Freemasons, known for their secret handshakes, passwords and rituals, celebrate 150 years in Victoria this weekend, a history pre-dating the province.
Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1, the first Masonic Lodge formed in sa国际传媒, was established in 1859, an event Masons will mark with gatherings and marches this weekend.
The society's secret code phrases and handshakes have given the group a reputation for dark secrecy, one with which most members take issue.
"I don't think we've ever been in the dark," said Tony D'Eramo, Lodge No. 1 master. "What do we have to hide? Nothing."
As for secrets, "if you go on the computer you can find out anything you want to know," said D'Eramo.
There are about 2,000 Masons in 15 lodges in the Victoria area, part of a global community of about five million.
Past membership of Lodge No. 1 includes some of sa国际传媒's most important and colourful personalities. They include John Foster McCreight, who become the first premier in 1871, and the more flamboyant Amor de Cosmos, sa国际传媒's second premier.
Even Victoria's first mayor, Thomas Harris, was a member.
The headquarters of Lodge No. 1 -- with its meeting room laid out according to the measurements of King Solomon's temple contained in the Bible -- were built at 650 Fisgard St. in 1878. An addition was constructed in 1906 and adjacent affordable housing project Ashlar House was finished in 1992.
Freemasonry traces its beginnings to the 16th century and is based on the acknowledgment of a supreme being and the notion members can improve the world by improving themselves.
It's a process filled with symbolism. For example, there's the draftsman's emblems symbolizing a God, explained as the architect of the universe. And there are the two stones, known as Ashlars, one rough and one smooth, found in every lodge to symbolize a man's rough-edged beginnings working toward a smoother finish.
It's also about community work. Every lodge takes on a local project -- for example, Lodge No. 1 started a program called Music for Youth to provide middle schools with musical instruments.
Provincewide, sa国际传媒 Masons launched a program called Cancer Cars, purchasing a fleet of cars to drive cancer patients to and from treatment.
Farther afield, the Shriners, who must all be Masons first, operate the Shrine Circus and fund children's hospitals across North America.
D'Eramo, a carpenter by trade, said his uncle was a Mason and after inquiring about the organization, he found a group where he quickly bonded..
Membership is about fellowship, fraternity and a philosophy of lifelong learning.
"We make good men better," said D'Eramo.
Events this weekend included a rededication of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 for members and supporters yesterday and a church service today. Tomorrow, Masons dressed in their ceremonial aprons, which symbolize working Masons' tool belts, will be marching in the Victoria Day parade.
