Port Kembla Former Masonic Temple
This entry will be developed as information becomes available
Street Address: 195 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla 2505
Deposited Plan: Lot 1 Sec 5 DP 5868
GPS Coordinates -34.48483, 150.90450
Former masonic temple built of rendered brick with a corrugated iron roof. Plans for the building were prepared in 1923 and tenders sought. (Illawarra Mercury 10 Aug 1923 p2 and 31 Aug 1923 p9) The estimated cost of the completed building was £4,000. (IM 11 Jan 1924 p5)
The foundation stone was laid on 12 January 1924 in the presence of 350 masons. (SCT 18 Jan 1924 p10). Construction was affected by storms when the southern wall was blown down and the western wall buckled. (South Coast Times. 26 Jan 1924 p9). The first meeting at the temple was held in May 1924. (SCT 23 May 1924 p10)
By the end of the 1950s, membership of the Masonic Lodge was falling throughout Australia. At Port Kembla, many of the older residents relocated to other suburbs and were replaced by immigrants who were uninterested in joining the lodge.
The building was sold in June 2006 for $380,000. Other masonic halls were also sold as the local lodges consolidated in premises erected at Gwynneville. The Wollongong Masonic Centre opened in June 2013.
The Port Kembla property was sold again on 25 November 2011 for $685,000. The sale advertisement described the building as:
This unique building "loaded" with possibilities and uses. Currently setup as 3 separate halls along with kitchen and bathrooms. Great for meetings and conference facilities. However with a touch of flair and renovating skills this property would be ideal for the large family. Endless possibilities are awaiting you.
Features:
· Unique property that is awaiting your personal touch
· 1,062m2 (approx.) block with 2 street entrances
· Opportunity to work from home
· Close proximity to Warrawong and Port Kembla shops
· 5 minutes to popular and beautiful Port Kembla Beach
Land Size: 1,062sqm
Internal Size: 400sqm
John Shipp
3 March 2019
| Lodge Room |
