Wagga Wagga renovation

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The renovation of the Wagga Wagga Masonic Centre is just the latest page in 160 years of history of Freemasonry in the area

In 1905 the Centre was opened, and the new Worshipful Master W Bro Bellair was lauded and congratulated by brethren from all over the jurisdiction for his initiative and perseverance in seeing the construction of the new building. Previously Freemasons in the area had met in places such as hotels or other shared spaces; a Freemasons Hall did exist, but it was not owned by the lodge. That building burned down in 1880, was rebuilt and was primarily used by the Oddfellows.

The construction of the Masonic

Centre in 1905 saw it being used for large functions and members still remember the Souths, with dinners attracting hundreds of guests and ladies helping to celebrate installations and other significant occasions. The furniture of the lodge was ordered from England in 1868 by

Lodge Harmony 410 Scottish

Constitution and is still in use today. The furniture was saved from the fire of 1880 together with many documents of

Wagga Wagga Masonic Centre before the renovations carried out this year Main: the restored masonic centre Inset: detail of the new doors showing subtle masonic symbolism

masonic value including the charters of lodges that had met in the Centre, and artwork depicting HRH the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) when he was Grand Master of the UGLE.

Throughout the years since 1905 many masons in Wagga Wagga joined the lodges that met in the building, and they have seen many changes and additions including the upper storey and the addition of a hall at the side of the original building. Our Masonic Centre stands as a symbol of our past both as citizens of Wagga Wagga but also as Freemasons. Our current renovations have seen our beautiful old building being given some modern touches that honour our heritage, and we now look forward to the future where we will continue to grow and develop our beloved building and our beloved Craft for generations to come.