Foundation Stone Re-dedicated At Young Masonic Lodge

A ceremony to re-enact the laying of the Foundation Stone of 1875 has been conducted at Young’s Masonic Centre.

The Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT Most Worshipful Brother Bernie Khristian Albano and the Grand Lodge team carried out the re-enactment in November.

50 people attended the ceremony, including Masons from Young and surrounds, three children, wives and partners, an Entered Apprentice Brother David Schulz, the local Mayor Cr Brian Ingram, MP Steph Cooke and Robert Donges.

Rob Nash said, “The Grand Master welcomed all especially the invited guests. He gave a very informative run down on the early history of the Lodge, its loss of charters at sea, its formation under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the loss by fire when the Criterion Hotel was burnt down, the demolition of its first premises to make way for the railway line, the building of the two story premises in Zouch Street which had to be sold in 2002 due to rezoning making it impossibly expensive to stay there.”

“The present purpose designed structure at 62 Blackett Avenue, Young was opened in 2003.”

“The ceremony was performed outside the Lodge building. A smooth concrete block measuring a foot cube was re-dedicated with corn, wine and oil poured from a miniature gold pitcher.”

“The Grand Organist provided appropriate music and markers for the team to follow. It was very moving.”

“When that was complete the Grand Master and the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Very Worshipful Brother Ken Donoghue unveiled the plaque commemorating the re-laying of the foundation stone,” said Rob.

Following the ceremony, both Cr Ingram and MP Steph Cooke addressed those gathered, praising the ceremony and the presence the Lodge had and its contribution to life for men in the town.

A celebratory lunch was enjoyed by attendees at the Newspace Restaurant where the celebratory cake was cut by the Grand Master.

• Topics:

• Community Groups