Vancouver Island Masonic History Project
Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments
As part of our Vancouver Island Masonic History project, here is a page on Harry Burns (9 February 1874 – 6 October 1929), a member of United Services Lodge, No.24, who is buried in the Victoria Jewish Cemetery.
United Services Lodge, No.24 records show the following information about Harry Burns:
- Occupation listed as “Painter” on his Petition for Initiation
- Initiated in United Services Lodge, No.24 on 4 February 1925
- Passed to a Fellow Craft on 4 March 1925 in United Services Lodge, No.24
- Raised to a Master Mason on 1 April 1925 in United Services Lodge, No.24
- He was member of United Services Lodge, No.24 at the time of his death on 6 October 1929
Here are the local newspaper reports of Harry Burns’ death and funeral:
“BURNS – There passed away in this city on Sunday [6 October 1929] Harry Burns of 1919 Davie Street, aged fifty-five years, born in London, England and residing in Victoria for the past twenty-two years. He leaves to mourn his loss his widow and two sons, Isadore, in California, and Alfred, in Victoria. The late Mr. Burns was a member of United Services Lodge A.F. & A.M. The remains are reposing at Haywards B.C. Funeral Chapel, from where the funeral will take place on Wednesday [9 October 1929] at 2 o’clock. Interment will be made in the Jewish Cemetery.”
(Source: Victoria Daily Colonist, 8 October 1929, page 5)
“BURNS – The remains of the late Harry Burns were laid to rest in the Jewish Cemetery yesterday afternoon, the funeral taking place from Hayward’s B.C. Funeral Chapel at 2 o’clock. Rabbi Levy officiating. A large gathering of friends were present including officers and members of the Masonic Order. Their service at the graveside was conducted by Worshipful Master B. Day. The pallbearers acting from the Chapel to the hearse were Worshipful Master B. Day, Brother J. Cathcart, Brother E.S. Mitchell, Worshipful Brother J.P. Sylvester, Brother W.O. Wallace and Brother J. Rose, members of the Masonic Order. The pallbearers acting at the graveside were Messrs. I.M. Nodek, H.I. Mallek, I. Waxstock, Dr. Berman, A. Lancaster and E. Fronson. Many beautiful floral designs were received and placed on the hearse.”
(Source: Victoria Daily Colonist, 10 October 1929, page 5)
Harry Burns is buried in Victoria Jewish Cemetery.
Harry Burns’ house at 1919 Davie Street was built in 1911 and is still standing. Here is a map showing the location of 1919 Davie Street, Victoria:
Here is a Google Street View image of 1919 Davie Street, Victoria, B.C.:
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