Lodge Cessnock weekend
By RW Bro Richard Dawes
Lodge Cessnock and the Cessnock community Lodge Cessnock 252 certainly knows how to make a masonic event a winner!
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Grand Lodge delegation of 32 journeyed to Cessnock on Friday 7 May for the reinstallation of W Bro Max Katz-Barber. The Grand Master MW Bro Derek J Robson AM and the Grand Master-Elect RW Bro Les Hicks were present to watch W Bro Damien Southam deliver a masterclass as Installing Master. After an impressive ceremony brethren and ladies enjoyed a delightful installation banquet.
St was officially opened by the Grand Master. Around 30 guests, including Cessnock City Mayor Bob Pynsent, State member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr MP, and Federal member for the Hunter Region the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP
The newly renovated Cessnock Masonic Centre was most impressive but became the star attraction on the Saturday when, after 18 months of major renovations, the Cessnock Masonic function centre in Cumberland
Main: The brethren gather to plant trees to celebrate Freemasonry in Cessnock. Above: The plaque commemorating the renovations at Cessnock Masonic Centre
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September 2021
attended the function where the Grand Master unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of renovations and thanked Mr Fitzgibbon and Mr Barr for their support. During the ceremony, the Grand Master remarked on how this investment will provide Cessnock with a state-of-the-art function centre and masonic meeting place, which will serve Cessnock and the community for generations to come. He added that the centre currently hosts martial arts groups, a yoga group, a dance school and an olive growers’ processing group and is available for other events in the community. Following the official opening, guests travelled to Freemasons Park where the Grand Master and the Grand Master elect RW Bro Les Hicks planted trees to highlight the presence of Freemasonry within the Greater Cessnock area. During the planting ceremony Mayor Bob Pynsent remarked how Freemasons Cessnock has supported the community since its inception in 1907, noting the financial support through donations in cash and in kind to local schools, sporting groups and charities such as Hunter Hands of Hope. The WM of Lodge Cessnock, W Bro Max Katz-Barber, said that Freemasons Cessnock has been part of the community since 1907 and during the past 114 years has been proud to support the local community. He added that Freemasons Cessnock look forward to continuing their support of the greater Cessnock community well into the future. Community outreach at its best.
Integrity – Loyalty – Respect Freemason
