Grand Lodge of New South Wales

The building is in brutalist style, similar to that of the Grand Lodge of California, and has won awards for its modernist architectural style. On entering, one is immediately struck by two circular elevators, with a winding staircase wrapping itself around one of the shafts, reminding one of the architecture of King Solomon’s Temple.

The lower floors are rented out for functions, and there are several Lodges rooms in the building, used by around 50 Lodges, as well as the Grand Lodge Room itself. However, their sessions are held in a local hotel, which can accommodate the numbers of delegates.

The Main floor houses a number of offices, including the Grand Master’s. It also accommodates the Museum, Library, Archive Room and Grand Masters’ Gallery.

The Museum is an eclectic mix of local and international exhibits, and Shriner fezzes and American Knight Templar regalia vye with more local memorabilia. Only a small selection of the vast number of exhibits is on display at any time, and the collection is refreshed regularly.

Of particular note is the large collection of early aprons, many of which are hand-painted.

Next to the exhibits is an area dedicated to Masons who received the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for valor in the British Commonwealth. The guide informed us they had held an annual memorial service for many years, and I couldn’t help wondering if this was the inspiration for the new memorial to Madons holding the Victoria Cross by the UGLE in England, as part of their 300th Anniversary celebrations.

 The library was well-ordered and contained some surprises, such as seemingly random collections of the Annual Transactions of several American Grand Lodges! The Lodge Archival Room was impressive, and we were told the majority of old Lodge records were stored off-site, and retrieval for study required several days’ notice.

Finally, the Grand Masters’ Gallery would give psychologists a field day! While the older portraits are stiff and formal, the more recent ines truly reflect the character of the person, from warm and friendly to cold and superior. A fascinating collection of men indeed!

A few days later we were privileged to return and witness the Entered Apprentice Degree at Lodge Castlereagh No. 72, one of the oldest and most distinguished of the NSW Lodges.

A visit to the Grand Lodge is highly recommended.