News & Events
It is with pleasure that we extend an invitation to you for the upcoming Formal Opening of the Jurisdictional Guardian Council on Friday 22 September at Stones Corner Masonic Centre, 17 Cleveland Street, Stones Corner at 6pm for a 7pm start.
As this is a formal occasion, please wear formal wear, full regalia, robes, capes & crowns.
Installation
The installation of the Jurisdictional Guardian Council will be held on Sunday 24 September at the Stones Corner Masonic Centre at 10am. Please submit RSVPs to this event to Olivia at aoascjafferius@gmail.com
Thursday 17 August 2017, on the eve of the Battle of Long Tan, Beaudesert Lodge No 379 hosted a memorial dinner for 60 members of the community.
Beaudesert Lodge is incredibly proud of their veteran members. They pride themselves on being valuable members of the community and their veteran members have shown a level of commitment to their communities and countries second to none. Their veterans may not be the ANZACs referred to in the tales of Gallipoli, but they stood up when their countries needed them in all conflicts in living memory. For that reason, they were honoured at a Long Tan Memorial Dinner held at The Centre, Beaudesert.
After welcome drinks and canapés, Captain Owen Sulistio, a serving Army Officer in the ADF accompanied by his drummer, piped through the guests to dinner. Once grace and the welcome address was delivered, Bro. Shaun Winson presented the tribute of the Fallen Soldier Table, followed by VW Bro Jim Ritchie PAGSW, Worshipful Master of Beaudesert Lodge, giving the Ode and Freddy Fenton playing the Last Post on the bugle.
The Lodge had organised a surprise presentation for three of the guests; RW Bro David Cowan PGSW, VW Bro Jim Ritchie PAGS) and Wor Bro Dennis Lutton, all whom are Vietnam Veterans. Barbara and Bill Kenney travelled from Boonah to represent Quilts of Valour and to present the three veterans with quilts in recognition for their service. Quilts of Valour Australia’s mission is to present quilts to service members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force ADF in recognition of their sacrifice for Australia while deployed on combat operations. The recognition is also extended to the families of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The quilt is a powerful gift of love. It brings warmth, comfort, peace and healing to the recipient.
During the delicious dinner, the pipes and drums played an enjoyable medley, which ended with Jim Ritchie giving the toast to the piper. The whole team at Beaudesert Lodge organised an incredibly enjoyable evening, which successfully raised $820 for Camp Quality, a charity that diligently works to create a better life for children living with cancer. The donation will assist Lodge Junior Warden, Bro Ed Orszulak, a serving Major of the ADF and veteran of East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, towards his personal fundraising target of $4000 for the charity.
On Friday 19 May 2017, RW Bro Chris Tollner PAGM from Rockhampton was granted the privilege of initiating his two grandsons, William & Henry Tollner in Darwin Lodge of Remembrance in accordance with the South Australia and Northern Territory ritual.
The boys’ father, Wor Bro David Tollner, who is the Master Darwin Lodge of Remembrance, took over as Junior Deacon and conducted his sons, together with a friend of the family, RW Bro Neil Jensen PAGM who acted as Senior Deacon. William’s Godfather, Bro Steven Doherty, acted as Inner Guard.
Wor Bro David Tollner also delivered the lecture on the Tracing Board and impressed his audience of seven entered apprentices – five apprentices from other Darwin Lodges had joined the two candidates around the Tracing Board.
More than forty brethren were in attendance, including a North Territory Grand Lodge team, led by VW Bro John Matthews, the Grand Superintendent for Darwin, three visiting Masters and visitors from as far south as Alice Springs and many places between. Darwin Lodge of Remembrance will long remember this memorable event.
As a visitor from Queensland, Chris was very impressed. Since that night, David had the opportunity to reflect on the meeting with brothers William and Henry. They were impressed by the ritual presentation and overwhelmed by the cordial atmosphere of the meeting. They are very much looking forward to their next degree.
Four days after celebrating his 99th birthday, RW Bro Herb Woodward delivered a presentation entitled “The Traditional History” at Mulgrave Lodge No 44 in Bundaberg.
This was a great achievement for a man of this age, but what made it more wonderful was that this excellent rendition was delivered without prompts or hesitation. Herb held everyone’s attention and respect during the charge.
Incredibly, Mulgrave Lodge is Herb’s mother lodge, and remains the only lodge he has been a member of for over 65 years. During this time, he has served in the Chair three times and has been conferred Past Senior Grand Deacon, Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies and Past Junior Grand Warden.
Herb still attends lodge meetings regularly. “He’s passionate about lodge and is proud to have introduced the Irish working ritual back into the Lodge, which was approved last year,” said lodge secretary Wor Bro Bob Rechenberg. “He’s a wonderful bloke and is held in high regard in the Lodge and the Bundaberg region.”
North Australia Lodge No 1, Northgate Remembrance Lodge No 285 and AIF Memorial Lodge No 289 cordially invite all Freemasons, soldiers, family and friends to celebrate a Gathering of Soldier Freemasons held on the Battlefield of France 100 years ago on Sunday 17 September 2017, 3pm at the Masonic Memorial Centre, Ann Street, Brisbane.
For more information, view the invitation.
To RSVP, please contact Carl Emmett North Australian Lodge Secretary at carlemmett@live.com.au by 7 September 2017 with numbers for attendance. Dress: smart casual.
If your lodge requires a special custom-made banner, contact Margaret Rose on 0438 064 930 or at rosie@bigpond.net.au. Margaret Rose creates individually embroidered items on beautiful silk to your requirements.
We thank Margaret Rose for embroidering the banner for the United Grand Lodge of Queensland and the banner for The Most Worshipful Grand Master, both of which now hang in The Grand Hall. Margaret also created a banner to celebrate the centenary of Redlands Lodge 252.
She has just finished a commissioned banner for Southern Queensland 29.
Members, family and friends are cordially invited to the Battle of Long Tan Memorial Dinner, hosted by Beaudesert Lodge at the Beaudesert Civic Centre on Thursday 17 August.
The Lodge commemorates the service personnel who served in the Vietnam War and all conflicts around the world, past and present.
For further details and to register, please complete the registration form and submit it to beaudesert379@gmail.com.
Royal Arch are pleased to announce they are now selling new high-quality stock, including Companion’s aprons and sashes, Principal’s aprons and sashes, Masonic regalia soft carry cases, and Masonic apron and chain collar cases.
Follow the links to read the letter from the Grand Scribe Ezra and view pictures of the new stock.
Please make orders through Tetty Mackinnon on 07 3221 1911 or tmackinnon@royalarch.org.au.
We extend to Queensland Freemasons and their partners and ladies a cordial invitation to attend the September Quarterly Communication and associated ladies’ afternoon tea in Bundaberg from 2-3 September.
On Saturday 3 September, the events will consist of a Ladies’ High Tea at the Bundaberg Civic Centre from 3.00pm-5.00pm, and the Quarterly Communications at the Anglican Parish Hall at 3.30pm, followed by predinner drinks and dinner at 6.00pm at the Bundaberg Civic Centre. On Sunday 3 September, there will be a farewell barbeque breakfast from 8.00 – 10.00am.
If you wish to attend, please download and complete the registration form, then save and return it to membership@uglq.org.au by Friday 18 August 2017.
Thank you to those who joined us for the combined business meeting and 2017 Grand Proclamation on Saturday 1 July, which consisted of the proclamation of our current Grand Master MW Bro Alan Maurice Townson, our Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Paul Andrew Holland, and the investiture of our new Assistant Grand Master RW Bro Christopher Leonard Pyke and Grand Officers. We hope you enjoyed the day.
Check out more pictures on our Facebook page, or, if you are a member, in the Member Resource Centre.
Special thanks to Bro Adam Brighouse from Theodore Unmack Lodge for the photography and Margaret Rose for the UGLQ banners.
Meals on Wheels Mackay has received a donation just shy of $1000 from Star of the North Lodge in conjunction with a Dollar for Dollar Subsidy from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
Lodge Secretary Ron Simon said the funds were used to purchase a commercial stick blender which will assist the chef prepare large amounts of blended food in a shorter period of time.
“It was important for the Lodge to support the local Meals on Wheels as they provide an essential service that many in the community depend on,” Ron said.
Read more on the Hand Heart Pocket website.
Founded in Cooktown, Far North Queensland in 1875, Endeavour Lodge No 26H is one of Queensland’s oldest lodges, celebrating its 140th anniversary last year. Despite moving to Cairns, the Lodge maintains strong links to Cooktown and many local residents are engaged as members. The Lodge inherits its name from the Endeavour, the British Royal Navy research vessel in which Captain Cook landed in Australia at what is now known as Cooktown.
Enjoying the freedom that its travelling warrant allows, the Lodge always meets at least once a year in Cooktown to celebrate its foundation and maintain its strong links to the community.
Since 1992, Endeavour Lodge has sponsored two bursaries at Cooktown State School. Last year, Junior Warden of the Lodge, Bro Lieutenant Commander Ian Jackson, attended the school on its awards evening to present two students with certificates and bursaries. The school’s highest performing students, Dylan and Jaymie, who were awarded, stated they will use the $250 bursaries to further their studies.
The students were selected by the school staff, as they actively participate in and contribute to a wide range of school activities and exemplify a high standard of industry, reliability, initiative and sociability.
Bro Lieutenant Commander Jackson commented, “It was an absolute privilege to represent Endeavour Lodge and Freemasonry on this wonderful evening. The students were highly recommended by the principal and very deserving of the bursaries. Some of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry are charity and to foster good citizenship and values within society, and it was tremendously rewarding to be allowed to represent the Lodge and justly reward two young people for their efforts.”
Mooloolah Lodge, in conjunction with a Dollar for Dollar Subsidy from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, has donated over $2500 to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) in Caloundra.
The funds were used to purchase a LAERDAL Resusci Baby with QCPR – a lifelike manikin of an infant which transmits real-time information to a computer to help paramedics hone their CPR skills.
Lodge Secretary Doug Wells said the Lodge was proud to fund such an innovative piece of equipment that will directly benefit the Sunshine Coast community.
“When responding to an emergency every second counts, so supporting our paramedics and making sure they have the latest training equipment is vital,” Doug said.
This is the third year Mooloolah Lodge has donated Laerdal equipment to the QAS at Caloundra.
Read more on the Hand Heart Pocket website.
Photo: Representatives from the Queensland Ambulance Service at Caloundra Michael Metcalfe and Toni Careless (carrying the new Resusci Baby) with Mooloolah Lodge’s Norrie Morris (centre).
Recently, RW Bro Gary Young, our Masonic Choirmaster and Deputy Grand Organist for over 17 years, had his profile featured in the local Gatton newspaper.
Over his lifetime, Gary ran, managed and was a pilot for his own charter flight business in the early 1990s, later developing a flight training school. He has studied engineering and industrial chemistry at a tertiary level, is a talented musician and has developed his own lavender farm with his wife, Anne.
Read more about his outstanding career and achievements on the Gatton Star website.
Congratulations Gary.
Over the Christmas break, Bro Ben Kelly from Tewantin Lodge 355 competed in the 38th Nacra nationals at Boreen Point. After a hard week of racing, he managed to land third place overall in his Nacra 16 square, called “on the square”.
The boat was originally purchased and named by Wor Bro Robert “Bob” Rechenberg from Mulgrave Lodge No 44.
“When I was looking for a boat, the name jumped out at me and I just had to have it!” said Ben.
Well done and congratulations Ben.
Image by Julie Hartwig Photography
Queensland Freemasons Bros Thomas Christensen and Luke Roberts are proudly supporting the Cancer Council by participating in this year's Cancer Council car rally, which goes by a more colourful name, for the second year in a row.
Enjoy a very humorous interview between Wor Bro Peter Ryan and Bro Thomas Christensen about the team's vehicle of choice, a 1960s Hillman Minx:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttLRFLvX2Bw
Peter's official car review will be featured in the upcoming March edition of The Queensland Freemason magazine.
If you're interested in following the team's journey, check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/1616741505265027 and show some support by donating at www.everydayhero.com
Have you read the December edition of The Queensland Freemason magazine? In it, you’ll find pictures from the 2016 Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba. The Toowoomba and Districts Masonic Council once again participated, raising $650 for charity in their sausage sizzle. Well done Toowoomba Freemasons.
Freemasons Queensland aims to recognise the efforts of members who introduce new candidates.
Since 1 May this year, we have distributed “recognition pins”. The pins are in the shape of a bee, a symbol of teamwork and industry. Interestingly, there is a beehive on every lodge officer’s collar and it has been a common Masonic symbol for hundreds of years. So far, sixty-two members have been awarded pins.
On Wednesday 7 December at our Quarterly Communication, Deputy Grand Master and Chair of the Membership Committee, RW Bro Paul Holland, presented VW Bro Edward “Ted” O’Neil from Southport Lodge No 62 with a set of working tools. Ted was awarded for introducing the most new candidates in 2016 since the initiative commenced.
The United Grand Lodge of Queensland looks forward to continuing this tradition in coming years.
For the fourth year running, United Tradesmen’s Lodge No 12 hosted their annual Dine in the Dark event in Ipswich, providing awareness, fun, and information about Guide Dogs Queensland.
Guests were invited to wear blindfolds during a two-course meal to gain a sense of what it feels like to be visually impaired. This year they had more activities and prizes than ever before, as well as a special guest from Guide Dogs Australia. The Lodge also had the opportunity to promote their event through an article published in QT News.
Read more about the event in our upcoming December magazine. Sign up to receive a free electronic copy.
On 1 November, Hand Heart Pocket, the charity of Freemasons Queensland, launched its 2016 Christmas Appeal to lay the foundation for a brighter future for North Queensland’s most disadvantaged primary school students.
The 2016 Christmas Appeal will benefit the Joyful Foundation Inc., a Masonic initiative which supports North Queensland’s most disadvantaged primary school students to reach their full potential by providing access to basic essentials like stationery packs, uniforms and costs for extra-curricular activities and excursions which they would normally go without.
Read more on the Hand Heart Pocket website.
Join Argyle Lodge for a day of fun at Laidley Bowls Club this weekend on Sunday 26 February.
The event begins at 10am for a 10.30am bowls start and will have a sausage sizzle and great prizes to be won in a multi-draw raffle. All funds raised will contribute to Blue Care, supporting aged care.
Teams of four players can register for $15 which includes a meal, and single players are also welcome.
To register your interest, contact membership@uglq.org.au ATTN Peter Hooper.
A personal invitation from MW Bro Allan Sangwell, MWGM, Grand Lodge of Tasmania:
I extend a cordial invitation to Freemasons of other jurisdictions together with their partners to join with Freemasons of Tasmania and their partners for the installation of RW Bro John William Slore as the 38th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania.
The installation and associated social functions will be held in Hobart from Thursday, 23rd February through to Sunday, 26th February, 2017.
The programme of events will commence with a Civic Reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Ald Sue Hickey, at Hobart’s historic 150 year old Town Hall. The official events will conclude with a church service at St David’s Cathedral followed by a farewell luncheon.
Tasmania’s temperate climate makes February and March an ideal time to tour our scenic island. Experience its clean air, diverse landscapes, historic towns, and enjoy its fine food and wine.
Together with my wife, Pam, RW Bro Slore, and his partner Dot, I trust you will accept this invitation to join with us for this significant Masonic occasion in Hobart next February.
Allan Sangwell
Grand Master
On Saturday 22 October 2016, United Tradesmen’s Lodge will host their unique annual “dine in the dark” event in Ipswich.
Guests are invited to enjoy a meal … blindfolded!
“Some guests, who are really committed, blindfold themselves for the duration of the event. Other guests choose to be blindfolded just during their meal. Either way, it is a unique experience,” says Wor Bro Ian Brown, secretary for United Tradesmen’s Lodge No 12.
Tickets are available for $35 each and include a two-course dinner and entertainment. All proceeds go towards Guide Dogs Queensland.
For bookings and more information, contact:
Ian Brown 0431 034 852
Steve Palmer 0414 078 909
Murilla Lodge No 265 will be hosting the annual MAN-UP! Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Tuesday 26 July at 6.00pm at the Miles Golf Club.
There will be drinks and fellowship followed by a free BBQ. The MAN-UP! team will speak about how prostate cancer is one of the main killers of men but is not difficult to detect or to fix if caught in it’s early stages. The night will be one of good cheer with raffles and the opportunity for brethren, friends and ladies to catch up and enjoy a social night.
You are invited to the Masonic Family Expo, a free event that offers the chance to see all the different Orders associated with Freemasonry besides the three degrees in a Craft lodge.
The event will be held at our Masonic Memorial Centre at 311 Ann St, Brisbane, and the event is open to the public.
We extend to all a cordial invitation to attend the Grand Installation and associated functions in Brisbane from Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July 2016.
Traditionally the venue of focus is the Grand Hall of the Ann St Memorial Centre and this ornate and cloistered space creates the appropriate ambience for our core event. Accommodation and most social gatherings are all central to the CBD.
Our Grand Master Elect is Right Worshipful Brother Alan Maurice Townson, Deputy Grand Master for the previous three years and who has the added experience of previously serving the Fraternity as an Assistant Grand Master and as President of the Board of Benevolence. Alan is a most experienced Mason.
This is another splendid opportunity to meet your fellow masons and extended family. For those who have added time available why not consider a longer stay with multiple scenic attractions within easy travel distance of the capital.
All our visitors can be assured of a hearty and warm Fraternal welcome from the local Brethren.
