Sunday, July 18, 2021

MASONIC LODGE

 

Lodge Wyaldra, Masonic Lodge Gulgong, circa 1920
Source: Barbara Gurney

Lodge Wyaldra, Masonic Lodge Gulgong, March 1947
Source: Ralph Hawkins

1903 - Dedication of the Wyaldra Lodge No. 238. Gulgong

In the year 1871, in the palmy days of Gulgong, the Abbotsford Lodge was started and flourished for many years but though, the gradual working out of the field, and members leaving the district, the lodge had to suspend operations in 1889, and matters of Masonic remained dormant until recently, when, through the energy of several members, application was made for a charter for a new lodge and last Friday witnessed the inauguration of Lodge Wyaldra No 238.

The dedication ceremony in connection with the Lodge was performed by Very Wor. Bro. AR Cooke D.G.I.W., under the authority from the Grand Master and the installation of Wor. Bro. JW Duesbury as first W. M. was performed also by the same brother. both ceremonies being carried out in a most able manner by him.

Following are the officers invested by the W.M.:-Bro. Dr Busby S.W.; Bro. A Souter J.W.; Rev Bro Haviland, Chaplain; Bro Dr McCreadie, Treasurer; Bro E Harrison, Secretary; Bro M Bennett S.D.; Bro Rognini I.G.; Bro Fulton, Tyler.

At the conclusion of the Lodge the brethren adjourned to the supper room of the Town Hall, where a splendid banquet was provided. The usual toasts were drunk. During the evening songs were sung by Wor. Bro. W Kellett, JK Kellett, Cook and recitations by Bro. W Lester and W Shaw. Bro SB Rouse gave the brethren a selection of bones in the manipulation of which he is a past master to a musical accompaniment. Bro WC Blackman acted as organist in the Lodge. It was announced that Bros. Haviland and Harrison were shortly to leave the district.

Source: The Gulgong Advertiser, November 19 1903

Meeting invitation

Masonic Lodge members, Gulgong
L to R: GM Sir John Northcote, WM Francis Mole, Bro Don Lewis
Source: Gulgong Pioneers Museum