Buildings Associated With Freemasons – Victoria

901-905 Government Street, at the north east corner of Government Street and Courtney Street in downtown Victoria, was built in 1858 as Victoria’s first hotel. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, brick building in Victoria.

901-905 Government Street, Victoria. Built in 1858 but later owned by Stephen Jones, who added 602 Courtney Street to this building in 1913. (phot by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
901-905 Government Street, Victoria. Built in 1858 but later owned by Stephen Jones, who added 602 Courtney Street to this building in 1913. (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

This building’s connection to a Freemason began circa 1900, when the building was purchased by Stephen Jones, later Grand Master of B.C. & Yukon. Stephen Jones was a Victoria hotelier and he apparently acquired this building with the intention of tearing it down and replacing it with a newer building.

Instead of demolishing this building, Stephen Jones added a new building to the rear of this existing building in 1913. The newer building is still standing as 600-610 Courtney Street.

Both buildings are legally consolidated for tax purposes and both are listed together on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

600-610 Courtney Street, Victoria, B.C. Built in 1913 for Stephen Jones, who was Grand Master of B.C. in 1925. (photo by Temple Lodge Historian)
600-610 Courtney Street, Victoria, B.C. Built in 1913 for Stephen Jones, who was Grand Master of B.C. in 1924-25. (photo by Temple Lodge Historian)

Here is a map showing the location of 901-905 Government Street:

Stephen Jones served as Grand Master of B.C. & Yukon in 1924-25. He is buried in Victoria’s Ross Bay Cemetery.

Stephen Jones as Grand Master of B.C., 1924-25 (Photo - Grand Lodge of B.C. & Yukon)
Stephen Jones as Grand Master of B.C., 1924-25 (Photo – Grand Lodge of B.C. & Yukon)

Stephen Jones also owned the Dominion Hotel, now the Dalton Rocket condominiums, at 755-765 Yates Street in downtown Victoria,

 

The Dalton Rocket condominiums, 755-765 Yates Street, Victoria, was originally the Dominion Hotel, owned and built by Stephen Jones, Past Grand Master of B.C. & Yukon
The Dalton Rocket condominiums, 755-765 Yates Street, Victoria, was originally the Dominion Hotel, owned and built by Stephen Jones, Past Grand Master of B.C. & Yukon

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