Masonic Lodge

Statement of Significance

The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge is significant for the social input Freemasons have made in the local community over many years, as well as having housed their cultural gatherings, reinforcing the members prominent place in the community. Aesthetic Value: The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge is of moderate aesthetic value. Set back and slightly raised from Hampton Street, it appears to be a very simple building, not drawing too much attention to itself. However on closer inspection the building has a number of features which make it a simple yet elegant building, as outlined above. It forms an important part of a significant streetscape which contains many fine late nineteenth century and early twentieth century buildings and retains much of the ambience of a pre World War One rural town centre. Historic Value The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge has been the meeting place since 1910 of the Bridgetown Lodge of Freemasons. The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge reflects the growth of Bridgetown in the early twentieth century following the arrival of the railway to the district, as an example of the supporting cultural and social institutions that were a product of such growth. Research Value As quite careful records were kept for Masonic Lodge meetings, there is great research value into the Masonic Lodge hall, the members and activities of the Lodge, although, by their nature, these records have restricted access. Social Value The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge has played an important social role throughout the history of Bridgetown, not only as a support network for its male members, but also through donating money and time to the community.

Physical Description

The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge is of red brick on a stone plinth. The primary decorative element is the central ventilation turret with its domed cap over louvered side panels. Other features include a rendered string course (at window sill level), arched brickwork above the windows, ‘half-timbered’ detailing to the front gable, louvered gables to the main roof, and simple but decorative post and cap finials. There is a small portico over the main entry on the southern side. The façade and side entry portion are of tuck pointed brick. Internally the entry or social hall known as ‘the South’ has a small kitchen extending in one corner and the northern wall adjoins to a more recent external toilet block. There remains an opening hatch in the kitchen flooring, to the underfloor cellar / storage which is no longer used. It is a very low space with only earth underfoot. The ceiling in ‘the South’ hall has recently been renewed and includes two new ceiling roses where before there were none. The Masonic Hall or main hall, takes up the remainder of the building to the rear. The Masonic Hall ceiling has recently had work also, with seemingly no changes in appearance.

History

The Lodge was formerly the United Nelson Lodge No. 903 SC and gave its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of WA and later changed its name to the Bridgetown Lodge No. 60 (WAC). The United Nelson Lodge No. 903 SC was consecrated on the 27 September 1899 (under the Scottish Constitution), most likely in the Wesley Church, Bridgetown (now Uniting Church, Roe Street) by the District Grand Master, the Rev. GE Rowe. Henry Doust donated a parcel of land adjoining his hotel, to the Freemasons and the Lodge was promptly built and opened in 1910. The Lodge also consists of two Chapters (Nelson Royal Arch Chapter No. 22 and Bridgetown Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix) which have been active from this building since 1926 and 1933 respectively. The extension of the Masonic Hall to the rear in the late 1950’s by Keith McInnon, allowed for the enlargement of ‘the South’ hall as well as the enlargement of the ‘Masonic Hall’. The original dividing wall in ‘the South’ hall is easily discernible with the edgings left in place. The original rear wall of the ‘Masonic Hall’ was entirely removed, however its placement is somewhat discernible under the paintwork.

Integrity/Authenticity

High The place continues to be used for it's original purpose. Moderate to high The Bridgetown Masonic Lodge underwent some additions and alterations around 1961.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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