Comox Lodge No. 188

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Comox Lodge No. 188

The Friendly Lodge with The Innovative Spirit

12/01/2025

Happy Holidays from the brothers at Comox Lodge No. 188!

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor all Freemasons who have served our nation in times of war and peace. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty embody the highest ideals of our Craft.

We especially remember Major General Sir Arthur Currie of Victoria, British Columbia, a distinguished soldier and proud Freemason whose leadership during the Great War left a lasting mark on Canada’s history. His example continues to inspire us as Masons and as citizens.

Lest we forget.
🕊️

04/30/2025

Duke Ellington: Jazz Royalty and a Masonic Brother

On April 29, we celebrate the birthday of Duke Ellington—one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. With classics like Take the “A” Train and Mood Indigo, Ellington wasn’t just a bandleader—he was a musical pioneer. But did you know that he was also a Freemason?

Ellington was a Prince Hall Mason, initiated into Social Lodge No. 1 in Washington, D.C. His Masonic membership connected him to a long line of Black leaders, artists, and intellectuals dedicated to self-improvement, brotherhood, and service.

Like his music, Ellington’s life reflected the Masonic values of discipline, creativity, and perseverance. He carried himself with dignity, broke racial barriers in the music industry, and mentored countless musicians. His compositions weren’t just about entertainment—they told stories, captured emotions, and pushed the boundaries of jazz.

Ellington once famously said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” That mindset aligns perfectly with the principles of Freemasonry—turning challenges into opportunities, always striving for excellence, and using one’s talents for the greater good.

So, on his birthday, as we listen to his timeless music, let’s also remember Duke Ellington as a Brother—a man whose artistry, vision, and Masonic values made an unforgettable mark on the world.

🎶 Happy Birthday, Duke! 🎩🎷

04/13/2025

Al Green: A Soulful Voice and a Masonic Brother

On April 13, we celebrate the birthday of Al Green—the legendary soul singer whose smooth, heartfelt voice gave us classics like Let’s Stay Together and Love and Happiness. But beyond his incredible music career, Al Green is also a Freemason.

Green is a member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, a Masonic order with a long history of leadership and community service in Black American culture. His Masonic journey reflects his commitment to brotherhood, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment—values that shine through in his music and his life.

In the mid-1970s, after a series of personal challenges, Green turned towards faith, eventually becoming a pastor while continuing his music career. His Masonic principles and his deep spirituality went hand in hand, emphasizing discipline, morality, and service to others.

Though his soulful ballads made him a household name, his life as a Brother in Freemasonry is a lesser-known part of his legacy. Like many Prince Hall Masons, he used his influence to uplift and inspire, both through his music and his faith.
So, on his birthday, as we put on one of his timeless songs, let’s also recognize Al Green not just as a music icon, but as a Brother—one who has lived a life full of passion, purpose, and soul.

Happy Birthday, Al Green!

03/25/2025

Harry Houdini: The Master Magician and His Masonic Ties

On March 24, we celebrate the birthday of Harry Houdini—the legendary escape artist, magician, and master of illusion. But did you know that behind the chains, locks, and death-defying stunts, Houdini was also a Freemason?

Houdini was raised as a Master Mason in St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 in New York City in 1923. This lodge was known for attracting artists and performers, making it a fitting place for a man who captivated audiences around the world. His Masonic journey didn’t stop there—just a year later, he joined the Scottish Rite and became a Shriner, showing his deeper commitment to the Craft.

Much like in his magic career, Houdini took Freemasonry seriously. He was passionate about personal growth, discipline, and dedication—all values that align with Masonic teachings. And, true to his character, he wasn’t just about secrets and mysteries; he believed in truth. This was especially evident in his relentless mission to expose fraudulent spiritualists—people who pretended to communicate with the dead to take advantage of grieving families.

Houdini’s Masonic ties may not be as famous as his straightjacket escapes or his buried-alive stunts, but they were an important part of his life. Even as he amazed the world with his illusions, he remained grounded in the principles of Freemasonry: truth, integrity, and brotherhood.

So, on his birthday, as we remember the Great Houdini, let’s also celebrate him as a Brother—one who dedicated his life to wonder, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth.
Happy Birthday, Houdini!

03/17/2025

Nat King Cole: A Smooth Voice and a Brother in Freemasonry

On March 17, we celebrate the birthday of the legendary Nat King Cole—a man whose velvety voice and timeless music made him one of the greatest artists of all time. But beyond the smooth vocals and jazz piano, there’s a lesser-known side to Cole: he was also a Freemason, part of the Prince Hall Masonic tradition.

Cole was a member of Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49 in Los Angeles, a group within Prince Hall Freemasonry, which has long been a cornerstone of Black leadership and community service in America. He wasn’t just a music icon—he was also a man of principle, embodying Masonic values of integrity, brotherhood, and charity.

Throughout his career, Cole broke barriers. He was the first Black man to host a nationally televised variety show in the U.S., and despite facing racism both in the industry and in his personal life (including threats when he moved into a white neighborhood), he always carried himself with dignity. That quiet strength and perseverance align closely with Masonic teachings about character and resilience.

Though he didn’t often speak publicly about his Masonic ties, he lived by them. He supported his community, stood against injustice, and remained a class act in every aspect of his life. Sadly, his life was cut short in 1965 due to lung cancer, but his legacy continues—not just in music, but in the way he inspired generations to come.

On his birthday, as we listen to classics like Unforgettable and Mona Lisa, it’s worth remembering that Nat King Cole wasn’t just a legendary artist—he was also a Brother who embodied the best of what Freemasonry stands for.

Happy birthday, Nat. You truly were unforgettable.

02/11/2025

Did you know that King Edward VII was a dedicated Freemason? Before he became king, he was initiated into Freemasonry in 1868 and went on to serve as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England for nearly 30 years. His influence helped shape the fraternity, bringing it into the modern era and strengthening its ties to British society.

As king, Edward remained closely connected to Freemasonry, even holding Masonic ceremonies at royal residences. His leadership and patronage left a lasting impact on the brotherhood, solidifying its role in British culture.

It’s fascinating to think about how many historical figures were Freemasons—how much do you think it influenced their leadership?

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http://www.comox188.com/

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