Kiama Masonic Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kiama Masonic Temple |
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| Location | 46 Collins Street, Kiama, Municipality of Kiama, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1870–1880 |
| Owner | Kiama Masonic Lodge |
| Official name: Masonic Temple; Temperance Hall | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 474 |
| Type | Hall Masonic |
| Category | Community Facilities |
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The Kiama Masonic Temple is a special old building in Kiama, Australia. It's known as a heritage-listed site, which means it's important to history and protected. This building, located at 46 Collins Street, was first built between 1876 and 1878. It has also been known as the Temperance Hall. Today, the Kiama Masonic Lodge owns and uses the building. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
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What is the Kiama Masonic Temple?
The Kiama Masonic Temple is a building with a long history. It started as a place for a group called the Sons of Temperance. Later, it became a meeting place for the Freemasons. It's a great example of old buildings in Kiama.
How Old is the Kiama Masonic Temple?
This historic building was constructed a long time ago, between 1876 and 1878. It cost about £1500 to build back then. That's a lot of money for the 1870s! The builder was a man named James Dinning.
Who Used the Building First?
When it was first built, the building was called the Temperance Hall. It was used by a group called the Sons of Temperance. This group worked to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle.
How Did the Freemasons Get the Building?
In 1899, a person named J. H. Somerville bought the hall. He kept using it as a public hall for a few years. Then, in 1908, the Freemasons bought the building. They made some changes to it.
Changes Made by the Freemasons
When the Freemasons took over, they updated the building. They added beautiful stained glass windows and fancy decorations called friezes. They also changed the stage area into a supper-room. Since 1909, Lodge Kiama No. 35 has met in this building.
What Does the Temple Look Like?
The Kiama Masonic Temple is a simple, rectangular building. It's made of brick and has a smooth, rendered finish. The front entrance has a classic design with Doric columns and an architrave.
Features of the Building's Design
The main entrance is in the middle of the building. On each side of the entrance, there are windows with rounded tops. There is also a newer part added to the north side of the building.
Why is This Building Important?
The Kiama Masonic Temple is important for several reasons. It's one of the few buildings from the 1870s or earlier that still stands in the center of Kiama. It helps us understand the town's past.
Its Place in Kiama's History
The building shows how Kiama grew, especially after the stone crushing industry started in 1871. It fits in well with other old buildings nearby. These buildings remind us of what Kiama looked like long ago when it was a quarrying town.
Heritage Protection
Because of its historical value, the Kiama Masonic Temple was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps protect the building for future generations.
