Burnaby Lodge 150

A Short History

Burnaby Lodge 150

A.F. & A.M., BCR

 

In the Spring of 1951 it was suggested by W. Brother. W. Morrow of Park Lodge No. 63
that since the membership of Park Lodge had increased to nearly two hundred, another
lodge should be instituted in the District. In the course of conversation with Brother Dave Hatch and Brother Doug Gorton of Vancouver Lodge No. 68, it developed that they had also discussed the formation of a new lodge and a meeting was called during September 1951.

 

A second meeting was arranged on October 18th at which time W. Brother Ernie Beaver of Southern Cross Lodge No. 44, who was very enthusiastic about starting another lodge exemplifying Australian work, pressed for a lodge in this work. The meeting unanimously agreed and W. Brother Bill Morrow was appointed Secretary pro-term.

 

On making the required investigation with M.W Brother J.H.N. Morgan, Grand Secretary, it was learned that no new lodge exemplifying Australian work in British Columbia could be instituted, only Canadian, American or English Emulation being recognized. Another meeting was called on November 15th at which several Past Masters of Park Lodge were present. It was decided that since there were many brethren living in the vicinity of Park Lodge who were familiar with Canadian work, especially members who had come to this area from the Prairies and since Park Lodge practiced American work, that the new lodge should be instituted in Canadian work.

 

The name "Burnaby Lodge" was finally adopted after some debate, in honour of Robert
Burnaby, a Past Grand Master in the early days and during the period of consolidation of masonry in British Columbia. The first meeting was held on April 17th, 1952 with thirty nine founding members who signed the application for institution at that time. Each depositing twenty-five dollars to create the treasury.

 

On August 12th, 1952 a letter was received from M.W. Brother J.H.N. Morgan, secretary of Grand Lodge, B.C.R., advising that the petition had been favourably received and setting Thursday evening August 28th, 1952 at 8 p.m., in the Lodge Room of Park Lodge, 4695 Kingsway , South Burnaby, for the formal granting of the Dispensation and the institution of Burnaby Lodge.

 

On July 24, 1953, at Freemason's Hall, New Westminster, Burnaby Lodge was dedicated and constituted No. 150 in the Grand Registry of British Columbia by M.W Brother W.A Curran, Grand Master.