Former Morton Ray Masonic Temple
945-947 Dandenong Road Malvern East, STONNINGTON CITY
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Statement of Significance
The former Morton Ray Masonic Temple at 945 Dandenong Road is of architectural and historical significance at a local level.
It is of architectural significance as a substantial and imposing example of the Interwar Free-classical style and as a purpose-built example of an unusual building type. The building is notable for its use of Masonic iconography in its architectural decoration and in its exaggerated use of classical elements. It forms a prominent landmark along this stretch of Dandenong Road on account of its architectural grandeur and massing. It is an unusual example of the work of Malvern architect, Leslie JW Reed. The Temple is of historical significance for demonstrating the active presence of Freemasonry in Malvern and the surrounding suburbs from the late nineteenth century onwards. To a lesser extent, it is also of social significance as a focal point for social activities, including by members of the wider community outside of freemasonry.
Alterations to the exterior of the building comprise additions to the south side and rear and the construction of a caretakers house on the east side of the property. These have been undertaken with a high level of regard for the original design. The Temple is otherwise highly intact to its original construction.
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Former Morton Ray Masonic Temple - Local Historical Themes
10.3 Helping other people
10.3.6 Philanthropists and Charity workeres
VFHT 8.4 Forming Community Organisations
Former Morton Ray Masonic Temple - Physical Description 1
The former Morton Ray Masonic Temple is located on a pentagon-shaped site at 945 Dandenong Road, with its primary elevation facing south-west onto Dandenong Road. The site has a rear frontage to Moama Road to the north, and onto a narrow rear lane-way to the north-east. On the adjacent block to the north (943 Dandenong Road), there is a contemporary commercial building and car park. The adjacent block to the south at 949 Dandenong Road contains a red brick inter-war bungalow. Dandenong Road is a busy 8-lane freeway with a median strip. There is a recreational reserve on the opposite side of the road to the west.
The Temple is a double-storey red brick building drawing its inspiration from classical sources. The rendered symmetrical facade is Interwar Free-classical in style, and includes an imposing balcony with an arched upper level opening, flanked by a pair of giant Doric columns. The entablature is inset with the freemason square and compass emblem. The front door is framed by a pedimented aedicule. Side elevations are articulated by brick pilasters. The roof is capped with red tiles, and is hipped at its eastern end and pitched at the western end. The interior contains what was originally a private ceremonial hall on the upper level. An informal hall at the lower level was sometimes rented out to the local community. This has polished timber floors, a strapped ceiling and a stage at its eastern end featuring a simple proscenium flanked by Doric columns. Masonic imagery is used throughout the building in the interior decoration.
There are several additions to the original building. Abutting the building on the south side along Dandenong Road is a single storey red brick extension. Its principal facade is rendered and features a pedimented Doric aedicule. It contains a rehearsal room. The red tiled roof is pitched at its western end but otherwise skillion in form. At the rear of the Temple is a single storey red brick extension, also with a red tiled roof, which was added in 1930. This contains a kitchen, which replaced a smaller one originally located behind the stage. There is also a single storey c.1950s caretakers cottage at the rear of the site with a frontage on to Moama Road, which partially abuts the kitchen extension.
The Temple and its extensions generally remain highly intact to their original construction apart from the additions listed above. There is a small front garden, enclosed by a partially intact original front fence, with rendered brick gateposts and a wrought iron gate. The garden contains four large, mature cypress trees.
Heritage Study and Grading
Stonnington - Former Morton Ray Masonic Temple Heritage Assessment
Author: Bryce Rayworth Pty Ltd
Year: 2009
Grading: A1
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CAULFIELD RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H1665
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CAULFIELD RACECOURSEVictorian Heritage Register H2415
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St Elmo/WestfordStonnington City
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