The Freemasonry has celebrated 100 years on the Peninsula, marking its Centenary with a masonic jewel and a book detailing its history.
The local organisation was formed on February 4, 1922 (under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT) to “meet the needs of the brethren of the Woy Woy Peninsula area”.
The lodge was consecrated in the old Presbyterian Church Hall in Woy Woy, on land at the rear of the original Bayview Hotel.
In those early days, with no roads in or out of the district, no electricity or piped water, some original members travelled to meetings by small boat via the waterways.
Photo: Michael Cummins
The Freemasons said to make the trip easier, meetings were organised to coincide with phases of the moon – the Monday on or before full moon – allowing the trip across open water to be made safer, travelling home by the light of that ‘bright Morning Star’.
Lodge Morning Star moved into the Woy Woy Masonic Hall (in Railway St, opposite the station) in 1926.
In June 2005 they re-located to the Gosford Masonic Centre, which was originally in William St, Gosford until February 2016 when it moved to Mann St.
The organisation said it has “always given service” to the community with members involved in local government, including as shire presidents and mayors.
Others have been postmasters, fire fighters, bus company proprietors and owners of an assortment of businesses.
Members have also been involved in Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club – also celebrating 100 years of service this year – with some filling the role of president.
The organisation said it is also planning a formal dinner later this year to mark the centenary.
Source:
Media release, Feb 18
Lodge Morning Star No.410