From the Archives

Blackwood Masonic Lodge, No. 311

The City of Vaughan’s archives house more than 600 collections dating from the 1860s to the present day. Within these files are the stories of how Vaughan evolved from the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island to the bustling city it has become. 

Let’s look back at our history and share the stories of the people, places and moments that helped shape the city we know today. This month’s feature is on the Blackwood Masonic Lodge, No. 311.

The Blackwood Masonic Lodge was built in Woodbridge in 1874 and was named after its founder, Thomas F. Blackwood. Sixteen members originally joined the Lodge from other lodges located in Maple, Concord, Grahamsville and the City of Toronto. Meetings were held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. on or before the full moon, as this was before the invention of electricity, so the moon provided necessary light for travelling.

The Lodge prospered and grew until 1886, when John Abell’s Agricultural Works moved closer to Toronto. Several lodge members had been employed by John Abell, forcing them to move as well. As a result, many meetings were cancelled, and the possibility that the Lodge might have to give up its charter was discussed. Fortunately, members persevered and ensured the building remained open, and 14 years later, the Lodge became so popular that in 1900, a second one was built on Eighth Avenue, present-day Kipling Avenue. Brother Albert Harris donated the land for the building and was the first person to live there. The lodge was expanded in 1961, using lots owned by its members. In addition to building a waiting room, the parking lot was also enlarged.

In 1964, a group of members separated from the original group to form Bridgewood Lodge, No. 713 to further advance the cause of masonry in the area. With substantial support from the Blackwood Lodge, its membership grew and continues to this day. 

In 1974, the masons celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Blackwood Lodge. The place was filled with many past members from different provincial chapters, ranging from the highest level of the Grand Lodge to the newest initiate of the Blackwood Lodge.

In honour of reaching 100 years, the regular regalia of the Lodge changed to gold décor, a booklet on the history of the Lodge was created and a Thanksgiving service was held at the Woodbridge Presbyterian Church, with a performance by the Gordon McGillivray Choir. 

In 2000, members decided to move from the Blackwood Lodge and the property was sold. The Lodge since moved to the Vaughan Masonic Temple in Maple where members meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m., except for in July and August. This year, the Lodge will celebrate its 150th anniversary! 

VIEW VAUGHAN'S ARCHIVES ONLINE!

Looking for more information about the history of Vaughan? The City's Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The below galleries are available in the City's online gallery on Flickr: 

• Archival Awareness
• Early Churches of Vaughan
• Early Communities of Vaughan
• Early Pioneers of Vaughan 
• Families in Arms
• From Township to City: The Evolution of Vaughan
• Historical Families of Vaughan
• Historical Photography
• Recollections of Rural Vaughan
• The Mary Wood Collection
• The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan's Past
• Vaughan’s Forgotten Heroes 
• Vaughan Lodge
• Vaughan Working Environments
• Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine, Music and Sports and Recreation
• And more! 

A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City's online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a particular image, original file, primary source record or more, please visit the Archival Database or contact the City by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca. 

By managing and preserving both City and community records, the City’s Enterprise Information Management Services team ensures that Vaughan's rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.

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