Some Historic Photos of The Duncan Masonic Temple, Circa 1912-1915

Here are some historic photos of the Duncan Masonic Temple which we came across recently.

The first photo shows Canada Avenue (then known as Front Street) circa fall 1912 or sometime in 1913. We are using those dates because the Duncan Masonic Temple was built in the summer of 1912 while the building that is now the Duncan Christmas Heritage Mall, which was completed in 1914, does not appear in the photo.  The Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway Station, built in 1912, appears at the right of the photo with the word “DUNCAN” on its south facade.

Front Street (now Canada Avenue) in downtown Duncan looking northwest, circa 1912-1913. The Duncan Masonic Temple is in the center right.
Front Street (now Canada Avenue) in downtown Duncan looking northwest, circa 1912-1913. The Duncan Masonic Temple is in the center right.

The following photograph was taken from the upper storey of a building (since demolished) on Duncan Street looking northwest. The photo shows the E & N Railway Station on the left and the Duncan Masonic Temple on the center-right. We are guessing this photo was taken circa 1912-1913.

The E&N Railway Station (left) and the Duncan Masonic Temple (center) circa 1913-1914
The E&N Railway Station (left) and the Duncan Masonic Temple (center) circa 1913-1914

The following photograph shows Front Street (now Canada Avenue) looking southwest from Kenneth Street circa 1914.-1915. We are using those dates because the Duncan Christmas Heritage Mall, which was completed in 1914, appears in the photo adjacent to, and to the left of, the Duncan Masonic Temple, which is the building on the right of the photograph.

Front Street (now Canada Avenue) in downtown Duncan circa 1914. The Duncan Masonic Temple is on the right.
Front Street (now Canada Avenue) in downtown Duncan circa 1914. The Duncan Masonic Temple is on the right.

 
Here is a current photo of the Duncan Masonic Temple:

Duncan Masonic Temple, 1963 Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C.
Duncan Masonic Temple, 163 Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C.

Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this post?

A Newly Discovered Photo of the Corner Stone Ceremony For the Duncan Masonic Temple, 15 June 1912

A local Facebook group, You Know You’re From Duncan When…, has brought to our attention a photo of the Corner Stone ceremony for the Duncan Masonic Temple on 15 June 1912.

Temple Lodge No. 33 has another photo of this event but our Lodge Historian had not seen this photo (shown below) prior to today. We have added the photo to our webpage on the Duncan Masonic Temple.

Corner Stone Ceremony for the present day Duncan Masonic Temple, 15 June 1912. Mrs. Norcross' chicken coop is visible in the left rear.
Corner Stone Ceremony for the present day Duncan Masonic Temple, 15 June 1912. Mrs. Norcross’ chicken coop is visible in the left rear.

Temple Lodge No. 33 extends its thanks to Darold Stockford, of You Know You’re From Duncan When…, for bringing this photo to our attention.  Continue reading A Newly Discovered Photo of the Corner Stone Ceremony For the Duncan Masonic Temple, 15 June 1912

Kenneth Forrest Duncan, first Mayor of Duncan

Worshipful Brother Kenneth Forrest Duncan (1881-1952) was a member of the family for whom the City of Duncan is named. He was instrumental in establishing the City of Duncan in 1912. He served as the City of Duncan’s first Mayor in 1912-13. Kenneth Street in downtown Duncan is named for him.

Kenneth F. Duncan, circa 1920
Kenneth F. Duncan, circa 1920. First Mayor of Duncan, 1912. W.M. of Temple Lodge, No.33 in 1913. (Photo courtesy of City of Duncan

Continue reading Kenneth Forrest Duncan, first Mayor of Duncan