By Matthew Sims
When you step in the main room of the Pakenham Masonic Lodge, you can tell there is a deep history behind and beyond the walls.
However, the current walls are relatively new, with the lodge having recently completed a $120,000 renovation and facelift.
The renovations included a brand-new kitchen and new walls to repair rising damp.
Worshipful Master of the Pakenham Lodge said the lodge was always welcome to new members.
“The lodge itself is growing,” he said.
“We’ve got some new guys that are amazing.
“The guys in here are so dedicated.”
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation with links stretching back to the local guilds of stonemasons from the end of the 14th century, using rituals and symbolism to teach men to be the best versions of themselves.
When you first enter the Pakenham Masonic Lodge, your eye could get drawn to the wooden ‘G’ hanging from the ceiling – representing ‘God’ or the ‘Grand Architect of the Universe’ – or the Bible on a pulpit – referred to as the ‘Volume of the Sacred Law’.
Another eye-catching element are two stones or ‘ashlar’, one rough and one perfectly sculpted, said to serve as symbols of a man’s spiritual and moral life.
Worshipful Master Hodder said the rituals each member must go through represent a transition.
“It’s about a little bit of self-discipline and not taking everything for granted,” he said.
While women are prohibited from joining the main meetings, widows of past members and wives are welcome to come along for a chat and dinner.
Mr Hodder said the foundations of the organisation was on its history, its ceremonies and its strict rules, including that all members must attend meetings dressed in a black suit with gloves and a tie.
“The idea of all being dressed the same is that we’re all equal,” he said.
“There’s a lot of history in the place.
“I try to foster a family feel here.”
The Pakenham Masonic Centre has also donated to a number of local schools and organisations with $7000 of donations per year.
The Pakenham Masonic Lodge meets on the first Monday of every month from 7.30pm.
