MASONIC LODGE (FORMER)
37 Winter Street, COLERAINE VIC 3315 - Property No 112
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Statement of Significance
The former Coleraine Masonic Lodge is located on the south west corner of Winter and McConochie Streets, approximately 3 blocks south of the intersection of Whyte & Winter Streets, Coleraine. The land on which the lodge stands was purchased and probably donated to the Freemasons by an important local grazier, Thomas Templeton. The former Masonic Lodge was constructed in 1906 by James Brothers but the name of the architect, if there was one, is not known. It is in the 'stripped' Neo-Classical style, standard for Masonic buildings. It is constructed of brick, with a cement render facade and a corrugated iron roof with six vents of an unusual design. The building comprises a vestibule, main hall, supper room, kitchen and toilet/service area. These reflect not only the formal ceremonial function of the building but also the informal social function of fellowship. The interiors include very fine pressed metal ceilings and several relics from the use of the building as a Masonic Lodge. It had replaced an earlier lodge which may have dated from 1875 when the Coleraine Lodge No. 1699 was formed. The Coleraine Lodge was one of the earliest in what is now the Shire of Southern Grampians, but as part of a greater reform within the Freemasons, the lodge changed its name and number to Wannon Lodge No. 68 on 13 March 1889. The Wannon Lodge ceased to function from Winter Street in 1975, since which time it has had a variety of uses, including it current use as a private residence. The building is in fair condition.
How is it significant?
The former Masonic Lodge is of historical, social and architectural significance to the township of Coleraine
and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
The former Masonic Lodge, 37 Winter Street, Coleraine is of historical significance as a long-term demonstration of the values and status of Freemasonry in the local community, and for its associations with important local people. The land on which the former Lodge stands was donated to the Freemasons by an important local grazier, Thomas Templeton, and many of the founding members of the Coleraine Lodge No. 1699 were highly influential pastoralists, merchants and tradesmen. It is of social significance as a venue for the members coming together to share common interests. It is of architectural significance because its style, form and details, both externally and internally, express the conservative values and the ceremonies of Freemasonry.
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MASONIC LODGE (FORMER) - Physical Conditions
The condition of the former Masonic Centre is only fair. It has suffered from a lack of routine maintenance, which has caused some water damage. The cement render on the front facade has been damaged by the removal of signage, and by graffiti vandalism. There is substantial cracking of the main wall at the north east corner, with several brick courses affected by moisture. The interior wall of the main hall shows deteriorating plaster and paintwork at this corner.
MASONIC LODGE (FORMER) - Physical Description 1
The former Masonic Lodge is located on a narrow block of land at 37 Winter Street Coleraine It is a brick building with a corrugated iron roof, consisting of a vestibule, main hall, supper room, kitchen and toilet/service area. Six iron roof vents capped in an unusual design run along the ridge of the main hall.
The facade, entrance area and south wall of the main hall are cement rendered, while the rest of the exterior walls are panelled red-brick. The 1960s toilet block is made of cement blocks. The Masonic symbol is moulded in render on the facade, facing Winter Street, although other signs have clearly been removed in recent years since the building was decommissioned. The traditionally severe neo-Classicism of the exterior reflects the values of the Masons.
As usual, the interiors of the building also reflect the values and formal ceremonies of the Masons, as well as the less formal social function of the building. Inside, the main hall measures approximately 9 metres by 15 metres. It has pressed metal ceilings of a very fine quality, with ornate pressed metal ceiling vents. An Art Nouveau era ceiling fan is positioned in the middle of the roof above the ceremonial area. Two pendant ceiling lights with milk glass shades are the main source of lighting. There is a blue fleur-de-lis patterned carpet on the floor, except in the ceremonial area, which is a rectangular section of the floor covered with an oil cloth painted with black and white geometrical designs. There are high, small timber-framed windows glazed in opaque glass on the south side only. A timber door in the south wall gives onto the side walkway.
The main entrance to the Lodge is at the end of a walkway on the south side. Inside the main door is a timber panelled cloak room space, still with original coat hooks. The red fleur-de-lis carpet on the floor is worn and looks to be at least 50 years old. An extensive set of storage cupboards in the vestibule have been removed in recent years. A timber notice board remains on the north wall. The entrance to the main hall from the vestibule is marked by an exceptionally wide nine panelled timber door. Two electric lights, with intact red and blue globes, are positioned high on the wall beside the door to indicate if access is permissible.
The supper room is a later extension, built c. 1936. It extends the full width of the block, approximately 12 metres by 10 metres. It contains one double hung sash window, a corner fireplace, and moulded plaster cornices and ceiling in Art Deco designs. At the end of the supper room is a kitchen and a later cement block toilet and service area, which includes a hatch door to deliver firewood to the supper room.MASONIC LODGE (FORMER) - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 4: Building settlements, towns and cities
Theme 8: Developing Australia's Cultural Life
8.5 Forming associations
8.5.1 Preserving traditions and group memories
8.5.2 Helping other people
8.5.3 Associating for mutual aidMASONIC LODGE (FORMER) - Usage/Former Usage
Masonic Lodge
MASONIC LODGE (FORMER) - Integrity
High degree of integrity.
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H0246
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