Vancouver Island Masonic History Project

As part of our Vancouver Island Masonic History Project, with its sections on Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments and Deceased Brethren, here is a page on Coote Mulloy Chambers, who is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.

Coote Mulloy Chambers was a member of Vancouver & Quadra Lodge, No.2 in Victoria who served as Grand Master of B.C. in 1881-82. Chambers Street in Victoria is named after him. Prior to moving to Victoria he had been a member of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 7 in Vancouver.

Coote Mulloy Chambers, circa 1881-1882, as Grand Master of B.C.
Coote Mulloy Chambers, circa 1881-1882, as Grand Master of B.C.

Here is a brief biographical sketch of M.W. Brother Coote Mulloy Chambers (died 3 August 1888, aged 49) based on the local newspaper reports of this death and funeral:

“DIED
CHAMBERS – In this city, on the 3rd instant, Coote Mulloy Chambers, a native of Dublin, Ireland, aged 50 years.

The funeral will take place on Sunday, at half past 2 o’clock from the Masonic Temple, Douglas Street. Friends are invited to attend.

(Source: Daily Colonist, 4 August 1888, page 4)

“Death of Mr. Coote M. Chambers – Mr. Coote Mulloy Chambers died at St. Joseph’s Hospital yesterday morning after a lingering illness. The deceased gentleman was a resident of this province for over twenty-nine years, and up to the time of his death occupied the position of accountant in the Dominion Government Savings Bank in this city. Since arriving here he occupied several prominent and trustworthy positions, all of which he filled with credit to himself. He was for several years school trustee, but retired from the board about four years ago. He was also recognized as foremost in promoting music festivals, concerts, etc., and the assistance he rendered the Victoria Orchestral Society will long be remembered. Deceased was in his fiftieth year, and was Past Grand Master of the A.F. & A.M. and a member of the A.O.U.W. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon from the Masonic Temple.

Mrs. Chambers and those who are left to mourn his loss have the sympathy of the entire community. The direct cause of death was chronic bronchitis. The remains were conveyed last evening to the late residence of the deceased, on the Gorge road.”

(Source: Daily Colonist, 4 August 1888, page 4, column 3)

“Last Sad Rites – The remains of the late Coote Mulloy Chambers were interred on Sunday in Ross Bay cemetery. The funeral took place from the Masonic Temple at 3 o’clock and the cortege, headed by the members of the A.F. & A.M., proceeded to the R.E. church [note: Reformed Episcopal; this church is still standing at Blanshard Street and Humboldt Street], where Rt. Rev. Bishop Cridge officiated. At the cemetery brother Morris Moss, Master of Vancouver-Quadra Lodge, No. 2, read the burial service of the order. The pall-bearers were: Dennis R. Harris, D.W. Higgins, M.W. Waitt, W. Dalby, T. Mitchell, John Teague, G.W. Haynes and T. Shotbolt. The late Mr. Chambers was insured for $8,500 in the Northwestern Masonic Aid Society and $2,000 in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He also held a policy in the New York Mutual Life Insurance Company.”

(Source: Daily Colonist, 7 August 1888, page 4)

Coote Mulloy Chambers is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.

Inscription on the grave of Coote Mulloy Chambers, Past Grand Master, in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
Inscription on the grave of Coote Mulloy Chambers, Past Grand Master, in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
Grave of Coote Mulloy Chambers, Past Grand Master, in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
Grave of Coote Mulloy Chambers, Past Grand Master, in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.

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