AS SOCIETY changes the essence of Freemasonry remains the same, according to the Woolamai Daylight Masonic Lodge based in Wonthaggi.
How old is your grandmother was once a question attributed to Freemasons seeking to identify another Freemason. The answer for Wonthaggi would have been 661, which is the official number of the Powlett Lodge at
17 Edgar Street in Wonthaggi or 277 for the Woolamai Daylight Lodge.
“It was never a secret,” according to Freemason Ken Barnes.
The exclusive use of a handshake or Freemason’s hand grip, however, remains a tightly guarded secret and is still used by Freemasons to identify each other worldwide.
With historical origins going back to medieval stonemason guilds, Freemasonry has evolved to a worldwide fraternity active in every civilised society.
Freemasonry boasts 7000 members statewide, including several hundred Gippsland members in 24 Freemasons Lodges extending from Koo Wee Rup to
Orbost.
Among Gippsland’s first Masonic Lodges was the Walhalla Freemasons Lodge, number 69, dating back to 1876, and Sale Freemasons Lodge, number 51, established in 1924.
According to Ken Barnes, Freemasonry is an invaluable fraternity of men, although there are also women’s
Freemason Lodges in Melbourne.
“We look for men of mature age with good report and highest morals,” said Ken.
“The selection process remains rigorous and new members are always welcome.
“We accept men of any race, religion, colour or creed.”
New members are recruited in one of two ways: either by personal introduction by another member or a friend who can vouch for the new member, or by an application online through Freemasons Victoria.
“Four references are required in addition to a police check,” said Mr Barnes.
Meetings are held once a month in a formal meeting space with wardens and junior wardens assembled around symbolic squares and compasses, the squares representing good and bad, and the compasses symbolising moral boundaries.
Together, the symbols are said to be a reminder for Masons to lead a balanced life.
Visitors from other Lodges are welcome at meetings. The work of a meeting can involve introducing a new member, or a lecture from a member of the Lodge or visiting speaker.
Local Freemasons have always been active in charity work, including assisting with the recent purchase of a learner driver car for the Bass Coast L2P program.
Powlett Lodge also raised $50,000 for Armitage House at Wonthaggi Hospital.
Ken Barnes said Freemasons Victoria is one of the state’s largest fundraisers and raised over $130,000 for young people experiencing homelessness through ‘Sleep at the G’.
“Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity of men who believe in the principles of equality and charitable acts. It is one of the few remaining organisations that honour and respect religious, cultural and political diversity.
“It offers good men an opportunity to contribute to their local communities, join a network of like-minded individuals, and improve themselves in the process.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Freemason can ring the secretary of the Woolamai Daylight Lodge, Peter Thick on 0429 851 004 or go to freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry.