Cultural Significance

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Historic Place Registration Proposal report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Cultural Significance: The Lodge Hall has provided fellowship and care for its members and families for over 100 years and contributed financially to needs within the local and wider community over that time. There are 44 members in the Ormondville Lion Lodge.

Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Historic Place Registration Proposal report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Historical Significance: The Lion Masonic Hall has served the Ormondville District for 104 years. In the words of Chris Cochran, Conservation Architect, the Lodge Hall is "an iconic structure in the overall village mix of important buildings remaining". The other notable buildings in the near vicinity are the Ormondville Railway Station and the Epiphany (Anglican) Church, both registered by the Trust. The Lodge plays a very important community role in this rural town. The founders of the Lion Lodge became prominent leaders in Ormondville and the wider community.

Physical Significance

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Historic Place Registration Proposal report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Architectural Significance: Lodges around the country, especially in rural towns, generally have low key architectural facades. The Ormondville Lodge follows this pattern but is still considered a large and significant building, especially given its corner site in a small rural setting. Its aesthetic value lies in the interior, with its symbolic tracings on the wall, the pillars, display cases and the Master's Chair which takes pride of place in the Lodge.

Detail Of Assessed Criteria

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Historic Place Registration Proposal report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. (a) The extent to which the place reflects important or representative aspects of New Zealand history: From early beginnings of settlement, felling bush, sowing grass, grazing sheep and cattle and putting in the railway to link towns, Freemasons have helped to bring communities together, particularly in small rural areas. Under the influence of a small group of inspired Freemasons, the Masonic Lodge that was constructed in Ormondville forms one of the most important buildings in the fabric of this small rural town. The Lodge, since its inception in Ormondville, 104 years ago, has greatly assisted in the bonding of local families and provided strong community leadership as the town and District grew. It is one of only five Lodges in the Tararua District, which extends from Norsewood to Woodville and into the Wairarapa as far as Mount Bruce. (b) The association of the place with events, persons, or ideas of importance in New Zealand history: The Lion Lodge No 114 at Ormondville has forged strong links with the Zetland Lodge No 312 started by settlers of the Shetland Islands and with its origins linked to the Norse Mariners Association. W. Bro. Samuel Chadwick, a Past Master of Sykes Lodge No 1040 English Constitution, is credited with convening a small group of Freemasons who agreed to the formation of a Masonic Lodge in Ormondville. W.Bro. Chadwick was initiated at Whitby, Yorkshire, under the Charter of Lion Lodge in May 1873. Fraternal visits have been made down through the years by members of the Lion Lodge in Ormondville with the Lion Lodge of Whitby in England. (c) The potential of the place to provide knowledge of New Zealand history: Ormondville was settled by farming people and those who set up industries associated with forestry. Many of the early pioneers of the land and timber millers were freemasons, or very soon became members of the local Lodge. They became important leaders in the development of the Ormondville and wider communities in and around Dannevirke. They provided for the welfare of families in the harsh working environment and helped with the education needs of young people growing up in the District. (e) The community association with, or the public esteem for, the place: The Lodge during its existence has had strong local links and through its benevolence to a wider Tararua District retains an important position in the public's view in Orrnondvil1e and surrounding area. It has contributed to education scholarships, to support for widows and families of past members, to the operations of the Dannevirke Citizens Advice Bureau and to fund students going overseas. (f) The potential of the place for public education: The Lion Lodge has taken up the challenge to provide a more open approach to its membership and the activities of local Lodge through visits and tours. It has important historical collections and displays which provide linkage with the Shetland Islands and with the Norse Mariners Association. The Viking history is told through the displays gifted to the Lodge over many years. These are symbols of the settlement of people from Britain and Scandinavia in the Tararua District, as we know it today. (h) The symbolic or commemorative value of the place: The road frontage wall of the Lodge displays the symbol of the Masonic Lodge movement in a very simple but strong manner. To the local people and from nearby communities, the building has a presence and it is recognized as being an assembly for many of the town and district's outstanding citizens and community leaders. (i) The importance of identifying historic places known to date from early periods of New Zealand settlement: The Lodge was built twenty five years after the first settlers arrived in the area. It was built to have a strong physical presence. The first freemasons were determined that their community assembly would be a significant milestone in its early history of the District. (k) The extent to which the place forms part of a wider historical and cultural complex or historical and cultural landscape: The Lion Lodge building, with the Church of the Epiphany, the Ormondville Railway Station and the Peace Hall, the local community hall are the remaining important buildings in the township of Ormondville. They are in close proximity to each other, they have significant physical presence and are constructed in similar materials, timber weatherboard and iron roofing. They are very much the focus of a small village setting, which includes a small number of retail outlets. The Lodge, church and community hall all bring together the population of the Ormondville area for local events and celebration functions. The buildings collectively form the heart of this rural town. With the Ormondville Railway Station which has been converted to a well known B&B, these community buildings are important places on the Tararua heritage trail. Members of the Lion Lodge are working with the Tararua Branch Committee of Historic Places Trust on plans to enhance the appearance of the Lodge, through restoration of the matai timber weatherboards and painting to strengthen its place and symbolic value within the Tararua District.