Chinese Freemasons Building

The Chi Kung Tong, a traditional Chinese fraternal organization, first appeared in Canada in 1863 to provide welfare assistance to miners in the Cariboo gold rush. Built in 1901, the Chi Kung Tong purchased this building in 1907.

The Chi Kung Tong changed its name to Chinese Freemasons in 1920, in order to forge links with European Freemasonry. This building is the perfect headquarters for an organization that sought to form bonds with Europeans because of the way the structure blends the Chinese and Western traditions of architecture. The Pender St. façade, facing Chinatown, has traditional Chinese recessed balconies and ironwork. The Carrall St. side of the building faces the entrance to predominantly Caucasian Gastown and presents a Victorian Italianate façade.

The Freemasons supported Dr. Sun-Yat Sen’s attempts to bring democracy to China. During visits to Vancouver to increase support and raise money for his cause (in 1910 and 1911) Dr. Sun-Yat Sen was hosted by this society. The building was even mortgaged to fund Sun-Yat Sen’s 1911 rebellion.

Source

Canada's Historic Places, VHF's Chinatown Map Guide

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=1511