Andrew Phillips (died 25 January 1870) – Masonic History of Victoria, British Columbia

British Columbia Lodge No. 1187, E.R.

The obelisk tomb marker of Brother Andrew Phillips in Pioneer Square (shown below) is one of Victoria’s best examples of 19th century Masonic tomb imagery.

The four sided obelisk displays the Square and Compasses on two sides, with the Plumb and the Level on the two remaining sides. Unfortunately the obelisk is made of comparatively fragile sandstone which has deteriorated markedly over the last decades, unfortunately helped along by vandals.

Here is a brief biographical sketch of Andrew Phillips taken from contemporary newspaper reports:

“DEATH – Andrew Phillips, formerly owner and captain of the colonial schooner Alpha, wrecked about two years ago near Barclay Sound, burst a blood vessel while on board the steamer Olympia on Sunday evening [note:25 January 1870] and died in a few minutes. Phillips was a Scotchman by birth, and was a member of British Columbia Lodge F & A.M., of this city.”

(Source: British Colonist, 26 January 1870, page 3, column 1)

Andrew Phillips' Funeral Notices in the British Daily Colonist, January 1870 [Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 Historical Collection] — Andrew Phillips’ Funeral Notices in the British Daily Colonist, January 1870 [Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 Historical Collection]

We will add more information about Andrew Phillips as we uncover it.

Andrew Phillips’ grave marker is one of the most prominent monuments in Pioneer Square.

The grave of Andrew Phillipps in Pioneer Square, Victoria, B.C. [photo: Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 Historian]

The Square & Compasses and the Plumb inscribed on the grave marker of Andrew Phillipps in Pioneer Square, Victoria, B.C. [photo: Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 Historian]

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