It has been fifty-seven years since Past Grand Masters Ronald S. Longley and R.V. Harris published their collaborative work, A Short History of Freemasonry in Nova Scotia, in 1966. The period of time since the Centennial of the Grand Lodge is still within the memories of many Masons in the jurisdiction.

Therefore, it becomes even more incumbent to exercise care when recording the history, to provide a fair and accurate account based on what is determined to be relevant in the compilation of a history that will be as interesting as the subject allows.

Here is a excellent review of the history of Freemasonry. It is believed that Masons in Nova Scotia and elsewhere will welcome the opportunity to learn of the beginnings of Freemasonry in the Province, the origin and activities of the various Provincial Grand Lodges before 1866, and the Story of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia since that date.

The written story of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia from 1866 to 1966 helps with further study with more background. The history goes back to the appointment of Erasmus James Philipps as Provincial Grand Master in 1738.

Here is an excellent read on the Masonic Stone of 1606 found on Goat Island which separates the Annapolis Basin from that of Digby.

In 1827, a stone bearing the date 1606 and the Masonic square and compasses was found on the shores of Annapolis Basin in Nova Scotia. Masonic students and historians have since advanced the theory that this stone is to be regarded as the earliest trace of the existence of Freemasons or Freemasonry on this continent.