June 2, 2011

Our Visit to the Masonic Temple


 When I spoke to one second grader – who was fascinated by everything in the world, but couldn’t make it to Doors Open – about our visit to the Masonic Temple, his eyes lit up, and he asked “Do they carry around a sword for some reason?”

I responded that no, they don’t, he lost all interest and started mixing up Masons and Mormons. He also got very upset that we weren’t allowed to take photos inside the police station, which we had also visited that day. You see, he really wanted to have a look at the holding cells.

I don’t know how many of my readers have had the opportunity to see a Freemasonry Lodge from the inside. I want to show what I found interesting without any additional information, which I’m sure you can look up if you’re curious. I’ll just mention that, founded on October 23, 1925, the Prince of Wales Lodge № 630 brought together a preponderance of physicians, dentists, bankers, locomotive engineers and teachers living in and around the Toronto neighborhood now known as "The Junction".

As an artist, the thing that struck me the most was the multitude of shades of blue that filled the inside of this building. I’m not particularly preoccupied with symbolism. I’m more into the play of colour and light, which fell on the chessboard floor.

Another thing I’d like to mention is that the guides were very pleasant and welcoming, and ready to answer just about any question.




















Posted by Olga

37 comments:

  1. Happy-SonneJune 2, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Dear Olga
    Very nice pictures from the Masonic Temple. So cool.... the floor in blue and black!
    A happy weekend and best greetings from Switzerland. Hugs Yvonne

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  2. Jane and Lance HattattJune 2, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Hello Olga:
    How interesting to have been able to see the Masonic Lodge from the inside. We are not familiar with all the masonic symbolism but it is fascinating how the symbols repeat on the walls, floors, ceilings, furniture....quite a task to find it all.

    And, as you say, the tints and tones of blue are numerous. It almost becomes like looking at a paint chart but only in the blue section.

    We have loved our tour. These 'Open Houses', of which we have similar events in the UK are such wonderful opportunities to discover hidden treasures.

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  3. raydenzel1June 2, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    A place where everything means something. How cool!

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  4. 黄清华 Wong Ching WahJune 2, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Olga, interesting how it is called a 'temple' ... and well documented visit, thanks !

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  5. Pierre BOYERJune 3, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    There are very secret temples in France...

    Pierre

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  6. PetJune 3, 2011 at 2:26 AM

    I have never been in a Masonic Temple myself. It is sort of magical through your magical lens! Thank you Olga, I can see all that blue coming through your eyes.

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  7. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerJune 3, 2011 at 3:29 AM

    Fascinating and intriguing! I've never been in a Masonic temple, didn't think you were allowed to unless you were becoming a Mason. . . oh sorry, this was an open house!

    It brought back memories of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol"!

    Duncan In Kuantan

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  8. OlaJune 3, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    It is interesting that it is opened to the public. I guess here it is a top secret:)

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  9. AnonymousJune 3, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    those floors are special. Now I have to look up Masonic Temple, because I know nothing about it.

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  10. SarahJune 3, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    Yes, what a lot of blue! Looks a fascinating visit.

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  11. DollyJune 3, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    What an amazing post. I do love these Open Days (we have them here in Cork, and in September there is a weekend one in London) because one gets to visit these secret places. And I love secret places! Your photos do the Temple justice, they are well composed. I particularly like the 5th photo of that beautiful floor! I have read about the symbolism, but interesting to see photos of it. Well done girl.

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  12. AprendeconvaleJune 3, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    I have never been to a Masonic temple, so thanks for this special virtual guided tour!!!Your posts are great!!a big kiss

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  13. StaiveJune 3, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Vraiment intéressant...On peut quand même remarquer la sobriété des décorations et le développement artistique assez limité. Est-ce dû au rite un peu caché, discret de leur pratique ?
    Bon week-end !

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  14. OlgaJune 3, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Hi Yvonne,
    The first thing I noticed was also the floor. I've never seen anything like it. The atmosphere in the temple was very harmonious.

    Hi Jane and Lance Hattatt,
    It was one of the most impressive visits during this year's Doors Open. I'm very interested in the lives of people in their ordinary surroundings...and these surroundings were quite extraordinary.

    Hi R. Jacob,
    I have to say, this place is really out of the ordinary. It was the first time that I've seen this kind of exclusive club.

    Hi DeanO,
    It's definitely and interesting place. Interesting architecture. And incredible shades of blue.

    Hi Wong,
    Thank you; I'm glad you enjoyed my trip. I also always enjoy your posts :)

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  15. OlgaJune 3, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    Hi Pierre,
    I think they're secret all over the world, just not in Canada :)

    Hi Pet,
    I often passed by that building. It is located in our neighbourhood. Who would have thought that there is such a treasury of blue colour inside?

    Hi Duncan D. Horne,
    Yes, it was a very interesting tour. I don't think that there are many Masonic Lodges in the world that allow such visits :)

    Hi Ola,
    I myself was surprised that they didn't just open doors to visitors, but even explained their symbolism.

    Hi bobbi,
    I knew about the existence of Masons, because one of our Russian tzars was a member in the 19th century, but it was a secret to the rest of the world.

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  16. OlgaJune 3, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    The visit was really impressive. Especially since the building looks quite ordinary from the outside. I pass it by almost every single day.

    Hi Dolly,
    For some reason, I have a feeling that you also visit a lot of interesting secret places :) We have a common trait - endless curiosity.

    Hi Colores,
    Thank you. I know you're always after the colours. Isn't it amazing, the blue colour in the temple?

    Hi Staive,
    J'ai été absolument stupéfait par l'intérieur, même si je suppose que je m'attendais à un intérieur plus extravagantes. Cependant, n'oubliez pas que nous sommes au Canada:)

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  17. lilylovekinJune 3, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Strange items but must mean something to all those dentist, teachers, lawyers ect. I liked the little drinking fountain.

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  18. Talli RolandJune 3, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Great photos, as always! I love all the colours and the patterns.

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  19. AnonymousJune 3, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    The light fixture with the masonic symbol inside it was cool. Love the colors too. Nice photos!

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  20. agujaJune 3, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Wow! This must be a first for all of us - a peek into a secret world!

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  21. Lydia KangJune 3, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Wow, I have never been inside a masonic temple, thanks for the peek!

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  22. VagabondeJune 3, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    What an interesting building. In France it is a totally secret society and members never claim to belong to it. In the US it is not the same society, even though they have the same name.

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  23. tattinaJune 4, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    Оля, спасибо за этот пост.
    Сейчас такое время, когда открываются все тайны и секреты - бери и познавай.
    Вот и масоны приоткрывают свою завесу. Это очень интересно.

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  24. LydiaJune 4, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    That was my first look inside a masonic temple and I appreciate your photos that made for a great tour. The shades of blue really are pronounced. I was most surprised by the astrology chart....hmmm, makes me wonder about its use there. My college boyfriend's grandfather was a big-time Mason in Reno and it was all very mysterious to me. I wonder how many young men it attracts these days and find it hard to think it would be a big draw. But who knows?!

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  25. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Magnifiques photos! Et je pense que toi, Olga, qui a eu la chance de visiter ce lieu magique, tu garderas un souvenir qui ne s'effacera jamais.
    Merci de ta visite guidée très intéressante!

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  26. lila BragaJune 4, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Dear Olga
    These are very nice pictures from the Masonic Temple...great to see how it looks from the inside!
    Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog.
    xox
    lila

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  27. Ingrid MidaJune 4, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Thanks for sharing this Olga. I've never been inside but I feel like I have now.
    Have a lovely weekend.

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  28. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Olga, i had a big problem of connexion,so i couldn' t write to you any more, but i found remedy! Your texts are still interesting, your photos are still splendids, and i wanted to tell you that when you go in France,i would be glad to invite you.
    So you are initiated to the secrets of gods?

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  29. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Great photos and very interesting information about the Masonic Temple. It has been said that the Masons had a lot to do with the formation of the USA.

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  30. kJune 5, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    that would be really cool to visit in person, i am loving the floors, haha :)

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  31. Paolo e AlberoJune 5, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Was like stepping back in time.
    Thanks

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  32. Con Edulcorante y Al revésJune 5, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    I can't see those pictures wothout the "Graphic desing eye" haha
    Look all the structures, the symbols, the colors... that gothic typography!

    Loved it :)

    My argentinian greetings for you Olga! Have a nice week!

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  33. OlgaJune 5, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Hi lilylovekin,
    I also found it strange that this drinking fountain is an item of interest. It's so old, and with such clearly designed lines.

    Hi Talli,
    The colours and patterns had captured me the most in that building. I think they are unique. However, I don't think I'll get a chance to compare with other temples :)

    Hi lbdiamond,
    There were many interesting and mysterious objects, which must have some symbolic significance. Not that I'd know what it is :)

    Hi aguja,
    Isn't it fascinating? Look into such a world, at least with one eye :)

    Hi Lydia,
    You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed my excursion to the Masonic Temple :)

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  34. OlgaJune 5, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Hi Vagabonde,
    I haven't even heard of any place in the world (besides Canada) where you could expect to be let into a Masonic Temple. Although that would be really interesting, to see some of the old ones.

    Hi tattina,
    Это действительно интересно побывать в месте, где позволено бывать только избранным. Особая атмосфера.

    Hi Lydia,
    I'm absolutely ignorant on the subject of Freemasonry. I've always had a feeling that these are the things you should either study deeply, or not concern yourself with them at all. My interest is not even casual - it has to deal specifically with architecture. Architecture is a subject I would like to study more.

    Hi Richard,
    Je suis content que tu sois de retour à Blogging. Je t'ai manqué et vos commentaires. Ils sont toujours très significative et pleine d'esprit.

    Hi Lila Check,
    I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. For me, photography is not the goal, but a way to show the world around me :)

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  35. OlgaJune 5, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Hi Ingrid,
    I generally like the Doors Open programme. Firstly, it's easier to talk to my architect friends after that. And secondly, I am actually pretty interested in architecture.

    Hi orfeenix,
    I hope you will have the opportunity to continue your blogging activities. Thank you once again for your invitation. It is mutual :) Let's keep in touch through e-mail.

    Hi Ron Joe "Geezer",
    I don't know much about Freemasonry in general. My deep interest is in architecture.

    Hi Krystal,
    Yes, these floors are simply extraordinary. The colour and the texture is not at all standard.

    Hi Paolo,
    You're absolutely right :) Plus, the atmosphere wasn't entirely modern.

    Hi Con edulcorante y al Revés,
    I'm glad I could satisfy your designer eye :) Thank you. Hope you have a great week too!

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  36. snowwhiteJune 5, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Hi Olga,
    The Masonic Lodge is very mysterious and intriguing. I have watched some movies associated with Freemason and movies showed their conspiracy. I thought it was only the fun stories made up by film makers. But, while watching the inside of the Masonic Lodge, I started to think "It is likely".
    Thank you for very interesting photos and story!

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  37. OlgaJune 8, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Hi snowwhite,
    I think that the Masonic Logdes in the past have done a lot to remain mysterious and intriguing. As you see, in Canada, they're taking first steps to be better known.

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