Ayr’s Masonic Temple now heritage listed
One of Ayr’s iconic buildings, described at the time of its opening as “one of the most stately and beautiful buildings of its kind in Queensland”, has been entered into the Queensland Heritage Register.
Built in 1935, the Ayr Masonic Temple was entered into the register by the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) on 25 February.
QHC Chair Leslie Shirreffs said Ayr’s Masonic Temple was important in demonstrating the development of Freemasonry in Queensland.
“The temple, on the corner of Mackenzie and Macmillan streets, is an imposing two-storey brick building,” Ms Shirreffs said.
“When constructed it was one of the more impressive temples built in Queensland in the interwar period, especially given Ayr’s relatively small population at the time.
“The temple’s design and construction illustrate the expansion of Freemasonry during the interwar period, reflected in the building of an increased number of elaborate, permanent Masonic buildings.
“The present-day Ayr Masonic Temple replaced an earlier highset timber Masonic Hall built in 1903 on the same site, to cater for Ayr’s first Masonic lodge, formed in 1896.
“This earlier hall survived Cyclone Leonta, which levelled most of Brandon and Ayr in 1903, but was replaced 32 years later as it could no longer accommodate the town’s three Masonic lodges that existed by 1913.”
Ms Shirreffs said the Ayr Masonic Temple was a beautiful building, featuring a well-composed and prominent temple-front and high-quality design and construction.
“The building has splendid symmetry, form, and scale; is built with high-quality materials, fittings and decorations; and has Masonic allegories and symbols finely integrated into its design.
“The temple’s overall features have remained relatively unchanged over the years, and it retains its aesthetic significance as a highly intact masonry building in an impressive ‘Interwar Classical’ architectural style.”
The foundation stone for the Ayr Masonic Temple was laid on 9 December 1934, with its opening on 22 June 1935 attended by Masons from across Queensland.
Opening celebrations included a ball attended by more than 500 guests.
Since its opening, the Ayr Masonic Temple has catered for Masonic functions, dances, public meetings, parties, wedding receptions, sport and craft groups, and church services and funerals, with the grounds also hosting community markets.
“Various dignitaries have also attended events at the Masonic temple, including Queensland Governor Sir Leslie Wilson in 1936 and Queensland Premier Vince Gair in 1952,” Ms Shirreffs said.
There are a number of Masonic Temples listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, in locations from Brisbane to Barcaldine to Yangan.
The application to enter the Ayr Masonic Temple into the register was made by a member of the public.
Anyone can apply to have a place listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Places entered into the Queensland Heritage Register are protected under the state’s heritage legislation, ensuring they are maintained and retained for future generations.
See more information on Ayr Masonic Temple.