It may be commonly thought that the Masons are a secretive organization with clandestine ceremonies and that Freemasonry itself is cloaked in a myriad of secrets and hidden mysteries.
And it is true that the ancient order has its roots in the 14th century guilds of stonemasons — a long lineage indeed.
But today, the Masons are as vital and active a community organization as any.
As to this past and present continuum, the Creston Masonic Lodge #54 is holding a Marker Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m.
The ceremony is held to install a “marker” with a QR code which explains the historical significance of the Creston Masonic Lodge, at 303 10th Avenue North.
Freemasonry has existed in B.C. communities for more than 150 years, and in Creston for 115 years.
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of British Columbia was founded on October 21, 1871 — with Dr. Israel Wood Powell as its first Grand master. Today, the organization is known as the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon.
The Lodge on 10 Avenue North was erected in the winter of 1938-39, and officially opened on May 3, 1939, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master Charles Morgan Kingston. The building has since been home to Creston Mason Lodge #54, the Creston Valley Shrine Club #35, Cascade Council Cryptic Rite, East Star Kootenay Chapter #55, Daughters of the Nile, and Jobs Daughters Bethel #42.
The Masonic Marker is a legacy project of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of British Columbia becoming a province in the Dominion of Canada.
The marker’s QR code, installed on the building, will enable one to scan and read about the building’s Masonic and historical significance.
Like Freemasonry around the world, the Creston Lodge “strives to improve the morality of men” and works towards a better community. It welcomes men from all levels of societies, faiths, ethnicities and orientations. The Masonic family also welcomes women and children to take part through concordant organizations.