Secret Societies in Early Greenwood
BY: BG EDITOR
The Fellowship of Men
Jan 05, 2019 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)
One of the earliest mentions we find of the Secret Societies in early Greenwood is in a May 1897 edition of the Boundary Creek Times[1]. It was announced that the Independent Order of Oddfellows had opened a lodge in Greenwood, and it was the first such society to be chartered in the area.
ODD-FELLOWSHIP
"Pursuant to instructions from the higher authorities, Mr. O. B. Nelson, district deputy grand master, came over from Carson on Monday, accompanied by a number of the members of Carson Lodge, for the purpose of instituting a lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows in Greenwood. The school-room had been fitted up temporarily for use as a hall, and will be used as such until a new building is erected.
The usual formalities were commenced about 8 o'clock and were continued till midnight, but space is too limited to describe in detail the weird and mystical features of the ceremony; suffice it to say that Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38, I.O.O.F., is now a duly organized lodge of the Order, with full powers and privileges, and is the first secret society on Boundary Creek to receive its charter.
The first regular meeting was held on the following night, when several new members were initiated; future meetings will be held every Tuesday evening at 7:30.
At the conclusion of Tuesday's meeting an adjournment, was made to the Palace hotel, Anaconda, where a sumptuous collation had been provided and where a couple of hours were passed in fraternal goodfellowship."
"Pursuant to instructions from the higher authorities, Mr. O. B. Nelson, district deputy grand master, came over from Carson on Monday, accompanied by a number of the members of Carson Lodge, for the purpose of instituting a lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows in Greenwood. The school-room had been fitted up temporarily for use as a hall, and will be used as such until a new building is erected.
The usual formalities were commenced about 8 o'clock and were continued till midnight, but space is too limited to describe in detail the weird and mystical features of the ceremony; suffice it to say that Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38, I.O.O.F., is now a duly organized lodge of the Order, with full powers and privileges, and is the first secret society on Boundary Creek to receive its charter.
The first regular meeting was held on the following night, when several new members were initiated; future meetings will be held every Tuesday evening at 7:30.
At the conclusion of Tuesday's meeting an adjournment, was made to the Palace hotel, Anaconda, where a sumptuous collation had been provided and where a couple of hours were passed in fraternal goodfellowship."
Some of Greenwood's leading citizens were among the officers duly installed by the new Oddfellows lodge: Thos. Hardy, R. Smailes, I. H. Hallett, W. J. Harber, Dr. Jakes, T. M. Gulley, J. McNicol, W. M. Law, J. Kerr, G. A. Rendell, B. Taylor, J. P. Flood and J. Grant.
The designation of a "secret society" generally meant that the group was exclusive, claimed to own special secrets, and had a strong inclination to favor its members. Many of these organizations over the years became less focused on secret knowledge and more inclined to brotherhood and social purpose. They became more commonly known as "fraternal organizations", many of which had their female counterparts.
The history of secret societies goes far back on the historical timeline, with much debate about dates of origination for the various societies. While documents indicate a start circa 1425, the Freemasons founded their first Grand Lodge in Scotland in 1717. They were preceded by the Jesuits (c. 1534, Paris) and Rosicrucians (c. 1616, Germany), and followed by the Knights Templar (a Masonic branch, c. 1735), the Illuminati (c. 1776, Bavaria), and the Carbonari (c. 1800, Italy).
In 1900 British Columbia, we find mention in news reports of the secret societies operating locally at that time:[2-3]
"Five secret societies have lodges" (Aug 1900)
"Most all the 7 SECRET SOCIETIES are represented here, the Masons, Oddfellows and Nights of Pythias probably having the largest membership." (Oct 1900)
"Most all the 7 SECRET SOCIETIES are represented here, the Masons, Oddfellows and Nights of Pythias probably having the largest membership." (Oct 1900)
While we can't be certain of which five or seven secret societies were being referred to above, the fraternal organizations operating in Greenwood at the time included the Freemasons (A.F. and A.M.), the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The Orientals. The women's societies included the Rebekahs (women of the Odd Fellows) and the Ladies of the Maccabees, the female arm of the Knights of the Maccabees, who emerged from the Foresters.
In a 1909 series in the Times,[4-5] we find an overview of six of these societies, being the ones recognized as formal organizations. A description of the seventh also follows -- The Orientals being an apparently spontaneous fraternity of Greenwood's high-spirited men.
FRATERNAL ORDERS
"Greenwood is honored by being the home of several fraternal orders, who do much for the social and brotherly welfare of their members, and assure a welcome to those of their fellows who sojourn here occasionally from outside points.
A. F. and A. M.
Throughout the civilized world Freemasonry is recognized as the leading fraternal order. It antedates all others, having been first conceived at the time of the building of King Solomon's temple. Some claim an even earlier foundation for this noble brotherhood. It is impossible in a short space to follow the workings of Masonry from its infancy. It is a power for good in every land, and especially in the older countries has founded schools for the sons and daughters of Masons, homes for the widow and orphan, and bound and held together all grades of society in one great brotherhood of charity and brotherly love.
Greenwood Lodge, No. 28, A. F. and A. M., was first organized, under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, in 1898, with Worshipful Brother C. S. Galloway as W. M. In the following year, 1899, a lodge was instituted November 11, by D. D. G. M. Raymer and John D. Clute, Jr., of Rossland, and the following officers appointed: C. Scott Galloway, W. M.; J. C. Haas, secretary; Robert Wood, treasurer.
The lodge room was over T. M Gulley's store on Copper street. Later in the history of the order in Greenwood, a stately temple was erected on Government street, and still later the present lodge room in the Wood block on Government street became the meeting place of the brethren.
The lodge meets on the first Thursday of every month, and all visiting brethren are most welcome. The following is a list of worshipful masters: C. Scott Galloway, 1898, 1899; A. S. Black, 1900; C. Scott Galloway, 1901; W. G. McMynn, 1902; J. S. Birnie, 1903; F. M. Elkins, 1904; A. M. Whiteside, 1905; E. W. Bishop, 1906; E. G. Warren, 1907; J. W. Grier, 1908; F. W. McLaine, 1909.
[Additional information on the history of the Greenwood Masons can be found here.]
I. O. O. F.
Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38, was instituted at Greenwood on the 11th June, 1897, the charter members being Thos. Hardy, Ralph Smailes, W. J. Harber, T. W. Gulley, J. McNichol and R. W. Jakes. During its existence it has been the means of upholding considerable of the social life among the citizens of Greenwood and district, its present membership being 110, with assets of over $7,000. Its meetings are held every Tuesday evening, at 8 o'clock, in the I. O. O. F. hall, and visitors are always heartily welcomed. Its visitors' book show records of visits of members from all parts of the world.
During the 85 years the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has been in existence it has grown to be an immense institution. ... The three link man is to be found the world over, and who can doubt the progress of an institution whose motto is Friendship, Love and Truth, and whose laws command its members to bury the dead, relieve the distressed, protect the widow and educate the orphans. All these are a part of Odd fellowship.
They have homes scattered all over for aged members, their wives and their children. These are not charity homes, but are supported by all members, and consequently theirs by right of ownership, hence day by day, and year by year, the work goes on, and who shall say where it will end? It is a power for good and is rightly considered a most worthy order.
K. of P.
The Knights of Pythias is an international order, with the highest ideals of brotherly love and self sacrifice, founded on the beautiful story of the noble man who was willing to lay down his life for a friend. The Greenwood Lodge No. 29, Knights of Pythias, was instituted April 11, 1900, by H. C. Holden, D.D.G.C. The lodge is in a most excellent financial condition and has a membership of 65. Its furnishings and regalia have cost $1,000, and the lodge has $850 in cash.
The following is a list of those who have filled the principal chair since its institution in this town: T. T. Abbott, J. H. Macfarlane, D. A. McKenzie, Max Berger, N. L. McLeod, A. D. Hallett, K. C. B. Frith, Chas. Dunne, A. S. Embree, Chas. Pittock, L. Bruce Hodge, Jas. Cameron, A. F. Thomas, Martin Anderson, Frank Steel, A. J. Morrison, Wm. Rowe, L, J. W. Grier, Wm. J. Thompson, Chas. Birce.
The Knights meet on the triangle every Wednesday and will welcome all visiting wearers of the three colors.
F. 0. E
The Fraternal Order of Eagles was organized ten years ago in Greenwood, and has been known locally as a jolly good lodge, with a jolly good bunch of fellows. Wm. Frawley is at the present holding the principal chair, and he is always ready to extend the hand of fellowship to all comers, and to add the finishing touch to all contemplating joining the nest. The order is known for benevolence and charity to its members. At the present time the local Aerie has quite a number of candidates passing through those mysterious flights which only the Eagle solves. Their meeting night is the first and third Mondays of every month, at 8 o'clock, in the Eagles' hall.
Maccabees
A branch lodge of the Ladies of the Maccabees was organized in Greenwood last November, and has at present a membership of fifteen, which, considering the noble objects of the society, will no doubt be augmented with the steady growth of the town. Mrs. J. Crawford is the present Lady Commander, while Miss Lila Rowe is Record Keeper. The Ladies of the Maccabees meet every first and third Monday at the home of a member of the order, and will welcome all visiting Lady Maccabees who wish to visit the society.
[The Knights of the Maccabees was founded in London, Ontario by members of the Order of the Foresters. They based their name, ceremonies and rituals on the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels against the Seleucid Empire whose exploits are described in the Books of the Maccabees, considered part of the Biblical canon by Catholics, but included in the Apocrypha by Protestants. The first convention was held on August 7, 1878. (Wikipedia)]
Rebekahs
The Greenwood Rebekah lodge, No. 18, I. O. O. F., was founded three years ago, and has a membership of 60, and is in a most flourishing condition. This is the ladies' branch of the Odd Fellows, and a most popular sororal society. Miss Jessie Murray is the occupant of the senior chair and is aided by an able and efficient staff.
The Rebekahs meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in each month, in the Eagles' hall. The first annual session of the Rebekah Assembly of British Columbia, I. O. O. F., met at Odd Fellows' hall, Vancouver, on the 8th of last June. Sister A. Flemming represented Greenwood Lodge No. 18. This order is a credit to the town and all visiting sisters are made welcome at the lodge meetings."
"Greenwood is honored by being the home of several fraternal orders, who do much for the social and brotherly welfare of their members, and assure a welcome to those of their fellows who sojourn here occasionally from outside points.
A. F. and A. M.
Throughout the civilized world Freemasonry is recognized as the leading fraternal order. It antedates all others, having been first conceived at the time of the building of King Solomon's temple. Some claim an even earlier foundation for this noble brotherhood. It is impossible in a short space to follow the workings of Masonry from its infancy. It is a power for good in every land, and especially in the older countries has founded schools for the sons and daughters of Masons, homes for the widow and orphan, and bound and held together all grades of society in one great brotherhood of charity and brotherly love.
Greenwood Lodge, No. 28, A. F. and A. M., was first organized, under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of British Columbia, in 1898, with Worshipful Brother C. S. Galloway as W. M. In the following year, 1899, a lodge was instituted November 11, by D. D. G. M. Raymer and John D. Clute, Jr., of Rossland, and the following officers appointed: C. Scott Galloway, W. M.; J. C. Haas, secretary; Robert Wood, treasurer.
The lodge room was over T. M Gulley's store on Copper street. Later in the history of the order in Greenwood, a stately temple was erected on Government street, and still later the present lodge room in the Wood block on Government street became the meeting place of the brethren.
The lodge meets on the first Thursday of every month, and all visiting brethren are most welcome. The following is a list of worshipful masters: C. Scott Galloway, 1898, 1899; A. S. Black, 1900; C. Scott Galloway, 1901; W. G. McMynn, 1902; J. S. Birnie, 1903; F. M. Elkins, 1904; A. M. Whiteside, 1905; E. W. Bishop, 1906; E. G. Warren, 1907; J. W. Grier, 1908; F. W. McLaine, 1909.
[Additional information on the history of the Greenwood Masons can be found here.]
I. O. O. F.
Boundary Valley Lodge, No. 38, was instituted at Greenwood on the 11th June, 1897, the charter members being Thos. Hardy, Ralph Smailes, W. J. Harber, T. W. Gulley, J. McNichol and R. W. Jakes. During its existence it has been the means of upholding considerable of the social life among the citizens of Greenwood and district, its present membership being 110, with assets of over $7,000. Its meetings are held every Tuesday evening, at 8 o'clock, in the I. O. O. F. hall, and visitors are always heartily welcomed. Its visitors' book show records of visits of members from all parts of the world.
During the 85 years the Independent Order of Odd Fellows has been in existence it has grown to be an immense institution. ... The three link man is to be found the world over, and who can doubt the progress of an institution whose motto is Friendship, Love and Truth, and whose laws command its members to bury the dead, relieve the distressed, protect the widow and educate the orphans. All these are a part of Odd fellowship.
They have homes scattered all over for aged members, their wives and their children. These are not charity homes, but are supported by all members, and consequently theirs by right of ownership, hence day by day, and year by year, the work goes on, and who shall say where it will end? It is a power for good and is rightly considered a most worthy order.
K. of P.
The Knights of Pythias is an international order, with the highest ideals of brotherly love and self sacrifice, founded on the beautiful story of the noble man who was willing to lay down his life for a friend. The Greenwood Lodge No. 29, Knights of Pythias, was instituted April 11, 1900, by H. C. Holden, D.D.G.C. The lodge is in a most excellent financial condition and has a membership of 65. Its furnishings and regalia have cost $1,000, and the lodge has $850 in cash.
The following is a list of those who have filled the principal chair since its institution in this town: T. T. Abbott, J. H. Macfarlane, D. A. McKenzie, Max Berger, N. L. McLeod, A. D. Hallett, K. C. B. Frith, Chas. Dunne, A. S. Embree, Chas. Pittock, L. Bruce Hodge, Jas. Cameron, A. F. Thomas, Martin Anderson, Frank Steel, A. J. Morrison, Wm. Rowe, L, J. W. Grier, Wm. J. Thompson, Chas. Birce.
The Knights meet on the triangle every Wednesday and will welcome all visiting wearers of the three colors.
F. 0. E
The Fraternal Order of Eagles was organized ten years ago in Greenwood, and has been known locally as a jolly good lodge, with a jolly good bunch of fellows. Wm. Frawley is at the present holding the principal chair, and he is always ready to extend the hand of fellowship to all comers, and to add the finishing touch to all contemplating joining the nest. The order is known for benevolence and charity to its members. At the present time the local Aerie has quite a number of candidates passing through those mysterious flights which only the Eagle solves. Their meeting night is the first and third Mondays of every month, at 8 o'clock, in the Eagles' hall.
Maccabees
A branch lodge of the Ladies of the Maccabees was organized in Greenwood last November, and has at present a membership of fifteen, which, considering the noble objects of the society, will no doubt be augmented with the steady growth of the town. Mrs. J. Crawford is the present Lady Commander, while Miss Lila Rowe is Record Keeper. The Ladies of the Maccabees meet every first and third Monday at the home of a member of the order, and will welcome all visiting Lady Maccabees who wish to visit the society.
[The Knights of the Maccabees was founded in London, Ontario by members of the Order of the Foresters. They based their name, ceremonies and rituals on the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebels against the Seleucid Empire whose exploits are described in the Books of the Maccabees, considered part of the Biblical canon by Catholics, but included in the Apocrypha by Protestants. The first convention was held on August 7, 1878. (Wikipedia)]
Rebekahs
The Greenwood Rebekah lodge, No. 18, I. O. O. F., was founded three years ago, and has a membership of 60, and is in a most flourishing condition. This is the ladies' branch of the Odd Fellows, and a most popular sororal society. Miss Jessie Murray is the occupant of the senior chair and is aided by an able and efficient staff.
The Rebekahs meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in each month, in the Eagles' hall. The first annual session of the Rebekah Assembly of British Columbia, I. O. O. F., met at Odd Fellows' hall, Vancouver, on the 8th of last June. Sister A. Flemming represented Greenwood Lodge No. 18. This order is a credit to the town and all visiting sisters are made welcome at the lodge meetings."
Last but certainly not least is the seventh not-so-secret society, heralded in the local news. A January 1901 edition of the Times[6] reports on the pastimes of The Orientals:
THE "ORIENTALS."
The Century's Offering in Fraternal Orders
FOR BOHEMIANS ONLY
Greenwood Lodge Has a Street Parade and Banquet — Alms of the Order
"Hark! Hark! the dogs do bark, the Orients are coming to town," is what the good folk of Phoenix and Grand Forks are liable to be saying in a short time. That is when the members of the Orientals hit the trail for an expansion of business and membership in these two cities. The Orientals let it be said, is the latest and correct thing to belong to in fraternal organizations. It is the first product, in its particular line, of the twentieth century. Its inception was crystalized one minute after the stroke of 12 o'clock on the 31st day of December, 1900, last past. It was born a vigorous babe, that 14 days after threw off its swaddling clothes and mask."
The society, which charged dues of only $2/per person per lifetime, had but one requirement for membership: you had to be a 'natural borne Bohemian'. Among its 53 members were "The leading merchant princes, mining and smelting magnates and professional and unprofessional makers of a living. Millionaires are only tolerated until they become broke."
Members of the society's Order No. 1, the Greenwood Orientals, made arrangements for a spirited parade and banquet, with dinner served at the Windsor Hotel. Lest anyone should think the residents of 1901 Greenwood suffered from lack of a good time…
The parade festivities included the clashing of cymbals, wailing of bagpipes, and blaring trumpets. The procession moved down Copper Street accompanied by the barking of dogs. The Orientals, dressed in light-coloured outfits with brilliant red embellishments and masks, proceeded through town on what was basically a turn of the century pub-crawl. Dinner followed (thankfully), and Postmaster Frith was given the seat of honour at the head of the Windsor banquet table:
"Some 50 Orientals and their guests occupied seats at a long table loaded down with delicacies of every description. As a special mark of honor to two candidates who have been accepted for membership, and who will cross the burning sands next Monday, one was made the toastmaster and the other assistant. At the head of the board sat Postmaster Frith, at its foot Police Constable Lauder. In the center surrounded by princes of various degrees was Potentate Chief Prince Dallas and opposite sat Prince "Shorty" Banges, a twenty-dollar change artist."
The Century's Offering in Fraternal Orders
FOR BOHEMIANS ONLY
Greenwood Lodge Has a Street Parade and Banquet — Alms of the Order
"Hark! Hark! the dogs do bark, the Orients are coming to town," is what the good folk of Phoenix and Grand Forks are liable to be saying in a short time. That is when the members of the Orientals hit the trail for an expansion of business and membership in these two cities. The Orientals let it be said, is the latest and correct thing to belong to in fraternal organizations. It is the first product, in its particular line, of the twentieth century. Its inception was crystalized one minute after the stroke of 12 o'clock on the 31st day of December, 1900, last past. It was born a vigorous babe, that 14 days after threw off its swaddling clothes and mask."
The society, which charged dues of only $2/per person per lifetime, had but one requirement for membership: you had to be a 'natural borne Bohemian'. Among its 53 members were "The leading merchant princes, mining and smelting magnates and professional and unprofessional makers of a living. Millionaires are only tolerated until they become broke."
Members of the society's Order No. 1, the Greenwood Orientals, made arrangements for a spirited parade and banquet, with dinner served at the Windsor Hotel. Lest anyone should think the residents of 1901 Greenwood suffered from lack of a good time…
The parade festivities included the clashing of cymbals, wailing of bagpipes, and blaring trumpets. The procession moved down Copper Street accompanied by the barking of dogs. The Orientals, dressed in light-coloured outfits with brilliant red embellishments and masks, proceeded through town on what was basically a turn of the century pub-crawl. Dinner followed (thankfully), and Postmaster Frith was given the seat of honour at the head of the Windsor banquet table:
"Some 50 Orientals and their guests occupied seats at a long table loaded down with delicacies of every description. As a special mark of honor to two candidates who have been accepted for membership, and who will cross the burning sands next Monday, one was made the toastmaster and the other assistant. At the head of the board sat Postmaster Frith, at its foot Police Constable Lauder. In the center surrounded by princes of various degrees was Potentate Chief Prince Dallas and opposite sat Prince "Shorty" Banges, a twenty-dollar change artist."
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Boundary Creek Times — Mar 06, 1897, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170454
[2] Greenwood Weekly Times — Aug 01, 1900, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172807
[3] The Greenwood Mercantile Review, Supplement to The Greenwood Times — October 31, 1900, p. 5
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172860
[4] Boundary Creek Times — Oct 15, 1909, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172055
[5] Boundary Creek Times — Oct 22, 1909, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172003
[6] Greenwood Weekly Times — January 24, 1901
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172883
