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PIONEER SQUARE - MASONIC INTERMENTS

Brother

Andrew Phillips

(died 25 January 1870)

British Columbia Lodge, No. 1187, E.R.

The obelisk tomb marker of Brother Andrew Phillips in Pioneer Square (shown at left and in the page header above) is one of Victoria's best examples of 19th century Masonic tomb imagery.

The four sided obelisk displays the Square and Compasses on two sides, with the Plumb and the Level on the two remaining sides. Unfortunately the obelisk is made of comparatively fragile sandstone which has deteriorated markedly over the last decade, apparently helped along by vandals.

Little is known of Brother Phillips' life. He was born in Scotland. He was a member of British Columbia Lodge, No. 1187, ER of Victoria, B.C., although the Grand Lodge of BC & Yukon currently has no record of his membership.

Brother Phillips was a ship owner and captain. His only known ship was the schooner Alpha, of about 60 tons, which he owned and which was wrecked near Barclay Sound in 1868.

The Masonic Funeral Notices for Brother Phillips which appeared in the local newspaper, the British Colonist, are shown below left.

Here is a brief biographical sketch of Brother Andrew Phillips taken from contemporary newspaper reports:

“DEATH – Andrew Phillips, formerly owner and captain of the colonial schooner Alpha, wrecked about two years ago near Barclay Sound, burst a blood vessel while on board the steamer Olympia on Sunday evening [note:25 January 1870] and died in a few minutes. Phillips was a Scotchman by birth, and was a member of British Columbia Lodge F & A.M., of this city.”

Source: British Colonist,  26 January 1870, page 3, column 1

“FUNERAL – The Masonic Lodges yesterday attended the funeral of Bro. Andrew Phillips, of British Columbia Lodge, who died suddenly aboard the steamer Olympia on Sunday evening last, and whose remains were brought here for interment. The remains lay in state at Masonic Hall until 2 p.m., when it was conveyed to St. Andrew’s Church, where the Presbyterian burial service was read by Rev. Mr. Somerville. The procession, in the face of a driving rain, then proceeded to the cemetery, where the body was interred with Masonic honors. The Masonic service was read by W M Eli Harrison, and the ceremonies were conducted by the Director, Bro W H Thain.”

Source: Colonist,  27 January 1870, page 3, column 2

The photos below show some of the detail on Brother Phillips grave marker.