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PIONEER SQUARE - MASONIC INTERMENTS

British Columbia Lodge, No. 1090, E.R.

Most of what we know of Brother James Orr comes from the reports of his death and funeral in the British Colonist, the local newspaper of the day. Brother James Orr was a native of Scotland; he was a member of British Columbia Lodge, No. 1090 E.R. in Victoria, a member of Columbia Lodge, No. 2, I.O.O.F. and was the Foreman of the Tiger Engine Co., one of Victoria's three volunteer fire brigades. Victoria's volunteer firefighters became the Victoria Fire Department in 1875.

Brother Orr's tombstone (below) is still in Pioneer square but has been moved from its original location to the eastern portion of the grounds, so we do not know the actual location of his grave.

The Funeral Notices for Brother James Orr which appeared in the local newspaper, the British Colonist, are shown at left.

Here are the contemporary reports of Brother James Orr's death and funeral from the British Colonist:  

“DIED

In this city, on the 19th inst., Mr. James Orr, a native [of] Cootbridge, by Ardrie, Lanookshire, Scotland.

The funeral will leave the Masonic Hall, at 2 p.m. TOMORROW (Friday), and proceed to St. Andrew’s Church, Courtenay street, for divine service. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.”

Source: British Colonist, 20 July 1871, page 3, column 1

“FUNERAL OF JAMES ORR – The funeral of Mr. James Orr, late foreman of the Tiger Engine Company and president of the St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society, took place yesterday.  The cortege – which was headed by the Volunteer Band – comprised members of the UH & L Company and the Tiger and Deluge Companies, British Columbia, Victoria and Vancouver Lodges of Freemasons, Victoria and Columbia Lodges of Odd Fellows, the St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society, and a number of citizens. The remains were received at Masonic Hall and conveyed to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where service was read by Rev Mr McGregor. Thence the procession proceeded to the cemetery, where the body was interred with Masonic honors – the service being read by Thos Shotbolt, Esq., W M of British Columbia Lodge. An additional interest attached to the obsequies from the fact that Mr Orr was engaged to be married to an interesting young lady of this city, who was present and sobbed during the solemn proceedings as if her young heart would break.”

Source: British Colonist 22 July 1871 page 3, column 1

The photos below show Brother James Orr's gravestone (left) and some details still visible (center and right) on the stone.