December 11, 2021
Nanango’s old Masonic Hall has had new life breathed into it, thanks to a collaboration between the Heritage Community Branch Nanango and the Nanango Tourism and Development Association (NaTDA).
Freemason Lodge 134 was established in 1901 but after many years of serving the local community was decommissioned in 2016.
Nanango residents were keen to keep the historic building in Gipps Street in local hands and the Trustees agreed to gift the building, contents and land to the Nanango Historical Society.
When the Society folded, Heritage Nanango Community Funding stepped in, taking over the property, restoring the front entrance and repainting the building.
It was then entrusted to NaTDA to take over management of the facility and bring it back into community use.
The official opening of the new Museum of Masonic Memorabilia and Community Hall occurred on December 3.
The Lodge building provides an unique opportunity to explore Freemasonry and learn more about its history and symbolism.
All the original furniture and mosaic pavement remains inside the Hall.
New display cases have been installed to house historic items linked to the Lodge, including Masonic jewellery and medals, swords, gavels, aprons and Bibles.
HNCF chair Wendy Zerbst said it was unique in Queensland – and possibly in Australia – for the Lodge memorabilia and the building to be in the same place.
Tours of the old Masonic Hall will be offered between 10:00am and noon on Nanango Market Days (ie. the first Saturday of every month) or at other times by appointment.
It will also be available to hire for small functions.
Opening night featured a special exhibition of nature studies by Nanango photographer Charlie Spagalli.
- Related article: Lodge … Gone But Not Forgotten
