Freemasons Victoria

20-26 MAY IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Relief is a core value in all Freemasons.
Whether you volunteer to participate in raising money for charity or just listening to a friend or Brother in their time of need.

We want to thank all our amazing Brethren who volunteer and give their time freely to so many worthwhile causes and organisations.

A BIG thank you, Brother.

If you would like to become a Freemason - Enquire Now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Go Team Freemasons 24! Tonight we are in force with our high viz beanies supporting Melbourne City Mission and the ‘Sleep at the G’. With a whopping 100k raised to support this great cause.

Happy Mother's Day!
We wish all mothers a happy Mother's Day!

May the 4th be with you!

If you would like to become a Freemason - Enquire Now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Lest We Forget

Eichyd da, Eichyd da, Eichyd da!
A proud tradition and saying from the Sebastopol Lodge No. 63 which is derived from the Welsh language which expresses good wishes and good health before drinking.

VWBro. Reverend Israel Morris Goldreich, known as Harav Ezriel Meir in Hebrew, was born in 1834 in Kudzberg, Poland.
He served as the Rabbi of the Ballarat Synagogue for an impressive 37 years from 1868 until his death in 1905.

In 1869, he married Priscilla Levy on the 13 January (5629 in the Hebrew calendar).

The couple had eight children. Tragically, Priscilla Goldreich passed away on the eve of Tammuz 5643 (3 July 1883) due to childbirth complications with their 8th child at the age of 40.

In the realm of Freemasonry, VWBro. Reverend Israel Morris Goldreich had a rich history. He was initiated into King Solomon's Lodge No. 422 (I.C.) No. 29 (V.C.) in Melbourne on 26 August 1862, passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft on 9 September 1862, and became a Master Mason on the 14 October 1862.

His Masonic journey continued as he joined Tasmanian Union No.536 (E.C.) in Hobart (14/5/1864), Yarrowee Lodge No. 713 (E.C.) in Ballarat (3/11/1868), Buninyong Lodge No. 413 (I.C.) on the 21 March 1877, drawing a Clearance on the 13 March 1878.

He also became a member of Sebastopol Lodge No. 452 (I.C.) on the 7 December 1877, earning the esteemed rank of Very Worshipful Brother, Past Grand Lodge Chaplain from the United Grand Lodge of Victoria in March 1890.

VWBro. Reverend Israel Morris Goldreich held various positions at Sebastopol Lodge No. 452 (I.C.) and No. 63 (V.C.), including serving as Master in 1877, Immediate Past Master in 1878, 1879, and 1881, and spending 23 years as the Lodge Chaplain from 1882 to 1905.
In 1886 VWBro. Reverend Goldreich was offered life membership free of dues but he refused to accept this.

Some interesting facts about his Masonic journey include being nominated for Grand Junior Deacon in 1878, nominated as Grand Chaplain in 1880, and petitioning the lodge in 1882 to make a donation of £5 to aid distressed Jews in Russia.

In 1889, he was one of six brethren chosen from Sebastopol Lodge to attend the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, transferring their allegiance from the Grand Lodge of Ireland to the United Grand Lodge of Victoria and voting on the new Grand Master for Victoria.
In 1903 VWBro. Reverend Goldreich was made an Honorary member of the Sebastopol Lodge.

VWBro. Reverend Israel Morris Goldreich passed away on Sivan 24th 5665 (27 June 1905) in Ballarat. In a mark of respect, the United Grand Lodge of Victoria granted dispensation for members to wear full Masonic regalia from the entrance to the Ballarat New Cemetery Gate to his Grave. 19 brethren and 21 visitors attended to confer Masonic Honours upon our deceased brother.

If you would like to become a Freemason - Enquire Now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Wishing you a kosher and joyous Passover, chag Pesach kasher vesame’ach.

If you would like to become a Freemason - Enquire Now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

May all who celebrate have a blessed Eid!

If you would like to become a Freemason - Enquire Now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Did You Know?

Most Worshipful Brother Sir William John Clarke

Today marks the 193 anniversary of the birth of Sir William Clarke. 31/03/1831 – 15/05/1897.

MWBro. Clarke was the first Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of Victoria on its formation on 21 March 1889.

If you would like to become a Freemason enquire now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Happy Easter from Freemasons Victoria

If you would like to become a Freemason - Enquire Now
https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

United Grand Lodge of Victoria is celebrating its 135 year anniversary today!

21 March 2024 marks the 135 year anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of Victoria, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this significant milestone. Our history is rich with events and achievements, each contributing to the legacy of our United Grand Lodge.

In reflecting on our history, that inaugural Grand Installation held at the Town Hall in 1889, where MWBro. Sir William Clarke was installed, heralded a new era for Freemasonry in Victoria. Since then, we've witnessed growth and impact within our community. Over 900 Lodges consecrated, millions of dollars donated to charitable causes through our former Board of Benevolence, and the establishment of institutions like our two hospitals and the Freemasons Foundation all serving the Victorian community with care and compassion.

Through our Masonic Taskforce, countless hours of volunteerism have been dedicated to supporting those in need, being in the moment through tough times of fire, floods and the aftermath, but also making an impact on days like the Royal Children Hospital Good Friday appeal, together embodying the very essence of our Masonic principles.

As we mark this anniversary of 135 years, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting each other and our Lodges and upholding the tenets and principles of Freemasonry. Together, let us continue to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

If you would like to become a Freemason enquire now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Did You Know?

Australia’s Greatest Cowboy Star
Today marks the 111th anniversary of the birth of WBro. Herbert Henry (Smoky) Dawson. 19/03/1913 - 13/02/2008.

WBro. Smoky Dawson was initiated in Lodge St. Ives No. 873 UGL NSW on 13 March 1961. He was passed to the second degree on 10 July 1961 and raised to the third degree on 12 March 1962. He was installed as Worshipful Master of his Lodge in October 1970.

When WBro. Smoky Dawson was interviewed about his philosophy on life he replied with five words “Being Happy and conferring happiness.”

If you would like to become a Freemason please enquire now - https://www.freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

This annual Irish religious day has been celebrated for over 1,000 years and celebrates the life of St. Patrick who died in the fifth century. Traditionally Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon with dancing, drinking and a feast of traditional Irish bacon and cabbage.

Wishing all a happy and generous Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak!

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

Clean Up Australia inspires and mobilises communities to improve and conserve our environment, eliminate litter and end waste.

More than 21 million Aussies have participated in Clean Up Australia activities and events over the past three decades.

Today is the 1st day of Autumn
The first day of Autumn in Victoria, brings a subtle shift in the weather and scenery.

The air carries a crispness, signalling cooler days ahead. Leaves start to change colour, painting the landscape with hues of gold and crimson.

It's a time for preparation and reflection, as Victorians embrace the transition from summer to the cosy comforts of Autumn.

Did You Know?

Sir Joseph Banks, the renowned British naturalist, botanist, and patron of the natural sciences, was indeed a Freemason. Brother Banks was initiated into Freemasonry in 1773 at the age of 30.

He was a member of the Lodge of Antiquity No. 1, which is one of the oldest lodges in England, founded in 1776. Bro. Banks was also known to have held the office of Junior Warden in the lodge.

Sir Joseph Banks was born on 23 February 1743, and he passed away on June 19, 1820.

Did You Know?

Did you know that on this day, a significant figure in Australian television history was born? His name was Graham Kennedy AO, and he lived from 1934 to 2005. Graham was a versatile performer, working in radio, television, and film, and he's considered one of the pioneers of Australian television.

He became famous for hosting the variety program "In Melbourne Tonight" for an impressive thirteen years. After that, he hosted the immensely popular game show "Blankety Blanks," which was one of the highest-rated game shows globally at the time.

Graham Kennedy was highly regarded in the entertainment industry and earned several accolades during his career. He was known as the "King of Moomba," a prestigious title in Melbourne's annual Moomba Festival. Additionally, he won the Gold Logie award six times, a significant achievement in Australian television, and was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame in 1988.

Interestingly, Brother Graham Kennedy was also a Freemason. He was initiated into the St Kilda Lodge No 303 in the Victorian Constitution on 5 October, 1955, then passed and raised on 4 January, 1956, and 3 October, 1956, respectively.

Happy Valentine's Day! Wishing you a day filled with warmth, joy, and love. May your heart be as light as a feather, floating on the gentle breeze of affection. Here's to celebrating the beauty of connections, friendship, and the simple joys that make life sweet. 💖

Join Victoria in welcoming the Year of the Wood Dragon, celebrating diversity, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of the Lunar New Year!

Happy Lunar New Year from Freemasons Victoria.

Pioneer Aviator and Freemason

Charles Kingsford Smith, born on February 9, 1897, in Queensland, Australia, was a trailblazing aviator who made history with his daring flights. His notable achievement includes the first transpacific flight from the U.S. to Australia in 1928, piloting the "Southern Cross."

In addition to his aviation feats, Kingsford Smith was a Freemason, initiated in 1927 at the Lodge of Harmony No. 555 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Grand Re-Installation Bookings

Be sure to secure your tickets for the Grand Re-Installation of MWBro. Anthony John Bucca, along with the April Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on April 5, 2024, and the Grand Banquet on April 6, 2024.

Registrations for both events are via Trybooking - https://trybooking.com/civae

Freemasons Foundation Victoria invites applications for scholarships in 2024.

If you're a Year 12 graduate of 2023 or a secondary student in Victoria, seize this chance for educational aid. Apply here:

https://www.freemasonsfoundation.org/secondaryandexternaltertiaryscholarship

Happy Australia Day Brother!

On this special day, let's come together to celebrate the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Australia. May this Australia Day be filled with joy, laughter, and moments of pride as we reflect on the unique culture, diverse landscapes, and the incredible community that makes our nation so extraordinary.

Whether you're enjoying a barbecue with friends, watching fireworks light up the sky, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of Australia, may your day be filled with warmth and happiness.

Burns Night: A Toast to Robert Burns and Scottish Culture.

Annually observed in Scotland is Burns Night, on January 25th.

Burns Night commemorates the life of poet Robert Burns and his impactful contribution to Scottish culture.

Join us in toasting to the enduring legacy of Robert Burns and the cultural richness he bestowed upon us. Cheers to Robert Burns!

Did you know?
Today marks the 174th Birthday of Sir Edmund Barton.
18 January 1849 - 7 January 1920.
Sir Edmund was an Australian statesman, barrister and jurist who served as the first Prime Minster of Australia from 1901 to 1903.
Brother Barton was initiated into Australian Lodge of Harmony No. 555 (E.C.) on 13 March 1878 in New South Wales.

Did you know?

Brother Fred Walker was an Australian businessman and founder of Fred Walker & Co. and the Fred Walker Company in Melbourne.

He also set up Kraft Walker Cheese Co. in partnership with American businessman James L. Kraft in 1926, in order to market Kraft's patented method of processing cheese.

Brother Walker was also a Freemason.
He was initiated at Austral Temple Lodge No. 110 on 9 July 1919.

Did you know?

Today marks the 101st birthday of actor and Brother, Charles "Bud" Tingwell.

He was on born on 3 January 1923, in Coogee, NSW.
Sadly he died on 15 May 2009 in Melbourne, Victoria.

Brother Tingwell was initiated in Lodge Carinya No. 719 (United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT) on the 27th of January 1950, passed to the Second Degree on the 28th of July 1950 and then raised on the 25th of May 1951. Brother Charles remained a member his entire life.

He is remembered for starring in so many wonderful Australian movies.