A new era for Freemasonry

IT may appear ironic and even hypocritical that the Catholic Diocese of Cairns has bought the headquarters of the Freemasons.

Over hundreds of years the Roman Catholic Church has a long history of objection to Freemasonry. The objections raised have been based on the allegation that masonry teaches a naturalistic deistic religion which is in conflict with the church’s doctrine.

In recent decades the animosity between the two organisations has faded as the church’s direct institutional involvement in civil affairs has become less pronounced and as Freemasonry has waned dramatically in numbers and prominence.

The purchase of the heritagelisted Masonic Centre in Minnie St is strategic and makes a lot of sense as it is directly opposite St Monica’s Cathedral precinct.

Bishop James Foley says it will be preserved “for future generations to enjoy” and be used for conferences and meetings.

He acknowledges the “cordial relations” between the two organisations in Cairns and “our long, good working relationship”.

The Freemasons say the building was significantly under-utilised and the funds from the sale will “support several local initiatives”.

For many years the Freemasons were involved in aged care and retirement villages, but last year sold Masonic Care Queensland’s assets, including a significant venture at Whitfield to Regis Aged Care.

The Freemasons are generous to the community and through their Hand Heart Pocket organisation have donated substantial sums of money to many charities in the Far North.

May their good work continue. Nick Dalton Deputy editor