Freemasonry in New Zealand:
Freemasonry is a fraternity of religious men of differing religions and denominations who believe in a system of moral and spiritual philosophy as outlined in Freemasonry's rituals, teachings and practice. Operative Masonry (organisations of medieval builders) existed in many European countries besides Britain prior to establishment of the first Grand Lodge of Freemasons in England in 1717. Speculative Masonry (Freemasonry) developed in England, Ireland and Scotland and spread to the 58 countries where it is now practised. Masonic lodges, halls or temples are places where Freemasons assemble. Lodge rooms are where ceremonies of the Craft are performed.
Lodges have been likened to friendly societies, volunteer fire brigades, military units and bands in the vital role they played in the social and business life of the colonial male. They have been seen as a place for men to escape domestic worries, talk business and socialise with their fellow men. While the practice of benevolence and charity is a hallmark of Freemasonry, Freemasonry is not a benefit society that undertakes to make payments in return for contributions from its members. Freemasons' Lodges in New Zealand in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century appealed to many employers and employees alike. Freemasonry continues in New Zealand, and is noted for its supportive environment provided to many men returning to civilian life after the First and Second World Wars. However, membership of lodges has been declining over the past 40 or more years.
Reefton Lodges:
Reefton (or Reef Town) developed in 1870 with the discovery of alluvial gold in the area. With the influx of miners of different religious denominations, pressure soon mounted to build churches and other civic and recreation buildings. Like most towns and cities, Reefton eventually had several lodges. The Reefton Lodge of the Independents Order of Oddfellows was established in 1872 and a hall was soon erected for them on Broadway (later relocated to its present site on Bridge Street). Consecration of that hall took place in July 1873. A contemporary account of the consecration ceremony acknowledged the Freemasons of the Inangahua district, most of who were said to be Masons of rank and long standing. The lodge was named the Pacific Lodge of Reefton, under the English Constitution, and Bro. Charles Broad was elected the first Worshipful Master. Initially all branches of lodges in Reefton used the Oddfellows building, as did other organisations. In 1891-2, the brethren of the Pacific Lodge of Reefton built their own lodge building in Shiel Street, known as the Masonic Hall.
The Cyclopaedia of New Zealand in 1906 listed several lodges in Reefton. They were The Independent Order of Oddfellows with a hall on Broadway, the Ancient Order of Foresters in Shiels [sic] Street, and also the Lodge of Druids. The Cyclopaedia also notes that 'the Masonic Order is represented by Lodge Robert Burns, No 50, New Zealand Constitution'. These institutions fulfilled an important social welfare need in the Inangahua district. In particular, lodge doctors and lodge benefits were of assistance to victims of mining accidents and disease and their widows.
Masonic Hall, Reefton:
In June 1884 a new site was purchased on Shiel Street and tenders were called for the erection of a hall, but it was not until June 1891 that the tender of James Johnston was accepted. The new Masonic Hall building was consecrated on 12 July 1892. The ceremony was conducted by the District Grand Master of Westland, Brother John Bevan, accompanied by brethren from Hokitika and Greymouth.
The appearance of the Masonic Hall building was described in great detail at the time of consecration, as follows:
The building has a frontage to Shiel-street of 50 feet with a depth of 26 feet, and it stands back about 40 feet from the fencing line and five feet above the road level. The walls are 19 feet in height together with a well proportioned hip roof, which gives the structure an imposing appearance. It is erected on two town sections and placed so as to secure an east and west position. A very handsome portico 20 feet in width stands out boldly six feet from the main building and roof. The latter is supported by two square fluted columns and two round pillars standing on a floor which is approached by three steps. A heavy doorway with a fanlight in the centre is supported by a fluted column on each side to correspond with the square columns in front. In the pediment above the portico is fixed the Masonic emblem, the square and compass, in gold. The four corners of the building are supported by square fluted columns on massive pedestals, the mouldings on the entablature standing well out, and on the frieze in relief is the emblem of the five-pointed star. The eaves of the roof form a bold cornice supported by carved trusses, and a bold entablature runs round the whole of the building and portico, with good effect. Double circular-headed windows are fixed in front and single ones on the sides. The building is tastefully painted in two shades of fawn colour [sic] relieved with white, the round pillars at the porch are pure white; the doors and window sashes are dark green. A massive fence in front has been erected, and the ground, rising gradually to the building, to be laid off as a lawn and planted with a few evergreen shrubs.
The interior of the building consists of a hall 40 feet by 25 feet and two ante-rooms; provision being made for the extension of the building at the back for the banqueting hall and store-rooms. The hall is well proportioned, and the walls and ceiling are very handsomely finished, the general effect being very beautiful. The walls from the deep skirting to the entablature are panelled with white pine, relieved with red pine mouldings, and scolloped [sic] out on top and varnished, which gives the appearance of French polish. Above the panelling the entablature of twenty-five inches is carried round the hall, having a bold cornice and frieze, tinted in French grey, and pink picked out with gold. On the frieze are fixed shields bearing Masonic designs worked in gold on vermillion, together with the mottoes of the Order beautifully cut into the fretwork; the lettering is in Old English, and is painted in vermillion. The Gothic capitals are of gold on square blocks painted blue. Above the cornice a cone ceiling rises to twenty feet from the floor of the hall, having a handsome centre piece picked out with gold. The ceiling is painted pure white, and the heavy mouldings are picked in light grey and pale blue. A handsome mantelpiece has been fixed after the style of an Egyptian monument, painted in white and gold, and bearing appropriate Masonic emblems. The furnishing of the hall is very effective, the benches being upholstered in scarlet, and the canopy over the Master's chair draped with curtains of Masonic Blue. The building is lighted throughout with electric light, which admirably sets off the decorations.
After completion in 1892 the Pacific Lodge meetings were transferred from the Oddfellows Hall to the new building. The place remained in use as a Masonic lodge for over a century. In the mid 1950s 'Lodge Robert Burns' moved into the Masonic Hall to share with the original occupant 'Pacific Lodge'. According to octogenarian Mason, Frank Hudson, at this time a refectory was demolished and a new refectory and kitchen were added. The builders were Colin Hannah and Gary Willis and they were assisted by lodge members. The combined membership of the two lodges using the building was about 120, although in the mid 1980s at least, only 30 of those lived in or near Reefton. Hudson describes 'Lodge Robert Burns' having met weekly for 'instruction meetings', monthly and then annually for 'installation' and money was raised for charities such as Playcentre. An earthquake in 1992 caused damage to the chimneys. From 1993 the two lodges became 'dormant' for three years.
In 1997 the Masonic Hall was sold and since that time the lodge meetings have been held in a room at the Reefton Racecourse buildings. Most of the furniture was given away and some of it went to Motueka Lodge. The interior of the Masonic Hall in Reefton was substantially modified during conversion to residential use. The interior retains its painted coved ceiling and clear coated timber wall panelling but otherwise the original furnishing and decoration has been largely stripped from the interior.
Architect:
Lodge buildings were generally designed and constructed by its members. William Hindmarsh, in the Inangahua Times of 14 July 1892, notes that the plans and specifications were largely prepared by Bro. Dunn while Hindmarsh himself provided designs for the fretwork. There is some suggestion, however, that Hindmarsh had more of an architectural role in the design than this, and it is known that he produced the architectural designs for St Stephen's Church (1877-78) and Reefton's second Methodist church, completed in 1906.
Electric Lighting:
A Reefton company, in 1888, was the first in New Zealand to run an electrical system selling power to the public. Consumers were able to purchase electricity for a set charge of £3 per light whether power was used or not. Reefton was described as leading the way above all cities in the Southern Hemisphere and had a brilliantly lit Christmas in 1888, with some 500 lights being supplied. It is not surprising therefore that the new Masonic Hall, when completed, followed the trend and had electricity installed from the outset in 1892.
Contextual Analysis:
Many of New Zealand's cities and towns have Masonic Lodges or Halls. They had an important role as community welfare and bonding agencies for the men, and they are known for their elaborate rituals and their exclusion of women. New Zealand's first lodge, Ara Lodge, met in Auckland on 5 September 1842. Four days later the New Zealand Pacific Lodge was established at Port Nicholson, Wellington. In the South Island, the first Masonic lodge formed (other than an early Akaroa lodge) was the Lodge of Unanimity established at Lyttelton in May 1853.
A number of Masonic buildings survive, though many do not retain their original function. The NZHPT Register currently includes 25 buildings that either were or still are Masonic Lodges, Halls or Temples.
