The Masonic Lodge started at Inverell in 1876 with the first meetings held at Mather’s Hotel, where the Imperial Hotel is today.
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Two years later, the lodge obtained land in Vivian Street and had a hall built there. After its opening in 1879, other local organisations also used this building.
During September 1901, Mr Thomas Mather laid the foundation stone for a new Masonic temple in Otho Street, on land purchased two years earlier. Designed by architect J. W. Scoble and costing $820, the temple was built by Edwin Rowland to accommodate the growing needs of the lodge.
The official dedication held on May 5, 1903 was attended by NSW Grand Lodge officers, visitors and members. This was followed by a banquet held at the Byron Arcade.
At the re-dedication in November 1961, about 270 Masons ... were in attendance.
During an evening of musical items and official speeches, reference was made to the “charitable and benevolent funds dispersed by the Masons”. Brother Charles Dowe was the first Worshipful Master to be installed in this new building.
By 1915, membership had grown to 90 and the temple had become inadequate. Inverell architects O’Connor and Ogilvie designed a new temple adjoining the 1901 building. At its dedication in October 1917, an Honor Roll was unveiled in memory of members who had enlisted for service during World War 1.
During the 1920s and 30s, meetings continued. Further extensions were made and the foundation stone was relaid in 1937.
With the outbreak of World War II, many members enlisted. Members at home assisted organisations supporting the war effort and the local branch of Red Cross was given free use of the hall.
After the war, membership of the lodge increased again, and by the 1950s, the building needed further attention and extension. Builder J.H. Bath and Company undertook extensive works to enlarge and renovate the buildings.
Once again the 1901 foundation stone was refaced and relocated to the north-east corner. At the re-dedication in November 1961, about 270 Masons from many parts of the New England and North West were in attendance.
This graceful white building, bearing the Masonic symbols of compass and square and fronted with a porch supported by two columns, has been used for many events in Inverell.
What are your memories of this building?
