About Goldfields Freemasonry

This Paper has been reproduced in facsimile style [i.e. with corresponding spelling, style and abbreviations] in October 2000 from the original of which a copy was pasted into the Minute Book of Kalgoorlie Lodge No. 24 W.A.C. (pages 101-102) in October 1938.

The additional notes made to update the history, and appended hereto, have been prepared by Bro. D.C. Daws, Chairman of the Trust. October 2000.

Towards the end of 1892 gold was discovered at Coolgardie and a wild rush set in for this new El Dorado. Soon thereafter adventurous men pushed further afield and in June 1893 Paddy Hannan and his mates made history by the discovery of Kalgoorlie. These new rich fields brought an endless stream of humanity to Western Australia from all parts of the world, and this great tide swelled up through Southern Cross to Kalgoorlie. The city of Kalgoorlie rose like magic in the heart of the mulga. Rough camps soon gave way to hessian houses and these in turn were superseded by modern buildings of timber, brick and stone.

The first lodge formed was the Kalgoorlie, which was consecrated on 18th August, 1897, under the English Constitution. Then followed Sir William Wallace under the Scottish Constitution, Golden Square and others of both Constitutions.

The prime mover responsible for the erection of the Kalgoorlie Masonic Hall was the present Grand Master, M.W. Bro. Fred A. McMullen, who did the lion's share of the organising work and until the building and financial arrangements had been completed. In 1898-99, he was W.M. of the Kalgoorlie Lodge, and early in 1899, he convened a meeting of delegates representing Kalgoorlie, Sir William Wallace and Golden Square Lodges to discuss the erection of the Masonic Hall. These Lodges agreed to form the Kalgoorlie Masonic Hall Trust and jointly finance the building, which was erected at the east end of Egan Street, within 100 yards of the historic spot where gold was first discovered by paddy Hannan.

The foundation stone was laid on 5th July, 1899, by Sir Gerard Smith, D.G.M. (E.C.) and Rev. G.E. Rowe, D.G.M. (S.C.) and one of each of the coins of the realm, with records and various papers, lodged in a cavity under the stone. The inscription on the tablet reads: