Painting of Melbourne at the time the Lodge held it's inaugural meeting on 23 December 1839 Melbourne Viewed from the south bank of the Yarra RiverThe Lamb in inn the painting is the first meeting place of the Lodge of Australia Felix on 23 December 1839 felix, australi felix, uglv

A Masonic Travel document issued by the Royal Yorkshire Lodge 503 in 1827 for a Freemason travelling to the new colony of New South Wales.Travel Document issued by the Royal Yorkshire Lodge 503 in 1827 for Bro Thomas Hidgley. Faded document that includes a wax seal of the Lodge.

A Leather bond Bible presented to the Gordon Lodge at it's Foundation 1886 by the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge - MW Bro William Farquarson Lamonby

Engraved sterling silver trowel with ivory handle Presented to F W Lamonby PM 752, 1002 E.C. W.M. Gordon Lodge No. 2112 E.C. By Parker & Pater, Contractors On his laying the corner stone of The Ascot Vale Masonic Hall, Oct 14th 1886

A picture of the original Gordon Lodge lodge-room of 1886 - room currently in use by the Lodge's artist-in-residence. Below is a newspaper article from the North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic: 1873 - 1894) for Friday 22 April 1887 that describes the architecture of the building at the time of its completion. From some of the details included in the article it is obvious that the journalist who wrote the article was a Freemason. THE MASONIC HALL ASCOT VALE North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1873 - 1894) Friday 22 April 1887 THE MASONIC HALL ASCOT VALE The now Masonic Hall, Ascot Vale, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Worshipful Master of the Gordon Lodge (Bro, W. F. Lamonby) in October last has just been completed, and will be formally opened: with grand Masonic ball on the 13th prox. The hall stands on a fine block of land having a frontage of 50ft to the Maribyrnong road by a depth of 130 ft., and is built of brick and cement on a most substantial foundation of bluestone. The Tuscan style of architecture has been adopted with the most successful result, and the front design which is especially handsome, includes four massive pilasters with frieze architrave and enriched cornice, forming the entablature of the order,- and giving a most imposing appearance. The front door, over which are the masonic emblems, is seven feet wide, and two escape doors made to open outwards in compliance with the Central Board of Health regulations are also provided, in case of emergency. In the vestibule is a very fine elliptic arch with keystone enriched with fruit, and the whole floor, 9ft. 6in. wide, is laid with Cawkwell's encaustic tyles. On the right, of tile vestibule is a commodious committee room 22ft. by 12ft 6in with side entrance for members, so that in case the main hall is engaged no inconvenience need be caused. On the left is the Secretary's room, and off this again is a staircase cellar. The vestibule is well lighted with two exceedingly pretty chandeliers, which have a very pleasing effect and give it a nice bright appearance ascending a handsome staircase leading from the vestibule the upper storey is reached, and here everything is splendidly arranged, especially 'the Lodge Room, which is a model of neatness and of comfort. The dimensions are 28ft. x 22ft 6in. with an elevation of 17ft. 6in. to the beautiful cove ceiling, which is quite a work of art. At the east end of the room on a raised dais is the master's chair with the masonic emblems, and neat forms of polished kauri are placed at the sides for members, about 150 of whom can be accommodated. The lighting and ventilation have both been well attended to and all is very complete. The main hall is 75ft. by 35 ft. with a stage 15ft. deep, leaving the auditorium 60ft. x 35ft. with a seating capacity about 600. Round the walls up to 6ft 6in. is a handsome dado in Portland cement and above it are panelled Tuscan pilasters to the entablature, architrave enriched frieze and medallion cornice forming the main cornice to the hall. Immediately inside the cornice is a sunken panel all-round the ceiling relieved with ornamental outlet ventilators. There are twelve large windows, six on each aide, and the sashes, skirting boards, and doors throughout the building are beautifully painted in imitation of grained cedar. Two enormous gas reflectors, each for 50 lights are suspended from the ceiling and besides these, four elegant hanging chandeliers for lighting up the proscenium, and back of the stage, under which is a storeroom for seats, &c, when the hall is required for a ball. The floor is made of kauri, secretly nailed, and is beautifully finished off. At the back of the stage are two lavatories and ladies and gentlemen's dressing rooms, between which are a connecting passage for a call boy. Outside is a capital asphalted yard, and the other usual conveniences on an improved plan. There is a right-of-way asphalted on each side of the building, and a large lamp is to be placed opposite the main entrance to light up the front. Everything that forethought and ability could suggest to make the hall comfortable and popular has been done, and it now only remains for the public to avail themselves of the advantages offered them by the enterprising Company. The cost of the building and furniture, including a magnificent piano, was £2,500, and the land £300. Mr J. C. M. Cowan, of Ascot Vale, is the architect, and Messrs Parker and Pater, of South Melbourne, the contractors. The plastering was done by Mr I Nicholas, of Murray Street, Moonee Ponds, who is also entitled to great praise for his splendid workmanship. Mr Cowan has been most assiduous and particular in seeing that his instructions were carried out to his satisfaction, and the result must be exceedingly gratifying to him and to the directors. The Masonic hall is only one of the many buildings erected by Mr Cowan in this district, among the others being the well known residences of Meessrs. J. Levy, Mooneo Street; W. Murphy, Eglington street; G. Groube, Maribyrnong street; C. A. Arvier, Moonee Ponds ; and F. Paul, Mount Alexander road. It may also be mentioned that Mr Cowan generously presented the plans for the now local fire brigade tower which is acknowledged to be one of the strongest and most graceful around Melbourne, The new Masonic Hall does infinite credit to the borough, and in accommodation, design, and comfort it is not surpassed by any similar building of the kind outside the city.

The first Minute Book of the Gordon Lodge, which starts with the first meeting of local Freemasons desirous of founding a new lodge in the Essendon area was held at the Ascot Vale Hotel in July 1885. William Farquharson Lamonby was the driving force, financier and founder of the Gordon Lodge and when he wasn't present not a lot happened at those Ascot Vale Hotel meetings.

Whilst the foundation stone for the Ascot Vale Masonic Hall was laid in 1886 Gordon Lodge was not able to meet in their new lodge-room until 1887. In the meantime whilst the Ascot Vale Masonic Hall was being build subsequent meetings were held in the Essendon Council Chambers however this was not a satisfactory arrangement Consequently at the June 1886 meeting a motion was passed that the Gordon Lodge hold its meeting, “…at the Melbourne Masonic Hall, Collins Street East, until such time as the Ascot Vale Masonic Hall is ready for occupancy…” (Due to a ball in full progress) So for the next 6 months the Lodge met at the Masonic Hall at 25 Collins Street.

This is a door stop, made by a Freemason, believed to be around 1920. Located at the Collingwood Masonic Centre.none

Used to lay the foundation stone of the Geelong Hospital (Barwon Health) in 1850, and the Kitchener Memorial in 1924.Ceremonial Silver Trowel, with wooden handleUsed to lay the foundation stone of the Geelong Hospital in 1850, and in 1924freemason, freemasons victoria, freemasons geelong, geelong, barwon health, geelong hospital, george faircloth, earl of stradbroke, ceremonial trowel

The right honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Tennyson Somers Cocks, was born in Herefordshire. Served with distinction in the Army and was twice decorated with bravery, before being appointed as Governor of Victoria. This portrait of Lord Somers is the only one in which a Grand Master is not in masonic regalia. Lord Somers insisted he not be seen dressed in a manner which could give offence to any other organization, with which he was associated in Public Life or Private Life. He was deeply involved in the Scouting Movement and was Chief Scout in Victoria and succeeded Baden-Powell as Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth.The portrait of Lord Somers holds great significance as it is the only painting within the Library and Museum collection of a Grand Master without his masonic regalia. Lord Somers stands beside his hat and is in uniform, no apron or other freemason regalia. Freemason Victoria coat of arms in upper left corner.Framed oil painting on canvas with stretcher/strainer. Wood/metal composite brackets used to fix painting to wall. 'Compo' ornamented gilt frame with running designs. Metal placque with two screws holding it to frame. portrait, painting, freemasons victoria, freemasonry, victoria, grand master

In 1870 the Earl de Grey was Grand Master of England, but his rule was short lived. After being converted to Roman Catholicism, he felt it was essential that he resign from Freemasonry as his church at the time was opposed to Freemasonry. Albert Edward Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, readily accepted nomination as Grand Master of England and continued in office until his Accession in 1901.This portrait the Prince of Wales was painted by Thomas Flintoff. It is held within a very elaborate gilded frame which comes apart in 3 sections and is one of only two known types existing.Portrait oil painting of Prince Albert on canvas stretched over stretcher/strainer. Framed in a very elaborate qilded wood and rosen frame. Heavy ornamentation on top and bottom of the frame. Signed: 'T. Flintoff 1880', Placque: 'Grand Master U.G.L. of England 1874-1901 H.R.H. Albert Edward Prince of Wales by T. Flintoff'. portrait, painting, his royal highness albert edward prince of wales, freemasonry, freemasons, freemasons victoria

Sir Dallas Brooks, was Victoria's' longest serving Governor and Grand Master. Born in Cambridge England in 1896, his interest in becoming a Freemason was expressed whilst in England however he chose to wait until he became Governor of Victoria to be initiated. Sir Dallas Brooks held the position of Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria from 1951 to 1963. He was a popular Grand Master and Governor and although he was unable to commit as much time as he would have like to Freemasonry, he participated where possible.This portrait was painted by Joshua Smith and the only painting created by this artist.Framed oil painting on canvas with stretcher/strainer. Frame is wood with a matte bronze paint. Gold-coloured metal placque attached to front of canvas. Signed: 'Joshua Smith'. Placque: 'M.W. Bro. General Sir Dallas Brooks / K.C.B., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., K.St.J. / Grand Master 1951 - 63' sir dallas brooks, freemasonry, freemasons, portraits, freemasons victoria

Offset Printed bi-fold card with lodge meetings in Bendigo Districtgolden & corinthian, mount alexander, mount franklin - st. george, mackenzie, st. george, southern cross, zetland, heathcote, aurora, zenith, eaglehawk, st. johns, rochester, trentham, kyneton, sadhurst, corona, wedderburn, gisborne, campaspe, carisbrook, harcourt, bendigo city

Offset printing with ink on paper.Bro. N Stewart, Duke Street, Castlemaine. Dear Sir, Mr Leslie George Lobb, Garage Prop. Castlemaine has been proposed as a Member of the Mount Alexander lodge of Freemason's and has given your name as a referee from whom inquiries may be made. I would be glad to receive at your earliest convenience your report as to his character, history, standing and ideals. Any communication will be treated in strictest confidence. I am, Yeours Faithfully, L.G. Lloyd, Secretarymount alexander lodge

A5 Card bi-fold with red ink.Ceremony of Installation of WBro. Raymond Lindstromcorinella mark

Members of the Southern cross lodge presenting the vacant chair ceremony in open lodge 2016