Buildings Associated With Freemasons – Victoria

The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street in downtown Victoria was opened in 1913 and has been a landmark building in Victoria ever since. It is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

The primary figure in financing, planning and construction of the Royal Theatre was Simon Leiser (1851-1917), a member of Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 in Victoria. Simon Leiser was also President of the Congregation Emanu-El on Blanshard Street.

The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria. Simon Leiser played a leading role in financing and building this theatre in 1913. (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria. Simon Leiser played a leading role in financing and building this theatre in 1913. (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria. Simon Leiser played a leading role in financing and building this theatre in 1913. (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria. Simon Leiser played a leading role in financing and building this theatre in 1913. (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

B.C. Premier Sir Richard McBride, also a Freemason, formally opened the Royal Theatre in 1913.

Simon Leiser (1851-1917)
Simon Leiser (1851-1917)

Simon Leiser was presented with a “Loving Cup” in recognition of his contribution toward building the Royal Theatre.

The Loving Cup presented to Simon Leiser in 1913 to commemorate his role in building what is now the Royal Theater in Victoria (photo courtesy of Ben Heilbronn, a Leiser descendant. Used with permission)
The Loving Cup presented to Simon Leiser in 1913 to commemorate his role in building what is now the Royal Theater in Victoria (photo courtesy of Ben Heilbronn, a Leiser descendant. Used with permission)

Simon Leiser is also associated with 524 Yates Street, which he had built in 1896 as an office and warehouse for his wholesale grocery business; the Congregation Emanu-El synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, of which he was President for many years; and 1005 St. Charles Street, designed and built by Victoria architect Samuel Maclure as a residence for Simon Leiser and his family.

Simon Leiser's former warehouse at 524 Yates Street in Victoria was converted to condos in 2011.
Simon Leiser’s former warehouse at 524 Yates Street in Victoria was converted to condos in 2011.
Simon Leiser's house at 1005 St. Charles Street, Victoria, B.C.
Simon Leiser’s house at 1005 St. Charles Street, Victoria, B.C.
Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria, B.C.
Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria, B.C.

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