Isis Masonic Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isis Masonic Lodge |
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Isis Masonic Lodge, 2008
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| Location | 18 Macrossan Street, Childers, Bundaberg Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1897 - 1909 |
| Architect | F H Faircloth |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Isis Masonic Lodge, Corinthian Lodge | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 28 April 2000 |
| Reference no. | 602123 |
| Significant period | 1897, 1909 (fabric) 1897-ongoing (social) |
| Significant components | furniture/fittings |
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The Isis Masonic Lodge is a special building in Childers, Australia. It's a place where a group called Freemasons meet. This building was designed by F H Faircloth and built in two stages, first in 1897 and then expanded in 1909. It's also known as the Corinthian Lodge. This historic site is important to Queensland's history and is protected on the Queensland Heritage Register.
History of the Lodge
Early Days in Childers
The area around Childers first saw European settlers in the 1870s. They came to cut down trees like hoop pine and red cedar. The town of Childers grew in the 1880s after farms were set up. A railway line reached Childers in 1887, which helped the town grow even more.
Starting the Lodge
Freemasonry was a big part of community life in the 1800s. Starting a new Lodge showed that a community was growing and becoming stronger. The first meeting of Freemasons in Childers happened in 1894. It was called by Constable Richard Henderson and a local chemist named Thomas Gaydon.
Members from different Masonic groups decided to create a Lodge under the English system. This new group, called the Corinthian Lodge No. 2573 EC, officially started in April 1895. There were 14 founding members.
Building the Lodge Hall
The first meetings of the Corinthian Lodge were held in the local schoolroom. Members paid a fee, and part of this money went into a fund to build their own hall.
In 1896, a committee was formed to find land for the hall. They bought land on Macrossan Street in April 1897. Lodge members helped clear the land and gave money and supplies. They decided to build a single-story timber hall.
The plans for the hall were drawn up by Frederick Herbert Faircloth, an architect from Bundaberg. Faircloth designed many buildings in Childers, especially after a big fire destroyed much of the main street in 1902.
The first meeting in the new hall took place on October 8, 1897.
Expanding the Building
By 1908, the hall was not big enough for the growing Lodge. They asked architect Faircloth again to design an extra floor. The building was expanded, and the new, larger hall was officially opened on July 9, 1909.
Many Masonic Lodges in Queensland had two stories. The top floor was used for Lodge meetings. The bottom floor was used for public events like dances, card nights, and picnics. Freemasonry helped its members and their families, especially in country areas, by promoting friendship, charity, and good values.
Name Change
In 1920, the two main Masonic groups in Queensland joined together. Because of this, the Corinthian Masonic Lodge in Childers changed its name. It became the Isis No. 93 UGLQ, first appearing in their records in November 1921.
Over the years, the building has had some updates. Electricity was added in 1915. In 1956, some of the outer timber boards were replaced. In 1976, the wiring, foundations, and roof were updated. A kitchen and toilets were also added at the back. The building has been used as a Masonic Lodge continuously since it was built.
What the Lodge Looks Like
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The Isis Masonic Lodge is a tall, straight timber building. It stands out on Macrossan Street in Childers. The building is on a grassy area that slopes down from the road. There's a ramp and a handrail to help people get inside. Two thin, tall pine trees stand on either side of the entrance.
The building has two stories and sits on concrete and timber stumps. The front of the building, called the facade, is very decorative. It has a special wall at the top that hides the roof. The front is painted in blue and white, which are the colors of Freemasonry. This makes the front look very different from the plain sides and back of the building.
The Front Entrance
The front of the building is balanced, with a main entrance in the middle. This entrance has doorways and a porch. The porch on the upper level has a small roof and is supported by timber posts. It has a fancy metal railing. You can reach the balcony through French doors.
At ground level, the porch is supported by round timber columns. Above these columns is a simple decorative band that shows the Lodge's name and a sign about its 100th anniversary. The main entrance has a pair of timber doors with a fan-shaped window above them. On both levels, there are double-hung timber windows on either side of the main doors. The windows on the upper level have decorative frames that look like small flat columns.
The front of the building is covered in special timber boards. There are decorative strips at the corners. These strips support a decorative band and a triangle-shaped top section. Inside this triangle are special symbols of Freemasonry. The sides and back of the building are covered in regular timber boards. They have aluminum-framed windows and small wall vents with metal covers.
Inside the Lodge
The inside of the building is simply laid out. The front part has entry rooms and a staircase. The rest of the building has large hall-like spaces on both levels.
On the ground floor, there's a wide entry hall. It's decorated with framed photos of early members, the Queen, and pictures of the building over time. A door leads to a large square room. This room has timber columns in the middle and is lined with horizontal timber boards. On one wall, there are small timber display cases with a collection of Lodge cards. At the back of the room, two doors lead to a small kitchen and a toilet. There's also a small serving window between the kitchen and the hall.
The staircase is on the eastern side of the entry area. It has a cedar railing with turned wooden posts. The staircase area and the entry rooms on both levels are lined with horizontal timber boards. They are painted with a dark brown lower section, cream walls, and white ceilings. The floors are made of timber.
At the top of the stairs, there's a small storage room. A narrow landing leads to the main Lodge room. This room is also lined with horizontal timber boards, painted in shades of blue and white. The floor is covered in blue carpet. In the center of the floor is a special checkerboard pattern made of black and white timber squares. This floor section was given to the Isis Lodge when another Lodge in Tiaro closed down. The room has movable furniture, including benches, fancy timber chairs, and ceremonial staffs. The ceiling has several decorative ceiling roses.
Why the Lodge is Important
The Isis Masonic Lodge was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on April 28, 2000, because it meets several important standards.
Showing Queensland's History
This Lodge is important because it shows how Queensland's history developed. It was built when Childers was growing fast as a sugar-growing area. During this time, important social, cultural, and religious groups were being set up in the town.
A Special Type of Building
The Isis Masonic Hall is a great example of what Masonic Temples in small country towns look like. It's a two-story timber hall with an impressive front and decorative timber details, painted in blue and white.
Beautiful Design
The building is also important for its beauty. It has a simple yet elegant design and lovely timber details. Its striking look makes it stand out in the street.
Important to the Community
The Lodge has a strong and special connection with the Childers community. It's especially important to local Freemasons and their families. For over 100 years, it has been the main and symbolic place for Freemasonry in the town. It has also been an important center for cultural and social activities.
