Australian Timber Building

Barcaldine Masonic Lodge is heritage listed at 39 Beech Street, Barcaldine in Australia. It is a two storey, timber framed building set on low stumps with a corrugated iron roof. The exterior is clad in vertical corrugated iron at the rear and sides.

Comet Lodge was built at Dingo Creek in 1876 by Robert Ballard , chief railway engineer. It was moved to Cometville in 1878, Emerald 1879, Bogantungan 1881, Pine Hill 1883, Jericho 1885 and finally to Barcaldine in 1886. After many relocations, it was a bit worn out so members decided to replace it in 1900 with a new building. The Comet Lodge 1680 E.C. has had a career which is probably unique in the records of Freemasonry. It holds its Warrant approx. 644km distant from the town for which it was granted.

The inaugural meeting for the formation of a lodge was held at Dingo Creek on October 25th, 1876. Nine Brethren were present, the majority being members of Leichhardt Lodge, No. 932. Bro. Willoughby Hannam was appointed Chairman. The meeting decided to invite Bro. Robert Ballard (Chief Engineer of the Central Railway) to be the first W.M. The Wardens Treasurer, and Secretary were appointed from the Brethren present. 'The expense of continually pulling down and removing the hall and the purchase of land always kept the lodge funds very low. However, when Barcaldine was reached it was felt the Lodge was here to stay: the building was considerably improved internally. We read that in 1891 this building was '… an unpretentious two-storied affair of iron, but beautifully furnished inside.' This hall served the lodge until 1900 when £720 was raised to erect a new building.

More super photos can been seen at: Masonic Lodge - Comet Lodge of Freemasons –Barcaldine (barcaldine-peopleplacesthings.org)

Thanks to Bro. Al Williams PM 242 UGLV