1909-2009

Just over 100 years ago in 1908 the City of Penticton was incorporated. The same year a group of Freemasons in the new City of Penticton applied for and received a warrant for a new Lodge, to be named Okanagan Lodge. On May 5th, 1909 the name was changed to Orion Lodge, On July 7th, 1909 Orion Lodge was formally constituted by warrant of the Grand lodge and numbered 51 on the Grand Register. Many of the same men who founded the City also participated in the formation of the Lodge. These included; Brother J. Kirkpatrick - Mayor, and Aldermen; Brother G.L. Estabrooks, Brother J.R. Mitchell, Brother C.A.C. Steward

  The original meetings were held at The J.D. McDonald Hall 400 block Main Street, in 1922 the Lodge moved to the Greer Block also on Main Street. Up to this point Orion rented their Lodge Rooms. On December 6th 1927 Orion Lodge  moved into their very own building situated on the south east corner of Main and Nanaimo, the sight of the present Royal Bank of Canada. In 1951 a new Masonic Temple was built at 157 Orchard Avenue with the first meeting being held on November 10th, 1951. This is still our present Lodge Room. 

      During the past 100 years many good men have been, or are, members of Orion Lodge #51. These men came to the Lodge from all walks of life including ; railway men, ranchers, carpenters, orchardists, mechanics and many others.
These men were of all colors, races and religions who were asked one basic question "do you believe in a supreme being?", as Freemasonry is not a religion but is religious.
     

   Orion Lodge #51 has a membership of 54 and holds a regular meeting on the first Wednesday of every month, except July and August, at 157 Orchard Ave., Penticton, B.C. at 7:300 pm.
 

                                    Membership Inquiries   250-492-4579  pbeavan@shaw.ca