There are a number of organisations open to a Master Mason after he completes his three degrees. All are completely optional and are not connected with the lodge itself, though some were conferred in lodges in the 18th century, including the Royal Arch and Knights Templar. They operate independently of the Grand Lodge and have their own governing bodies.
Some mistakenly believe they are “higher”, in that they make someone a higher rank than that of a Master Mason. This isn’t true, though you’ll find old references to the “higher degrees” nonetheless.
The listings to follow are for Vancouver only. There are other Chapters, Councils, Preceptories, etc. elsewhere in the Lower Mainland.
The Chapter confers three degrees, two (the Mark and the Most Excellent Master) based on the building of King Solomon’s Temple, the Holy Royal Arch Degree based on the rebuilding of the Temple. Some consider this degree the “completion” of the Third or Master Mason Degree. There are two Chapters in Vancouver:
JOPPA No. 31
3rd Mondays
8486 Granville Street
TRIPLE TAU No. 21
4th Tuesdays
4474 Rupert Street
Many members of Lodge Southern Cross have been First Principal Z. of their Chapters. Several have been Grand First Principal of British Columbia:
M. Ex. Comp. J.J. Miller (honourary) M. Ex. Comp. J.H. MacLeod 1948 M. Ex. Comp. Ernie Beaver (honourary) M. Ex. Comp. Olaf Nelson 1959 M. Ex. Comp. A.L. Alexander 1983 M. Ex. Comp. W.R. Shippam 1993 V. Ex. Comp. J.G. Bennie is the current Grand Historian.
The Council confers three degrees, two (the Royal Master and the Select Master) based on the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and the last (the Super Excellent Master) on events prior to the rebuilding of the Temple. Parts of these interesting degrees are done in play-form. Vancouver has one Council:
ZABUD No. 1
1st Fridays (quarterly)
8486 Granville Street
Two members of Lodge Southern Cross have attained the rank of Grand Master:
M. Ill. Comp. J. J. Miller 1929 (Canada) M. Ill. Comp. J.H. MacLeod 1946 (Western Canada)
Councils generally have a lodge of ROYAL ARK MARINERS attached. The Lodge confers one degree, based on events in the day of Noah. Pacific Ocean Lodge No. 1 is attached to Zabud Council.
The Preceptory is open to Masons who believe in Christ as the Saviour, though only the final two Orders involve Christianity and the time of the Crusades. The first deals with the Israelites leaving their captivity in Persia. There is a misconception that Freemasonry is directly descended from the original Knights Templar. This has never been proven and, in any event, the Masonic Knights Templar did not. There is one Preceptory in Vancouver:
This is actually three different bodies – The Lodge of Perfection (4°-14°), the Chapter of Rose Croix (15°-18°), and the Consistory (19°-32°). The 33° is conferred by the Supreme Council for service to the Scottish Rite (sorry, it has nothing to do with ruling the world). Not all degrees are conferred – some are communicated, meaning a brief summary of the legend and modes of recognition is given. Some degrees are strictly philosophic; others are historical allegories. All are designed to expand on the principles found in the three degrees of the Masonic Lodge.
Who doesn’t know about the fez-topped Shriners, who ride around on little motorcycles in parades and give generously to children by supporting Children’s Hospitals across North America?
Noble Laurence Healey of Lodge Southern Cross is among those who have been selected to be Potentate of the local Shrine, Gizeh Temple.
Much like the Shrine, the prophets of the Grotto raise money to help children in need. Members are initiated in a ceremony that features no hazing or silliness. It’s a play outlining the journey a mythical character who overcomes temptation to display the jewel of sympathy and good fellowship.
This little-known organisation is open to Royal Arch Masons by invitation. It confers a series of old, short degrees that had no separate governing body, including a fun side degree called ‘Ye Antient Order of Corks.’ Presentations on Masonic subjects are also given at meetings, thus being an ideal body for those interested in ceremonies and Masonic education. There is one Council in Vancouver:
There are two other bodies open to Royal Arch Masons by invitation: the York Rite College and the Red Cross of Constantine. Both operate in the Lower Mainland. As well, the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests is open by invitation to Knights Templar. It also operates in the Lower Mainland.
The well-known story of David and Jonathan provides the backdrop for the two degrees of this body. It is open to any Master Mason who would like to apply. Charity is not forgotten, as a collection is taken up at each meeting for a charity designated by the Supreme Ruler at the start of his year in office. The Order is reasonably new in Canada, though popular in England. There is one Conclave in Vancouver:
Lodge
Southern Cross #44 AF & AM
