Mudgee's Lodge of Edinburgh St John will open its hall to members of the public on an open day on November 5 from 10am to 1pm.
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Members of the public are invited to come and see the historic lodge and learn about Freemasonry and what it does for the community.
Visitors will be able to walk through the lodge room, see the furnishings and Masonic paraphernalia, ask questions and satisfy their curiosity.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organisations, comprising up to 5 million members world-wide. Masons have adopted the principles of integrity, goodwill and charity as the foundations for an individual’s life and character.
Freemasonry arose from the guilds of stonemasons who constructed Europe’s castles and cathedrals during the Middle Ages and possessed highly prized skills, such as mathematics and architecture.
The first lodge in Mudgee, known as Lodge Wellington, was formed in 1857 and held in meetings in the Foreman’s Maitland Hotel, now known at the Woolpack.
During the past 150 years, there have been a number of lodges operating in the town, such as Lodge St John formed in 1872, Lodge Edinburgh in 1876, and the current Lodge Edinburgh St John which was formed in 1899.
The Masonic group gathers once a month for an evening meeting lasting two or three hours. The meetings include a business element, and ceremonies involving a series of formal, symbolic presentations.
The Lodge is actively involved in raising money and supporting young people, the sick, aged and those affected by natural disaster. Organisations that have benefited by this work include the South Mudgee Preschool, Meals on Wheels, Scouts, SES, Rural Fire and the local rescue service.
In addition, the Lodge raises money for the statewide charitable arms of the organisation, which are known as Masonicare and A Start in Life, providing services for state and local communities.
Lodge Edinburgh St John recently conducted its 117th installation of its Worshipful Master and officers for the next 12 months. Guests included United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT was represented by Right Worshipful Brother Peter Court, Past Assistant Grand Master.
The new Master installed for 2016/17 was Craig Callaghan, who will be assisted by officers David Mayson, IPM, MO; Doug Grigg, SW; Bill Sell, JW; Guy Kemp; Chaplain; Terry Croom, Treasurer; Errol Grieve, Secretary; David Holden, DC; Ken England, SD; Fred Voight; JD; Jim Pirie, Organist; John Clarke, Caring Officer; Anthony Heath, IG; Keith Underwood, Ed Pratt and Rob Woodhead, Stewards.
People who would like to attend the lodge open day should contact Mr Callaghan on 0411 264 896 or David Mayson on 6373 3736.