The Concord Masonic Lodge in Parksville celebrated 100 years recently with a weekend of events for members and visitors.
"There was a banquet and dance in the evening at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre attended by Freemasons and wives, with a total of 114 being seated for the meal," said secretary Bryan Lapp.
He said there was a series of gatherings and ceremonies at the lodge over the
July 18 weekend, though July 5 marked their official 100th anniversary in Parksville, which had a population of 150 at the time.
Around 85 Freemasons came from across the province, including a visitor from Saskatchewan, 21 grand lodge officers and provincial Grand Master Douglas Collins, Lapp said.
He said ceremonies like the "Reconstitution and Reconsecration" ceremony they performed was similar to what would have been done in 1915.
He said the weekend was all about the lodge's esteemed history, including being founded by people like Charles Hardy, who was also instrumental in building Knox Presbyterian Church, and many members who's names now dot the area like Hirst, Harrison, Weld, Bagshaw, Hamilton, Rushton, Banks, Kincade, Burgoyne, Terrien and Young.
For more information visit http://freemasonry.bcy.ca.