.
History
and Description of Building:
The
land on which
the Masonic Centre stands was purchased in 1922 for
£10,640.
The
architects were J. Quinton Bruce and W.H. Harral. Bro. Harral
personally
superintended the work, the main contract for which
was let to Anderson
and Company. The Grand Master officiated at the ceremony of
laying
the Foundation Stone on 15th April 1925. The three lodge rooms on
the third and fourth floors were dedicated in April 1927, and the final
payment for the building was made in February 1928. The total cost of
the
land, buildings and furnishings was £116,318/11s./6d.
Originally the building was intended to be constructed
from cut stone and
granite, but costs dictated extensive use of reinforced concrete.
The
building comprises six levels, accommodating offices and meeting rooms,
three lodge rooms,
kitchens, reception rooms and banqueting rooms, a large hall at the
rear
(the 'Great Hall'), the Masonic Museum and
the Masonic Library.
The
main entrance (see left)
on North Terrace is accentuated by four great ionic columns on the
exterior
of the building and approached by a flight of granite steps.
Above the entrance are the Latin words "Audi Vide Tace"
derived from the Latin proverb "Audi,
Vide, Tace, si vis vivere in pace" ("Hear, see, be
silent, if you would live in peace"). This old
saying was the motto of the Grand Lodge until the 1950's.
On
passing
through the entrance doors an outer vestibule is entered, named the
'Hall
of Memory'. On its walls there are bronze Rolls of Honour commemorating the
names of those Freemasons who served in the Great War of 1914 -1918.
On passing through the next doorway one enters the magnificent and spacious
'Hall of
Fame' (see left and right) which is
notable for its propylaeum like form, with colonnades,
marble floor and staircase. Columns of the three Greek orders of
architecture - doric, ionic and corinthian - are among the major
features
of this space which is heightened by a mezzanine floor reached by
the main
marble staircase situated opposite the main entrance.
Offices
and function
rooms are located on the ground, first (mezzanine) and second
floors. 
The
largest
public hall, the 'Great Hall' (see
left), is situated towards the rear of the building,
behind the staircase.
There are two sets of lodge rooms on the third floor, one named for A.M.
Simpson and the other for C.R.J. Glover (the long serving second
Grand
Secretary who was first lord mayor of Adelaide in 1919).
On the fourth
floor are found the largest lodge room (named for the first
Grand
Master,
Sir
Samuel Way) with its magnificent organ and choir (see right), and the Masonic
Library.
The
organ was dedicated in 1956 as a memorial to those who died in the
service of Australia in the Second World war.
The basement contains several banqueting rooms, a large reception
area
(the 'Chandelier Room' - see left) and a kitchen.
The Masonic Museum
collection
is displayed on several floors of the
building.
The building structural detail has many interesting features which
serve to remind Freemasons of
various Masonic principles.
Many of these features may be seen during
the course of the conducted public tour (for example, the window detail at right,
showing a protractor, and below, an Ionic pillar).
Make a 3D
model of the
Adelaide Masonic Centre - with aid of the program Sketchup.
Return
to
top
.
Hiring
for Functions:
Various
parts of
the building are available to hire for private or non-Masonic
functions.
Rooms are of various sizes. Possible usages include small
meetings,
conferences, luncheons, dinners, concerts and weddings.
Catering
facilities are available.
For
details of spaces,
facilities and charges please contact the Office during business hours
[Monday to Friday, 9am -12noon & 2pm - 5pm].
Enquiries
and Bookings for Functions:
phone
(08) 8223 1633
email: glsa
@ freemasonrysaust.org.au
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