Grand Lodge

Grand Lodge of Quebec

Early History

The Grand Lodge of Quebec came into existence on October 20th, 1869.

This historical event occurred about a hundred and ten years after the introduction of Freemasonry into the part of Canada, now known as the Province of Quebec by the Masons serving in the Regiments, which formed the British Force under the command of General James Wolfe.

Nonetheless, records in possession of the Grand Lodge suggest Freemasonry had its presence in Quebec before General Wolfe formally walked with his troops through the streets of Quebec City.

These records show that the first joint meeting of the Lodges in the garrison took place on November 28th, 1759.

At this time, Lodges did not have one central authority but preferably operated under the influence of different jurisdictions, and the idea to unite these lodges under one central authority did not come until 1762.

In this year, Quebec brethren petitioned the Grand Master of England for a Warrant stating that they had reason to hope that Brothers Dunckerley and Guinnett would have brought the matter to his consideration.

The Memorial was taken to England by John Collins, the Surveyor-General, but when it is not entirely clear.

The petition was granted, and a Warrant dated May 5th, 1764, was issued appointing Melbourne West Provincial Grand Master.

In the meantime, Melbourne West had returned to England, and it is believed that Lieutenant Thomas Turner was elected Provincial Grand Master in 1763 and Joseph Walker in 1764.

In 1765 some Quebec brethren went to England in the hope of obtaining the Warrant from Melbourne West. Unfortunately, they were all drowned at the end of their homeward journey when the ship's pinnace capsized in the St. Lawrence, and it was never known if they had the Patent in their possession or not.

John Collins was then elected Provincial Grand Master, and he subsequently obtained a Patent of Appointment issued on November 2nd, 1767.

He served until 1786 when he was succeeded by Colonel Christopher Carleton, who died before his Patent of Appointment reached Quebec.

Sir John Johnson, formerly Provincial Grand Master of New York, was appointed Provincial Grand Master for Canada in 1788.

The Formation of the Grand Lodge of Canada & Quebec

After the early days of Freemasonry in Canada, the Irish lodges originated a movement that brought the Grand Lodge of Canada into existence.

The Convention that instituted the Grand Lodge of Canada was held on October 10th, 1855, representatives of forty-one Lodges, including thirteen from Lower Canada, met in Convention at Hamilton, and it was resolved to form the Grand Lodge of Canada.

The position in which the Grand Lodge of Canada would be placed by the passing of the British North America Act by which Confederation was brought about received careful consideration by the Craft generally, and in 1866 the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada, M.W. Brother. W. B. Simpson (a member of Victoria Lodge No. 173, Montreal), referred to the intense feeling entertained by many Masons in the sister Provinces in favor of a Grand Lodge for the whole of British North America with a Provincial Grand Lodge in each Province.

In the following year, his successor, M.W. Brother. Wm. Mercer Wilson also referred to that pleasing possibility, thus setting the course for the formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec.

The formation of the Grand Lodge of Quebec took place during the Convention duly held by V.W. Brother.

James Dunbar of St. Johns Lodge No. 182 E.R., held in Quebec City.

He was elected Chairman, and a Credential Committee reported that eighteen Lodges holding Warrants from the Grand Lodge of Canada, two Lodges of English Constitution, and one Lodge of Scottish Constitution were represented there.

R.W. Bro. Graham addressed the Convention at considerable length, following which formal resolutions were adopted, establishing the Grand Lodge of Quebec.

On resumption of labor on the following day, the minutes of the previous day were confirmed, and the Convention proceeded to the election of Grand Lodge Officers.

Brother Graham was elected to the Grand East and installed by R.W. Bro. J. Helder Isaacson from Kilwinning Lodge.

After the fact, the Grand Marshall proclaimed the Grand Lodge of Quebec duly constituted.

The Masonic Temple & The Grand Lodge Recent History

The inauguration of the Montreal's current Masonic Temple took place on June 22nd, 1929 by the Grand Master, M.W. Brother.

Henry Willis, and marked a departure point in the Grand Lodge's recent history.

After the temple was officially opened, the sixtieth Annual Communication of Grand Lodge was held in the new Temple on February 12th, 1930.

Throughout the Second World War, the Grand Lodge played an essential role in the war effort, with a total of $36,000 forwarded to the United Grand Lodge of England towards the alleviation of the distress of the victims of enemy bombing.

Grand Lodge also played a financial role in the relief efforts with $13,500 to the Canadian Red Cross Society, and $1350 to the War Services Fund.

It also provided safekeeping for five significant cases of records sent to Canada by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Following the opening of a subscription list, sufficient funds were forthcoming to complete the Memorial Hall of the Montreal Masonic Memorial Temple.

This prestigious event was marked by the Annual Communication held on October 10th, 1951 and dedicated to the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe, and to the memory of the Brethren who had laid down their lives for their Country.

The Grand Master M.W. Bro. J. W. Buckland was assisted by M-W. Bros. Rev. Malcolm A. Campbell and Rev. L. F. Crothers.

The six Murals, the work of Bros. Adam Sheriff-Scott and Charles W. Kelsey, were then unveiled by District Deputy Grand Masters.

The benediction was pronounced by W. Bro. the Right Rev. John H. Dixon, Lord Bishop of Montreal, a member of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 374 E.R.

In most recent times, the Grand Lodge in the 21st century is actively working to create awareness about the relevance of Freemasonry in this modern age.

In these days of social media and globalization, Freemasonry in Quebec aims to foster new masons appealing to the new generation while upholding our ancient Masonic values and traditions.

It is for this reason; the Grand Lodge of Quebec has organized several open doors events to remove the stigma around Freemasonry and promote the relevance of our craft in these modern times.

Source: Grand Lodge of Quebec Website