
Chee Kung Tong
The Chinese Freemasons
Most Chinese fraternal societies were born out of a need for mutual assistance. Many later took on political goals on top of their other duties. For expatriates, these organizations helped their members adapt to their life in their new, and at times, inhospitable home. These societies created vast networks that connected the isolated Chinatowns of BC across the pacific to China.
A book of secrets. The names of Cumberland’s Chee Kung Tong’s (Chinese Freemasons) members are marked on its pages. The organization had roots in the political movement aimed at overthrowing the government during the Qinq Dynasty (1636–1912). The resulting political persecution forced their members to keep their affiliation secret. Once back in China, members could be executed if their connection was revealed. On top of its role as a crucial social support network, the Cumberland’s Chee Kung Tong promoted a political goal: a Chinese Revolution.
This book notes that donations were made to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s political party, a key figure in the Chinese Revolution, who visited Cumberland on March 1, 1911, to promote his cause in British Columbia.

The Chee Kung Tong was one of the most important fraternal societies of Cumberland’s Chinese community. Half the population were members, including most business owners. Hock Shun Low, a prominent merchant, served as the society’s president from 1903 to 1923. The Chee Kung Tong built their first building in the 1890s as a gathering place for their members. Here they would congregate to talk of social causes, work, home and of course, the Chinese revolution.

The more militant inner circle of the Chee Kung Tong was the Dart Coon Club. A new large building, often referred to as the ‘Masonic Hall’, was built in Cumberland Chinatown in 1927. Its members often practiced martial arts here and other combat sports.

Below are the 1921 members posing for a club picture. The unique qualities of this archival document are the names articulated in both Chinese and English, a modern inclusion.
