Lodge looks to historic milestone
They form one of the oldest Horsham organisations and donate thousands across the district each year.
For many people, however, the activities of Wimmera Masonic Lodge members have largely remained unknown.
The Freemason Victoria Association lodge, in Urquhart Street, is an organisation that describes itself as a group of ‘good men supporting each other, their families and community’.
Formed in 1877 – two years after Horsham Fire Brigade – the organisation is now just shy of its 145-year anniversary, in 2022.
Lodge member and chairman of a recently formed 145-year-anniversary sub-committee, Dale Russell, said though the group had participated in many forms of community work in that time, much of it ‘flies under the radar’ because they have never told anyone.
He said the Lodge’s 145-year milestone represented an opportunity for this to change.
“For lack of a better word, we have an imposing building at the moment in Urquhart Street. We haven’t told anybody what we do and now we should,” he said.
Mr Russell said while the Lodge did not see itself as a service club, it had similarities to group’s such as Rotary or Lions – raising money through events and activities for their local community.
He said Wimmera Lodge members operated Bunnings sausage sizzles throughout the year, collected bottles and cans to send to recyclers, as well as participated in raffles at monthly meetings.
Over the years, money generated from these efforts combined with state-body support has seen the Lodge donate thousands of dollars to groups including Horsham Men’s Shed, Variety Bash, Horsham Scouts and Wimmera Cancer Centre.
The group also donates its time to help at Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids Car and Bike Show, Horsham Fishing Competition and just recently sent hundreds of care packages full of non-perishable goods to overseas defence personnel. “We do what we can,” Mr Russell said. “And perhaps more people should know. There are people out there from the Lodge and I’m sure from other community organisations that do this sort of community work that flies under the radar – nobody knows about it.”
Many of the Lodge’s members have made a life out of volunteering. Mike John has spent more than 50 years assisting with meals-on-wheels.
He said his volunteering started in Kyabram as part of the Kyabram Apex Club, before he moved to Horsham in 1965 and continued on with the program as part Horsham Apex Club, Horsham Lions, and now, Wimmera Masonic Lodge.
“I usually do it for the whole week each time the Lodge nominates. Whenever they do, I put my hand up,” he said.
“It’s something I can do without a lot of effort and I know all the people I deliver to.
“You get a lot out of it, but it’s all about the benefit for the community.”
History
Mr Russell said plans for 145-year celebrations were still in progress, but the dedicated sub-committee was considering many options for commemorating the event and showcasing the Lodge’s history and achievements.
“We’re deciding on times and ideas, such as whether we have a dinner or something else,” he said.
“We are looking at having a plaque or stone in a high-traffic and popular area, potentially May Park, which we are working on with the council.”
Mr Russell said there was also the opportunity to start planning a 150-year book about the history of the Wimmera Masonic Lodge, which would flow on from a 100year book that the group printed in 1977.
“The intention is to add on to that for our 150-years celebrations, detailing significants things that have happened in the organisation and here in Horsham in the 50 years following,” he said.
Wimmera Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Rod Overall, whose role at the lodge is like that of a president or chairman, has a 120-year family connection to freemasonry and the Lodge.
His father, Don Overall, was a member at Horsham before him. His son Jordan is a new addition.
Rod said being involved with the Lodge had offered him opportunities socially and interpersonally, as well as the chance to make a difference in his community.
“I’ve always had a member from my family in the Lodge, and in my 36 years as a freemason, I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.
“What you put in, is what you get out of it. I’ve made a lot of long-lasting friendships and meet people from all walks of life. From judges to generals – all sorts of people get involved.
“It’s great to be involved in the community in different ways. I get a lot of pleasure out of doing what I do for my community.”
With many older members, some even in their 90s, the Wimmera Masonic Lodge is like other community groups in that it is facing a drop in numbers as members become less active or resign.
A membership drive has given the group a membership boost, but it remains on the lookout for people who might be interested in joining.
Secretary John Mctaggart said a Lodge family barbecue at Horsham Botanic Gardens on Sunday was open to people who would like to become a member.
He said interested people could call Mr Overall on 0407 332 132 or email wimmera lodge70@gmail.com