Description of Historic Place

St. Mark’s Masonic Lodge is a one-and-one-half storey wood frame structure located on the corner of Queen and Grant Street in the village of Baddeck, Nova Scotia. The Municipality of the County of Victoria designated the building and the land on which it sits a municipal heritage property in 2007.

Heritage Value

St. Mark’s Masonic Lodge is valued for its impressive architecture and for its long standing role in the community.

The current lodge was constructed in 1898, replacing the former lodge, which was destroyed by fire and located on the same site. Its Neo-classical architecture was clearly influenced by ecclesiastical architecture, evidenced by its central square tower on the front gable end and the second square tower on the rear elevation. Many of the elaborate architectural and Masonic detailing have been obscured by the addition of vinyl siding.

The building has been in continued use by lodge members and the community since its construction. In addition to its role as a lodge, it has been host for various functions including meetings, movies, dances, music festivals, suppers and receptions.

Source: Municipality of the County of Victoria, Municipal Heritage and Archives, Municipal Heritage Property files.

Character-Defining Elements

Character-defining elements of St. Mark’s Masonic Lodge include:

- one-and-one-half storey construction;
- wood frame;
- large central square tower on front elevation;
- main entrance protected by gable roof pediment supported by brackets;
- transom over main door;
- Masonic symbols on tower and transom;
- square tower on rear elevation;
- gable roof;
- prominent location close to main commercial district.