History

The following is a brief history of Haida Lodge.

Founding of the Lodge

In 1955, three new Lodges were formed in the Greater Victoria Area. The first was in Sooke, the second in Langford and the third at the Masonic Temple on Fisgard Street.

Each of these Lodges were somewhat patterned after existing Lodges and opted for either the Emulation Ritual or the Canadian Ritual. At the same time, there were a number of members of Camosun Lodge that wanted to be different and perhaps somewhat more exclusive.

First, they were dedicated to Camosun Lodge and the "Antient" Ritual they practiced. Next, they were concerned that Camosun had grown too large for its Members to really get to know their Brethren.

Finally, they were concerned that with the number of members steadily increasing, too much time in Lodge had to be given over to conferring of degrees, and this had to detract from Masonic Education, from Fellowship and from the diligent and precise Ritual and "Floor work" these Brethren wanted to practice.

Camosun Lodge discussed the idea at length through much of 1954 and 1955. Just after the 84th Annual Communication of Grand Lodge in June 1955, the Worshipful Master of Camosun Lodge appointed RWBro. Stan O'Kell, WBro. Ernie Bleathman and WBro. Charlie Morrish to form a committee to determine the feasibility and desirability of establishing a new Lodge. Meetings began in September 1955 and these basic rules were established:

All founding members would be members of Camosun Lodge.
The new Lodge would have a ceiling on membership and it would never have more than 100 members on its role.
Each Degree would be conferred not more than once each year.
Each member would promise that he would attend all meetings and if he were unable to attend he would ensure that the Secretary was informed.
Masonic Education would be considered as of utmost importance on our Lodge Agenda.

It next became clear that the Brethren would have to achieve some form of firm commitment to the new Lodge and a list of those who wished to be Founding Members was prepared. As his name was entered on this list, each Brother paid $10.00 towards his first year dues.

By the end of October, 1955, 30 names were gathered. These were determined Brethren who intended to press on with the project. They were given the Blessing of Camosun Lodge and, on the advice of RWBro. Norman McMillan, they petitioned the Grand Master.

Several meetings and much discussion was held and in early December of 1955, RWBro. O'Kell was advised by the Grand Secretary that the Grand Master would grant a dispensation once he had the DDGM recommendation and agreement of all Lodges in Districts 1 and 21.

It was still not confirmed as to what the new Lodge would be called. It should be some Native Indian name in keeping with our Camosun heritage, but what?

Several names were put forward but then Brother David B. Turner offered the name HAIDA. He explained the culture of the Haida, their craftsmanship, and their skills in building and with working in copper and jade. He explained the Haida system of caring for their families and for their long history of stability in the region.

Brother Turner convinced the Brethren that Haida was a name that we could be proud of and admonished all that it is a name that must never be disgraced.

The next problem was to convince the Grand Master, however once he received Bro. Turner's presentation, he agreed and authorized RWBro. McMillan to perform a Ceremony of Institution of Haida Lodge No. 166 (UD) on the third Wednesday of January, 1956.

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