Haida Totem

Haida Lodge #166

Square and Compasses

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Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon

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Job's Daughters Bethel #2

What's New

Re-Consecration and Re-Constitution of Haida Lodge

On November 8, 2006 Haida Lodge was Re-Consecrated and Re-Constituted in a special ceremony, presided over by Grand Master MW Bro. Isaac Brock Brower-Berkhoven

(Foreground, L to R): VW Bro. Art Scott, VW Bro. Cy Saunders (Grand Sword Bearer), RW Bro. Stephen Godfrey (Deputy Grand Master), MW Bro. Isaac Brock Brower-Berkhoven (Grand Master), RW Bro. Rod McKenzie (District Deputy Grand Master District 1) and RW Bro. James D. Bell (District Deputy Grand Master District 21).

This model of a lodge is used on all occasions when a lodge is consecrated.

 

Installation 2006

The Installation of Officers for Haida Lodge occurred on October 11, and was another successful, well-attended event. W Bro Charles McQuade stepped up to the Master's chair, and W Bros. Iain Campbell and Larry Palmgren assumed the duties of Senior and Junior Wardens, respectively

 

Haida 50th anniversary banquet

Haida lodge celebrated it's 50th anniversary in 2006, and a year's worth of celebrations culminated in a special lodge meeting followed by a banquet dinner for the brethren of Haida, their ladies, and friends at McMorran's Restaurant on the 19th of August.

Click here to see pictures from the event (this file may take a while to open)

 
Grand Master's Official Visit

Haida was the host for the Grand Master's Official Visit to District 21, which was held at Henderson Masonic Hall on February 17, 2006

(L to R): RW Bro. David Washington (District Deputy Grand Master), W Bro. Cal Mitchell, MW Bro. Robert McSween (Grand Master) and RW Bro. Stephen Godfrey (Senior Grand Warden).

MW Bro. Robert McSween (Grand Master) and RW Bro. David Washington (District Deputy Grand Master) present two brothers with their 50-year pins.

 

Installation 2005

The Installation of Officers for Haida Lodge occurred on October 19, and was a successful, well-attended event.

After the Installation:
Worshipful Master Cal Mitchell makes the first cut in the celebratory cake.

3 members of Haida:
WM Mitchell with Grand Lodge Officers RW Bro. Stephen Godfrey (Senior Grand Warden) and RW Bro. David Washington (District Deputy Grand Master).

WM Mitchell

WM Mitchell with Grand Lodge Officers RW Bros Godfrey and Washington

 

What is Masonry

Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry! The purpose of this written information is to provide you with some fundamental information describing the nature of Freemasonry. You will likely have a few questions and are encouraged to contact us for further assistance.

A key purpose here is to briefly explain our organization and to try to satisfy your curiosity. We believe that becoming a Mason is a significant occasion in your life, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable with what is involved.

Masonry has a different meaning for each of us, but for all of us, it includes the practice of morality. It is often said that the basic principles of Freemasonry include brotherly love, relief, and truth. That is to say, we strive to be friendly, kind, and sincere in our dealings with others. Masonry also recognizes each individual's right to his own beliefs and practices. For this reason, we are not allowed to discuss matters of religious or political controversy in the context of the Lodge. This love and tolerance for all men, so fundamental in Masonry, leads to mutual respect and honour.

In Masonry, you will find men of good will and high ideals; men who believe in a Supreme Being and who try to live in a spirit of universal brotherhood. In general terms, a Masonic Lodge is a place where all can work together with a rare unanimity, looking towards a brighter tomorrow.

Freemasonry recognizes that you have obligations to your family, your work, your religious beliefs, your community, and yourself. These must take priority, and Freemasonry does not interfere with your ability to meet these obligations. It simply attempts to share brotherly love and fellowship, and to offer a helping hand. Although it is a fraternity, it is neither a service club nor a benevolent society. It does participate in and support many charitable activities. One of our first lessons is our responsibility to care for others.

As a member of the fraternity, you will have rights and corresponding duties. You will be expected to maintain the regulations of the fraternity; in general terms, to be obedient to your Worshipful Master and his officers, when acting in the discharge of their duties; to pay the dues that you may owe promptly; and to attend meetings when requested. These basic duties are common to every Lodge; others will be explained as you advance through the degrees.

The privileges that accompany these duties are equally important. They include the right to attend all meetings of the Lodge when qualified; the right to participate in voting on Lodge affairs; and the privilege of visiting other Lodges on appropriate occasions, when you are properly qualified.

Your regular attendance at our meetings will give you a chance to learn more about Masonry, as you listen to our age-old ceremonies and discuss them with your brethren. You will also be able to enjoy fraternal fellowship and develop new friendships.

We encourage you to share your feelings about becoming a Mason with your wife and family, and to discuss Masonry and its objectives with them.

There is much more that might be said; we have barely scratched the surface. For now, however, we will conclude by saying that we look forward to having you in our midst. All of us recall our admission into Masonry with a mixture of nostalgia and joy. You may be sure that an interesting set of experiences lies before you; they will be dignified, instructive, and sometimes even inspiring. In addition, once you are a part of Freemasonry, you will have many opportunities to do, to learn, to seek fulfillment, and to help others. Go forward with confidence and joyful anticipation!

You should expect certain costs. For example, there will be a one-time initiation fee and annual dues.

If you wish to apply for membership, ask your contact person for a "Petition for Membership". If your petition is accepted, a committee will be sent to visit you. The committee's responsibility is to get to know you better and recommend your petition to the members. There is no reason to worry; every potential Mason must meet with a committee after petition.

 

What we're not

Freemasonry is not...

A benefit or insurance society.

It does not solicit members.

It is not a charity organization, but it makes charity a duty.

It is not organized for profit.

It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.

It seeks no advantage for its members through business or politics.

It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs.

So then, what is Freemasonry?

It is a voluntary association of men.

It is a system of moral conduct.

It is a way of life.

It is a fraternal society.

It is religious in its character although it is not a religion, creed, or religious order.

It seeks to make good men better.

It teaches morality through symbolism.

It uses rituals and ceremonies to instruct its members.

It teaches the golden rule.

It is based on a firm belief in God and the Brotherhood of Man

 

How to join

One of the unique features of Freemasonry is that no man is ever invited to become a member. Freemasons are prohibited from the solicitation of new members. For that reason, it is sometimes difficult for an interested person to discover how to approach the fraternity for membership.

It is easy, however, to find out; just contact a Freemason and ask him about Freemasonry. You probably know several Freemasons. Perhaps you have seen the Square and Compasses like the one on this website, on a ring, pin, or bumper sticker. Look us up and give us a call, or contact the Secretary of Haida Lodge via email.

Freemasonry offers much to its members - the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better world for ourselves and our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and ideals.

Freemasonry is always ready to welcome good men into the fraternity. It's ready to welcome you.

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Haida No.166 A.F. & A.M. - B.C. & Y.R., 1632 Yale St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Unless otherwise noted, all contents © 1956-2008 Haida Lodge. All rights reserved.