Photo From A Brazilian Brother Who Visited Ashlar Lodge No. 3

In February 2017, Ashlar Lodge No. 3 was contacted by Nanaimo resident Renato Anacleto, who explained that his father, Joao Batista Anacleto, is a Freemason in Brazil – a member of Loja Maconica 3 Colinas – Franca-SP Brazil, and would be visiting family in Nanaimo in March 2017.

Renato Anacleto wanted to know whether his father could visit Ashlar Lodge No. 3 while he was in Nanaimo. Naturally, we were happy to arrange a visit to Ashlar Lodge No. 3 and Ashlar Masonic Temple for W.B. Joao Batista Anacleto.

After his return to Brazil, Joao Batista Anacleto made a presentation to his lodge, Loja Maconica 3 Colinas, about his visit to Ashlar Lodge No. 3. He has also sent us a photo (shown below) of the interior of his lodge and the members of his lodge.

Joao Batista Anacleto vistited Ashlar Lodge No. 3 in March 2017. He sent us this photo of his lodge, Loja Maconica 3 Colinas - Franca-SP Brazil (photo: Joao Batista Anacleto - Loja Maconica 3 Colinas)
Joao Batista Anacleto (center, wearing pendant) visited Ashlar Lodge No. 3 in March 2017. He sent us this photo of his lodge, Loja Maconica 3 Colinas – Franca-SP Brazil (photo: Joao Batista Anacleto – Loja Maconica 3 Colinas)

We sent the fraternal greetings of Ashlar Lodge No. 3 to our Brazilian Brothers of Loja Maconica 3 Colinas.

Ashlar Masonic Temple Receives A Heritage Grant From The City of Nanaimo

We are very pleased to announce that the Ashlar Temple Association has been awarded a $20,000 Heritage Grant by the City of Nanaimo for refurbishments to the exterior of Ashlar Masonic Temple, 101 Commercial Street in downtown Nanaimo. Here is a link to an article about this in the Nanaimo News-Bulletin.

Here is the Nanaimo News-Bulletin video report of the grant:

Ashlar Lodge No. 3 extends its thanks to the City of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo Heritage Committee for this significant grant.

We will post reports about the progress of refurbishments, which we hope to have completed in time for the re-dedication of the Ashlar Masonic Temple in July 2017.

Ashlar Masonic Temple is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places and on the City of Nanaimo Heritage Register.

For more information see our webpage on Ashlar Masonic Temple.

Ashlar Masonic Temple, 101 Commercial Street, Nanaimo. Built in 1923
Ashlar Masonic Temple, 101 Commercial Street, Nanaimo. Built in 1923

Upcoming District 5 Events For April & May 2017

Our District Deputy Grand Master, R.W.B. Neil Westmacott, has asked that the following list of upcoming Masonic events in District 5 be circulated to all Brethren. Here is R.W.B. Westmacott’s message:

The following is a summaries of meetings and events occurring within our District over the next months. Would you please circulate this among your Brethren for their information. My thanks in advance.

– April 3 Nanaimo 110 annual Mine Whistle Night, Grand Master in attendance.
– April 4 afternoon. Celebration of life for RWB Floyd Becker.
Doric Lodge EA Degree.
– April 5 Ashlar Lodge regular meeting
– April 8 Manoah 141 Regular meeting
– April 15 Barclay Lodge Installation. Luncheon to preceded installation.
– April 17 Nanaimo 110 regular meeting
– April 18 Doric 18 regular meeting
– April 20 Euclid 158 regular meeting
– May 3 Ashlar 3 regular meeting
– May 10 Bethel 11 Jobs Daughter official visit of Grand Guardian at St John’s Lodge Hall. Dinner to precede meeting. 5:15pm.
– May 10 Barclay 90 regular meeting
– May 13 Manoah 141 installation preceded by luncheon at noon.
– May 15 Nanaimo 110 regular meeting
– May 16 Doric 18 regular meeting
– May 18 Euclid 158 regular meeting

A pretty extensive list, however it affords us the opportunity to enjoy freemasonry and visiting as we proceed toward Grand Lodge in June.

Warm fraternal regards,

R.W.B. Neil Westmacott
DDGM District 5

Joseph Nicholson Kneen (1883-1967) – Featured Deceased Member of Ashlar Lodge No. 3 For April 2017

Each month Ashlar Lodge No. 3 features a Deceased Brother as a way of highlighting Our History and the contributions Freemasons have made to the Nanaimo area.

Our featured Deceased Brother for March 2017 is Joseph Nicholson Kneen (1883-1967), who operated a building supply business in Nanaimo.

Joseph Kneen at his office, circa 1952.
Joseph Kneen at his office, circa 1952. (courtesy Nanaimo Community Archives)

Joseph Kneen is buried in the Nanaimo Cemetery on Bowen Road.

Joseph Kneen grave, Bowen Road Cemetery, Nanaimo, B.C.
Joseph Kneen grave, Bowen Road Cemetery, Nanaimo, B.C. (photo by Ashlar Lodge No.3 Historian)

See our webpage about Joseph Nicholson Kneen,