir him that the P. G. Master of Washington Territory will insta the so styled G. M. of British Columbia at half-past 7 o'clock th evening, was received by him at 6:30 o'clock. I am directed by the District Grand Master to state in repl that he cannot be present at an informal and illegal meeting i you request him to do, and that he hereby in conjunction wii his principal Grand Officers, enters a protest against your pr ceedings as being contrary to the established laws that gove: the Craft lor legitimate working. I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, • Thos. Shotbolt, D. G. S. The District Grand Secretary did so attend and on 1 return reported that he had found the Brethren assembl as a Lodge and opened in the Third Degree, and proper tiled as such ; the said Lodge being presided over by a Broth who was th» W. Master of a Lodge at that time acting und dispensation from the P.G. Master for Scotland; and that a for al demand had b:!on thrice made for the Warrant or oth authority under which the assembly was acting, by a member the Grand Lodge of Scotland, who was also a P. M. of an Er liah Lodge in the Colony. This demand could not be compli with, and the Brother, after verbally protesting, stated that could not recognize the meeting as a duly constituted Lodge Masons, and he therefore felt it his duty to unclothe himsol which he did— and after discussion was permitted to retire. iiiimf:M'maat<^»-a "mff* COLUMIHA. ;Ii are at present open instructed to expresfl the )ii behalf of the Bretlireu sscntntive of the Grand e any action without due LodjTC of England, un- nd Lodge of Scotland, a cos under which tlie pro- ;al and unmasonic. Any ,ru directed to state shall ir and Brother, d of the D. G. M., )s. Shotholt, D. G. S. .,20th March, 1871. the n. G. M infornaing jn Territory will install at half-past 7 o'clock this clock . I Master to state in reply, vl and illegal meeting as )by in conjunction with rotest against your pro- ished laws that govern • PBBBMASONItY IN BBITfSH COLUMBFA. 17 jdient SerTant, • [OS. Shotbolt, D. G. S. id so attend and on his the Brethren assembled d Degree, and properly sided over by a Brother that time acting under cotland; and that a for ra- the Warrant or other acting, by a member of also a P. M. of an Eng- i could not bo complied )te3ting, stated that he aly constituted Lodge of r to unclothe himaolf— permitted to retire. a The Craft will thus perceive, from the above historical fBtatement and record of fact^, that " pre.ned-,nce loia reserved to \the Grand Lodije of England in (jeneral M'ittrary to Mssonic discipline : inasmuch as the proceedings were conducted without previous communiciUion with and sanction nl the Grand Lodge of Scotland (or its representative in British Columbia) having been first, ob- tained and generally notified to the Craft, as would appear 1-^ i * 18 FIIGRM.VSONItY IN URITfSII COLUUUlJk. lo have been necepsnry from the reinnrks of Iho P. 0. for the Scotch JuriMjiction in his Address to Ijisi I*. Lodf-e, Mi\y Ist, 18G9. 4ih — C'oiihory to any expressed wisli of a majority of Brc'ihrdi in the Coh>ny ; and contrary to thu uiianimn vote of tl;e District Grand Lodj^e representing the Brethr lioilinfT under tlio Gran;l Lodge of ICnghuid, which vote been duly notilied to those Firethren who were attempting form an Jtidopendcnt Grand Lodge, and who by their acti •would have deprived the Knglit>ii Frcemdsnns of any oppo tunity of obtaining the sanction of their Grand Lodge, as cstal)lii-iicd custom ihoy n.ust necessarily iiave done (as sul orfliiiate thereto) before they eouid have participated in ar Buch movement. fith — 'Hint llie Meeting held on Monday the 20th Marol 1871, and protested against by the D. G. M., as sittin clothed and actually opened as a Lodge of Master Masot and filed as such, without Warrarit, Dispensation or othe lawful authority to be so met and 8sseml)led, was actin unconstitutionally aiid contrary to recognized Masonic lav The foregoing historical statement, with the grounds of pro test, are submitUd to the judgment of the Craft, under the confi dent expeciati( n that the action taken with reference theret will meet with the a|)proval of the Brethren at largo and b further sustained by lawful authority. Prepared iiv direction and under the inspection of the Distric Grand Master, and ordered to bo issued from the Distric Grand Secretary's Office, Victoria, British Columbia, 24tl April, 1871. Thos. Shotbolt, D. O. S. ^li >lll|>,»WIWii>i»ii"i" "^iW r Majr iii i i 'i wV.'.Mi lOji"!) COLUUUlJk. inniks of llio I*. 0. M. AdJress to his P. fi: ivisli of a majority of thoj ,rury to the unanimous, ^prcKcnting tlio Brethren ^) J