GLENELG (MASONIC) LODGE
160 HENTY STREET, CASTERTON, GLENELG SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
The Glenelg Masonic Lodge, 160 Henty Street, Casterton, was established before 1902 when the Lodge purchased the former Scots Presbyterian Church. The red brick Church was built in 1865 and had become too small for the congregation. No architect has been associated with its design and construction. It is most unusual for a Lodge to be located in a building in the Gothic style. The new entrance at the side of the Church, which now links the two main parts of the complex, is in a Classical style as is, in a much reduced way, the Modernist extension built on the north-east side after World War Two. The earlier part of the complex retains a high degree of integrity from the date of its conversion and the later part also retains a high degree of integrity. The condition of the complex is good.
How is it Significant?
The Glenelg Masonic Lodge is of historical, social and architectural significance to the Glenelg Shire.
Why is it Significant?
The Glenelg Masonic Lodge, as the first Scots Presbyterian Church, is of historical significance for representing the early influence and importance of the Presbyterian Church in Casterton and the district generally. It demonstrates the dedication of the local congregation and its clergymen to establishing and consolidating religious order in the far Western District of Victoria. It is of similar and continuing historical significance for representing the influence and importance of the Masonic movement in Casterton and the district generally. As the first Scots Presbyterian Church it is of social significance as the original focus for the Presbyterian congregation of Casterton for over thirty-five years. As the Glenelg Masonic Lodge it is of social significance as the continuing focus for the Masonic movement for over one hundred years. The complex is of architectural significance as a very rare example of a Masonic Lodge accommodated in a building in the Gothic style, later qualified by redecoration and extensions.
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GLENELG (MASONIC) LODGE - Usage/Former Usage
Continuing as a Masonic Hall.
GLENELG (MASONIC) LODGE - Physical Description 1
The Glenelg Masonic Lodge complex is in two main parts. The earlier part is the former Scots Presbyterian Church, a fine red brick church in the conventional Early English Gothic Revival style. The church faces Henty Street and is aligned southeast-northwest. There is a dipartite Gothic window with a circular window above in the gable. The original front door has been bricked-in and now has the name 'Glenelg Lodge' in arched, sans-serif black lettering against the white shape of the door. The church has three bays separated by stepped buttresses of red brick, each bay with a pair of simple lancet windows. The sills, quoins and arches of the windows are cement render with traces of the original brown wash. The gable has corbelled brick work as does the frieze section of the side walls. The roof is short sheeted corrugated iron, painted red. This part of the complex has been extended at the rear by the addition of one wing with a transverse gable and a further wing with a skillion roof. These are service areas. A new entrance was applied to an existing Gothic door into the first extension on the north-east side of the former church. It takes the form of a pedimented aedicule with loosely Mannerist detailing.
The alignment of the interior of the church has been reversed. It is now decorated with Masonic symbols, presumably remaining from the time when the church was the main ceremonial venue. There is a frieze surrounding the walls with a stenciled border above and below. The main wall is painted with 'Glenelg Lodge' on a banner between a pair of columns. The ceiling is lined horizontally with timber boards supported by timber ribs forming panels including narrow panels along the walls.
The later part of the complex is a major extension which dates from after the Second World War. It is in a reduced Modernist style and is constructed from concrete blocks. The interiors include a large ceremonial area, again decorated with Masonic symbols and further service areas.GLENELG (MASONIC) LODGE - Physical Conditions
Good
GLENELG (MASONIC) LODGE - 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 aidHeritage Study and Grading
Glenelg - Glenelg Shire Heritage Study Part One
Author: Carlotta Kellaway, David Rhodes Mandy Jean
Year: 2002
Grading:Glenelg - Glenelg Heritage Study Stage Two (a)
Author: Heritage Matters
Year: 2006
Grading:
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CASTERTON RAILWAY STATIONVictorian Heritage Register H1663
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TOWN HALLSouthern Grampians Shire
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STOCK SELLING RINGGlenelg Shire
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