Masonic Hall (fmr)

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value for its remaining form and detail of the Inter War Stripped Classical style executed in brick and tile. Internal details that remain from the original construction are likely to reflect this style and original use.
• The place has historic value for its association with the Freemasons of Western Australia who were prominent during this period for providing opportunities for members of their organisation within the wider community.
• The place has social value for its association with many community groups which have used this place since 1928 for a variety of purposes including social events, meetings and private functions

Physical Description

Located on the corner of York Street and Forrest Street, the former Masonic Hall now forms part of St Columba’s Primary School. The original section of the building comprises the corner element which is of brick and render construction, the adjoining section extending along the Forrest Street frontage was added in the late 1950s and presents with a contrasting aesthetic following the construction of the portico entrance in 2009.

The brick and render corner section has a hipped tiled roof with gablets with finials. The elevation to York Street is blank with the exception of two doors. The visible three section window to Forrest Street contains frosted glass.

A rendered portico styled entrance was constructed in c.2009 which also incorporates ramped access to the building. The addition incorporates three classical style columns of two differing styles.

History

This portion of South Perth was subdivided for residential development in 1902, there is no information to indicate the site was developed and occupied until 1928.

In 1919, the Freemasons Board of General Purposes approved an application by South Perth Lodge No. 99 to borrow £250 ($500.00) by means of the issue of debentures for the purchase of land on which to erect a Masonic Hall. The site chosen was two lots on the corner of Forrest and York Streets. This area of South Perth was becoming more densely settled in the period following World War One.

No further action was taken by the South Perth Lodge until 1927 when they received permission from the Board of General Purposes to borrow £600 ($1,200.00) for the purpose of erecting a suitable Masonic Building. In 1928, a further application was made by the South Perth Lodge to borrow an additional £1,300 ($2,600.00) in relation to the erection of the Masonic Building, this second amount to be raised by £1,000 ($2,000.00) on mortgage and £300 ($600.00) by debentures issued to members of the Lodge, these debentures being interest free. Before the building was completed it was found necessary to make a further application to the Board of General Purposes to borrow £100 ($200.00) to meet the cost of sundry extras. The contract for the erection of the building was let to Totterdell Bros. Ltd. If an architect was involved in the design of the place it has not been determined in this research. It is probable that the builders constructed the place to their own design. In accordance with Masonic tradition, a foundation stone was laid in the north east corner of the building.

The building was officially opened by the M W Grand Master The Most Rev. Archbishop C O L Riley,
DD, LLD, OBE, VD, on December 17, 1928.

Although the Hall was built for South Perth Craft Lodge No. 99, Western Australian Constitution, it was used during its existence for many orders of Freemasonry including:

The Grand Lodge of Western Australia
Supreme Royal Arch Grand Chapter
Scottish Craft Masonry
Great Priory
Grand Imperial Conclave
The Supreme Council, 33 Degrees
Allied Masonic Degrees
Knight Templar Priests
The Worshipful Society of Freemasons – The Operatives

Aerial photographs indicate that the building was originally a simple 'T' plan form with the main length of the building parallel to York Street. This was likely to have been a hall space with smaller rooms at the front entry from Forrest Street under a separate roof form. In the mid 1950s, a new wing was added along the Forrest Street elevation which extended the pitched roof form of the front section of the building. This extension led to the creation of the 'L' shaped plan form of the building. Small awnings were constructed in the junction of the wings in the following decades.

In 2009, further additions were constructed parallel to the southern boundary creating a new wing from the Forrest Street elevation creating a 'C' plan form.

During the early decades of the 21st century the Freemasons managing this property received ongoing noise complaints from neighbouring properties. The lack of parking near the facility was also an issue for the users. In 2015, the place was sold to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth for use by the adjacent St Columba's primary School. The building is now used as additional administration offices for the school.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate / Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.