The Building
Learn about some of the architectural features of the VMC
Our renovated and remodelled meeting rooms and club space serve not only as a functioning home for lodges, but as a standing monument to the ideals and aesthetic traditions of Freemasonry. It’s a welcoming, meticulously designed building that is impressive to visit, displaying symbols that are central to Freemasonry.
Architecture with Meaning
Symbolism and imagery play an important role in Freemasonry, allowing us a powerful and efficient means of expressing ideas. This doesn’t just apply to objects found within our lodge, but to the very architecture of the structure itself.
The proportions used to design elements of the building are tied to various principles and teachings. Almost every aspect of the building is representative to a higher ideal. Custom lighting expresses the enlightenment that comes with the pursuit of knowledge and the swirling lines found on our ceiling are based on the mathematics and geometry of the Fibonacci Sequence, often referred to as “Nature’s Code”.
While some elements of the design are no longer architecturally necessary, they support the rituals and teachings that occur within the building. Carefully constructed lighting, sound, and acoustics further enhance the experience. Vaulted ceilings and state of the art air circulation accommodate use of candles and incense to enhance the experience of ritual and ceremony.
While our centre boasts a contemporary exterior, those who explore its interior are witness to an increasing level of ornamental design. The private areas, in particular, are ripe with symbology and timeless, classic aesthetics.
The Northeast Cornerstone
Our cornerstone sits at the northeast corner of our lodge, just as it has in cathedrals since medieval times. This stone not only marks the beginning of construction, but sets the angles for all other elements of the lodge’s design. A dedication plaque marks this spot, within a triangular cutout. Triangles are symbols of stability and feature prominently in Freemasonry.
The Compass and Layout
The compass is one of the most important symbols in Freemasonry. Not only does it represent one of the key tools utilized in the craft, but it serves as the basis for many rituals and lectures.
The compass occupies a central location within the lodge, serving as an axis throughout the site. Various officer’s stations and other elements of the lodge are specifically set in accordance with this compass, including the lodge halls themselves, which run northeast to southwest. Again, this is in emulation of the orientation of Solomon’s Temple.
The Inner Staircase
Rising from the compass is our staircase. In addition to being both functional and beautiful, the staircase encapsulates several key learnings. The staircase begins with three stairs, followed by five and then seven. These represent the three degrees of Freemasonry, the five orders of architecture, and the seven disciplines. In total there are 33 stairs, reflecting the 33 degrees of Scottish rite.
Theology and Brotherhood
Freemasons not only share an interest in such things as philosophy, comparative mythology and theology, but enjoy a sense of community and fraternity. In addition to facilitating ritual and ceremony, our building also provides a place for our members to socialize, relax, and engage in lively and intellectually stimulating or more casual fellowship. This objective went into our building’s design, inspiring seating, bars, and other elements that foster fellowship.
The Journey of the Craft
A row of five proud columns outside the building represents each of the five orders of architecture. Everything from the proportions of the columns to the arrangement of the flowers is purposeful. The progressive complexity and beauty of these columns symbolizes the journey of progressing through Freemasonry, which is to strive to be a self-constructed and upright person, a pillar in one’s community, upholding civic values and virtues.
A Welcoming Space
Our new architecture features an increased amount of windows. Not only does this provide additional natural light, but also fosters a sense of transparency, inviting people to look inside. Our atrium is open to the public, sitting adjacent to more private areas.
These intentional architectural elements reflect a desire on behalf of the VMC to offer a welcoming environment to everyone. Light is a central theme in Freemasonry, correspondingly light was made a central premise around which the architectural statement of the building was made. In the 21st century anyone can read about Freemasonry, the rituals, its history, and it is a misnomer to suggest our secrecy is about hiding our teachings and customs from the public. Rather it is about a simple truth that while you can be told what the Masonic experience is about, experiencing it is the best way to understand it. Knowing that we have all experienced that same sequence of rituals and ceremonies, that we have revered them as meaningful and intimate, is what has made our fraternal bonds so uniquely strong for three centuries. While Freemasons today remain committed to keeping our ancient rituals private, we have increasingly committed to engaging with the broader community around us about why what we do still matters in today’s modern world. At a time when social isolation and lack of belonging has been described by public health leaders in the United States and Canada as an ‘epidemic of loneliness’ a few remaining institutions from pre-modern times offer the hope and promise of community in an age of disconnection. We invite conversations with non-Masons about what we do and why, and why we believe it still matters. It is our hope that this structure attracts those looking to learn more about Freemasonry whether they are considering joining a lodge or not as well as those who simply appreciate architecture.
