Ashlar Lodge has been active in Nanaimo, B.C., for more than 150 years. Our members have always been unified by a single goal: to better ourselves and our communities. Membership in our Lodge is always open to qualified men in the Nanaimo area who reach out of their own free will and accord.
Ashlar Lodge, No. 3 on the registry of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, is one of the nations oldest and time honoured organizations. At Ashlar, we treat the heritage of our order, and our Lodge in particular, with the utmost reverence, sense of duty, and appreciation of our history.
Dear present and future Brethren,
This ancient and noble fraternity is comprised of men of every age who wish to seek out like-minded individuals who are unified in the pursuit of self-improvement through the lessons taught in our craft. Freemasonry teaches its members how to improve their lives, their character, and their conduct in the community.
Although once you join freemasonry you will be progressed through the degrees through hard work and gain more light, knowledge, and wisdom about the craft, the true secret of Freemasonry is finding out who you are.
We can never ask you to join as this goes against our principles. Your journey through Freemasonry must be of your own free will and accord. To become a brother of this magnificent fraternity and one of the oldest lodges in B.C. Ashlar Lodge #3, do not hesitate to contact us through this website.
-Worshipful Bro. Stathi Tsangaris
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the stonemason guilds of the medieval period. It has since evolved into a unique and symbolic system of morality and personal development. Freemasonry is not a religion, and does not claim to take the place of religion. Instead, it takes its inspiration from the rituals, symbols, and allegorical teachings that draw on the tools and traditions of the stonemason trade.
Freemasonry is structured into three symbolic degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Initiation ceremonies accompany each degree which aim to impart moral lessons through their symbolic meanings. This progression is often considered by those who go through it as a path of personal development. The tradition of our rituals have been shared by some of the greatest and innovative minds in memory.
The work of the modern Freemason is compassionate relationships, charitable acts, and upholding moral integrity. While not a secret society, Freemasonry does have secrets that employ symbols and rituals to create a sense of fraternity and preserve its time tested lessons. Central to the creed of a Freemason is a dedication to continuous self-improvement, both morally and intellectually, and a commitment to charitable endeavours that extend beyond the Masonic community. Freemasonry promotes respect for diversity, transcending cultural and religious boundaries, and emphasizes the values of freedom, justice, and equality, encouraging members to contribute positively to the betterment of society through responsible citizenship. Among the virtues of the Freemason, non are more esteemed than Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Brotherly Love in Freemasonry is the commitment to genuine and compassionate relationships among members. It goes beyond camaraderie, fostering unity, respect, and understanding within the Masonic community. This principle emphasizes the transformative power of kindness and goodwill, contributing to personal growth and the betterment of society.
Relief is a core Masonic value, signifying the duty of Freemasons to provide support and assistance to those in need. It involves acts of kindness, generosity, and philanthropy, both within the Masonic community and in the broader society. Freemasons actively engage in actions that alleviate suffering and contribute to the well-being of others.
Truth is a guiding principle in Freemasonry, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and moral uprightness. Masons are encouraged to pursue truth in their interactions with others and themselves. The pursuit involves self-improvement, a genuine quest for knowledge, and a commitment to ethical conduct.
Ashlar Lodge, No. 3, is one of Canada’s oldest Freemason organizations. Founded in 1867, the members of Ashlar uniformly approach our past and the work of Freemasonry with a conservative zeal. At Ashlar, we experience Freemasonry as our forefathers did and as it was intended the beginning.
The Lodge is located at 101 Commercial st. in the down-town core of Nanaimo, BC. Our building was purpose built in 1923 by the then Brethren of Ashlar. The Lodge now resides on the Province’s registry of historic sites and still stands as a testament to the architectural beauty of our Craft and our place in the history and proliferation of the community of Nanaimo.
Ashlar Lodge is located at:
101 Commercial St.
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5G5
For Visiting Brethren, Ashlar meets at 7:00pm on the first Wednesday of every month (excluding July & August) at our Lodge. It is advised that you reach out to the Ashlar secretary prior to attending so we can adequately prepare a warm Ashlar welcome.
Ashlar always welcomes qualified potentiates to reach out and express their interest in joining our noble Craft. We invite all interested parties to read the information below prior to reaching out to the Lodge.
For more information or to let us know you are coming to a meeting please use the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!
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