Lodge Tullibardine

At present the brethren of the Masonic Lodge Tullibardine meet in a large hall on the top floor of a portion of the ABC building in Wickham Street, Valley.

 

In the near future, however, the lodge is to have a home of its own, for a hall is now being constructed in Brunswick Street, in close proximity to the junction. Judging by the plans, it will be a most desirable and comfortable meeting place.

 

The main entrance will lead to a spacious staircase, and the banquet hall will be 50ft. by 31ft., with a platform. At the rear, behind the platform, will be a kitchen with modern appointments, and also dressing-rooms for both sexes.

 

On the upper floor will be the lodge room of similar size to the banquet hall, and there will be a reception room with locker accommodation, and other conveniences.

 

The  lower hall  will be available  for public  letting.  The lodge trustees,  for whom  the hall  is being built, are

Messrs George Dryden, P.M., Wm. McLean, W.M., Jno. McFarlane, P.M., Jno. Birnie, P.M., William David- son (treasurer), and Robert McLean (secretary).

 

The ceremony of laying the foundation stone was performed on Saturday afternoon in the presence of the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Alexander Corrie, and about 250 brethren, by Most Worshipful T. S. Burstow, Past Grand Master.

 

Among those present were Acting Deputy Grand Master, Mr. Isaac Ham; Grand Architect, Mr. V. Larsen; Grand Chaplain, Rev. F. M. Nightingale; Grand Director of Ceremonies, Mr. G. A. Munro; Grand Wardens, Messrs. J. A. Fraser and J. R. Kelly; Grand Registrar, Mr C. Stumm, K. C.; Assistant Grand Secretary, Mr. L. F. Marks; and a large number of Grand Lodge officers, the lodge trustees, and the officers of Lodge Tullibardine, and many visiting members of the craft.

 

After the singing of the National Anthem, the plans of the building were formally passed by the Grand Architect and handed to the Grand Master, who, in turn, passed them on to Past Grand Master Burstow, requesting him to per- form the ceremony. 

 

The stone was laid, a casket containing copies of that day's Brisbane newspapers, also coins of the realm, Masonic journals, and the history of the lodge was sealed up and placed in a cavity beneath the stone.

Whilst this ceremony was in progress, the 100th Psalm was sung.

 

By request of the officiating Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master then applied the square, the Senior Grand Warden applied the level, and the Grand Junior Warden the plumb rule, and the stone was then certified by them as duly laid. Then the Grand Master tapped the stone with a mallet, and he too declared the stone properly laid.

 

The Grand Master next sprinkled corn on the stone as an emblem of plenty, then wine as an emblem of strength and wisdom, and oil as an emblem of peace and harmony. Prayer by the Grand Chaplain followed. Rounds of cheers greeted the close of the ceremony.

 

In the course of a brief address Past Grand Master Burstow expressed pleasure at the honour bestowed on him by inviting him to lay the stone. He spoke of the progress made by the craft in Brisbane, and said he had no doubt that the members of the Lodge Tullibardine would live up to the high Masonic traditions which had been set by their older brethren.

 

The Worshipful Master of the lodge (Mr. McLean), in presenting the Past Grand Master with a silver trowel, which was inscribed in suitable terms, said Brother Burstow was looked upon as the Grand Old Man of Freemasonry in Queens- land. He had done a lot to enable the craft to enjoy what they did to-day. (Ap- plause). Mr Burstow returned thanks.

 

Prior to the stone being laid, the Grand Lodge was opened by the Grand Master in the Valley Masonic Hall, about 200 persons being present.

 

The brethren returned to the lodge after the ceremony, and duly closed the Grand Lodge. At a subsequent collation the loyal and Masonic toasts were enthusiastically honoured, and Lodge Tullibardine was warmly congratulated on its enterprise.