Fresh start: Mackenzie Masonic Lodge master John France in the main room of the groups new, modern

building.

Masons welcome modern building

By ANDREW VOERMAN

hey may be about to enter a new building, but the Mackenzie Masonic Lodge hasnt moved far from its roots. A new lodge building will be completed this month behind the Gladstone Hotel on Gall St in Fairlie. It was in the hotel in 1894 that the lodge was first conceived of. Four years later the original Mackenzie Lodge building was built at a cost of 220. The new building has been under construction since January and is set to be completed this month at a cost of $220,000. Deputy master Allan Kerr said the old brick building had

been a cold place, built for its time and was only being used for the lodges own meetings. The cold nature of the old building is well referenced throughout the lodges history. In the 1920s, the winters were such a problem that the idea of installing radiators was explored. They were still an issue in 1960 when ceiling heaters were installed. In 1963, frosts broke the buildings toilets and more heaters were purchased for the kitchen. Even more heaters were bought in 1965. Mr Kerr said the new modern building should be an improvement on the old one in this regard.

The lodges membership suffered losses in both world wars. Sixteen masons served in the conflicts and seven were killed. During World War II the lodge sent parcels to soldiers overseas. To mark its centenary in 1994, the lodge set up a fund to help local students with the cost of tertiary education. So far, $24,500 has been awarded. A private dedication ceremony for the new building will be held on August 31 with New Zealand grand master Selwyn Cooper set to attend and masons from all over the country expected to visit. Mr Kerr said an open day would be held later in the year to give locals a chance to see their building.

Welcome home: The Mackenzie Masonic Lodges new building isnt far from the hotel where the group formed in 1894. Photos: MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/FAIRFAX