There were numerous Freeasons in the population who inundated Victoria during the Gold Rush. On 10 July 1858, in the Victoria Gazette there appeared the following notice:

“The members of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons in good standing are invited to meet on Monday July 12th, at 7:00 o’clock p.m. in Southgate and Mitchells new store, upstairs.”

It is assumed that J.J. Southgate, an Englishman who had masonic connections in California, submitted the notice.

There were seven brethren who were definitely present at this inaugural meeting of July 12th, 1858. They were J.J. Southgate and George Pearkes from English lodges, William Jaffray from an Irish lodge, James N. and William H. Thain, brothers from New Brunswick and Californian lodges respectively, Ronald J. McDonell, from an Australian lodge, and Allen MacDonald from a Quebec lodge.

Others may have been present, but only these seven were recorded.

Inaugural Meeting