History of the Organization - Richmond Lodge No. 142, B.C.R. 

This account of the founding of Richmond Lodge was recorded by James Grisdale, P.M., in 1952.

Over many years the formation of a lodge in Richmond Municipality on Lulu Island had been under consideration, but not until early in the year 1950 was a definite movement made towards its organization. The population of the area had expanded to approximately 25,000.

The interest and enthusiasm of a goodly number of Brethren was awakened. MW Bro W.R. Simpson, the then Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, also a resident, was one of those who felt the need and under his guidance and support a commencement was made to establish a Lodge. Under the leadership of W Bro Clement W. Hudson, a past master of Acacia Lodge No 22, A.F & A.M. B.C.R., a meeting was arranged in the St. Albans Hall, Brighouse, Lulu Island, for the evening of June 3, 1950, and therein 37 enthusiastic and courageous Master Masons assembled with W Bro Hudson as chairman.

Financial support was pledged and a sufficient number of qualified Brethren volunteered to act as officers and gave assurance of their willingness and ability to protect the Antient Landmarks and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia. Subsequently a petition for a Dispensation to form a new Lodge was circulated and was signed by 64 Brethren, many of whom were non-affiliated members resident in the district.

On August 2, 1950, a meeting of those Brethren was held in the Loyal Orange Hall, Steveston Highway, Richmond. It was appropriately decided that the Lodge be named “Richmond Lodge” which significantly was the name of the mother Lodge of the Grand Master MW Bro J.H.N. Morgan. It was also decided to use the “Scottish” or “American” type of Ritual. Provisional Officers were elected as follows:

Worshipful Master       

Immediate Past Master

Senior Warden             

Junior Warden             

Treasurer                     

Secretary                     

Senior Deacon             

Junior Deacon              

Chaplain                      

Senior Steward            

Junior Steward       

Inner Guard

Tyler 

The District Deputy Grand Master of District 13, RW Bro Matthew L. Barr being present, the Officers then proceeded to conform with the requirements of Grand Lodge and demonstrated to him their ability to work the degrees. The D.D.G.M. endorsed the Petition of the Brethren for a Dispensation, which was promptly granted by Grand Master MW Bro J.H.N. Morgan.

On August 9, 1950, in the Loyal Orange Hall, Steveston Highway, Richmond Lodge, U.D. was instituted. The ceremony of Institution was conducted by the Grand Master, MW Bro J.H.N. Morgan, assisted by Grand Lodge Officers and many distinguished Brethren, including the following:

MW Bro G.L. Cassady

MW Bro W.C. Ditmars

MW Bro G.C. Derby

MW Bro K.K. Reid

RW Bro Laurence Healy

RW Bro E.A. Gregory-Allen

RW Bro J.G,C. Hogg

RW Bro W.J. Henderson

At the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge in June 1951, a Warrant was granted to Richmond Lodge, U.D. and on July 18, 1951, the ceremony of Constitution and Consecration was held. The ceremony was conducted by MW Bro J. Murray Mitchell, then Grand Master of British Columbia.

In the year under Dispensation, Richmond Lodge suffered a great loss in the passing of MW Bro W.R. Simpson, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, and the first I.P.M. of the Lodge. Testimony to his zeal and great interest in Freemasom'y and the high esteem in which he was held, has been particularly referred to in the Grand Lodge Proceedings of 1951. Richmond Lodge No 142 is very happy that his illustrious name has appeared as an Officer.

Richmond Lodge No. 142 acknowledges the sponsorship of Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 72 and of Emerald Lodge No. 134 and their contribution of funds and regalia, also from Acacia Lodge No. 22 and Reed Organ from Vimy Ridge No.97. Donations of regalia and furnishings from members of Sister Lodges and own Officers and members. The Volume of the Sacred Law is the family Bible of the Hudson family, presented to the Lodge by W Bro C.W. Hudson, P.M., first Master of Richmond Lodge.

At the date of Writing, July 1952 — Richmond Lodge No 142 has been able to indicate most favourable progress; membership has been satisfactorily increased with the acceptance of many new members of the younger generation. Good Officer material has come into evidence. The march of progress was made under the guidance of the first Worshipful Master, W Bro C.W. Hudson, now I.P.M. with the support of his efficient group of officers.

Richmond Lodge No. 142 is now firmly established and has justified the confidence and courage of its Founders and its well wishers and sponsors.

July 18, 1952   JAMES GRISDALE, P.M.
Secretary