Family historians and other researchers seeking information on former members or lodge history of the Orange Order in Western Canada are invited to contact the historian who may be able to assist. (Western Canada only)
The Annual Reports of Proceedings (Sessions) for the Grand Orange Lodge of the North West Territories (Saskatchewan & Alberta) from 1892 - 1902 and the Reports for the Grand Orange Lodge of Saskatchewan from 1903 - 2003 have been deposited into the Saskatchewan Provincial Archives, Regina. (contact them first to see whether or not they are available to the public yet)
The Annual Reports of Proceedings (Sessions) for the Grand Orange Lodge of Alberta 1903 - 2003 have been deposited into the Provincial Archives of Alberta, Edmonton. (many are available for viewing but the complete collection has recently been deposited and may not be ready yet)
The Annual Reports of Proceedings for the Grand Orange Lodge of Manitoba are in the process of being offered and accepted by the Manitoba Provincial Archives, Winnipeg. This is an incomplete collection that dates back to 1907.
Many copies of the Annual Reports of Proceedings for the Grand Orange Lodge of British America/Canada can also be found in these archives.
Remember also to check for records pertaining to the Royal Black Knights of the Camp of Israel (of the Commonwealth, etc.) as all Black Knights were/are required to be standing members of an Orange Lodge.
The Annual Reports for the Grand Black Chapter of Alberta from 1918 - 1929 have been deposited into the Alberta Archives, Edmonton but probably aren't available to the public yet.
In British Columbia records have been deposited into the Vancouver City Archives with some primary lodge records having been sent to Trail and Chilliwack.
Most of the major archives also have some records, photographs, etc. of at least some primary (local) lodges but remember to always check with the smaller city and town archives and libraries as well. Ask your archives/library for assistance in your research.
Other archives known to have Orange Lodge/Black Preceptory records in Alberta are Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. The Saskatchewan Archives in Saskatoon also have records.
Historian, GOL Western Canada
Orange Hall
10335 - 84 ave
Edmonton, AB
T6E 2H1 knox@3web.net
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