Welcomes You
Westminster – Our Story
Westminster Lodge was initially formed in New Westminster in 1960 and on 14 September 1961 was formally constituted on the Grand Lodge registry as lodge no. 174.
The lodge takes its name from New Westminster which was the colonial capital of British Columbia before the province was formed in 1871, the same year that the Grand Lodge of British Columbia was formed. Westminster lodge celebrates an annual homecoming with a special meeting held in its original home.
The lodge also takes its name from the old Westminster, specifically, Westminster Abbey, which was first built in 901. At that time, large churches were called minsters and London had two; an east minster and a west minster. In 1023 King Edward the Confessor expanded the abbey and made it the site of the coronations and funerals of all English monarchs. So great was Edward’s honour, virtue and mercy that he was canonised and exalted as the ideal of a king and leader.
HIS DEEP MORAL VIRTUE, THE CENTRAL TENETS OF FREEMASONRY,
SANCTIFY WESTMINSTER ABBEY
FROM WHICH OUR LODGE DERIVES ITS NAME.
Freemasons endeavour to manifest the ideals of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice in themselves and so the Westminster name harkens to both our origins, both geographic and temporal.
The coat of arms of Westminster Lodge take inspiration from those of Westminster Abbey and the lodge’s place in British Columbia. The cross of St. Stephen represents his life dedicated to virtue, honour and mercy. The five martlets, a bird without feet, represents constant effort and dedication. The chief of the shield is divided in three, with the Masonic square and compasses representing the authority by which Westminster was formed and the dogwoods representingNew Westminster, the colonial capital city, and the province of our home, the grand jurisdiction of British Columbia.
Westminster lodge is growing and the members say this is because they concentrate on making the experience of lodge among the best nights of the week.
Visitors notice the enthusiasm, energy and shared sense of purpose. Members are excited about their Freemasonry and each will tell you about his journey, discoveries and goals.
Westminster Lodge holds many social events throughout the year for its members and for the families and partners. From special banquets to casual barbecues, events across the calendar depending on Most annual events are coordinated to coincide with the regular meeting nights and so happen most years but not all. New events are regularly created and added as members fin fun new things to do as a lodge, with their partners and with their families.
- September ~ Homecoming
- September ~ Installation of Officers
- November ~ Grand Master’s Official Visit
- November ~ Remembrance Day @ Langley Cenotaph
- December ~ Widow’s Luncheon
- December ~ Lodge Christmas Party
- January ~ Drambuie & Haggis Night
- February ~ Westminster Homecoming
- March ~ Irish Night
- April ~ Westies’ Pub Night
- June ~ Grand Lodge Communication
- July ~ Summer Barbecue
