UNION SOLOMON LODGE №9
Since 1861, Union Solomon Lodge №9 has been conferring and working in the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry in the city of New Westminster, BC, falling under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. A Lodge rich in history and unique traditions, Union Solomon is the second oldest lodge in the jurisdiction and the first located in the lower mainland.However, we are about more than just business suits and bow ties, we are a fraternity of brothers who work hard to enrich our community, support one another, and improve ourselves. If you are a man looking to improve himself, and form friendships that last a lifetime, feel free to pay us a visit!
Our History
Masonry got an early start in the western territorial colonies known as British Columbia and Vancouver’s Island. On March 19th, 1859, a warrant was granted by the Earl of Zetland, Grand Master of England, authorizing the formation of a lodge at Victoria, Vancouver’s Island.Shortly thereafter, some masons in New Westminster, in the Colony of British Columbia, organized and made an application. They received their warrant and on St. John the Baptist Day, June 24th, 1862 Union Lodge was instituted as Union Lodge, No. 1201 with Henry Holbrook (a former mayor of New Westminster and MLA) being nominated its first Worshipful Master.In 1865 the United Grand Lodge of England renumbered the lodges to remove the large number of gaps within its registry, so Union Lodge No. 1201 became Union Lodge No. 899 for a brief period of time.Over the course of the time, the Dominion of Canada came to be established in 1867 with Freemason, Sir. John A. Macdonald, also a mason, becoming Canada’s first Prime Minister. In 1871, the united colony of British Columbia joined the confederation and becomes the Province of British Columbia with Freemason, John Foster McCreight its first Premier.On October 21st, 1871, Robert Burnaby moved and Dr. Israel Wood Powell seconded the following resolution at a convention in Victoria: “That in order to establish perfect fraternal harmony and concord, to promote the lasting welfare of the Masonic fraternity in British Columbia, it is expedient to form a Grand Lodge in and for the Province of British Columbia.” This resolution was carried unanimously and with much enthusiasm and with that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of British Columbia was formed.However, Union Lodge would delay its entry under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of BC, finally receiving its dispensation on August 23rd, 1872 and its Warrant on February 17th, 1873 and thus become Union Lodge No. 9.By 1891 Union Lodge grew to a size were a group of brothers wrote, “Brethren, we the undersigned Master Masons believing it to be for the good of Masonry that another masonic lodge should be established in the City of New Westminster most respectfully request that you recommend the accompanying petition in accordance with the constitution.” It was granted by Union Lodge on Sept 2nd 1891, dispensation was received on October 23rd, 1891 to assemble and the charter for the daughter – King Solomon Lodge No. 17 was issued on July 12th, 1892 by the Grand Lodge of BC.Over the course of Time, fortunes changed and in November 2000, mother and daughter lodges were united again when King Solomon Lodge No. 17 and Union Lodge No. 9 consolidated to form Union Solomon Lodge No. 9 under the renamed Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of British Columbia & Yukon.In 2011 we celebrated our 150th anniversary of history and tradition.-Bro. H. James Pound
Our Events
Lodge Meetings
Union Solomon Lodge №9 has five regular communications per year on the first Monday in the months of February, April, June, October, and December, we also regularly call emergent communications.Doors to the hall open at 18:00 for socializing prior to our festive board which occurs at 18:30. The Lodge tyles at 19:30. Seekers and visiting Freemasons are always welcome!All our events are posted to the Grand Lodge of BC & Yukon District 2 Digital Treslteboard:
Trowel Exchange
The longest fraternal visitation between two lodges of two countries in the entire World. The trowel exchange began with the brethren of Bellingham Bay Lodge №44 crossing the border to visit the brethren of King Solomon Lodge №17 (daughter lodge of Union Lodge №9) by train in 1907.The members of both lodges have seen the Roaring 1920’s, Prohibition, The Great War (WWI), the great depression, World War II, the “Cold War of the 1940’s through 1980’s, prosperity of Post World War II, Civil strife’s of the 1960’s, the Fall of Communism, COVID, and every economic and social change for well over the past 100 years.Bellingham Bay Lodge №44 comes up to visit Union Solomon Lodge №9 the first Monday in April. In October, Union Solomon Lodge №9 travels South to visit the brethren of Bellingham Bay Lodge №44. This event is open to all Freemasons.
About Freemasonry
Who are the Freemasons?
A Freemason is a man who cares about the future as well as the past, and does what he can to make the future better for everyone. A Freemason is a respectable citizen and is taught to conform to the moral laws of society and abide by the laws of the government under which he lives. He is a man of charity and good works.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the oldest and one of the largest fraternities in the world, and although it encourages good citizenship and political expression, it is not a political or religious organization. Although its charitable activities are manifold, it is not a welfare or benefit organization.Freemasonry teaches each of us that we have a responsibility to make things better in the world. It is unlikely that any one will find a cure for cancer, or eliminate poverty, or help create world peace, yet every man, woman, and child is capable of doing something to help others, or to make things a little better.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Despite historical claims, Freemasonry is not a secret society. Why are the rituals and ceremonies secret? Tradition, more than anything — there have been times and places where promoting equality, freedom of thought or liberty of conscience was dangerous. Also, a lesson that must be earned may have a greater impact. The lessons are not secret, but the presentation is kept private to promote a clearer understanding in good time.
How do I join?
Union-Solomon Lodge offers a high-quality Masonic experience for its candidates and members, and is always welcoming new applicants and affiliates. You DO NOT need to have a family connection to pursue membership in the Order. If you are interested in joining Freemasonry in Metro Vancouver, and Union-Solomon Lodge in particular, then you are advised to contact our Secretary via our Contact page and we would be happy to assist you.
For more information regarding Freemasonry, its aims and principles, consider visiting the Grand Lodge of BC & Yukon's website for those interested in seeking freemasonry:
Thank You!
