The Masonic Lodge Gouburn Chapter’s foundation was consecrated in 1924, and now, a century later, the public has the chance to witness a re-enactment of this important event in the Seymour Freemasons’ history.
On Saturday, July 6, Seymour’s Masonic Lodge Goulburn Chapter will be holding a public viewing of a re-dedication of the hall in Anzac Ave.
Seymour Masonic Lodge’s Don Wilson said consecrations of lodges were very ceremonial.
“It's almost like a coronation, but it's not,” he said.
“It's a ceremony they do when a lodge or a chapter, in the masonic circles... dedicate a lodge.”
Mr Wilson said dedications or consecrations, even in modern masonry, were still considered old-fashioned.
“It's still very British, the coronation and things like that,” he said.
“It hasn't been modernised.”
The centenary celebration will have a members-only changeover of principals, then a re-enactment of the consecration at 5pm which will be open to be viewed by the public.
“Quite a few people (are) coming up from Melbourne, and they're going to do the re-dedication of the ceremony they had for the consecration of the chapter that they did in 1924,” Mr Wilson said.
“The lodge has been a part of Seymour’s history for 140 years, and the chapter’s been a part of Seymour's history for 100 years.
“I think it's nice to mark it with a special function.”
The Seymour Masonic Lodge and the Goulburn Chapter, although a reserved group, support different charities and organisations around town.
“There’s certain things that we're not allowed to tell people, but it's not as secretive as it used to be,” Mr Wilson said.
“We raise money, and we donate it to various groups, but we don't go around big-noting ourselves.”
Mr Wilson said it was important they stayed true to their values that were learned since the first ‘Grand Lodge’ was formed in London in 1717.
According to the Freemason Foundation Victoria, the Freemasons’ greatness in life is measured by deed, character, charity and the positive effect one leaves on this world through generosity of spirit.
The Seymour Masonic Lodge Goulburn Chapter will celebrate its 100 years at the Seymour Masonic Lodge Hall at 25 Anzac Ave, Seymour on Saturday, July 6 at 5pm.
“The ceremony of the re-consecration at 5pm is open to the public,” Mr Wilson said.
“It's open, but we need to know so that we can set up enough chairs if anyone is coming.”
For more information about the event, please contact Don Wilson at 5792 2814.