Calgary Chee Kung Tong (Chinese Freemasons – Mun Ji Doo) Celebrates its 114th Anniversary

【CMHnews Post】Reporter / BingQing

     On the evening of December 7, 2024, the Calgary chapter of the Chinese Freemasons – Mun Ji Doo hosted its Christmas Gala and Anniversary Celebration, bringing together several hundred representatives and guests from across the local community. The event marked four historic milestones: the 114th anniversary of the Mun Ji Doo, the 106th anniversary of the Dart Coon Society, the 62nd anniversary of the Freemasons Athletic Association, and the 73rd anniversary of the Ching Wah Society. With its grand scale and lively atmosphere, the gala stood out as one of the most significant year-end gatherings for Calgary’s Chinese community.

     Mr. John Wong, Chairman of the Chinese Freemasons Society of Calgary, and Ms. Sarah Zhang, General Secretary of the Chinese Freemasons Society of Calgary, delivered heartfelt opening remarks, reflecting on the organization’s more than 100 years of history in Canada and expressing gratitude for the steadfast support of brothers, members, and community partners.

Speech by Mr. Huang Wenjie, Chairman of the Calgary Hung Mun Minzhi Party

     As the evening sun faded, the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs echoed with auspicious energy, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Freemasons and their century-long legacy in Canada.

     The gala also featured a congratulatory ceremony celebrating the re-election of Chairman of Canada Chinese Freemasons, Rick Man. His renewed mandate was widely recognized as both a tribute to his longstanding service and a symbol of unity and progress within chapters across Canada. In his address, he pledged to continue upholding the Freemasons’ mission, working with members nationwide to preserve tradition, strengthen cooperation, and elevate the organization’s contributions to Canadian society. He emphasized that as one of Canada’s oldest Chinese associations, the Mun Ji Doo remains committed to supporting both long-established and newly arrived immigrant groups, helping newcomers integrate and showcasing the positive, forward-looking spirit of Chinese Canadians.

Speech by Mr. Wen Weijian, Chairman of the Hongmen Minzhi Party

     The celebration welcomed a distinguished roster of guests, including:

     Ms. Liying Zhao, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary

     Mr. Benny Xu, who delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Premier of Alberta

     Honourable Greg McLean, Member of Parliament (greetings read)

     Calgary City Councillor Mr. Myke Atkinson

     Leaders from major Chinese community organizations

     In her speech, Consul General Zhao praised the Freemasons' longstanding role in uniting the community and noted encouraging recent developments in China-Canada relations. She highlighted the growing potential for bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and education, expressing appreciation for community groups that continue to serve as a bridge between the two countries.

Speech by Ms. Zhao Liying, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Calgary

Speech by Mr. Benny Xu read the congratulatory letter from the Premier of Alberta

     Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, Honourable Greg McLean, Member of Parliament, and Councillor Myke Atkinson all highlighted the essential contributions of Calgary’s Chinese community, noting that it forms an indispensable part of the city’s multicultural fabric. They expressed gratitude for the community’s long-standing contributions in business, culture, and public service, and acknowledged the deep-rooted heritage of historic associations such as the Freemasons.

Speech by Calgary City Councillor Myke Atkinson

     The evening’s program featured an array of vibrant performances—including choir pieces, vocal solos, Huangmei opera, youth showcases, and traditional qigong—brought together by local artists and community leaders. The artistic presentations highlighted the cultural richness and diversity of Calgary’s Chinese community and earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.

     A special segment welcomed new members into the Freemasons. Among them was Ms. Huiyan Xie, President of Multicultural Herald,  who joined fellow new inductees in commemorative photos with chapter leadership—symbolizing their shared commitment to carrying forward the Freemasons’ values in a new era.

     The gala also featured remarks by Mr. Rolend Mah, President of the Freemasons’ Ching Wah Arts Research Society, who has witnessed decades of the organization’s growth in Canada. In a warm and emotional speech, he thanked generations of members for preserving the Freemasons’ core values and encouraged younger members to continue upholding the virtues of loyalty, righteousness, and community service.

Speech by Mr. Ma Yanfu, President of the Hongmen Zhenhua Sound Art Research Society

     A heartfelt charity fundraiser concluded the evening. Donations were collected for the Hong Fu Court Relief Fund, as Canadian Chinese United Care Action for Hong Kong. Ms. Annie Wu, Chairperson of the Calgary Branch of the Chinese Freemasons, performed a vocal piece and took the lead in launching the donation appeal. Her call was met with overwhelming generosity as guests contributed enthusiastically, filling the hall with applause and emotion.

Wu Yi, chairperson of the Calgary branch of the Hongmen Minzhi Party, performed and launched a fundraising campaign

     Within a short time, the fundraiser amassed over CAD 20,000, demonstrating the Calgary Chinese community’s compassion, solidarity, and unwavering support for those in need.

     The celebration not only honored the Freemasons’ century-long legacy but also served as a warm, unifying gathering that strengthened community bonds.

As the gala concluded in an atmosphere filled with joy and camaraderie, a new chapter was written in the long and storied history of one of Calgary’s most enduring Chinese associations.The Mun Ji Doo remains committed to carrying forward its spirit of unity, loyalty, and service—continuing to support the Chinese community, foster China-Canada exchange, and contribute to charitable causes in the years ahead.