Northgate Masonic Lodge (former)

Interested parties first met at the Presbyterian Church Hall, Gympie St Virginia on 29 August 1921 for the express purpose of forming a ‘new Masonic Lodge’ at Northgate. The area had undergone some growth and was advertised as having the potential ‘to become one of Brisbane’s leading residential suburbs.....’1 The Northgate Estate developed by R.G. Oates in the 1920s boasted both water and electricity for new residents.

The Lodge Northgate as it was initially called, held its concretion ceremony in the Northgate School of Arts on 28 January, 1922 and was formed with 39 foundation members. In October of the same year a committee was formed with the sole purpose of the construction of its own Masonic Hall. Several sites were inspected with the eventual recommendation that the site in Gympie Street be purchased for £180/0/0. The amount was to be raised “by donations from the brethren and also the proceeds of many social functions”.1 The proximity to the railway line, the central location of Gympie Street and the lower price of the property undoubtedly provided inducement to purchase the allotment.

In 1926, the same year the land was transferred to three trustees and a committee was “formed to investigate ways and means to finance the building of the hall.”1 In 1927 it was reported that the Lodge held £810/0/0 in cash and debentures “towards the hall.” While controversy had appeared over the means by which the money was to be levied on members, an application was submitted on 5 July 1928 for the construction of a ‘Masonic Hall’. The work was to be undertaken by ‘Day Labour’ (possibly Lodge volunteers working in the evenings and weekends) and the anticipated cost of the work was £1,100/0/0. The hall was completed in September 1928 and the first function was a ‘ladies night’ held on 6 October, 1928.

The first social committee was formed in 1923 and set about organising dances and events. The Masonic Ball “became an annual event eagerly awaited by the residents of the district.”1 The lodge was also involved with supporting members and families of the area during the ‘great depression’ of the 1930s. It continued to be a community hub throughout the following decades.

In the late 1980s to early 1990s the decision was made to sell the hall, with the Northgate Lodge moving to meet in the Northside Masonic Centre at Sandgate. Many items and fittings from the hall were transferred over to the Sandgate centre. Despite the sale, the spirit and objectives of the original Lodge members was continued with the money from the sale of the hall being invested in such a manner which enabled benefits to be provided for the members and their families. 

Small additions were made to the building over the years with such necessities as more toilets being added. The property at the time of the sale by the Lodge was described as ‘One of the landmarks of the Northgate area in by gone days'1 It was subsequently converted into a residence and artists’ studio.

1. Brochure from Nundah and Districts Historical Society - possibly advertising the Oats estate

2. Northgate Lodge No.285 U.G.L.Q: Golden Jubilee 1922 - 1972. Northgate Masonic Temple. 28 January 1972. p.6

3. Ibid. pp. 6 & 8

4. Ibid., p.8.

5. Newspaper advertisement for Nationwide Realty, Clayfield. Date of advertisement not supplied.

6. Interview with Mr. F Forthergill. Secretary. Northgate Lodge

7. Northgate Lodge No.285 U.G.L.Q: Silver Anniversary: Installation of Bro. J Sprott as Master and Investiture of Officers for 1947-48.  Masonic Hall. 8 March 1947

8. Northgate Lodge No.285 U.G.L.Q: Golden Jubilee 1922 - 1972. Northgate Masonic Temple. 28 January 1972

9. Northgate Lodge No.285 U.G.L.Q: Diamond Jubilee 1922 - 1997. Northgate Masonic Temple. 29 January 1997

10. Northgate Lodge: Minute Book; Number 1. 29 August, 1921 - 9 April, 1927

11. Northgate Lodge: Minute Book; Number 2. 14 May, 1927 - 13 February, 1932

12. Nundah and Districts Historical Society files. (Various uncited newspaper articles)

13. Post Office Directories.

14. Trustees File: Northside Masonic Centre, Sandgate