History Of Lodge Lake Macquarie

HISTORY OF LODGE LAKE MACQUARIE 1905—1930

Even now, December 1930, Toronto is not a very large place but it was very much smaller when the idea of forming a Masonic Lodge occurred to Bro. Malcolm McTaggart soon after he came here to live. There had been various attempts before to establish a Lodge in Boolaroo or Teralba but the lack of a suitable building was a fatal bar, those inspected by the then D.G.I.W. being rejected. After a good deal of preliminary work, a meeting was called of all known members of the Craft from Boolaroo, Teralba and Toronto. The meeting was held in Bro. Donnelly’s Hotel at Toronto on Sunday September 3rd, 1905 at 11 am. Bro. McTaggart was invited to take the chair and 17 members attended.

Here the result of the preliminary work was put forward (after a motion “that it is desirable to form a Lodge at the Lake” had been carried) in the shape of:

1. An offer from Bro. Donnelly to lease a portion of land 50ft.x 60ft on the Boulevarde, Toronto, for 15 years at a rental of 21/- per year, the lodge having the right of purchase at anytime during that period as unimproved land and the right to remove any building erected on the land if it were not so purchased.

2. An offer from Bro. W.A. Davies to lend £200 at 4% interest, repayable when possible.

3. A plan of a building which had been approved by the Grand Architect as suitable for Masonic purposes.

4. A tender from Bro. E.W. Dumbrell to erect a building at a cost of £150.

5. An offer from Bro. H.V. Harris is to carry out all legal work in connection with lease, mortgage deed of trust, etc. free of any fees.

After considerable discussion, Bro J. Hodges of Teralba moved and Bro. Donnelly of Toronto seconded a motion that the whole of the offers be accepted. And so Lodge Lake Macquarie was started.

A fortnight later a meeting was held at Bro. Hodges’ Hotel at Teralba when it was decided to enlarge the building shown on the original plan by the addition of wings each side for seating the brethren and a tender was let to Bro. E.W. Dumbrell for the erection of the enlarged building for the sum of £180. Bros. E. MacTaggart and E. Tingle were named honorary architects.

Three other meetings were held, two at Toronto Hotel and one at Bro. Hodges’ Hotel at Teralba (all on Sunday mornings) and the petition for the formation of the Lodge signed by 28 members at the last of these. Arrangements were made Re: regalia and furniture and it was interesting to note that the latter included six dozen Australian bentwood chairs at 5/5 each (which are all still in use!). And so great was the confidence of the members in the future of the Lodge that a deposit of 10/- was paid on the purchase of an Estey organ. (This also shows considerable confidence on the part of the vendors!). The silk draping over the dais, cushions and blue velvet covers for the pedestals were made and given by Mrs. MacTaggart, wife of the W.M elect and on December 16th, 1905 with the whole of the 28 foundation members present, M.W.Bro. J.C. Remington, Grand Master, who was accompanied by 19 Grand Lodge Officers dedicated and consecrated the Lodge and installed the first W.M. announcing that this was the first time in N.S.W. so far as he knew, that the three ceremonies had been carried out in one evening.

Evidently the Grand Master and his officers worked as expeditiously then as now for although the long ceremonial did not start until 7.15 pm, the Lodge was closed in less than two hours and the company retired to Bro. Donnelly’s hotel for a wonderful banquet prepared by him. There was also a feast of oratory from the Grand Master and his Officers which heartened up the little band of Brethren who had undertaken to plant the light of Freemasonry in what was then a bush outpost and has encouraged and inspired many of them since.

The first regular meeting of the Lodge was given over to passing by-laws and balloting for the first two initiates who had been nominated on the opening night – Bro W. Lane, who died on 12th June, 1910 and Bro. F.S. Dwyer, then stationmaster at Fassifern and afterwards D.G.I.W. for the district.

Then the work started! Wor.Bro. MacTaggart had not a lazy bone in his body and did not believe in slackness in any one of his officers or members. Every Sunday morning (except that immediately following the regular meeting night) at 10.30 am, a practice meeting was held at the Temple lasting from 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours (and the refreshment cupboard was not opened at any practice meeting!). And they were warranted, for at each of ten meetings held during Wor.Bro. MacTaggart’s first year as W.M., two degrees were conferred – mostly 1sts and 2nds, or 2nds and 3rds. Only once was the business 1sts and 3rds but as this did not permit the Lodge to close until 11pm it was not again attempted.

By June 1906, six months after starting, the final payments were made on the regalia and furniture so the Lodge was progressing financially though Bro. Davies had not had any of his £200 loan repaid. That came later (a lot later!).

The installation ceremony, which should have been held in December, 1906 was postponed for a week under a dispensation “owing to the illness of Bro. Davies, S.W.” showing in what regard he was held by the Brethren for as Wor.Bro. MacTaggart had been re-elected to the chair it was not actually necessary that the S.W. elect should attend.

V.W.Bro. R.H. Murray re-installed Wor.Bro. MacTaggart on the 5th January, 1907 and it is interesting to note that according to the minute book he gave the charges to the W.M., W’s and Brethren himself but whether this was due to lack of installed masters is not recorded. According to the presence book there were a fair number present but perhaps they didn’t know the work!

In February 1907, Bro. Bishop who had been acting as Organist for some time was accepted as an affiliate and also elected organist and a motion be carried that “he be paid 2/- for each meeting he attends that being the train fair from Hamilton where he resides.”

At the next meeting an invitation was received for the brethren to attend the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Temple in Wolfe Street, where Lodge Harmony were getting ready to move into their present home.

In June 1907, the Lodge suffered its first loss through death. Bro. Frank Burton, the foundation Tyler, had been called to the Grand Lodge above and though notice of holding the Lodge of Sorrow could only be given late on the day before, and postal facilities in those days were not great round the lake, telephones were few, and there was no delivery of letters, none-the-less over 20 Brethren attended the Lodge and afterwards the funeral at Sandgate Cemetery.

The first life member was Bro. H.V. Harris who in July 1907 was elected to that position in recognition of the very useful work he had done as Hon. Solicitor since the foundation of the Lodge.

The ventilation of that early Lodge room had been unsatisfactory up to now but two of the glass panels in the ceiling were made movable, being hauled up by cords in the little ante-room (worked by the Tyler). The minutes of October 19th, 1907 proudly record “The new skylights in the ceiling were brought into operation this night and the temperature cooler,”

The business sheet for November 1907 is interesting in that it announces that the business is 1st and 2nd degree and election of officers and the names of all members eligible for the Chair are printed in a list for the guidance of the Brethren, but as the “informal” selection had been made the week before, it seems just a matter of form.

This “informal” gathering of members prior to the election night has been one of the greatest safeguards for harmony that Wor.Bro. MacTaggart has left behind him and one of the best of the many good traditions he set for the lodge as Foundation Master. The whole of the brethren are invited each year to attend and give their honest and unbiased opinion as to the capabilities of each officer or aspirant for office and very rarely in the 25 years’ history of the Lodge has any alteration been made between the “informal” selection and the actual election. The idea was quite new to the Newcastle District in those days and has been criticised by several who are not members of the Lodge but every meeting has been held with the full knowledge of the Grand Secretary, who gets a copy of the circular convening it and each Grand Master to whom the matter has been referred, from M.W .Bro. Remington onwards, has approved of it. It has further enabled the Lodge to hold its elections on Lodge nights practically without ballot for any office and in times varying from 8 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 minutes.

Every member, particularly the older ones, recognises the great use these meetings are to the Lodge and their benefit is shown in the very, very few cases in which “failure” can be recorded against any Brother who has held office in the Lodge.

The entertainment of the Brethren in the South had always been a bit of a problem with the only musical instrument being the organ and it is recorded in the minutes in July 1907 that Bro. J. Desreaux “greatly assisted in the harmony of the South with his beautiful gramophone.” This was, of course, one of the early instruments, not the modern “portable” variety and meant quite a labour for Bro. Desreaux and his sons to cart from their home and back again. But he stuck to it very well for in 1908 and 1909 it is recorded that “Bro. Desreaux’s gramophone was a valuable acquisition to the evening’s entertainment”.

Perhaps some of us wonder when the habit – now, alas, seemingly fallen into disuse – of passing a charity plate around the table in the South started. It is the result of a motion carried on 15th February, 1908 “That a charity box be placed on the table in the South at each meeting”. The proceeds were at first handed to the W.M. for such cases as he might consider needed financial help but as there were not many of those, the money was afterwards handed to the F.B.I. Collector and sent in by him as a donation from the Lodge.

In March 1908, the Lodge, in common with all others, was ordered into mourning for three months owing to the death of M.W.Bro. J.C. Remington, the Grand Master who had granted our Charter and officially opened the Lodge.

The degree work still continued to keep the Lodge busy for at each of five consecutive meetings in 1908, two degrees were conferred each night but the Lodge always closed from 10.15 to 10.30, each night “calling off ” for a 15 minute spell.

In September 1908, Bro. Donnelly, the foundation Treasurer, made the Lodge a present of the very useful table where the Treasurer and Secretary now sit.. This is the first recorded gift of many which have been made, such as the ebony baton for the D.C. by Bro. E. Tingle, the very fine old V.S.L. by Bro. R.A. Bydder, a leather case for regalia by Wor.Bro. T.C. Frith, six volumes of Masonic history by Wor.Bro. W.A. Davies and a ceremonial sword by Wor.Bro. L. Patterson.

The first alteration in the By-laws was made in December 1908, when the month of Installation was altered from December to March, the former month having been found to clash a good deal with the Christmas holidays and to be very hot in the small room. The effect of the alteration was to give Wor. Bro. Hindley a term of 15 months in the chair as he was in charge from December 1907 to March 1909 when he installed Wor.Bro. Davies.

All this time, means of access to the Lodge had been inconvenient to members and visitors with the government trains running only to Fassifern where travellers changed into the tram of the Excelsior Hotel and Tramways Co. Ltd. The tram originally consisted of a carriage of six compartments but the engine suffered from senile decay and the carriage got too heavy for it to pull so a flat open truck was substituted, on the truck being placed fish boxes in pairs carrying sleepers upon which the passengers sat in the open air. All those who knew the trip took open umbrellas or sheets of news paper over their heads for the “loco” had a great habit of “priming” when attacking a slight grade and it was not uncommon to have visitors arrive with many grease spots all over their faces and/or shirt fronts due to soot spots (this only on their first visit!) The ancient engine got still weaker and eventually died of old age and was temporarily replaced by a white horse as tractor for the truck until the Tramway Co. went into liquidation and the service from Fassifern failed altogether in April 1909. The Lodge had a bad time in consequence till September 1910 when rail communication was re- established with Fassifern by the N.S.W. Railways, taking over the branch line and supplying the service right through. Many means were adopted to get the Brethren to the meetings. At first a launch was hired to run from Cockle Creek to Toronto, “on arrival of the 6.15 train from Newcastle” (as per summonses) then a two horse bus was hired, “leaving Boolaroo at 5.40 pm, Teralba 6.00 pm, returning to Teralba in time for the last train” as set out in summonses for those times. These worked in a more or less satisfactory way for the Lodge still carried on and met each month but it was evident that a great deal of inconvenience was caused, for notices of motion were put in to (1) “alter the time of tyling to 7 pm to suit the bus service better” which was carried and (2) to “ buy or lease land in Teralba or Boolaroo owing to the unsatisfactory transit arrangements” but this lapsed as the proposer was absent (perhaps he missed his passage on the bus that evening!).

In March 1910, the transit arrangements were still feeble for it is recorded that the D.G.I.W. arrived at the School of Arts at 10 pm while the Installation Banquet was in progress owing to a breakdown of the motor car in which his party had left Newcastle at 5.30 pm. Both cars and roads have improved a great deal since then but the cars seem to have had the most attention judging by the present state of the local roads!

Again, a few months later, it is recorded that a violent thunderstorm raged from 6.30pm till 8.00pm preventing the W.M., who lived about a mile away, getting to the meeting till after the storm finished as the tracks were impassable but the I.P.M. carried on till he arrived so the lodge lost nothing. All this time practices had been held each Sunday morning but on the restoration of the train service from Fassifern, the time and day were apparently found inconvenient so they were altered to Wednesday night at 8 pm. This did not last long as in October 1910 they were altered to Saturday at 7.30 pm and again in a month or so to Saturday at 7 pm. There they remained for a long time till altered to Tuesdays at 7.30 pm and then again (some time later) to the present day and time of Thursdays at 7.30 pm. The original day, Sunday, was prohibited by Grand Lodge in June 1912 so that body evidently agreed with the action and followed the example set by this Lodge in 1910.

On the Christmas meeting of the Lodge in 1910 the first occasion of a ballot being “cloudy” occurred but it is good to note that the Candidate was some time later again proposed, accepted and eventually filled the chair of the Lodge.

The Lodge has been singularly fortunate in its Treasurers, Bro.W. Donnelly, the foundation holder of that office looking well after the money till March 1911 when he resigned to be followed by Wor.Bro. W.A. Davies for four years. He was succeeded by Wor.Bro. Huffam in 1915 whose work still continues and we hope will do so for many years. The work of the Treasurer, although it does not show very prominently before the Brethren, is very arduous and important and consists in much more than telling the Brethren each month the amount of money in (or owing to) the Bank. He has to spend all the cash so easily collected by the Secretary, check over and arrange to finance all the accounts so readily passed to the brethren and still keep enough in the Bank each half year to meet those Grand Lodge Dues which spoil his credit balance so quickly but without which no Lodge can live. Also he has worries about getting in his receipts and generally satisfying the demands of his auditors and it is surely right that his office should be placed so high in the list of precedence of Officers.

In December 1912 the Lodge had for the first time to exclude a Brother for N.P.D. and at the same meeting the death of Bro. Anderson, who was then Tyler, was announced so this was one of the most gloomy meetings held. But at the next meeting the more cheerful news was given that the original loan given by W.Bro. Davies had been repaid in full, although there were some outstanding accounts of some £34 which could not be met. (More work for the Treasurer!)

NOTE : Unfortunately the minute book covering the period from June 1913 to April 1916 has been lost – it was not handed over to the writer when taking the position of secretary in March 1922 – so no details as to happenings during that time can be given in this record.

By April 1916, a discussion was held on a motion “to purchase land at Teralba with a view to removing the Lodge” but the motion was amended by substituting “Toronto for Teralba.” and the amendment carried. Six months later this was made more definite by passing the motion, “that the Lodge purchase the site on which the present Lodge room stands in terms of the offer made by Bro. Donnelly.” All this time the Lodge had been occupying the original 50ft x 60ft leased from Bro. Donnelly but the depth was now increased to 130ft and the present site purchased on terms arranged by Bro. Donnelly.

On 1st November 1916, Wor.Bro. A. Turnbull who in March 1916 had succeeded Wor.Bro. M.S. Davidson, the Foundation Secretary, died and in December 1916 Bro. J.H. Jones was elected secretary holding that office till March 1922 when V.Wor.Bro. E. Tingle, the present secretary was elected. A tablet to the memory of Bro. Turnbull was unveiled in the Lodge room by Wor.Bro. Thorncroft.

Events moved along quietly for several months but the original building did not expand with the growing numbers. The building designed for the original 28 members was now trying to serve 115 and in November 1918 the Trustees reported in favour of erecting a brick Temple at the rear of the original building. Finance was arranged by a mortgage on the land for £750 and sums were advanced by several Brethren free of interest to complete the necessary total.

A tender was accepted from Wor.Bro. Chapman in February 1919 and on 18th October 1919 the new Temple, costing £795, was dedicated by M.Wor.Bro. John Goulston, then D.G.M. The new room followed in design the original Lodge room with the Brethren seated in wings at the side and had originally a tiled roof but owing to damage done by cricket balls from the adjacent playing area and the defective tiles causing leaks, the tiles were afterwards removed and substituted with iron.

In June 1920 the death of Wor.Bro. R. Hindley was reported after a painful illness. He was the foundation S.W. of the Lodge, a Trustee from its inauguration and had held the office of Chaplain since serving in the chair. A tablet to his memory was unveiled by V.Wor.Bro. E. Tingle on 25th July 1920 which records the esteem in which he was held. Wor.Bro. Thorncroft was elected Chaplain in his stead and Wor.Bro. Huffam, the present treasurer, was appointed to fill the vacant Trusteeship.

In October 1920, owing to the increasing cost of living and the increased Grand Lodge dues, the initiation fee, originally £6 6/- was raised to £10 10/- and four months later 1/- was added to the dues each quarter to meet the Grand Lodge fees for the Masonic Schools.

The minutes recorded with great fidelity the closing time of the Lodge each meeting, usually in the neighbourhood of 10 pm, but on 8th July 1922 the record late sitting took place. The business was to ballot for one affiliate and two initiates and to confer the third degree on three Candidates. The first ballot (for the affiliate) was cloudy. The ballot (in globo) for the initiates was cloudy also so two further ballots were necessary, only one being clear. The three thirds were then proceeded with and the Lodge closed at 11.38pm where it was presumed that there was not much “harmony” in the South even though by this time the Lodge had purchased a piano!

In November 1923 the Lodge had the first (and so far only) charge of U.M.C. to hear between two of its members. After a sitting of 2 1/2 hours, it is good to record that the matter was settled by the charges being withdrawn and the two brethren concerned shaking hands.

Next month, the death of Wor.Bro. Holmes, who had just ended his year as I.P.M. was reported and some months later his widow presented the Lodge with an enlarged photograph of her late husband.

Lighting had always been a trouble in the old and new Temple. In 1905, for a time, kerosene lamps were used but very soon an acetylene gas plant was installed and many of the members will recall the trials and troubles that ensued through the gas running down during the ceremonies, necessitating a fresh charge of carbine and more water.

When the brick building was erected the same trouble continued and the minutes recorded “gas troublesome” or “gas very troublesome” and so on. On some occasion the Lodge had to be delayed owing to the failure of the gas plant and several times the only light in the Temple while ceremonies were in progress was that shed by the three wax candles on the pedestals. So it was with joy that the extension of the electric light and power from Newcastle City service was received and there was no difficulty in passing a motion to install electric light throughout the building, and later, electric power for fans, urns, and radiators. The comfort and convenience of these have been fully appreciated by all but by none more than those who have had at different times the miserable duty of trying to induce that leaky gas plant to work for 4 or 5 consecutive hours without failure!

In June 1924 the petition for the formation of a new Lodge at Speers Point was signed in open Lodge, this being the first daughter Lodge of Lodge Lake Macquarie. Many of their foundation members were also members of this Lodge and although fears were expressed that the formation of the new Lodge would greatly injure the membership of the older one, they have turned out to be baseless with both Lodges carrying on successfully and though of course each have had their difficult times, they are working together in the greatest harmony.

The old Temple has become a supper room when the brick Temple was built at the rear and had also been let to a local Friendly Society for their meetings, but the old building had been savagely attacked by white ants and the floor and walls were eaten through in many places.

The floor was particularly bad and unsafe (the old building had been built on wooden piles, the walls and spaces below packed with sawdust where the ants had a merry time) and the Trustees realised the danger of some person getting seriously injured and claiming compensation from the Lodge, so in September 1924 the tenants were given notice to quit (owing to the danger of injury through the dilapidated condition of the floor caused by white ants.) The tenants left but apparently the members were considered immune, or unlikely to make any claim, for the room continued to be used as a south for the next five years.

Harking back for a moment to the work of the Treasurer in November 1924, Wor.Bro. Huffam reported for the first time for many years a credit balance in the bank (£7/17/11). The brick Temple being all paid for and the mortgage paid off but as accounts for over £131 were passed for payment at that meeting, and the Grand Lodge dues would fall due in the next month, he wasn’t much better off! Yet by July 1925, eight months later, he again reported a credit balance and no one (except the Treasurer) seemed to know quite how it had been done!

In December 1926 the Lodge held its 21st birthday and the foundation Master Wor.Bro. Malcolm MacTaggart was asked to take the chair. It can be imagined with what pride he must have looked at the result of his labours of 21 years before. THEN, presiding over a Lodge with a total membership of 28 and meeting in a small wooden room (not even painted outside), and NOW in a fine brick Temple with a membership of 175 and still in evidence that fine spirit of harmony and brotherly love which he had striven so successfully to inculcate both by example and precept. It was a great night for the older hands and many were the tales of old days recalled and old friendships renewed.

One of the methods of instruction instituted by Wor.Bro. MacTaggart in 1906 was by meetings of the brethren (held mostly in Bro. Hodges’ hotel at Teralba) at which questions on any Masonic subject could be asked when he would supply the answer, or obtain it later and give it at the next meeting. This fell into disuse after he left the district possibly because the following W.M.’s did not feel competent to supply information on the spur of the moment.

But Wor.Bro. Charnley in May 1927 and in July 1928 revived the idea by asking members to submit questions a week beforehand. These were allotted to various Brethren for reply, the reply to be the individual opinion of the Brother and not to exceed ten minutes in delivery. Discussion followed on the reply when necessary – some of course, were too obviously correct to permit of any argument – and most instructive meetings resulted, being a complete change of ritual work and providing instruction which could not be given collectively in any other way.

Two other very good Instruction nights were held by Wor.Bro. Charnley and his officers in August and September, 1928 when the first three Sectional Lectures from the ritual were given in place of conferring degrees and the result was that fresh meaning was given to many parts of the ritual. On the last of these meetings, Wor.Bro. MacTaggart attended and addressed the Brethren with his usual fluency and earnestness – alas – for the last time, for his death occurred on 19th July 1929 after 24 years membership of this Lodge during which time, though for years away in Tamworth, Broken Hill and Wollongong he continued his keen interest in every forward movement of the Lodge and acted always as “a just and upright man and a Mason”. His position as Trustee was filled by the appointment of Wor.Bro. Davies on 14th September 1929.

In October 1928 the Treasurer again reported all debts paid and a credit balance in the bank so the trustees (possibly not liking to see money lying idle), reported in favour of pulling down the original building and replacing it by a brick structure to become part of the Temple and to be used as a South and Ante room. This was agreed to and in due course a tender was accepted from Wor.Bro. Chapman, and in October 1929, the completed structure was in full use at a cost of £1367.

The convenience and spaciousness of the present building have given the Lodge something of which the members may be proud and a comparison between the original wooden building of 34ft x 36ft., lit with kerosene and supplied with water from one galv’d tank, and the present building of 40ft. x 120ft., electrically lit and comfortably fitted, shows in a material way the growth of the Lodge and the progress it has made, even though at the present time the overdraft (like the building) is larger than it was 25 years ago!

On its inauguration the Lodge started with 28 members. Since then, affiliations have numbered 105 and there have been initiated 281 making a total membership of 414. But out of these 16 have died, 191 have drawn their clearances, 19 have called off without paying up in full and 21 have been struck off for N.P.D. totalling 247 and leaving a present membership of 167 in November 1930. Of the original 28 foundation members, only five remain on the books today with continuous membership. They are, viz., V.W.Bro. E. Tingle, V.W.Bro. T.A.I. Braye, Wor.Bro. W.A. Davies and Bros G. Hawkins and H.V. Harris, the latter being a Life Member as mentioned before.

The original Trustees of the Lodge were, Wor.Bro. M.MacTaggart, Bro. E. Tingle and Bro. R. Hindley. Through the deaths of Wor.Bros. MacTaggart and Hindley, the present Trustees are V.W. Bro. E. Tingle, Wor.Bro. E. Huffam and Wor. Bro. W.A Davies.

The original Officers invested in December 1905, were:

W.M. …. …. …. …. … . Wor.Bro. M. MacTaggart

S.W. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. … Bro. R. Hindley

J.W. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. .. Bro. W.A. Davies

Chaplin …. …. …. …. …. …. …. Wor.Bro. J. Dill

Treasurer …. …. …. …. …. …. .Bro. W. Donnelly

Secretary …. …. …. …. … Wor.Bro. M.S. Davison

S.D. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. Bro. C. Unthank

J.D. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …Bro. W. Miller

D.C. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …Bro. E. Tingle

I.G. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. ….Bro. T. Turner

Steward …. …. …. …. …. …. Bro. E. W.Dumbrell

“ …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …..Bro. J. Hindley

“  …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. .. Bro. J. McLennan

“  …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. Bro. F.W. Jackson

Tyler …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. . Bro. F. Burton

The following Brethren have occupied the chair of the Lodge :

M. MacTaggart: Dec. 1905 – Dec. 1906

M. MacTaggart: Dec. 1906 – Dec. 1907

R. Hindley: Dec. 1907 – Mar. 1909

W.A. Davies: Mar. 1909 – Mar. 1910

E. Tingle: 1910 – 1911

E. Tingle: 1911 – 1912

A. Hindley: 1912 – 1913

E. Huffam: 1913 – 1914

A. Turnbull: 1914 – 1915

T.C. Frith: 1915 – 1916

H. Thorncroft: 1916 – 1917

H. Thorncroft: 1917 – 1918

D. Lowe: 1918 – 1919

H.J. Baker: 1919 – 1920

J.W.T. Chapman: 1920 – 1921

W.S. Holmes: 1912 – 1922

G.A. Peattie: 1922 – 1923

R. Byrnes: 1923 – 1924

J. Rowley: 1924 – 1925

W.G. Hanson1925 – 1926

L.A. Harbutt: 1926 – 1927

G.H. Hodges: 1927 – 1928

W. Charnley: 1928 – 1929

W.E. Frith: 1929 – 1930

H.E.J. Mathews: 1930 (the present W.M.)

Many curious slips seem to have been made in Masonic procedure in the early days but the Grand Secretary or Board of General Purposes of today are hardly likely to take any serious steps now if they learn that 20 odd years ago at one emergent meeting it is duly recorded in the minutes that a ballot was taken for a C., and a notice of motion considered and carried although neither were on the summons for the meeting! (It is most likely that M.W.Bro. Bray, then Grand Secretary, would have had something to say about the ballot if it had been shown!)

For quite a few months summonses were issued which gave no time of tyling and on one occasion, although an apology is recorded from the sole proposer of a Candidate, the ballot was taken, “Bro.——— taking the place of the proposer.” Two or three records are to be found when accounts were passed for payment at emergent meetings and on one occasion the two Brethren whose names had been printed as Proposer and Seconder of a Candidate informed the W.M. when asked to propose the Candidate for the ballot, that neither of them had signed the nomination papers and they had no desire or intention of proposing the Candidate at all! The Candidate was therefore “withdrawn” but it was not recorded what reason was given to the Grand Secretary (if he were advised at all!). But no one seems to have had any injustice done to them by these breaches of the B, C., as there has never been any appeal to the B.G. P. against any ruling of the W.M. or any action of the Lodge.

Since 1909 the Lodge has been more or less active in collecting for the F.B.I. with a total sum of £692 having been sent to Sydney up to April 1930. Evidence of these activities are supplied by the F.B.I. as certificates now hanging on the walls of the present Temple. The record collection in any one year was that made by Bro. C.J Fletcher, who in 1913 collected £59/14/7.

And so we leave the Lodge in its completed building, after 25years of existence with material assets to show its material progress. But progress in brick buildings is not progress in Freemasonry – that is gauged entirely by the characters and actions of its members and in recording the history of any Lodge, one must be guided by its members as to its success or failure by the manner in which it inculcates the tenets of the Craft, by the spirit of brotherliness, help evinced by its members and by their actions in applying to everyday life the high ideals they have learned.

As a member of the Lodge since it was formed, it is not for me to record my judgement on those lines but it may be recorded that from 16th December, 1905 when Wor.Bro. MacTaggart gave his first address to the Brethren when thanking them for elevating him to the position of Foundation Master right up to December 6th 1930, every Master and every Officer under every Master has done his best to drive home to the Brethren the need of regulating their lives by the teachings of our ancient Craft. We think they have succeeded but our point of view is too close, our vision is too out of focus and our perspective is too blurred to form a correct judgement. That must be left to our successors. Let us hope that in succeeding periods of 25 years they may judge that at least our intentions were good, our mistakes not too many nor too bad and that in planting this Lodge in Toronto, we have done our best to forward the aims of the Craft and that it has been of some benefit to the many little townships on Lake Macquarie and elsewhere whence we have drawn our membership.

Compiled from the Minutes and fraternally submitted by ERNEST TINGLE, Secretary and Trustee.

6th December, 1930.

THE REPORT OF THE TREASURER ON THE FIRST 25 YEARS OF THE LIFE OF THE LODGE

To the Worshipful Master and Brethren,

I have the privilege of presenting to the Brethren some particulars showing the progress of the Lodge made since the dedication on December 16th, 1905.

At our “Coming of Age” meeting in December 1926, a statement was presented showing :

Revenue for the 21 years          £6813 3 11

And Expenditure          6881 19 1

Leaving a Debit Balance of          £68 15 2

The Balance Sheet at that date showed :

1 Assets          £985 1

2 Liabilities          259 15

Or a surplus of          £725 511

The figures for the full 25 years read :

Revenue          £9311 5 6

Expenditure          10179 14 2

Leaving a Debit Balance of          £868 8 8

Made up of: Building Fund Advance A/c.          £900 0 0

Less amt. to credit of: Working A/c.          31 11 4

The Revenue includes loan for original Lodge Room, donations to Building Funds etc. amounting to £866/0/2 and Expenditure includes repayment of loans, purchase of land, cost of the several buildings, electric installation and refund of subscriptions, £3,133/6/4.

The Balance Sheet shows :           Assets          £2054 9 1

Liabilities          1046 3 6

A Surplus of          £1008 5 5

Our first statement was for the year ended Nov 1966, and showed:

Receipts          £424 8 3

Expenditure          416 7 11

Leaving a credit balance of:          £8 0 4

The first revenue came from our Foundation Members’ fees and donations amounting to £66/7/10 assuring a credit balance for the period.

The first Balance Sheet was made out as at November 1907 and showed Bank credit balance of £45/13/6 and excess of assets over liabilities of £151/10/6.

The next period was taken to January 1909, the surplus being £178/6/6.

The original loan of £200 was paid off during the year ending February, 1913.

We purchased the present site from Bro. Walter Donnelly in 1917 (having previously been paying him a nominal rental of 21/- per annum) for £225, this item appearing on the Balance Sheet as at 23rd February, 1918. Surplus assets at that date being £286/17/3.

The cost of the original Lodge Room was written down from time to time, disappearing on February 1925.

We had long felt the need for an up-to-date Lodge Room, and in 1919 the present Temple was erected, costing £795/14/-. The Commercial Bank granted an advance and our account, which had been in credit up to that date, now appeared in debit £710/14/8. However, the excess of assets increased each year improving from £381/15/6 in February 1919, to £529/5/2 at 31st January 1920.

The cash debit balance decreased year by year until in February 1919, we showed a credit of £48/4/-.

In this year, 1929, we made very considerable improvements and additions to the buildings and the very fine Ante Room and Social Hall were erected at a total cost of £1,367/8/-. The Commonwealth Bank granted an overdraft up to £1,000 which had to be reduced £100 per annum and on 30th September 1930, we paid the first instalment and also, of course, met the twelve months’ interest. Subscriptions by Brethren towards the cost of the Lodge Room erected in 1919 amounted to £204/12/-, of which £197/10/- was returned, and subscriptions towards the cost of the latest additions and improvements total £150/12/-.

Our present surplus of £1,008/5/5 shows a very sound position and the Brethren will realise the Lodge is making steady progress.

We are passing through very strenuous times, and it is only by keeping down expenses whee possible that we can go ahead. Our Worshipful Masters have all worked to this end, each with a keen eye to entertaining expenses and our best thanks are given to the ladies who have so greatly helped in this respect.

Compiled from the Books of Account and fraternally submitted by

EDWIN HUFFAM, P.M., Treasurer and Trustee.

6th December, 1930

HISTORY OF LODGE LAKE MACQUARIE 1930 —1955

A very comprehensive report respecting the 50th Anniversary of Lodge Lake Macquarie, No. 243, was compiled by V.Wor.Bro. W.G. Hanson, following the meeting on 17/12/1955. Extracts from this very interesting record are given hereunder :

“At 8.15 pm on the evening of the meeting, the Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted and announced that the Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Thomas L. Warren, together with Grand officers, was about to enter the Lodge. A fanfare was given by Wor.Bro.Vic Boardman, after which the G.M. preceded by 15 G.L. Officers entered the Temple. Wor. Bro. H.A. Muldoon then announced that this was the 707th meeting of Lodge Lake Macquarie, No. 243 and the 50th Anniversary. The actual date the Lodge was Dedicated and Consecrated was Saturday 16th December, 1905 by the Grand Master and his Officers. The W.M. (Wor. Bro. H.A. Muldoon), now residing in Queensland, requested the Secretary to give a brief resume of the happenings for the past 50 years.” The Secretary, Very Wor. Bro. W.G. Hanson, then reiterated the following:

“History is concerned with the recording of events, that is to say, of happenings of the past. It is only by taking a glance at the past that we can look squarely at the present and thereby prepare for the future. Perhaps it is only by understanding the old that we get the best from the new. If the History of Lodge Lake Macquarie serves only to encourage minds to emulate some of the work of the Brethren of the past its purpose has been well served.”

The Lodge progressed favourably during the following years. Alterations and additions were made to the then original Temple. Membership increased and the ritual work of the Lodge was and still is of a very high standard.

During 1955, as a matter of interest to the Brethren, Bro Colin Hanson presented a small Volume of the Sacred Law for use by the Chaplain reading from Lectern.

V.Wor. Bro. W.G. Hanson presented a very fine D.C. Baton to the Lodge (which is still in use). This piece of timber (she-oak) was presented to him by V.Wor. Bro. Bert Ashdown of Lodge Westland, Western Australia whilst in Perth during the latter part of 1954. The baton was mounted by Harry C. Smith and suitably inscribed. The Grand Master, M.W. Bro. T.L. Warren, dedicated each article and presented the baton to Wor. Bro. A.J. Challinor, D.C., and the W.M. accepted the large V. of S.L. from V.Wor. Bro. N. Elkington, now in use in the Temple, together with the small V.S.L.

Bro. H.V. Harris, Solicitor to the Lodge, and a foundation member, since deceased (14/3/62), was made a Life Member in recognition of his valuable assistance in legal matters in an honorary capacity.

Fraternal visitations from other Lodges were the order of the day and during 1948 Lodge C.C. Paterson of Sydney and Lodge Lake Macquarie inaugurated regular annual visits and this arrangement still continues, and is looked on as an excellent way of closer friendships and brotherhood between the two Lodges.

At a regular meeting on 12/1/52 it was decided to accept the tender of Bro. G.E. Berrill of £2,489 for alterations and additions to the building, kitchen and toilets, etc. This work was subsequently carried out and proved an asset to the Lodge.

During 1955 Wor. Bro. A.G. Hawkins initiated his three sons into Masonry and this occasion was unique as it was many years prior to this event that Wor. Bro. A.G. Hawkins occupied the Chair of K.S.

Social evenings were enjoyed over a lengthy period and fraternal visits to other Lodges were regular. Masonic Balls were held and Masonic Church Services were spread over the years.

As the years moved along several changes took place and some very highly respected Brethren passed on to the Grand Lodge above. Mention could here be made of the passing of V.Wor.Bro. W.G. Hanson who held the position of Secretary of the Lodge for a term of 15 years, which he relinquished in March 1956. Prior to his being Secretary, he was Treasurer for many years and a Trustee. His demise was a decided loss to the Craft and to Lodge Lake Macquarie, No.243 in particular, and his passing is deeply regretted. He possessed a fund of Masonic knowledge and he was always pleased to assist a Brother in need of any phase of Masonry.

During 1960 suggestions were made to improve the seating accommodation in the Temple and it was during this year Wor.Bro. Leslie was W.M. that this very important improvement was put into effect. New seating to replace the old backless forms was carried out by Bro. S. MacDonald and painted by Wor.Bro. Dunnicliff and the lighting in the Temple was replaced by fluorescent lights. This work was carried out by Wor.Bro. R. Leslie, Wor.Bro. T. Simon and Bro. A. Black.

During the Mastership of Wor.Bro. Don Craig, further improvements were effected to the seating in the Temple by installing tip-up theatre chairs on the dais and part of the flooring. The installing of these seats was carried out by Bro. J. Plant and Bro. J. McAuley. In addition, the lighting in the South and kitchen was replaced by fluorescent lighting. The kitchen was also repainted and decorated. The lighting was installed by Wor.Bro. R. Leslie, Wor.Bro. T. Simon and Bros. J. Plant and J. McAuley. The whole of the painting and decorating of the Temple and kitchen was affected by our present master, Wor.Bro. A. Dunnicliff.

During 1961-62, Wor.Bro. Dunnicliff, who was S.W. represented Wor. Bro. Don Craig on numerous occasions, together with Wor.Bro. R. Leslie and several of the Brethren visiting almost every Lodge in the district and even further afield at Installations etc., – a very remarkable performance as Wor.Bro. Craig was transferred to Sydney in his capacity as a schoolmaster during his term of office.

When our present Master was installed to that high office, he arranged for further improvements to the Temple, viz., new linoleum was fitted and strip heaters were installed for the comfort of the Brethren during the winter months.

The Lodge was honoured by having one of its youngest Wor. Masters, who occupied the Chair of this Lodge with distinction during 1951-52, appointed D.G.I.W. in 1954 and later further honoured by Grand Lodge with the title of Right Wor.Bro. Noel Elkington, P.G.J.W. which was so richly deserved by such a young, efficient and true Mason in every respect. This appointment was noted with great pleasure by all members of the Lodge.

Masonic Balls (later combined with Lodge Awaba) from 1958 proved social successes and were well attended. The committees appointed, worked well to ensure success of these functions. Social Evenings were held during recent years but were not the success anticipated owing to the lack of enthusiasm.

During recent years the Lodge suffered loss in the number of Past Masters as under:

Wor. Bro.J.T. Johnson, died 24/11/56

Wor. Bro.J.W.T. Chapman, died 28/4/58

V.Wor.Bro.E. Tingle, P.D.G.I.W.

V. Wor,Bro.W.G .Hanson, P.D.G.I.W., died 19/7/62

Also in retirement and transfers:

Wor.Bro.H. Muldoon, Queensland

Wor.Bro.E.C. Lewis, Melbourne

Wor.Bro.D. Craig, Sydney

Wor.Bro.J.C. Gordon, Sydney.

Our W.M., Wor.Bro. Alan Dunnicliff was installed as Master of the Lodge on 10/3/62 by Wor.Bro. D.M. Craig and a record number of Brethren and visitors attended including the Deputy Grand Master and a goodly number of Grand Lodge Officers. Since this installation the then Deputy Grand Master is now our present M.W.G.M., M.Wor.Bro. E. Beers.

Wor.Bro. Dunnicliff has brought Lodge Lake Macquarie under notice of all the surrounding districts by his regular visitations whilst acting for Wor.Bro. D. Craig during his absence from Toronto and whilst S.W. of the Lodge. This fine gesture of attachment to the Craft and to Lodge Lake Macquarie was reflected by the return visitations of members of various Lodges and especially at his Installation Ceremony and subsequent regular meetings.

During November 1961, the Lake Macquarie Shire Council decided after several requests, to consider providing steps from the roadway across the footpath to the entrance of the building. It is pleasing to report that this work has now been satisfactorily completed and is of great benefit to members of the Craft.

On 26/11/1961, a Church Service was held at the Toronto Presbyterian Church and conducted by our late Bro., Rev. A.J. Barrett and was well attended.

On 25/3/1962 the Newcastle Masonic Choir presented a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon and their rendition of excellent numbers, together with a talk on New Guinea by Bro. G.H. Duncan, also of Newcastle, was very much appreciated by members of the Lodges, the Ladies and Visitors.

Following the death of Bro. H.V. Harris, the Lodge was without the services of an Hon. Solicitor and to fill this vacancy, Bro.E.J. Chiplin has been appointed to that office.

Upon the recent demise of V.Wor. Bro. W.G. Hanson, the Lodge was without the required number of Trustees and Wor.Bro. Alan Dunnicliff was appointed to fill this vacancy.

We regret to announce the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of our beloved Bro. Rev. A.J. Barrett, who after a long illness was called home on 30/9/62. A Masonic funeral was conducted by the W.M. Wor.Bro. A. Dunnicliff, together with several Brethren of this Lodge also Wor.Bro. D. Craig, I.P.M., now of Sydney, at the Rookwood Crematorium.

This is a brief resume of the happenings since the issue of the first History of Lodge Lake Macquarie, from 1905 to 1930, by Very Wor.Bro.E. Tingle, P.D.G.I.W., one time Secretary and Trustee of the Lodge. A History for the 50th Anniversary of the Lodge was compiled by Very Wor. Bro. W.G. Hanson, P.D.G.I.W.

At the Regular Meeting held on 10th November 1962, Wor.Bro. C.V. Northam was invited to occupy the Chair of the Lodge by the Worshipful Master and Initiate his son, Mr. Kenneth John Northam. A goodly number of visitors attended and witnessed a very sincere ceremony.

Since the inception of Lodge Lake Macquarie, No.243, on 16th December, 1905, 725 Brethren have been admitted including Initiates and Affiliates.

This report has been compiled from the Minutes of the Lodge up to and including November 1962, by Wor.Bro. T.W.L. Simon, P.M. My sincere thanks go to Wor.Bro. T.W.L. Simon for compiling this History of the Lodge. I also sincerely thank the Brethren who have on various occasions freely and voluntarily offered their assistance in the additions and improvements carried out to the building.

A. DUNNICLIFF, W.M.,
Lodge Lake Macquarie, No 243, U.G.L. of N.S.W. November, 1962

HISTORY OF LODGE LAKE MACQUARIE 1955 – 1980

We, the present generation of Lodge Lake Macquarie in 1980, still appreciate the efforts of the founders of the Lodge in 1905. The conception of the idea by Bros. MacTaggart, Donnelly, Dumbrell, Harris, Hodges and others, and the architectural design of Bros. MacTaggart and Tingle still stand as a living memorial to their aspirations.

Among the things that we also seem to have inherited from those early Brethren are some bentwood chairs (I believe they are the same ones), bought at the cost of 5/5d each, still is good condition, and now valued at around $60 each and the lack of ventilation in the Temple.

One outstanding fact worthy of special mention is the constancy of the number of Brethren attached to the Lodge. In spite of the fact that two daughter Lodges, Speers Point and Awaba have been formed, numbers remain very similar. In 1930 there were 167 on the books and today the Membership is approximately the same.

During the second 25 years progress was maintained, culminating in the attendance of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, Most Wor.Bro. Thomas L. Warren to the 50th Installation ceremony when Wor.Bro. H.A. Muldoon was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.

During this time many improvements were carried out and in 1952 alterations to the building were effected. In order to do this funds were needed, the Bank of N.S.W. produced a loan of £1700 and in addition to this four Brethren advanced further loans of ₤150 each, without interest, for a period of four years. Further work was carried out on seating, lighting and floor covering. All of this cost a great deal, but in view of the inflation that has come about recently it showed a great deal of foresight on the part of the then Members of the Lodge, many of whom, fortunately, are still with us. Thus the Lodge approached the third quarter of the century in debt.

This problem was tackled in a very practical manner because in 1956 the Brethren making the original loans were repaid, and a further loan of $610 was obtained from the Bank of N.S.W., the final repayment of all debts was made in September 1965. Incidentally, the builder who carried out the alterations was Bro. George Berrill who has since withdrawn from the Lodge.

In January 1963 it was the Lodge’s turn to come to the aid of a bank, this time it was the Commonwealth Bank which had a fire at its’ premises. Further alterations were made to the interior of the building, and the bank took up residence in the front facing the Boulevarde, and remained there until October 1964 when their rebuilding was completed. This probably assisted greatly in the repayment of the debt.

During the whole of this time Bro. Colin Ray continued to act as Treasurer of the Lodge and in 1976 he was presented with a Jewel to commemorate his having completed 25 years in that office. This presentation was made as an expression of personal gratitude for a job well done and was made by the Brethren themselves.

R.Wor.Bro. Noel Elkington was elevated to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Master. He occupied the Chair of this Lodge during 1951-52, became D.G.I.W. in 1954, and was later appointed P.G.J.W. He is still working in the capacity of P.A.G.M.

Other Brethren to attain Grand Rank during this time are: R.Wor.Bro. A.E. Hawkins, V.Wor.Bro. S. MacDonald (D.G.I.W.), and V.Wor.Bro. O. Hyland who is the current D.G.I.W. for the No.55 District. Another Brother to be granted Grand Lodge Honours during this period was Bro.A. Grant who was appointed Organist at the same time as Bro. C. Ray was appointed Treasurer. Bro.Grant accepted the honour and continued to service the Lodge as Organist up to the time of his death in 1976. His place at the organ was then taken by Bro. P. Levy of Lodge Balgowlah Lewis, a Sydney Lodge. Bro. Lewis continues to make the journey up from the Capital as often as possible to provide us with appropriate music for our ceremonies. Bro. Levy has since attained the W.M.’s Chair of Lodge Balgowlah Lewis and Lodge Lake Macquarie reciprocated his kindness by providing many Officers at his Installation.

During his term in the Chair of the Lodge, Wor.Bro. Alan Black instituted the custom of “Selling a Horse”. This was done during the “South” following a Lodge meeting to assist in paying for the refreshment consumed. This custom persists to this day, not only in this District, but throughout the length and breadth of the Continent. Whether it was original or not, I have no idea but it certainly caught on.

When the Commonwealth Bank returned to its own premises it was decided to retain the front as it stood and to sub-let it to a suitable tenant as business accommodation. It was eventually taken over by a Mr. Bale, who set it up as a photographic studio and supply store. On his retirement it was bought as a going concern by Bro.W. Meijer, now Junior Deacon of the Lodge. Since the repayment of the debt many steps have been taken to improve conditions at the Temple. These include carpeting and the purchase of a new electric organ.

Well worthy of mention is that during the 1950’s the then V.Wor.Bro. Hawkins gifted some 55 acres of land to Freemasonry, with the idea that homes for the elderly might be constructed thereon. This idea was eagerly seized upon and assisted by Grand Lodge, and in particular by many local Lodges and Brethren, the work was put in hand. In 1968 the Hawkins Village as it has been named, was opened by the then Most Wor.Grand Master, Most Wor.Bro. R. Hammond.

Since the opening many improvements have been, and continue to be made to the Village, sponsored not only by local Lodges but also by local Districts and Grand Lodge. A large number of Brethren have given valuable assistance in planning, building, development and policy making at the settlement.

In 1976, during Wor.Bro. J.B. McLachlan’s year in the Chair of this Lodge, by special dispensation of Grand Lodge, a meeting of Lodge Lake Macquarie was held in the Community Hall of the Village. This again entailed much work by the Brethren of the Lodge such as collecting or making Lodge furniture, drapes, etc., and not in the least, the setting up, and curtaining of the Hall. It was, however, a highly successful experiment enjoyed by all especially the elder Brethren resident at the Village. One fact that must be recorded is that of the assistance given readily by the lady wives of some of the Lodge Members, particularly in the form of food preparation, the setting up of outside tables, and, if the truth is known, many other ways.

The greatest drawback to the complete enjoyment of the evening was the heat. By special arrangement a large number of Grand Lodge Officers attended and were seated on the platform with only one small fan. The lack of starch in Grand Lodge was conspicuous by its absence when the Meeting closed.

The effort was repeated in 1979 under the Chairmanship of Wor.Bro. Carlson, again it was a great success, assisted by the Ladies, not so warm, and greatly appreciated by the resident Brethren.

Another detail well worthy of recording is that the Lodge Benevolent Fund established during Wor.Bro. J. Plant’s year had been allowed to lapse a little. This was noted by the Brethren and immediate steps were taken by the said Brethren to rectify the matter. A small levy was placed upon the dues and in consequence, the Fund is now in very good standing.

Fraternal exchange visits with Lodge C.C. Patterson in Sydney continued until 1975 when Lodge Patterson amalgamated with Lodge Allawah, also of Sydney. Since that time the friendship between Lodge Allawah and Lodge Lake Macquarie has been fostered and the liaison flourishes.

Surely one of the outstanding features of the Lodge is the continuous follow on of fathers and sons as Members. Doubtless this custom pertains throughout the whole of Freemasonry but we may be particularly proud of our record in this respect. R.Wor.Bro. Hawkins and his three sons are a good example.

These are followed by Wor. Bro. Alan Black and his sons Barry, a Past Master and Alan junior our present Junior Warden, the late Wor. Bro.Charles Clarke and his son Bruce, a Past Master, the late Wor.Bro. Fred Stahmer and his son Peter, also a Past Master, the late Bro. Frank Ward and his son Bro. Paul Ward, and Wor.Bro. Bruce Mclachlan whose son John Bruce is a Past Master, and our present Director of Ceremonies.

Other examples that spring to mind are Bro. Bob Collard and his son Bro. Bob junior and the late Wor.Bro. C. Northam and his son Ken, both of these sons are working away from the District but retain their membership.

There are probably many others that I have missed, if so, I apologise, but those that I have mentioned are excellent examples of family ties strengthened by Freemasonry.

So shortly after the sesqui-centennial celebrations of the establishment of Toronto we advance into the fourth quarter of a century of Freemasonry in Lodge Lake Macquarie under the guidance of our newly installed Master Wor.Bro. Ken Cunliffe Long may it flourish on the shores of our beautiful Lake, both as a Charitable Institution upholding the principles of Freemasonry and as a social contribution to the members of our Community.

By WOR.BRO.B.MCLACHLAN, Assisted by WOR.BRO.P.STAHMER

Compiled…1980

HISTORY OF LODGE LAKE MACQUARIE 1980—2005

Twenty five years have passed since our last historical overview. The current members wish to thank all the Brethren who came before us, for their vision and contributions that have made this lodge what it is today.

In looking at the last 25 years many notable events and highlights appear :

Improvements to the building, interior furnishings such as handrails on the Dias, the Director of Ceremonies baton stand, small pedestals for the masters gavel whilst he is on the floor as well as an upgrade of the mosaic pavement. These were all carried out by our esteemed V.Wor.Bro. Ron Evans. Ron also carries out the tradition of presenting each out going master with a gavel.

Building improvements were done in 1984 by way of installation of heaters. Electrical rewire in 1985 that also included a separate switchboard for the shop. The Lodge also had a new colour bond roof, ceilings on the inside of the Temple were reinforced and repaired because of roof leaks and water damage. The front foyer was installed and a fire escape exit and a ramp placed on the southern side of the building. The walkway to the front of the building was covered and the building was made ready for painting. The total cost was $20,000 of which $5280 was electrical work.

The Hawkins Family donated $10,000 towards the cost and the Lodge borrowed $10,000 from Grand Lodge at the going interest rate of the day. We had to do this because we had an income stream from the shop in the front of our building.

Our kitchen was refurbished in 1990-91. The outside of the building was totally repainted in 2002 by our late Bro. Albie Buddle, Senior Warden. The most recent project was to have the seating recovered and resprung of which about half is completed.

The South as well as the stage area was carpeted in 2002. Perhaps the most appreciated of all the improvements was the installation of the reverse cycle air conditioning units. These were donated by Lodge Speers Point No 538 in 1999. The actual installation cost of $2000 was paid for by Lodge Lake Macquarie. The existing heaters that we had were donated to Lodge St. Andrews No 198.

In 2004 the lodge also had the collars and cuffs replaced and each Officers jewel was replated. The existing ones had served us well for nearly 24 years.

During the last 25 years, the Lodge has continued to produce District Grand Inspector of Workings in Rt. Wor.Bro. John (Max) MacLachlan 1982, V.Wor.Bro. Dave Herbert 1990, V.Wor.Bro. Ken Doyle 1994, V.Wor.Bro. Phil Hurley 1996.

The Lodge has also gained by way of affiliation the following Brethren – V.Wor.Bro. Jim Turriff, Rt.Wor.Bro. Keith Buckton, V.Wor.Bro. Bill Hall, V.Wor.Bro. Bert James and V.Wor.Bro. Jeff Teague. We have also had conferred rank bestowed on V.Wor.Bro.Ron Evans and V.Wor.Bro.John Waters.

The earlier lodge history gives glimpses of financial difficulties from time to time. As has been mentioned, Mr. B. Bayl leased the shop from 1965. When he closed his business in 1981 it was leased to Bro. Bill Meijer of Camera Obscura. When he closed his business in 2001, it was leased to current tenant, Wor.Bro. Wal Parker trading as Toronto Wool and Handicrafts.

The rental from the premises since the Commonwealth Bank first leased the shop front, has always made the land and water rates bearable. Land rates in 1980 were $1352 and in 2004 they were $4346. We now also pay a land tax of approximately $300 p.a.

Our membership dues in 1980 were $3.00 for resident members, $1.60 for non-resident members and $1.30 for pensioners and today in 2005 are $13.00 with a 50 cent discount if dues are paid 6 months in advance together with a $5 charge for all Masons attending the South.

Grand Lodge fees were $1103 in 1980 and in 2005 are $4090. Dues collected in 2003-4 were $6377.

Our by-laws were upgraded in June 1985 and more recently in 2003 to bring them into line with recommendations made by U.G.L. of N.S.W. and the A.C.T. These changes, in the most, are minor and in keeping with current trends, in much the same way that we have seen several changes to the ritual in line with community trends in the last 25 years.

In 1984 membership stood at 149. In 2004 membership stands at 56. Of the names in the 1952-3-4 membership list, only Rt.Wor.Bro. Noel Elkington and Bro.Stuart Wrightson and Wor.Bro. Ray Leslie remain as active members. In 1952 Rt.Wor.Bro. Noel Elkington was No 92 on the membership list and Bro. Stuart Wrightson was 154. In that year there were 189 members of Lodge Lake Macquarie. In 1954 Wor.Bro. Ray Leslie was No.164. Looking at the membership list of 2004, Rt.Wor.Bro. Noel Elkington, Bro.Stuart Wrightson and Wor.Bro. Ray Leslie are numbers 1,3,5 respectively.

Up to 1962, 597 men had been initiated or affiliated. Since 1980, 37 men have sought membership and of those 18 remain in 2004. The same applies to affiliates. Since 1980, we have had 39 affiliates and 17 remain in 2004, although many of these are not active. The real surprise however, comes when looking at a membership list of 1980 and then comparing it to one in 2004. It is then that we see the stark reality of the great number of lodge stalwarts who are no longer with us. The greatest decline has occurred over the last 25 years and this will undoubtedly continue especially as our Brethren get older. This decline has resulted in a number of Masters of this Lodge, serving second or third terms in the chair to keep the Lodge going.

Two events have occurred in the last 25 years that created a great deal of discussion. In 1986, Coles supermarket intimated that they might have an interest in our site. At this time they moved from the Boulevard to their present site. On the 7th August 1986, the Lodge Finance Committee met and rejected the idea and the Solicitors were advised of the decision.

In September 1996, with a membership of 150, a Committee was formed to look at the sale of the building and relocation to another site. In October 1996, a meeting was held at 10 am. in the Lodge and it was agreed to place a For Sale sign on the building. In November 1996, the building was placed in the hands of Ray White Real Estate. An initial figure of $750,000 was hoped for. The Real Estate agent had advertised the property on 9th November for $850,000.

In December 1996, Wor.Bro. John Campbell, the W.M., gave a report regarding the possible purchase of a property that might satisfy the parking needs, reduced land, water rates etc. That property was the Jehovah’s Kingdom Hall in Excelsior Parade. In January 1997, the Lodge business was changed. It was felt that the Lodge could no longer remain in its present site because of the cost. However, only $650,000 had been offered for the building although the Estate agent felt that there was other interested parties and that this offer would rise. The pros and cons of a move plus the purchase price and the price of renovations of the new building were discussed at length. A secret ballot was conducted and there were 15 votes for and 15 against. The Worshipful Master declared that there would be no sale at this time. Membership in that year stood at 81.

In 2003, a regional committee was formed, with the view of canvassing ideas to rationalise the number of Lodge buildings in the various districts because of ongoing maintenance costs of buildings. Likewise, many buildings needed work to have them comply with current building requirements.

Declining membership and therefore the difficulties with costs to make these required improvements were also considerations of the committee.

At this stage, this Lodge feels our building meets all criteria and of course we are fortunate that we have an income stream from the shop front.

Whilst we can cater for the needs of freemasonry with a sound building, we do need to address a decline in membership. Our sister Lodge Awaba closed its doors in 2001 and a number of its members elected to join our Lodge. The Royal Arch handed in its Charter in 1998. This resulted in the loss of rental income.

In 2003, the main meal in the South has been contracted out and the aforementioned $5 charge instituted.

Attendances at our Lodge meetings since 1980 are fairly constant; high teen’s, low twenties in number. These are averages only. Installation numbers have gone from 110 in 1986, declined slightly and have now risen back into the 90’s. Whilst it can be said that attendance figures are on average about the same, it should be remembered that the greatest challenge facing the Lodge is the retention of members and the introduction of new members.

Visitor numbers are up in 2003-05 due mainly to the extensive visitation by our 100th Master, Wor.Bro.John F.Clark. These visitations have certainly paid off.

In conclusion and what of the future? Let us hope that the Lodge will prosper and continue.

Thanks to Bro. Doug Crockford for his assistance and those Brethren who offered advice and assistance in compiling this brief overview.

PETER STAHMER, Senior Warden

Worshipful Master Elect – 2005-6

10th January 2005