Aurora Lodge # 165
Victoria Masonic Hall
650 Fisgard Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1R6
sec.165@freemasonryinvictoria.com
www.auroralodge.ca
CONSTITUTED: 29TH JANUARY 1955
RITUAL: CANADIAN
INSTALLATION: OCTOBER
MEETS: 4TH THURSDAY (7:00 p.m. START) of every month except December (3rd Friday) and July and August
BRIEF HISTORY: W. Bro. Ernest MacGinnis began the journey which would ultimately lead to the formation of Aurora Lodge. Beginning in early 1954, he and several other masons held several informal meetings before conducting the first formal organizational meeting on March 24th, 1954. Twenty-four brethren from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia decided to form a new Lodge. Under the chairmanship of M.W. Bro. John Martland and during the next twelve months, all of the detailed work necessary for the institution and constitution of a new Lodge was completed.
Northern Lights was the first name proposed name proposed for the Lodge. Since that name was already on the British Columbia Registry, the name “Aurora” was unanimously adopted.
The Institution ceremony was held on January 29th, 1955 with 42 founding members present. It was presided over by the District Deputy Grand Master for District #1, R.W. Bro. B.P. Rutter, who presented the Lodge with the Volume of the Sacred Law still in use today. The Constitution ceremony took place on September 28th, 1955. Our original Historical Register was presented to the Lodge on June 2nd, 1956 by M.W. Bro. John Martland, the first Worshipful Master of Aurora Lodge.
ABOUT OUR LODGE: Over the years the names of more then 300 brethren have been entered on our membership roll. Aurora’s membership typically fluctuates around 90 members, with our founding members envisioning a membership of close to 100. Our sister Lodge, Sequim Lodge #213 of the Grand Registry of Washington are frequent visitors to our Lodge and we reciprocate as often as we can.
Aurora Lodge conducts its’ meetings at the historic building in downtown Victoria on Fisgard Street. We are known for our fine Ritual and Floor work, but more especially for our friendship and warmth. We have many members who are involved in furthering their Masonic knowledge through education and pride ourselves on conducting an education session at each of our meetings. It is especially gratifying to receive visitors and new members as this keeps our lodge vibrant and interesting and we never lack for having a great time.
If you are interested in learning more about Aurora Lodge or Freemasonry, please contact our Secretary and someone will contact you and answer any questions you may have.
