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MASONIC LODGE (FORMER)

Location 37 Winter Street, COLERAINE VIC 3315 - Property No 112 File Number 1665 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/2] 23182 Masonic Hall Coleraine [2/2] 23182 Masonic Hall Coleraine

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Coleraine Masonic Lodge is located on the south west corner of Winter and McConochie Streets, approximately 3 blocks south of the intersection of Whyte & Winter Streets, Coleraine. The land on which the lodge stands was purchased and probably donated to the Freemasons by an important local grazier, Thomas Templeton. The former Masonic Lodge was constructed in 1906 by James Brothers but the name of the architect, if there was one, is not known. It is in the 'stripped' Neo-Classical style, standard for Masonic buildings. It is constructed of brick, with a cement render facade and a corrugated iron roof with six vents of an unusual design. The building comprises a vestibule, main hall, supper room, kitchen and toilet/service area. These reflect not only the formal ceremonial function of the building but also the informal social function of fellowship. The interiors include very fine pressed metal ceilings and several relics from the use of the building as a Masonic Lodge. It had replaced an earlier lodge which may have dated from 1875 when the Coleraine Lodge No. 1699 was formed. The Coleraine Lodge was one of the earliest in what is now the Shire of Southern Grampians, but as part of a greater reform within the Freemasons, the lodge changed its name and number to Wannon Lodge No. 68 on 13 March 1889. The Wannon Lodge ceased to function from Winter Street in 1975, since which time it has had a variety of uses, including it current use as a private residence. The building is in fair condition.

How is it significant?
The former Masonic Lodge is of historical, social and architectural significance to the township of Coleraine
and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The former Masonic Lodge, 37 Winter Street, Coleraine is of historical significance as a long-term demonstration of the values and status of Freemasonry in the local community, and for its associations with important local people. The land on which the former Lodge stands was donated to the Freemasons by an important local grazier, Thomas Templeton, and many of the founding members of the Coleraine Lodge No. 1699 were highly influential pastoralists, merchants and tradesmen. It is of social significance as a venue for the members coming together to share common interests. It is of architectural significance because its style, form and details, both externally and internally, express the conservative values and the ceremonies of Freemasonry.