Masonic Hall, York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Masonic Hall, York |
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Masonic Hall, York
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Victorian Academic Classical |
| Address | Joacquina Street, York |
| Town or city | York, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°53′21″S 116°45′41″E / 31.8893°S 116.7615°E |
| Construction started | 1887 |
| Renovated | 1927, 2019 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Wright & Paterson |
The Masonic Hall in York, Western Australia, was built in 1887. It is thought to be the oldest building used by a lodge (a type of club) that is still standing in Western Australia. It was first built by a group called the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows in York. They named it "Oddfellows Hall." The building has a grand style known as Victorian Academic Classical.
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How the Land Was Divided
In 1885, some land in York was divided into smaller pieces. This land was owned by a merchant named John Henry Monger. The new railway line was being built through this area. The York train station was also planned for this new section of land.
Already on the land were a convent and school run by the Sisters of Mercy. There was also the York Mechanic's Institute. This is where the York Town Hall is now. A group of three men bought the land. They wanted to use the new railway to help their businesses. The Imperial Hotel was built there in 1886.
Before the Hall Was Built
Before the Oddfellows Hall was constructed, the Oddfellows group met at the Castle Hotel. They held their meetings on the Thursday evening closest to the full moon. This was so members could see their way home easily in the dark.
The Oddfellows had tried to buy land since 1882. Finally, on April 11, 1887, they bought the land for the hall. They bought it from the three men who owned the land for a very small price. This was seen as a gift from James Grave, who was a member of the Oddfellows.
The late 1800s were a popular time for "benevolent societies." These were groups that helped their members. The Oddfellows were very strong in York. Other groups included the Rechabites, who had their own hall. The Freemasons Lodge was another important group.
Building the Hall
An architect named James William Wright designed the hall. He planned a "strong and beautiful building." James Butterley won the contract to build it. His price was £1,320 and 18 shillings.
Work on the building started at the end of February 1887. The first stone was laid by Mrs. J. R. M. Thomson on May 18, 1887. The building had two floors. The ground floor was a public hall that people could rent. The upper floor was used for the Oddfellows' meetings.
The Grand Opening
The Oddfellows Hall officially opened on December 14, 1887. People said the building was a "credit to the town." They also praised the Oddfellows for their hard work and the builder's skill.
Celebrations for the opening took place at the Imperial Hotel. After that, there was a big dance in the new hall. The York Freemasons also wanted to use the hall for their meetings. However, they had to wait. The owner of the Castle Hotel would not let them end their current rental agreement. The York Freemasons began renting the hall for £24 a year starting in 1891.
The Hall's Busy Years
The Oddfellows Hall was a very important place in York. It hosted many of the town's big social events. This included music shows and plays. It was used for these events until the new Town Hall opened in 1911.
Sale to the Freemasons
By 1926, the number of Oddfellows members in York had become much smaller. So, they sold the hall to the Freemasons for £1,000. The Freemasons made some changes to the building. They replaced the window above the door with their own symbols. They also removed the word "ODDFELLOWS" from the building's name.
The hall continued to be used for many social gatherings. This included events for the Coolbaroo League, a group that supported Aboriginal people.
Damage to the Building
In 1987, the hall started to sink a little. This happened because water leaked from a new drain next to the Town Hall. Metal rods, called tie bars, were put in place to help make the building safe and secure.
New Owners
The Freemasons sold the building in 2018. The new owners have fixed up the building. Now, the hall is used as an art gallery. There is also a home on the upper floor.
Protecting Its History
The Masonic Hall is listed on several important registers. These lists help protect old buildings. It is on the Shire Register (since 1995), the National Trust Classified list (since 1984), and the Register of the National Estate (since 1978).
