North Star Lodge No. 4: A History of Freemasonry in Lethbridge, Alberta
The Beginning of Freemasonry in Lethbridge
North Star Lodge No. 4 is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in Western Canada and has played a significant role in the development of Freemasonry in Alberta since the late nineteenth century.
By the mid-1880s, the Northwest Territories already contained five Masonic lodges. Three were located in what would later become Saskatchewan, while the future Province of Alberta was served by lodges in Edmonton and Calgary. Although no lodge yet existed in Lethbridge, several Freemasons had settled in the community and maintained close fraternal ties.
In December 1886, the Lethbridge News reported that local Masons had resolved to take immediate steps toward establishing a lodge. A committee was appointed to locate suitable meeting quarters, and discussions soon began regarding the procurement of a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. These early meetings marked the beginning of what would eventually become North Star Lodge No. 4.
Formation of North Star Lodge
Freemasonry was expanding rapidly across Southern Alberta during this period. Lodges were being established in nearby communities such as Fort Macleod and Medicine Hat, eventually leading to the formation of Alberta Lodge No. 37 under the Grand Lodge of Manitoba.
In March 1888, the Grand Lodge of Manitoba granted a dispensation allowing Masons in Lethbridge to hold regular meetings. The first meeting of North Star Lodge was held on April 16, 1888, in rooms above a furniture store in downtown Lethbridge.
The dispensation was delivered from Calgary by Right Worshipful Brother James Brigden, District Deputy Grand Master, who also installed and invested the Lodge’s first officers. At that inaugural meeting, North Star consisted of eight officers and one member.
The Founding Members
The charter members of North Star Lodge represented many of the professions and industries responsible for building early Lethbridge.
Among them were:
- Thomas McPherson, the Lodge’s first Worshipful Master, railway engineer and later Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba.
- Robert Niven, supervisor of mining operations.
- Frederick Champness, Lethbridge’s first Collector of Customs.
- Rev. Edward Mathewson, Rector of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church and later Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan.
- Rev. Charles McKillop, known locally as the “Fighting Parson.”
- Malcolm McKenzie, hotel proprietor.
- Alex Ross, stable boss for the Alberta Railway and Irrigation Company.
These men helped shape both the Lodge and the growing community of Lethbridge.
Chartered Under the Grand Lodge of Manitoba
On March 11, 1889, North Star Lodge officially received its Charter and convened for the first time as North Star Lodge No. 41 under the Grand Lodge of Manitoba.
The Grand Lodge of Manitoba played a critical role in supporting Masonic growth throughout the Northwest Territories. Its officers regularly visited developing lodges and provided guidance, mentorship, and administrative support during the formative years of Freemasonry in Western Canada.
When the Grand Lodge of Alberta was established in 1905, North Star Lodge No. 41 became North Star Lodge No. 4, retaining its proud heritage while helping shape the future of Alberta Masonry.
Growth and Expansion
For the first twenty years of its existence, North Star Lodge was the only Masonic lodge in Lethbridge. Membership grew rapidly, surpassing 200 members by 1908.
As the Lodge expanded, it became necessary to establish additional lodges to provide leadership opportunities for younger members. North Star played a direct role in sponsoring and assisting the formation of several lodges, including:
- Lethbridge Lodge No. 39
- Chief Mountain Lodge No. 58
- Diamond City Lodge No. 65
- Charity Lodge No. 67
- York Lodge No. 119
Through these efforts, North Star became a cornerstone of Freemasonry throughout Southern Alberta.
A Permanent Home
As membership increased, the Lodge required larger facilities and relocated numerous times throughout its early history.
On February 9, 1920, a joint building committee reported the purchase of the current Lodge building from the Sons of England for $16,500. One month later, North Star Lodge moved into its new home.
For over a century, the building has served as a gathering place for Freemasons in Lethbridge and remains an important landmark in the Lodge’s history.
A Lodge Connected to Alberta’s History
The history of North Star Lodge mirrors the history of Southern Alberta itself.
Its members have included railway builders, coal miners, ranchers, farmers, businessmen, clergy, physicians, military officers, judges, police officers, and elected officials. Among its distinguished members were veterans of the North-West Rebellion, the Boer War, both World Wars, and numerous public servants who helped shape Alberta’s communities.
Many members served as mayors, legislators, military leaders, and community builders throughout the province.
North Star Lodge Today
Today, North Star Lodge No. 4 continues to thrive as one of Alberta’s most historic and active Masonic lodges.
The Lodge welcomes men from all walks of life who share a commitment to personal growth, integrity, friendship, and community service. The Brethren continue to uphold the traditions established in 1888 while adapting to the needs of modern Freemasonry.
Annual activities include:
- Robbie Burns Night
- Ladies Night
- September Table Lodge
- June Outdoor Lodge
- Bob Sinclair Family BBQ and Bocce Ball Tournament
- Community Service Projects
- Educational Programs and Masonic Fellowship Events
More than 135 years after its founding, North Star Lodge remains dedicated to preserving its rich heritage while building for future generations.
The story of North Star Lodge is ultimately the story of Freemasonry in Lethbridge: a legacy of brotherhood, service, leadership, and friendship that continues to shine brightly across Southern Alberta.