A Small Town’s Noble Gesture

16 March 26

Canowindra is a small town in Central West NSW, known for its winding main street, its bushranger history, and the renowned “Age of Fishes” Museum.

By W Bro Neil Milton 

It is also home to a proud Masonic tradition. Lodge Canowindra No. 478 has served the town for many years and, in recent times, has enjoyed a welcome resurgence in membership through both affiliations and new candidates.

A couple of years ago, the Lodge was approached by Cabonne Shire Council with a request. While the town’s public library was undergoing reconstruction, the Council sought temporary premises so that the community would not be left without access to library services. Lodge Canowindra readily agreed to make its rooms available.

In return, the Council undertook a number of maintenance works and improvements to the building, including upgraded lighting, air conditioning, and painting—enhancements that will benefit the Lodge for years to come.

For the past 18 months, the brethren have been meeting in the local CWA rooms, carefully setting up and packing away their furniture and regalia at each meeting. Despite these temporary arrangements, the Lodge has continued its regular work. During this period, Wor. Bro. Justin Verran was installed as Master, and more recently Bro. Joe Costello was initiated as the newest Mason in Canowindra.

The arrangement has required patience and organisation from the brethren, but it stands as a quiet example of Freemasonry’s commitment to community life.

At the March meeting, the brethren and their visitors were finally able to return to their permanent Lodge room.

Congratulations to the brethren of Lodge Canowindra for this public-spirited gesture, demonstrating once again that Freemasonry remains a living and active part of the communities it serves.

Well done, brethren—and welcome home.

📸The Brethren who attended the first meeting back in their building