Zenith Lodge, No. 52, A.F. & A. Masons of Victoria, (constituted 1866), Installation Saturday, 24th June, 1950, Masonic Temple View St. Bendigo.Cambridge Press, Bendigoclubs, social, zenith lodge no. 52

Three copies of Zenith Lodge No. 52, A. F. & A, Masons of Victoria, (Constituted 1866), Installation Saturday, 25th June1949. Masonic Temple, View Street, Bendigo.Cambridge Press, Bendigo.clubs, social, zenith lodge no. 52

The Lodge Composite No. 314 Installation of Bro Reginald George Ham, Senior Warden as Worshipful Master and Investiture Officers. Thursday, 20th april, 1950 Masonic Temple, Bendigo.clubs, social, the lodge composite no. 314 inst.

The Lodge Composite No. 314. Installation of Bro Colin Campbell Mansell Senior Warden, as Worshipful Master and Investiture of Officers, Thursday, April 21st, 1949 masonic Temple Bendigo.clubs, social, the lodge composite no. 314 inst.

Freemasonary or Masonry has its beginnings in local guilds of stonemasons who from the end of 13th century regulated the qualification of stonemasons. Modern Freemasonry uses scriptures which include ritual practices and ethical conduct as part of its foundation and every member must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Women are not allowed to be admitted and discussion of religion and politics is not to take place within the lodge. Freemasons meet in local Lodges which are supervised at a regional level by a Grand Lodge. The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Entered Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. The candidate of these three degrees is progressively taught the meanings of the symbols of Freemasonry and entrusted with grips, signs, and words to signify to other members that he has been so initiated. The degrees are part allegorical morality play and part lecture. Candidates for Freemasonry will usually have met the most active members of the Lodge they are joining before being elected for initiation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry) The Golden Lodge of Sandhurst was established as the first Masonic Lodge in Bendigo in 1854. Many prominent men including City Councilors were lodge members at it was a popular way for men to socialise. As the masonic movement expanded further lodges were established in Bendigo and the surrounding Boroughs and Shires. The Golden and Corinthian Lodges purchasing two blocks of land in a prominent position in View Street in 1866 with the intention of erecting a new temple and after amalgamating in 1872 appointed architects Vahland and Getzschmann to design the building. The Bendigo Masonic Hall (now the Capital Theatre) was built in 1873 -74 for both public and private use and contained lodge rooms, a public tavern anda concert hall. The Masonic section occupied the northern side of the building at ground floor level and included a lodge room at the rear, a library and reading room, and other affiliated rooms. Walls of the entry hall and lodge room were decorated with classical columns and panels ornamented with Masonic emblems. The upper level of the building contained a large hall with balcony at the north end and removable stage at the south end. Elaborately decorated with Masonic emblems, this hall was used for Masonic purposes as well as being available to the wider community for social events. The tavern, which became known as the Masonic Hotel, occupied the basement and the ground floor of the southern side of the building and included a sitting room, parlours, billiard room, bedrooms, kitchen, cellars and servants' rooms. It appears that two public entrances were provided for this section, one directly from street level into the basement, the other from the public entry hall. Invitation for the Installation of Brother Lee. Half fold printed in blue ink on cream coloured card with plain edging. Menu listed inside on left, toasts listed on inside right, officers listed on back cover. Front cover: Sandhurst Lodge / No 194 / Banquet / to celebrate the / Installation / of / Brother H. Lee / in the / Masonic Temple, Bendigo / Thursday, 20th June 1907 bendigo masonic hall, capital theatre bendigo, milburn catering bendigo, making a nation exhibition, bendigo masonic lodge, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo community groups

This is a badge belonged to a member of the Freemasons Friendly Society. In Warrnambool the Lodge of St. John was founded in 1861. and the Masonic Temple in Kepler Street ( the building still extant) was opened in 1870.This badge is of some interest as it may have local provenance. .1 Brass badge attached by a hook to three brass pieces of varying shapes through which is threaded a cream ribbon. The badge has as its centre the star of David with fine text. Attached to the points of the star is a narrow circle with text. Outside the circle are nine protruding points ending in three clover shapes. At the base is an inverted horseshoe shaped appendage with a T and H interlocked. There is a pin attached to the top piece at the end of the ribbon.. .2 Composite hinged box lined with white and royal blue satin and text..1PEACE WISDOM TRUTH BEAUTY CONCORD STRENGTH DEO REGI FRATRIBUS HONOR FIDELITAS BENEVOLENTIA .2 (Stamp) CHAS R MARTIN The rest is faded

Blue covered booklet, gold writing on cover. Installation Zenith Lodge No. 52, Masonic Temple, View Street, Bendigo. Installation of Brother John Robert Malloy and investiture of officers. Ceremony conducted by Bro. G.M. Lansell. Past Masters listed inside front cover.Cambridge Press Bendigo.bendigo, clubs, zenith lodge

Blue booklet, on front Installation, Zenith Lodge No. 52, A.F. & A. Masons of Victoria. Saturday 19th. June, 1948. (constituted 1866) Masonic Temple, View Street, Bendigo. On front page 'Installation of Brother James King Collis'. Document contains list of past Masters of LodgeCambridge Press. Wor. Bro E.W. Turner, Master, Assisted by Past Masters, will Conduct the Ceremonybendigo, clubs, zenith lodge

Light cardboard folder invitation Zenith Lodge No. 52 to the installation of Bro. Frank George Jones, S. W. (master Elect), and investiture of Officers at the Masonic Temple, Bendigo on Saturday, 25th June, 1949, at 6.15pm. Wor. Bro. J. K. Collis, Master, assisted by Past Masters of the Lodge, will conduct the ceremony.clubs, social, zenith lodge no. 52 bendigo instal

Five typed, green pages of the history of View Street and its buildings and How Bendigo got Its Name. Some of the buildings are described. Unsigned. Notes forwarded to BHS from Dymocks booksellers, Alice Plaza, Alice Springs.bendigo, history, view street, a view street viewing, how bendigo got its name, ravenswood pastoral run, battling bendigo thompson, messrs heape and grice, richard larritt, rosalind park, the ogg & co of bendigo, a n a hall, princess theatre, art gallery, alexandra fountain, princess alexandra, edward vii, w c vahland, former bank of new south wales, the c b c of sydney (former bank of victoria), state register of historic buildings, the old post office (now sandhurst trustees), former union bank (later a n z view street branch), bendigo branch of the national trust, temperance hall, vahland and getzschmann, james blair, dr harry atkinson, the masonic hall and temple, the bendigo fire station, william beebe, denderah (now called coolock house), convent of mercy, sir george v lansell, the bendigo advertiser, george lansell snr, fortuna, a h q survey, malmo, carl van damme, residence no 10 valentine street, brick residence 282 view street, dudley house, bendigo branch of the royal historical society, wm honeybone, bendigo sports centre

Bendigo Re-Union Lodge, No. 477 announcing the Installation of Bro. Frederick Percival Lunn as Worshipful master and Investiture of Officers. The Ceremony will be conducted by V. Wor. Bro. Francis Norman Balfe, Grand Inspector of workings, assisted by past Grand Officers. Masonic Temple, St.Edmond's Road Prahran Saturday, 11th March, 1950.clubs, social, bendigo re-union lodge no. 477

Cream coloured cover with gold and teal coloured printing and emblem. Golden & Corinthian Lodge, Installation of Bro. A. Noel Weatheritt S.W. and Investiture of Officers. Masonic Temple Bendigo, 14th September, 1968. Names of those taking part are included. List of Officers 1968 - 69. Included is a list of Members and on the back cover, Toasts and Harmony.Cambridge Press, Bendigoclubs, social, installation and investiture of officers, masonic society events (various) - golden & corinthian lodge - bro a noel weatheritt, rt wor bro prof s l townsend, v wor bro e t williams, wor bro a dellar, bro e l jones, bro f j palmer, wor bro f a turpie, wor bro h l bryant, bro c m phillips, bro a r wakefield, wor bro w a theodore, rt wor bro b s melrose, wor bro j k proud, wor bro c c maskell, wor bro j w boucher, bro j g norman, bro c m teeder, bro l k howe, bro b n washington, bro n w washington, bro g f g tatnall, bro r j cook, bro b hocking, bro a c hamilton, bro t k griffiths

Blue covered booklet presented to Bro. Ronald E Breese on his initiation, 7th February 1974. Includes list of foundation members, first officers and past masters of the lodge. The Warrandyte Lodge, No. 772 was Consecrated by the Pro. Grand Master, M. W. Bro. Dr. George Bankin Bearham, on the 9th September, 1955, in the Masonic Temple, Canterbury, the Ringwood Lodge No. 382, being Sponsors.

A yellow programme with the following words on the front cover, ' Freemasons' Reception to His Excellency The Governor Rt. Wor. Bro., the Earl of Stradbroke, Tuesday, November 15th, 1921. Masonic Temple, Bendigo. On the inside front page are the words, 'On the occasion of the November Regular Meeting of the Zenith Lodge, No. 52. ' Bolton's Print, Bendigo' is printed on the back cover. A red and white bow in cord is attached to the front cover.cottage, miners, lydia chancellor, collection, freemasons, freemasonry, reception, programme, organisation, club, society, program

Pale bluish booklet with gold printing on the front and dark blue printing inside. Booklet is for the installation of Bro. Thomas Richard Doble, S. W. and Investiture of Officers. Inside front cover has list of Past Masters for Zenith Lodge No 52, Bendigo for the years 1866 to 1933. The installation took place at the Masonic Temple, View Street, Bendigo on Saturday, June 23rd, 1934. Included in the booklet is Ceremonial, List of Officers 1934- 35, Toast List and Menu.book, masonic, investiture of officers, book, zenith lodge no 52 installation, bro thomas richard doble

Small white booklet with blue printing inside and gold and blue printing with gold border and the Masonic emblem at the top. 125th Anniversary of the Golden & Corinthian Lodge No. 7 Bendigo 1854 - 1979. Installation of Bro. Ronald Hammer S. W. and Investure of Officers. Masonic Temple Bendigo Tuesday, September 11th 1979. Inside the booklet is a Short History of The Golden and Corinthian Lodge No. 7 of Bendigo; Ceremonial; List of Officers 1979 - 80; List of Members; toasts and Harmony and a space for autographs.organisation, masonic lodge, investure of officers, installation of bro ronald hammer, golden & corinthian lodge no 7 bendigo, criterian hotel, freemasons hotel, view point hotel, pembroke house, black swan hotel, golden lodge of bendigo, corinthian lodge of sandhurst, vahland, getzschmann, zenith lodge, 'a history of freemasonry in the bendigo district diring the firt 50 years of its existence', a h stone, k r grabasch, r hammer, m j luxford, t c k secombe, a g mcarthur, c c maskell, f a turpie, c m phillips, t k griffiths, b marett, g f turpie, r j m berry, f j palmer, l s shepherd, g e adams, w h shay, w s clemens, s n gillam, g a fraser, s b webster, j g penberthy, a k rollinson, k j beale

Small folded printed card with details of the Installation of Brother Douglas William Nisbet to the position of Master of the Lodge of Honour, Frankston, Victoria, Australia for the period 1965-1966. The installation of Br D W Nisbet and Investiture of Officers took place at the Masonic Temple, Frankston on Wednesday, 3rd November, 1965. The card has the List of Officers, the Order of Service and a List of Past Masters. This lodge was formed by ex-servicemen who were members of the Frankston RSL Sub Branch in or around 1951. Membership of this lodge was for ex-servicemen who were also interested in being a member of the Freemasons.

Bound book the Temple Builders compiled by Alex H. Stone, 10th May 1988. this book refers to the people responsible for the erection of the Masonic Temple in View Street Bendigo. The book also makes reference to the way of life and how news was circulated in a time before newspapers. This book also gives an understanding of how the group was first formed. Other material refers to the laying of the foundation stone on 24/6/1873. Centenary Souvenir of the laying of the Foundation Stone of the Masonic Hall, View Street, Bendigo on 24th June 1873. Photo of the laying of the foundation stone. Architects of the project were Vahland and Getzschmann.Alex H. Stoneclubs, social, bendigo masonic lodge

Murray Comrie Collection. Information from Murray Comrie: This building still stands at the south end of Commercial Road, Tarnagulla. Originally used as the Masonic Lodge Temple of Tarnagulla United Lodge, No. 1318 (E.C.), opened and consecrated 21.1.1869 by Wor. Bro. Wardlow. Br. Stamp was installed as Master. The other part of the building housed the Masonic Hall Hotel, with F.H. Goldsboro as licensee. In later years, this building was known as Bool's (after the Bool family).Monochrome photograph depicting the facade of a building with window canopies and an arched doorway. tarnagulla, buildings, masons, freemasons, freemasonry, lodge, commercial road, bool, stamp, wardlow, goldsboro, hotels

BHS Collection Bendigo Weekly from Friday, January 11, 2002. '' A snippet of Bendigo history'' by Edith Lunn, the View Street story continued. In the journey up View Street we come now to the former Masonic Hall and Temple, our present day Performing Arts Centre. As a freemason, architect W. C. Vahland and his partner Robert Getzschmann were, in 1875, invited to design this fine Masonic building with its classical portico. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo, bendigo weekly

Photocopy mock up of original booklet of The Bendigo Historical Society Inc. 'City of Bendigo Historical Walk' containing photographs of historic buildings to be seen on the walk. Front cover Queen Victorian Gardens, Town hall, Mechanics Institute/School Of Mines and Industry, H. M. Prison Bendigo, Camp Hill Police Barracks, Sandhurst Corporate High School, Central State School No. 1976, The Cascades, District Lands Office (Dudley House), Masonic Temple and Hall, Sandhurst Volunteer Rifle Brigade Orderly Room, Bank of Victoria, Henry Jackson's Store View Point,Alexandra Fountain, Beehive Store/Mining Exchange, Colonial Bank. Hustlers Royal Reserve NO. 2/R.S.L. Memorial Hall, Post Office 3rd 4th and final, Bendigo Law Courts, Shamrock Hotel 2nd and another view. Important Bendigo Dates; 1851, April gold discovered at Golden Square by Margaret Kennedy,1851 Approx. 200,000Troy oz. of gold found in Bendigo, 1852 475,857 Troy oz. Gold for the year, 1853 November 31st Bendigo Hospital admits first patient,1853 December 9th Bendigo Advertiser first issue printed, 1854 First Land Sales and streets are surveyed and named for the first time, 1854 Census of Bendigo showed 15,480 residents plus 4,000 Chinese, 1855 Sandhurst Municipal District formed, 1861 Sandhurst Proclaimed a Town. 1862 Railway to Melbourne opened, 1867 Visit by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, 1871 July 21st Sandhurst proclaimed a City, 1881 Population of Sandhurst 14,577 residents, 1882 First telephone communications introduced, 1890 Electric trams (battery) commenced running, 1891 May 18th City of Sandhurst changes its name to City of Bendigo.book, bendigo, buildings, historic

Two certificates - Arthur James Bromwich Aird (1) solemly received admitted and consecrated as a Knight of the Order of the Temple in Geelong Preceptory at Geelong, Victoria, on 1st July, 1936, and (2) solemly admitted as a Knight of St.John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in the Geelong Priory, Geelong, Victoria, on 18th April, 1938.

Freemasonary or Masonry has its beginnings in local guilds of stonemasons who from the end of 13th century regulated the qualification of stonemasons. Modern Freemasonry uses scriptures which include ritual practices and ethical conduct as part of its foundation and every member must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Women are not allowed to be admitted and discussion of religion and politics is not to take place within the lodge. Freemasons meet in local Lodges which are supervised at a regional level by a Grand Lodge. The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Entered Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. The candidate of these three degrees is progressively taught the meanings of the symbols of Freemasonry and entrusted with grips, signs, and words to signify to other members that he has been so initiated. The degrees are part allegorical morality play and part lecture. Candidates for Freemasonry will usually have met the most active members of the Lodge they are joining before being elected for initiation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry) The Golden Lodge of Sandhurst was established as the first Masonic Lodge in Bendigo in 1854. Many prominent men including City Councilors were lodge members at it was a popular way for men to socialise. As the masonic movement expanded further lodges were established in Bendigo and the surrounding Boroughs and Shires. The Golden and Corinthian Lodges purchasing two blocks of land in a prominent position in View Street in 1866 with the intention of erecting a new temple and after amalgamating in 1872 appointed architects Vahland and Getzschmann to design the building. The Bendigo Masonic Hall (now the Capital Theatre) was built in 1873 -74 for both public and private use and contained lodge rooms, a public tavern anda concert hall. The Masonic section occupied the northern side of the building at ground floor level and included a lodge room at the rear, a library and reading room, and other affiliated rooms. Walls of the entry hall and lodge room were decorated with classical columns and panels ornamented with Masonic emblems. The upper level of the building contained a large hall with balcony at the north end and removable stage at the south end. Elaborately decorated with Masonic emblems, this hall was used for Masonic purposes as well as being available to the wider community for social events. The tavern, which became known as the Masonic Hotel, occupied the basement and the ground floor of the southern side of the building and included a sitting room, parlours, billiard room, bedrooms, kitchen, cellars and servants' rooms. It appears that two public entrances were provided for this section, one directly from street level into the basement, the other from the public entry hall. Invitation for the Installation of two Lodge Brothers. Half fold design printed in gold, brown, light blue, dark blue and black ink on white card. Front and back cover decorated with masonic symbols. Menu listed inside. Front cover: Zenith & Golden Corinthian Lodges,/ No. 52 & No. 7./ Joint / Installation / of / Bros. K. J. Fullerton / and W. F Creeth / Masonic Hall / Wednesday, June 30th , 1909 bendigo masonic hall, capital theatre bendigo, milburn catering bendigo, making a nation exhibition, bendigo masonic lodge, city of greater bendigo events, city of greater bendigo community groups

Freemasonary or Masonry has its beginnings in local guilds of stonemasons who from the end of 13th century regulated the qualification of stonemasons. Modern Freemasonry uses scriptures which include ritual practices and ethical conduct as part of its foundation and every member must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Women are not allowed to be admitted and discussion of religion and politics is not to take place within the lodge. Freemasons meet in local Lodges which are supervised at a regional level by a Grand Lodge. The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Entered Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. The candidate of these three degrees is progressively taught the meanings of the symbols of Freemasonry and entrusted with grips, signs, and words to signify to other members that he has been so initiated. The degrees are part allegorical morality play and part lecture. Candidates for Freemasonry will usually have met the most active members of the Lodge they are joining before being elected for initiation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry) The Golden Lodge of Sandhurst was established as the first Masonic Lodge in Bendigo in 1854. Many prominent men including City Councilors were lodge members at it was a popular way for men to socialise. As the masonic movement expanded further lodges were established in Bendigo and the surrounding Boroughs and Shires. The Golden and Corinthian Lodges purchasing two blocks of land in a prominent position in View Street in 1866 with the intention of erecting a new temple and after amalgamating in 1872 appointed architects Vahland and Getzschmann to design the building. The Bendigo Masonic Hall (now the Capital Theatre) was built in 1873 -74 for both public and private use and contained lodge rooms, a public tavern anda concert hall. The Masonic section occupied the northern side of the building at ground floor level and included a lodge room at the rear, a library and reading room, and other affiliated rooms. Walls of the entry hall and lodge room were decorated with classical columns and panels ornamented with Masonic emblems. The upper level of the building contained a large hall with balcony at the north end and removable stage at the south end. Elaborately decorated with Masonic emblems, this hall was used for Masonic purposes as well as being available to the wider community for social events. The tavern, which became known as the Masonic Hotel, occupied the basement and the ground floor of the southern side of the building and included a sitting room, parlours, billiard room, bedrooms, kitchen, cellars and servants' rooms. It appears that two public entrances were provided for this section, one directly from street level into the basement, the other from the public entry hall. Invitation for the Installation of two Lodge Brothers. Horizontal fold printed in black ink on blue card. Embossed cover with scalloped edging. Front and back cover decorated with masonic symbols. Menu listed inside. Front cover: golden & Corinthian & Zenith Lodges / No. 7 and Mo. 52 / joint Installation / of / Bros, R. T. Trembath and L. A. Sonnenber / Masonic Hall, Bendigo / Wednesday, June 29th, 1910. bendigo masonic hall, capital theatre bendigo, milburn catering bendigo, brockley printers bendigo, making a nation exhibition, bendigo masonic lodge, city of greater bendigo community groups, city of greater bendigo events

Freemasonary or Masonry has its beginning in local guilds of stonemasons which from the end of 13th century regulated the qualification of stonemasons. Modern Freemasonry uses scriptures which include ritual practices and ethical conduct as part of its foundation and every member must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Women are not allowed to be admitted and discussion of religion and politics is not to take place within the lodge. Freemasons meet in local Lodges which are supervised at a regional level by a Grand Lodge. The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Entered Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. The candidate of these three degrees is progressively taught the meanings of the symbols of Freemasonry and entrusted with grips, signs, and words to signify to other members that he has been so initiated. The degrees are part allegorical morality play and part lecture. Candidates for Freemasonry will usually have met the most active members of the Lodge they are joining before being elected for initiation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry) The Golden Lodge of Sandhurst was established as the first Masonic Lodge in Bendigo in 1854. Many prominent men including City Councilors were lodge members at it was a popular way for men to socialise. As the masonic movement expanded further lodges were established in Bendigo and the surrounding Boroughs and Shires. The Golden and Corinthian Lodges purchasing two blocks of land in a prominent position in View Street in 1866 with the intention of erecting a new temple and after amalgamating in 1872 appointed architects Vahland and Getzschmann to design the building. The Bendigo Masonic Hall (now the Capital Theatre) was built in 1873 -74 for both public and private use and contained lodge rooms, a public tavern anda concert hall. The Masonic section occupied the northern side of the building at ground floor level and included a lodge room at the rear, a library and reading room, and other affiliated rooms. Walls of the entry hall and lodge room were decorated with classical columns and panels ornamented with Masonic emblems. The upper level of the building contained a large hall with balcony at the north end and removable stage at the south end. Elaborately decorated with Masonic emblems, this hall was used for Masonic purposes as well as being available to the wider community for social events. The tavern, which became known as the Masonic Hotel, occupied the basement and the ground floor of the southern side of the building and included a sitting room, parlours, billiard room, bedrooms, kitchen, cellars and servants' rooms. It appears that two public entrances were provided for this section, one directly from street level into the basement, the other from the public entry hall. Invitation for the Installation of unnamed Brothers. Half fold printed in gold and red ink on cream coloured card. Embossed cover with plain edging. Front and back cover decorated with masonic symbols. Menu listed inside. Front cover: The Zenith and Golden and Corinthian Lodges ? Joint Installation / Masonic Hall, Bendigo / Wednesday, June 28th, 1905 / Bro J.O.R Milburn Caterer bendigo masonic hall, capital theatre bendigo, milburn catering bendigo, making a nation exhibition, james printer eaglehawk, bendigo masonic lodge, city of greater bendigo community groups

Freemasonary or Masonry has its beginnings in local guilds of stonemasons who from the end of 13th century regulated the qualification of stonemasons. Modern Freemasonry uses scriptures which include ritual practices and ethical conduct as part of its foundation and every member must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Women are not allowed to be admitted and discussion of religion and politics is not to take place within the lodge. Freemasons meet in local Lodges which are supervised at a regional level by a Grand Lodge. The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Entered Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. The candidate of these three degrees is progressively taught the meanings of the symbols of Freemasonry and entrusted with grips, signs, and words to signify to other members that he has been so initiated. The degrees are part allegorical morality play and part lecture. Candidates for Freemasonry will usually have met the most active members of the Lodge they are joining before being elected for initiation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry) The Golden Lodge of Sandhurst was established as the first Masonic Lodge in Bendigo in 1854. Many prominent men including City Councilors were lodge members at it was a popular way for men to socialise. As the masonic movement expanded further lodges were established in Bendigo and the surrounding Boroughs and Shires. The Golden and Corinthian Lodges purchasing two blocks of land in a prominent position in View Street in 1866 with the intention of erecting a new temple and after amalgamating in 1872 appointed architects Vahland and Getzschmann to design the building. The Bendigo Masonic Hall (now the Capital Theatre) was built in 1873 -74 for both public and private use and contained lodge rooms, a public tavern anda concert hall. The Masonic section occupied the northern side of the building at ground floor level and included a lodge room at the rear, a library and reading room, and other affiliated rooms. Walls of the entry hall and lodge room were decorated with classical columns and panels ornamented with Masonic emblems. The upper level of the building contained a large hall with balcony at the north end and removable stage at the south end. Elaborately decorated with Masonic emblems, this hall was used for Masonic purposes as well as being available to the wider community for social events. The tavern, which became known as the Masonic Hotel, occupied the basement and the ground floor of the southern side of the building and included a sitting room, parlours, billiard room, bedrooms, kitchen, cellars and servants' rooms. It appears that two public entrances were provided for this section, one directly from street level into the basement, the other from the public entry hall. Invitation for the Installation of Brothers Henderson and Sargeant. Half fold printed in red ink on grey / mauve coloured card with plain edging. Menu listed inside on left, toasts listed on inside right. Front cover: Banquet / at the / Joint Installation / of / Brox, R. O Henderson & T. L. Sargeant / as / Worshipful Masters / of the / Golden and Corinthian & Zenith Lodges / Masonic Hall / Wednesday, 27th June 1906 bendigo masonic hall, capital theatre bendigo, milburn catering bendigo, making a nation exhibition, brockley printers bendigo, bendigo masonic lodge, city of greater bendigo community groups

non-fictionIn the course researching the opening of Masonic temples in Victoria, James Nicolas noticed that many non-Masonic buildings in the 19th century were opened with Masonic ceremonies. They were primarily historic buildings, including Mechanics Institutes, Town Halls, bridges, schools, hospitals and churches. They Masonic aspect was frequently a key part of the opening ceremony. Nicolas looks at the history including the opposition, including newspapers and the strident opposition of the Catholic Church. Nicolas also explores the apparent expunging of Freemasonry from contemporary histories of the openings of these buildings.freemasonry, historic buildings