The Glen Innes Masonic Lodge No. 44 is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone on 25 January 2025, marking 150 years since its establishment in 1875. This sesquicentennial anniversary highlights the long-standing presence and contributions of the lodge within the local community.
To commemorate the occasion, a book titled A Sesquicentennial History of the Glen Innes Masonic Lodge No. 44 has been written and published. The book details the intertwined history of the lodge, its members, and the growth of Glen Innes over the past century and a half.
The lodge’s early members played key roles in the development of the town, contributing to various sectors including local businesses, the hospital, the Municipal Council, community service clubs, schools, churches, ambulance services, construction industries, agriculture, and the arts. Their efforts were supported by fellow lodge members from surrounding districts such as Emmaville, Torrington, Ashford, Inverell, Armidale, Hillgrove, Guyra, and Uralla.
The sesquicentennial also coincides with the 90th anniversary of the lodge’s current building, adding further significance to the celebrations in 2025.
The book will be officially launched during the 150th installation ceremony of the Worshipful Master in February 2025, an event that will feature the NSW Masonic Grand Master. Copies of the book have already been donated to Eve Chappell at History House and the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library, ensuring its availability to the public and future generations.
