Townsville Masonic Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Townsville Masonic Hall |
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Former Townsville Masonic Hall
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| Location | 485-493 Sturt Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | W G Smith & Sons |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Masonic Hall, Townsville (former), Assembly of God Hall, Calvary Temple, Townsville Choral & Orchestral Society Building, Townsville Choral Society Inc. Building, Townsville Choral and Orchestral Society Building | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600933 |
| Significant period | 1889, 1970–1971 (fabric) 1889–1934, 1934–1980 (historical) |
| Significant components | font – baptismal |
| Builders | Sparre & Hansen |
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The Townsville Masonic Hall is an old building in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It used to be a special meeting place for a group called the Freemasons. The building is located at 485-493 Sturt Street in the city center.
It was designed by W G Smith & Sons and built in 1889 by Sparre & Hansen. Over the years, it has been known by different names, including Assembly of God Hall and the Townsville Choral Society Building. This building is important because of its history and design, and it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
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What is the History of the Townsville Masonic Hall?
This single-story building was built in 1889. It was the first masonic hall in Townsville. The land for the hall was bought in 1888 by a company made up of Freemasons.
How Did Freemasonry Start in Townsville?
Freemasonry is a social and charitable organization. It began in Townsville in 1866. Two main groups, called lodges, were formed. These lodges met in different places around Townsville.
By the late 1880s, Townsville was growing. More people were moving to the West End area. The Freemasons needed a special building for their meetings. Both lodges in Townsville worked together to build this hall.
Who Designed and Built the Hall?
The hall was designed by WG Smith & Sons, architects from North Queensland. The builders were Sparre & Hansen. The cost to build it was £1,175.
The first stone of the building was laid in May 1889. An opening ceremony was held in August of the same year. People at the time described the building as simple but beautiful. They also said it was very cool inside.
What Happened to the First Masonic Hall?
By 1926, the Freemasons decided they needed a new, larger temple. A new two-story hall was built in 1934 at 42 Walker Street. This new building is still used by the Freemasons today.
After the Freemasons moved out, the Sturt Street building was sold. The Assembly of God, a Christian church group, bought it. They used the building until 1980.
In 1970 and 1971, some older structures at the back of the building were removed. The sides and back of the hall were made bigger. The Assembly of God reopened it in 1971 as the Calvary Temple. It was mainly used for church meetings. For a short time in the late 1970s, it even housed a school.
Who Uses the Building Today?
In 1980, the building was given to the Townsville Choral and Orchestral Society. This group, which started in 1906, uses the building for offices and rehearsals. The Townsville Choral Society Incorporated still uses the former Masonic Hall today.
What Does the Townsville Masonic Hall Look Like?
The former Masonic Hall is a single-story building. It faces Sturt Street.
What are the Main Features of the Building?
The front of the building has a classic design. It has a grand entrance with four columns. These columns are in the Ionic order, which means they have a special scroll-like design at the top. This style of architecture was important to the Freemasons.
In 2009, the words "TOWNSVILLE CHORAL SOCIETY" were painted on the front. The front part of the building sits on a raised concrete platform.
The hall has a sloped roof made of metal. There are also smaller sections on the sides and back. These parts were added later and have windows that can be opened for air. There is also a covered driveway along one side.
What is Inside the Hall?
The inside of the building has been updated a lot. It has new wiring, floors, and ceilings. There is also a new kitchen.
A large, tiled baptismal font is located under the current stage. This font was used when the building belonged to the Assembly of God. It is one of the original features that remains.
At the back of the property, there is a two-story house and a separate toilet building. These are not part of the heritage-listed area. The front of the property is covered in concrete. It has a low wall and a metal fence.
Why is the Townsville Masonic Hall Important?
The former Townsville Masonic Hall was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it is considered an important historical site.
What Does it Show About Queensland's History?
The hall shows how Townsville's West End grew in the late 1800s. It was the first masonic hall in the city.
What Makes its Design Special?
The building is a good example of a small masonic hall. It has a strong and noticeable presence on the street. Its classical design, size, and materials make it stand out in Townsville. Its front facade is a landmark that shows its masonic past.
Who is it Connected To?
The building has a special connection to Freemasonry in Townsville. It was used by them for over 45 years. It also shows the work of North Queensland architects WG Smith & Sons.
Images for kids
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Former Townsville Masonic Hall
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The "new" Townsville Masonic Temple in Walker Street, built in 1934.
