Masonic Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

York Masonic Lodge (fmr) is significant for its association with the Oddfellows (1887- 1891), and the York Masonic Lodge No. 5, established in 1866 and utilised the building from 1891 to 2018. It is an important historical memorial to the role of benevolent societies in rural Western Australia and it contributes to the community’s sense of place through its association with four generations of Freemasonry families in York. The impressive two-story rendered and face stone building it is a fine representative example of the application of the Victorian Academic Classical architectural style in a rural town, of which there are few remaining examples, and makes a considerable contribution to the historic aesthetic of York’s townscape.

Physical Description

The imposing two storey stone building has a full height frontage and parapet on the zero lot line. The remainder of the exterior is face stone. The render and stucco frontage is symmetrical with a central double entry flanked by single double-hung sash windows, all openings arched, and the first floor vertically aligned with the equally spaced windows and entry. The decorative cornice at the top is bracketed, supporting the decorative flat arched pediment that has a central floral decoration.

History

The building was commissioned by the Independent Order of Oddfellows of York and the foundation stoned was laid by Mrs J.R.M. Thompson on 18 May 1887.
The first Freemason’s Lodge in York was founded in 1866 within the English constitution. When the Grand Lodge of Western Australia was established, York Masonic Lodge No. 5 West Australian Constitution (WAC). They have used the building since 1891 and owned it since 1926 until its sale in 2018. The Masonic Hall has served continuously for the entirety for the purpose for which it was built as Lodge Rooms and a public hall. As such, some four generations of York families have close links with the building.
James William Wright (b.1854) educated at Kings College, London, came to Australia (SA) in 1874, and to WA in 1881 for a contract for the railway buildings between Guildford and Chidlow Wells. In 1884, he established his own practice, and in 1886, was joined by Thomas Walker Lloyd Powell (1864-1947). Wright was one of the Partners in Powell Wright and Cameron who designed the 1911 York Town Hall.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

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Last Update

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