St George's Masonic Centre, Warwick

Last updated

St George's Masonic Centre, Warwick
St George's Masonic Centre, 50A Guy Street, Warwick, 2015.JPG
St George's Masonic Centre, 2015
Location50A Guy Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia
Coordinates 28°13′01″S152°01′50″E / 28.217°S 152.0305°E / -28.217; 152.0305 Coordinates: 28°13′01″S152°01′50″E / 28.217°S 152.0305°E / -28.217; 152.0305
Design period1870s - 1890s (late 19th century)
Built1886 - 1887
Architect William Wallace
Architectural style(s) Classicism
Official name: St George's Masonic Centre
Typestate heritage (built)
Designated21 October 1992
Reference no.600952
Significant period1886-1887, 1963 (fabric)
1887-ongoing (social)
Significant componentsmemorial - honour board/ roll of honour, furniture/fittings, objects (movable) - social/community
Australia Queensland location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of St George's Masonic Centre, Warwick in Queensland
Australia location map.svg
Red pog.svg
St George's Masonic Centre, Warwick (Australia)

St George's Masonic Centre is a heritage-listed masonic lodge at 50A Guy Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by William Wallace and built from 1886 to 1887. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. [1]

Contents

History

Masonic Hall, Warwick, circa 1887 StateLibQld 1 206785 Masonic Hall, Warwick, ca. 1887.jpg
Masonic Hall, Warwick, circa 1887
Laying the foundation stone for the Masonic Hall, Warwick, 1886 Laying the foundation stone for the Masonic Hall Warwick 1886.tiff
Laying the foundation stone for the Masonic Hall, Warwick, 1886

St Georges Masonic Centre is a double-storeyed sandstone building, the foundation stone of which was laid in November 1886. The building, which was opened in October 1887, was designed by Warwick architect William Wallace, who was also one of the trustees for the Masonic Lodge at this period. Wallace became the Mayor of Warwick in 1899. The centre was built on approximately half an acre of land, one block west of the main business centre of Warwick. [1]

The site was granted to John Bennett in 1860, and had a succession of owners until it was acquired by Charles Baker in June 1885. In November 1885 the property was taken over by the trustees for the Masonic Lodge. [1]

Both the laying of the foundation stone and the opening of the centre were elaborate occasions. The laying of the foundation stone was accompanied by full masonic ceremonials, including a procession of the "brethren of the mystic tie" through town to the site of the new hall. A scroll, the current coins of the realm and copies of the local newspapers were deposited in the cavity of the stone, before it was lowered into position. Both the laying of the foundation stone and the opening of the hall were celebrated with a ball. [1]

At the time of its opening the centre was described as "... the addition of another public building, [to Warwick] surpassing all the others for magnificence...". The hall was notable for a number of features, including the patent springs under the ball room floor which had been manufactured specially for this purpose and were the first to be used in Warwick. The foundations of the masonic centre were composed of sand, and with the exception of the Warwick Town Hall, this was the only building in Warwick at the time having sand foundations. The building was constructed of sandstone, and together with buildings such as the Warwick Court House, Warwick Town Hall, Post Office, the goods shed at the Warwick railway station and various churches are among a group of important sandstone buildings constructed in Warwick in the late nineteenth century. [1]

Ownership of the land was transferred to The Trustees of the St George's Lodge No. 20 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Queensland in 1959. [1]

Description

The Masonic Centre is a monumental double-storeyed sandstone building with a classical facade, and a corrugated iron hipped roof. The building assumes considerable prominence on the street, where its neighbours are single-storeyed detached buildings. The building has a simple rectangular plan running east-west, with a 1963 rendered blockwork annex to the rear. It contains a hall with an entry vestibule on each level: the upper level hall is richly appointed to cater to masonic ceremonial meetings, while the relatively spartan ground floor hall is used for more casual gatherings. [1]

Externally, the rough hewn sandstone walls to the side and rear of the building contrast strongly with the finely carved symmetrical parapeted front facade. This facade has paired Doric columns, flanked by one and a half squared pilasters. The columns are spanned by a large pediment inlaid with the compass and square symbol, resting on an entablature inlaid with other masonic and Hebrew symbols. The columns and pilasters rest on a high plinth, and frame an arched doorway surmounted by a pediment and three arched windows. [1]

The building, entered via central timber double doors opens into the ground floor entry vestibule. The entry vestibule has a dressing/store room to its right, and contains a fine set of carved cedar stairs with cupboards underneath. Another set of timber double doors open into the ground floor hall which has painted rough-hewn sandstone walls, timber boarded ceilings and a polished hardwood floor. The floor of the upper level hall is supported by two round timber columns and beams with decorative casings. The room is lit with timber sash windows with deep splayed dark timber reveals, and contains numerous lodge-related photos and prints. [1]

The upper floor vestibule contains two banks of timber cupboards used for storage of robes, under a more recently added mezzanine. The timber boarded ceiling is decorated with two fine carved timber rosettes. The western wall has three arched diamond-glazed windows with stained glass borders and inset with masonic symbols. [1]

The ceremonial hall is an impressive room with rich decoration and furnishings. The walls are embellished with fluted pilasters framing diamond glazed arched windows with stained glass edging. The pilasters are spanned by a substantial plaster architrave. A deep coved cornice rises to a timber boarded ceiling which has three intricate roses. The floor, which is stepped around its perimeter, is covered with red carpet, and has a black and white linoleum centrepiece in "masonic pavement" pattern. [1]

The hall is laid out according to masonic practice with the Grand Master located to the east, the Senior Warden the west, the Junior Warden the south and the secretary to the north. The Grand Master's seat is framed with a carved timber aedicule with a curved pediment. All office bearers have timber "thrones" with triangular backs inlaid with the "jewels" or symbols of their office. These chairs are draped with collars also bearing the "jewels of office". A velvet upholstered bible pedestal sits in the middle of the room, with a triangular timber encased "G" suspended from the ceiling above it. A polished brass rostrum bearing memorial plaques is located to the south east of the Bible pedestal. Other furniture in the room inscribed with masonic symbols includes four small timber cube-shaped tables, a velvet upholstered timber kneeling stool, a small timber lift-top desk, and three timber Ionic, Doric and Corinthian half-columns which relate to the three key office bearers. The room contains numerous photos and certificates, and a carved timber and marble honour roll on the northern wall. [1]

Heritage listing

St George's Masonic Centre was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria. [1]

The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland's history.

The building is a rare example of a sandstone masonic temple in Queensland and demonstrates the principal characteristics of both a substantial masonic temple in Queensland and a late nineteenth century sandstone public building in Warwick. [1]

The building exhibits aesthetic qualities valued by the community, in particular; it contributes to the streetscape as a prominent monumental building and contains well-crafted elements, notably the furniture in the ceremonial hall, the stairs, the window reveals and plasterwork. [1]

As a place which has been in continuous use as a Masonic Centre since 1887, the configuration of furniture and fittings in the upper hall has a strong association with masonic ceremonies and the masonic lodge. [1]

The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland's cultural heritage.

The building is a rare example of a sandstone masonic temple in Queensland and demonstrates the principal characteristics of both a substantial masonic temple in Queensland and a late nineteenth century sandstone public building in Warwick. [1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places.

The building is a rare example of a sandstone masonic temple in Queensland and demonstrates the principal characteristics of both a substantial masonic temple in Queensland and a late nineteenth century sandstone public building in Warwick. [1]

The place is important because of its aesthetic significance.

The building exhibits aesthetic qualities valued by the community, in particular; it contributes to the streetscape as a prominent monumental building and contains well-crafted elements, notably the furniture in the ceremonial hall, the stairs, the window reveals and plasterwork. [1]

The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

As a place which has been in continuous use as a Masonic Centre since 1887, the configuration of furniture and fittings in the upper hall has a strong association with masonic ceremonies and the masonic lodge. [1]

Related Research Articles

Land Administration Building

Land Administration Building is a heritage-listed former government building at 142 George Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Pye and built from 1899 to 1905 by Arthur Midson for the Queensland Government. It was also known as the Executive Building or (now) the Old Executive Building. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Masonic Temple, Brisbane

The Masonic Temple is a heritage-listed masonic temple at 311 Ann Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Lange Leopold Powell of Atkinson, Powell and Conrad and was built from 1928 to 1930 by George Alexander Stronach & Son. It is also known as the Masonic Memorial Temple. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Baroona Hall

Baroona Hall is a heritage-listed community hall at 15-17 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Richard Gailey and built from 1883 to 1884 by James Stuart Martin. It is also known as Caxton Street Hall, Josephsons Clothing Factory, and United Brothers Lodge. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Family Services Building

Family Services Building is a heritage-listed office building at 171 George Street, Brisbane City, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Gerald Hutton and built from 1914 to 1922. It is also known as former Administration Building, Queensland Government Insurance Building, and Queensland Government Savings Bank. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Yangan Masonic Hall

Yangan Masonic Hall is a heritage-listed masonic hall at 36 King Street, Yangan, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1898 to 1957. It is also known as Yangan Masonic Temple and was formerly the Yangan School of Arts. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Our Lady of the Assumption Convent, Warwick

Our Lady of Assumption Convent is a heritage-listed former Roman Catholic convent at 8 Locke Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Simkin & Ibler and built from 1891 to 1914. It is also known as Assumption College, Cloisters, and Sophia College. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Warwick Town Hall

Warwick Town Hall is a heritage-listed town hall at 72 Palmerin Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1887 to 1917. It is also known as Footballers Memorial. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

St Marys Presbytery, Warwick Heritage listed church building in Queensland, Australia

St Mary's Presbytery is a heritage-listed Roman Catholic presbytery of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church at 142 Palmerin Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Wallace & Gibson and built from 1885 to 1887 by John McCulloch. It is also known as Father JJ Horan's private residence. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 31 July 2008.

Uniting Church Central Memorial Hall

Uniting Church Central Memorial Hall is a heritage-listed church hall at 86 East Street, Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Brockwell Gill and built from 1895 to 1895 by W Betts. It is also known as Congregational Sunday School. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 9 July 1993.

Cooroora Masonic Temple

Cooroora Masonic Temple is a heritage-listed community hall at 9 Station Street, Pomona, Shire of Noosa, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1923. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 12 December 2003.

Isis Masonic Lodge

Isis Masonic Lodge is a heritage-listed masonic temple at 18 Macrossan Street, Childers, Bundaberg Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by F H Faircloth and built from 1897 to 1909. It is also known as Corinthian Lodge. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 28 April 2000.

Mount Morgan Masonic Temple

Mount Morgan Masonic Temple is a heritage-listed masonic temple at 2 Gordon Street, Mount Morgan, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Eaton & Bates and built in 1903 by Newman Brothers. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Block A, Rockhampton Technical College

Block A of the Rockhampton Technical College is a heritage-listed technical college building at Bolsover Street, Rockhampton City, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Pye and built in 1914. It is also known as Rockhampton College of T.A.F.E. and Rockhampton State High School and Technical College. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Rockhampton Post Office

Rockhampton Post Office is a heritage-listed former post office at 80 East Street, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George St Paul Connolly and built from 1892 to 1896 by Dennis Kelleher. It is also known as Rockhampton Post and Telegraph Offices. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 24 January 2003.

Mackay Masonic Temple

Mackay Masonic Temple is a heritage-listed masonic temple at 57 Wood Street, Mackay, Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by F. H. Faircloth and built in 1925 by William Ptrick Guthrie. It is also known as Masonic Hall. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 14 August 2009.

Barcaldine Masonic Temple

Barcaldine Masonic Temple is a heritage-listed masonic temple at 39 Beech Street, Barcaldine, Barcaldine Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1900. It is also known as Comet Masonic Temple. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Blackall Masonic Temple

Blackall Masonic Temple is a heritage-listed masonic temple at Hawthorn Street, Blackall, Blackall-Tambo Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1908. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Charters Towers Masonic Lodge

Charters Towers Masonic Lodge is a heritage-listed masonic temple at 20 Ryan Street, Charters Towers, Charters Towers Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built from 1887 to 1897. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Mount Perry Masonic Lodge

Mount Perry Masonic Lodge is a heritage-listed masonic temple at Isabella Street, Mount Perry, North Burnett Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1904. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.

Warwick Post Office historic commonwealth heritage site in Warwick QLD

Warwick Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 98 Palmerin Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Queensland Government Architect Alfred Barton Brady and was built in 1898. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 8 November 2011.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "St George's Masonic Centre (entry 600952)". Queensland Heritage Register . Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 1 August 2014.

Attribution

CC-BY-icon-80x15.png This Wikipedia article was originally based on "The Queensland heritage register" published by the State of Queensland under CC-BY 3.0 AU licence (accessed on 7 July 2014, archived on 8 October 2014). The geo-coordinates were originally computed from the "Queensland heritage register boundaries" published by the State of Queensland under CC-BY 3.0 AU licence (accessed on 5 September 2014, archived on 15 October 2014).

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.