GRAND LODGE OF TASMANIA

Lake Lodge the "Heritage Lodge"

Longford Tasmania

The first Lodge building in Australia to be a working Lodge room and a district Museum.

Lake Lodge No 29 on the Tasmanian register of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania as such is no longer, having handed in it's charter, but thanks to the inspiration and thoughtful help of the present Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Norman Cooper, with assistance of Masonic members in the North of the state, as well as the Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre, Lake Lodge is now functioning as the first and at this time, the only Masonic Lodge in Australia that is being retained as both a functional Lodge Room, able to still be used as a meeting place and museum sharing in the cultural history of the greater district once known as Norfolk Plains but now known as Longford..

The Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre and Lake Lodge creates a gateway to the rich history of the Norfolk Plains District and unlocks the heritage and mystery of the Masonic Lodge in Longford Northern Tasmania.

It enables the stories of both the Norfolk Plains communities and the Masonic movement to be told in a way that will enrich the lives of the local community and create a distinct attraction for those visiting Longford and the Norfolk Plains district. Significantly it is the first time that a fully furnished Masonic Lodge is regularly open to the public in Australia.

Located near the historic Christ Church in the centre of Longford. The Lodge room remains as it was when in use by the Lake Lodge while the adjoining room is used to house the Heritage Centre with its exhibition space and the archival resources.

Pictures: Taken at an open meeting in May 2009. Top left. During a presentation. Top Centre: Wor. Bro. Ian Green addressing the assembly: Top Right: Grand Master and Grand Lodge members and guests.
Center left: Commemorative Bowl presented to Chris Tassell Nation Trust Managing Director. Center Right: Lodge building window.
Lower left: Master's Chair and Pedestal. Lower right: General view showing Tessellated pavement and Junior wardens Chair

Acknowledgements. Albert Kusnezow Launceston Lodge of Research. Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre for Room Pictures and advise..

Some history of the participation in Masonic activity at Longford (Norfolk Plains)

Lodge history in the Norfolk Plains district, in the town now known as Longford.

The first Masonic Lodge in Longford was the Lodge of Peace, number 1021 English Constitution. This Lodge was consecrated on the 10th of August 1857, by the Provincial Grand Master of Tasmania, Rev. R. K. Ewing under a warrant issued by the Grand Lodge of England.

The members of the first Lodge which included members of other Lodges were:- John Adams, a Professor of Music in Longford, Lodge of Hope; Rev. Robert Strong, a Church of England Clergyman, Lodge of Friendship No. 613 Adelaide; David Richie, a landed Proprietor of "Scone" Perth, Lodge of Hope; Dr. James Dunlevy, Merchants Lodge No. 249, Liverpool, England; John and George Richie, Landed Proprietors, both of St. Johns Lodge and Richard Newstead Hobart, Schoolmaster.

Lodge of Peace has a continuing place in Masonic Life in Tasmania, a much travelled Lodge. Due mainly a lack of members, Peace was transferred in 1859 after one emergency meeting in Launceston, to Stanley, in the Circular Head District in the sea side town if Stanley, residing there for a number of years, the last 15 years the charter laying dormant.

In 1879, following a petition presented to the district Grand Master praying that the Warrant No. 719 (formally No 1021 E.C.) be transferred from Stanley to Forth after laying dormant for 15 years. The petition was granted.

Lodge of Peace eventually became No. 7 on the register of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania. In 1913 permission was granted by the Grand Lodge for its location to be changed from Forth to Penguin. This was the last journey for the Warrant of the Lodge of Peace.

Lodge of Peace No. 7 T.C. still operates at its own building on Ironcliffe Rd. in the town of Penguin, on the North West Coast of Tasmania . The Lodge is now in it's 152 year, and adding to that.
Lodge home page is http://lodgeofpeace.freemasonrytasmania.org

The Consecration and dedication of Lake Lodge No. 361 under the Grand Lodge of Ireland took place in the Lodge Room of the Blenheim Hotel at Longford on Thursday the 5th. of November 1885

The ceremony was performed by the Provincial Grand master. R. W. Bro. Harry Conway assisted by the Provincial Grand Lodge officers

Lodge members from all Constitutions in Tasmania were present as well as members of Victorian Lodges.

Foundation members were :- W.M. Bro. R. W. Row; S.W. Bro. G. Richie; J.W. Bro R. Powell; S.D. Bro. C. Watson: J.D. Bro. W. Russell; I.G. Bro. T. Stancombe and Secretary - Treasurer Bro. W. Newton. The other foundation member was Bro. Alfred Youl of "Leighlands" Perth

The first candidates to be elected were :- E.H. Sutton, Longford Baker; Dr. H. G. Haines, resident Doctor; G. Lawson, Licensed Victualler; H. A. Causby and D. Campbell. All were initiated into Freemasonry on the first regular meeting of the Lodge which was held at the Blenheim Hotel on the 24th of November 1885.

Like the former Lodge of Peace, Lake Lodge No. 361 I.C. operated on no great scale and initiations few.

From the establishment of Lake Lodge No. 361 I.C. until the surrender of the warrant in 1890, the total membership was only 21.

Lake Lodge No. 29 T.C. on the register of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania was envisaged shortly after the turn of the century when several Brethren, all of whom had been raised to the degree of a M.M. in other Lodges met at the residence of Bro. A Brown on the 9th. September 1904 to discuss the feasibility of forming a Freemasonry Lodge under the Tasmanian Constitution at Longford.

Those who attended the inaugural meeting were:- Bro's William Russell (Chairman); John R Bomford (Storekeeper, Perth); Alfred Brown; Arthur G. Stokes ; James Thomson; Richard Heyward and Arthur F. Lovett.

A Petition was presented to the Half-Yearly Communication of Grand Lodge on the 26th. of august 1904, the prospect of reviving Freemasonry at Longford was welcomed with great enthusiasm, and the Grand Master, Most Wor. Bro. the Hon. Charles Ellis Davies M.L.C. expressed his warm approval when it was referred to the Board of general Purposes.

At the inaugural meeting in September 104, after having received from the Grand Secretary, (V. W. Bro. John Hamilton) a very favorable reply in respect to the petition, the whole matter appertaining to the establishment of a Freemason's Lodge at Longford was fully debated and a decision reached and agreed upon that a new Lodge be formed to be called "Wilmot Lodge".

How ever, at a further meeting which was held two months later, the former name of "Wilmot Lodge" was withdrawn and the name of lake Lodge was not given until the following year when the Lodge was properly dedicated.

In the early stages of formation, the Lodge had no permanent rooms in which to which to hold its meetings and so an approach was made to the Vestry Committee of Christ Church in regards to the use of the Church of England Sunday school for that purpose, and grand Lodge Officers were invited to inspect the rooms under review as to their suitability until such time as conditions allowed for the building of a Temple.

Eventually, an agreement was reached with the Church Wardens for the Lodge Lodge to have free use of the Sunday School for a period of four years on condition that they add an anti-room at their own expense. This proviso was accepted by the Lodge, the work being undertaken by Bro. A.G. Stokes for the sum of eighteen pounds. The first meeting to be held on the 20th of June 1905, just prior to the official opening ceremony and consecration of the newly formed Lodge.

It was during Wor. Bro. Bishop William Barrett's term as Master of the Lodge, 1928-29 that the present Masonic temple was built through the combined efforts of the W.M and Brethren of Lake Lodge as well as assistance from other Masonic Lodges.

On the 19th. of February, 1929, the Foundation stone of the Temple was laid by the Most Worshipful Grand Master (the Hon. Bro. Claude James M.H.A.) in the presence of a large number of Brethren representing the various Masonic Lodges throughout the state.

Much information on the History of Lake Lodge No 22 T.C is available from two History books written about the Lodge. History of Freemasonry at Longford 1857 - 1990 by Bro. H.C. Bean and a recent book by Kerry E Holloway entitled "At the meeting of the Waters".

The above notes on the three Lodges are extractsfrom the book by Bro. H. C. Bean, "History of Freemasonry at Longford 1857 - 1990". They are not intended to be a full concise reading. More complete readings can be had by visiting the Heritage Lodge Centre in William Street Longford or contact with the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) at the contact address listed above.

On May 22nd, Launceston Lodge of Research held a regular meeting. Visiting brethren then admitted, Visiting Masters admitted.

Grand Master and Officers of Grand Lodge admitted .

Lodge closed, all members retained their positions with their regalia, including Grand Lodge .

Opening to all visitors, including wives, spouses, friends, National Trust members, and Norfolk Plains Group members.

1 Wor. Master of Lodge of Research (Wor. Bro. Albert Kusnezow) gave a brief explanation and working of the progression of Lodge members from Initiation to Master, and the various duties of the officers in the Lodge, and then an explanation of the symbolism of the furniture and Pillars of the Lodge including, Working Tools, Tracing Board, V.S.L., Square and Compasses, and the Tessellated Pavement, also an explanation about Masonry in general.

2 Grand Master,( Most Wor. Bro. Norm Cooper) gave a brief explanation of the duties of Grand Lodge, its involvement in the charities and scholarships, donations to Medical Research He then presented Chris Tassell, The Managing Director of National Trust (Tas ) with a Huon Pine Bowl, with plaque, to commemorate the event. The bowl was crafted and supplied by the W.M. of Launceston Lodge of Research.

3 Wor. Bro. Ian Green gave a brief explanation of the history of that Lodge , excerpts taken from a book written by V. W. Bro Kerry Holloway ,then presented a signed copy of that book to Edwin Kayser , the president of the Norfolk Plains Group of the National Trust , V. W. Bro Holloway could not attend due to his pastoral duties of his church.

Supper was served in the Church Hall across the street , raffle was held approx. $ 230 :00 was raised and was presented to Edwin Kayser for the Norfolk Plains Group.

It was well attended by a good cross section of local residents. The National Trust members were very pleased with the whole event as they never knew what Masonry actually stood for, they had an Open Day for the public the next day Sat the 23rd .

The Lodge Rooms, the associate Museum and general contents of the building and contents are available for inspection every Sunday afternoon between 2 pm and 4pm, other times by appointment.

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September 25th 2009 Presentation of Original Charter / Warrant of Lake Lodge

Left to Right -- Edward Kayser (President Norfolk Plain Group, Grand Master Cooper, Mary Mac Rae and Davina Priestly (Members of the Norfolk Plains Group) and Wor. Bro. Albert Kusnezow (Master of Launceston Lodge of Research)	Grand Master, Most Wor. Norm Cooper placing the Original 1904 Warrant on display.