Prior to my departure for North Borneo in the summer of 1997, I had already decided that I would endeavour to make masonic contact, assuming that such links would meet the approval of our own Grand Lodge. There were no problems, as I soon learned that the District of the Eastern Archipelago, with contact headquarters in both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, was not only fraternally connected with England but was well known and respected.
    This District covers Singapore and Malaysia, the latter comprising Peninsular Malaysia (formerly Malaya), and eastern Malaysia (Sabah in the former British North Borneo). Sarawak, in Borneo, is a member of the District of the Middle East, Scottish Constitution, but has close fraternal links with Sabah. In fact, with the Inspectorate for South-East Asia, Irish Constitution, there is one large, and very happy and generous masonic community in this part of the world.
    Within days of my arrival in Kota Kinabulu, Sabah, I was measured for my new dinner jacket (tropical version) - the customary dress for all the brethren in the District. And so I made my masonic overtures, meeting such sincere fellowship that puts some (but not all) of us in England to shame. In just two years I have attended exactly 40 lodge meetings in this District, and this includes the Annual Communication in Kuala Lumpur, and the Half-Annual Communication in Penang. In addition I have visited Sarawak, Singapore and several lodges in the peninsular.
    Over the next two years I was to learn a lot about the history of lodges in North Borneo. Sufficient records have been preserved over the years (although years of strife have taken their toll) and give an interesting insight into the early attempts to form regular lodges.
    Elopura Lodge No 2106 was warranted in 1885 but it was never consecrated, and was subsequently erased. Elopura is the ancient name for Sandakan, and you can find this former capital on the north-eastern tip of Borneo. Undaunted, a more successful attempt was made a few years later, and Borneo Lodge of Harmony No 2403 was consecrated at Sandakan in 1893. As we shall see, not for the only time in the masonic history of Borneo, a Governor - HE Bro CV Creagh - became a member of a lodge and was installed as master in 1894. However, the lodge was beset with difficulties, not least being the lack of expatriates to sustain the membership, and the lodge warrant was returned. By the end of the century, there were no lodges working in Borneo.
    Over the next two or three decades, the lack of a lodge in North Borneo was often lamented, but just as a third serious effort was started - this time in Jesselton - the Second World War intervened. After the war, during the period of reconstruction, and with North Borneo now being a Crown Colony, there was a significant increase in the expatriate population, amongst whom were many keen and regular masons. However, the lack of Past Masters appears to have been a self-imposed hurdle to further progress. But a great boost was given in 1949 with the arrival of the new Governor. W Bro Sir Ralph Hone was not only a Past Master, but of District and Grand Rank as well.
    Lodge Kinabulu No 7047 EC was consecrated in 1951 in Jesselton (subsequently renamed Kota Kinabulu), on the north-west coast of Borneo. It was the most easterly lodge in the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago, being some 800 miles from Singapore and over 1,000 miles from Kuala Lumpur. The Governor gave the oration as consecrating chaplain. With the consecration of Lodge Kinabulu, Freemasonry finally established a firm foothold in North Borneo. Over the years, they not only celebrated their 25th anniversary, then their 35th, each with souvenir reports and special meetings, but now look forward to their 50th anniversary in January 2001.
    The major problem facing Lodge Kinabulu in the early years was that of suitable accommodation, and after using business premises, government offices, the sports club, and school classrooms, the search finally ended ten years later with the acquisition of the former All Saints Church. This has led to the fascinating scenario in Lodge Kinabulu of a Worshipful Master sitting in the East, having taken other (marriage) vows at the same (altar) steps. The current Master (1999) was even confirmed there!
    The highlight of my masonic journey - perhaps in the whole of my masonic career - was the recent occasion when I delivered a lecture to the brethren of Kinabulu Lodge on “Attending a lodge in England”. This was at the request of the brethren, and amongst other interesting differences, I was able to introduce them to ‘fire’ (for most this was their first experience) at the festive board.
    Despite, indeed because of, the success of Lodge Kinabulu, the planters in the territory decided to have a lodge of their own, and Beaufort Lodge No 7989 EC was consecrated in 1964. Beaufort is some 35 miles south of Kota Kinabulu, and was served by the only railway in Borneo which links these two towns. Beaufort Lodge was also unique in being the first Borneo lodge to be formed under the auspices of the new State of Malaysia, and when British North Borneo thus became Sabah.
    The lodge prospered over the years but eventually, with the end of the colonial era and the exodus of expatriate brethren, it moved in 1983 to Kota Kinabulu to share the Freemasons’ Hall with Lodge Kinabulu. But Beaufort Lodge still prospers, and celebrated its 35th anniversary in September 1999.
    Elopura Lodge No 7545 EC was consecrated in Sandakan in 1957, being, as we have seen, the third attempt to start a lodge there. Taking its name from the first lodge ever to be established in the region, Elopura Lodge has thrived and is looking forward to its 50th anniversary in a few years time.
    The need for a fourth Craft lodge in Sabah became apparent over time, this time on the island of Labuan, situated off the west coast of Sabah, and just a few miles from Brunei. This island is gaining importance as a technical and business zone, and it was felt that Labuan Lodge No 9652 EC, consecrated in 1997, would meet the wishes of the many residents as well as permanent travellers.

W Bro David Hunt, PProvAGDC (Essex) is Past Master of Wilcumestou Lodge 6090 EC, and a member of Kinabulu Lodge 7047 EC. He offers grateful thanks to W Bro Andrew Lo Vun Bin, PDGSwdB, for providing the background material which has made this article possible.