Buildings Associated With Freemasons – Victoria

557-559 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria was built in 1875 for Henry Saunders, a grocer, and a member of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 in Victoria.

Following an addition to the building in 1886, the building was occupied by Gilmore & McCandless. a retail clothing business operated by Alexander Gilmore (died 1910, aged 86), also a Freemason, and his nephew, Alexander Gilmore McCandless, a member of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No.1.

557-559 Johnson Street, Victoria, B.C. Built in 1875 for Henry Saunders, it became the location of Gilmore & McCandless in the 1880's and 1890's (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
557-559 Johnson Street, Victoria, B.C. Built in 1875 for Henry Saunders, it became the location of Gilmore & McCandless in the 1880’s and 1890’s (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

557-559 Johnson Street is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

Here is a map showing the location of 557-559 Johnson Street:

Obituary photo of Alexander Gilmore. Although Alexander Gilmore died in 1910, this photo appears to have been taken circa 1870. (reproduction by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
Obituary photo of Alexander Gilmore. Although Alexander Gilmore died in 1910, this photo appears to have been taken circa 1870. (reproduction by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

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