Home > Vancouver Island Masonic History Project > Deceased Brethren > Vancouver Island Cemeteries > Pioneer Square > James Orr

PIONEER SQUARE - MASONIC INTERMENTS

Brother

James Orr

(died 19 July 1871)

British Columbia Lodge, No. 1090, E.R.

 

Most of what we know of Brother James Orr comes from the reports of his death and funeral in the British Colonist, the local newspaper of the day. Brother James Orr was a native of Scotland; he was a member of British Columbia Lodge, No. 1090 E.R. in Victoria, a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 2, I.O.O.F. and was the Foreman of the Tiger Engine Co., one of Victoria's three volunteer fire brigades. Victoria's volunteer firefighters became the Victoria Fire Department in 1875.

Brother Orr's tombstone (below) is still in Pioneer square but has been moved from its original location to the eastern portion of the grounds, so we do not know the actual location of his grave.

The Funeral Notices for Brother James Orr which appeared in the local newspaper, the British Colonist, are shown at left.

Here are the contemporary reports of Brother James Orr's death and funeral from the British Colonist:  

“DIED

In this city, on the 19th inst., Mr. James Orr, a native [of] Cootbridge, by Ardrie, Lanookshire, Scotland.

The funeral will leave the Masonic Hall, at 2 p.m. TOMORROW (Friday), and proceed to St. Andrew’s Church, Courtenay street, for divine service. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.”

Source: British Colonist, 20 July 1871, page 3, column 1

 

“FUNERAL OF JAMES ORR – The funeral of Mr. James Orr, late foreman of the Tiger Engine Company and president of the St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society, took place yesterday.  The cortege – which was headed by the Volunteer Band – comprised members of the UH & L Company and the Tiger and Deluge Companies, British Columbia, Victoria and Vancouver Lodges of Freemasons, Victoria and Columbia Lodges of Odd Fellows, the St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society, and a number of citizens. The remains were received at Masonic Hall and conveyed to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where service was read by Rev Mr McGregor. Thence the procession proceeded to the cemetery, where the body was interred with Masonic honors – the service being read by Thos Shotbolt, Esq., W M of British Columbia Lodge. An additional interest attached to the obsequies from the fact that Mr Orr was engaged to be married to an interesting young lady of this city, who was present and sobbed during the solemn proceedings as if her young heart would break.”

Source: British Colonist 22 July 1871 page 3, column 1

The photos below show Brother James Orr's gravestone (left) and some details still visible (center and right) on the stone.

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Be sure to check our Announcements & Upcoming Events Page to stay up to date on what is going on at Temple Lodge No. 33 and neighbouring Lodges............

 

 

LEARN MORE

WORSHIPFUL MASTER'S MESSAGES

Go to our Worshipful Master's Page for the latest announcements from the East.....................

 

 

LEARN MORE

HISTORY & HERITAGE

Temple Lodge, No.33 was formed in December 1899 and has a long and honourable history in Duncan and the surrounding Cowichan Valley.

Our Lodge History page contains links to a lot of historical information about Temple Lodge and its members.....................

LEARN MORE

HISTORIANS, GENEOLOGISTS & OTHER RESEARCHERS

Many historians, geneologists and other researchers visit our site. We have included a lot of information of interest to researchers and will be adding more over time.

Our Lodge History page has links to historical information about Temple Lodge History, our Historic Membership Lists, Principal Officers, the Vancouver Island Masonic History Project and much more.......

LEARN MORE

DUNCAN MASONIC TEMPLE

The Masonic Temple in Duncan, B.C. was built by Temple Lodge members in 1912 and has been a downtown Duncan landmark ever since.

Here is more information on the Duncan Masonic Temple and its history.....

LEARN MORE

HISTORIC BUILDINGS & TEMPLE LODGE MEMBERS

There are a number of local historic buildings in Duncan, Mill Bay and the Cowichan Valley built by, or for, or otherwise connected to, Temple Lodge, No. 33 members or other Freemasons.

Here are some of them.......

LEARN MORE

VANCOUVER ISLAND MASONIC HISTORY PROJECT

The Vancouver Island Masonic History Project is an ongoing volunteer effort, coordinated by Temple Lodge No. 33, to document the rich heritage of Freemasons and Freemasonry on Vancouver Island.

 

LEARN MORE

MASONIC EVENT CALENDARS

Here are links to Masonic Event Calendars for Vancouver Island and other areas through British Columbia & Yukon:

|| Vancouver Island || Greater Vancouver || B.C. Interior & Yukon ||

 

LEARN MORE

LODGE SECRETARY'S PAGE

In Masonic Lodges, the Lodge Secretary is responsible for all matters of administration. We have a Lodge Secretary's Page containing contact information and other information about Lodge administration and communications

LEARN MORE

GRAND LODGE OF B.C. & YUKON

The Grand Lodge of B.C. & Yukon has an excellent Masonic website, with links to e_Bee (the online Bulletin), Masonic Event Calendars, Masonic History, Answers To Our Critics, Freemasonry In B.C., Masonic Bulletin and much more.........

 

LEARN MORE

INTERESTING CONNECTIONS

During research or travels we often come across Interesting Connections to Masons and Freemasonry. Our Interesting Connections Page has Masonic connections uncovered by members of Temple Lodge, No.33, like Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, shown at left.......................

LEARN MORE

MUSIC BY MASONS - BOOKS BY MASONS

Masonic musicians and composers range from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Howlin' Wolf. Writers include Rudyard Kipling. For music fans and book lovers, here are some links to the works of Masonic musicians, composers, movie makers and writers..............

LEARN MORE

Copyright: Temple Masonic Association 2015