Ancient Ceremony meets the Australian bush
24 February 25
On February 15th, as the sun began its descent over the Lachlan River near Cowra, NSW, an extraordinary Masonic ceremony was about to unfold. The second annual Grand Master's Raising Under the Stars would take place at Lachballan Cowra, a 1700-acre working farm where centuries-old gum trees would bear witness to a ceremony usually confined within lodge room walls.
As evening approached, Brethren and their ladies gathered for drinks near the river's edge at the festive board. The anticipation was palpable as the sun inched closer to the horizon. Brethren were ferried to the outdoor lodge room, a clearing transformed into a sacred space. Festoon lights hung from gum tree to gum tree, creating a boundary of light around this temporary lodge room. Over 100 Brethren took their seats as nature provided its own overture – the calls of cattle from nearby paddocks mingled with a flock of cockatoos flying down the river, their squawking calls echoing through the dusk air.
Once all were seated, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Aviation 688 and his Officers took their stations. RW Bro Joe Corrigan, the Host and Organiser, welcomed everyone to Lachballan and thanked the assembled Brethren for making the journey to experience this unique setting. He then welcomed The Grand Master, MW Bro Khris Albano, who addressed the Brethren and acknowledged the presence of the 37th and 39th Grand Master, MW Bro Derek Robson AM CMH, and the 40th Grand Master, MW Bro Lesley Hicks.
As the setting sun cast its final rays, the Lodge opened first in the First Degree and then in the Second. The Worshipful Master, paying due respect to the Ancient Landmarks and Constitution, offered the Gavel to the Grand Master, who accepted and proceeded to conduct the ceremony. The candidates, Bro Alex Wormald from The Royal Empire Lodge No 613 and Bro Joshua Lewis-Driver from Lodge Caledonia of Canberra 938, were examined on their proficiency in the Second Degree, demonstrating excellent knowledge of the work while their Brethren watched with keen interest.
A herd of curious "cow'ans" gathered at their paddock fence to observe the proceedings, unwitting witnesses to this solemn occasion. After the candidates passed their examinations, they were taken by ATV behind a distant hill to maintain the security of the Lodge. By now, darkness had fully descended, and the lights were extinguished, leaving only the stars above to illuminate the scene.
Nature seemed to play an active role in the ceremony, speaking loudly to all in attendance, particularly poignant as we are reminded to "continue to listen to the voice of nature." The stars appeared between the canopy of gum trees, and the moon's late arrival emphasised the sublunary and probationary nature of our abode – not just of the outdoor lodge room, which would later vanish without trace, or that we all have called Cowra home, even if just for a night, but as a reminder of life's transient nature, symbolised by the moon's temporary appearance during the night.
The newly raised Master Masons were visibly moved by their experience, finding both the ceremony and its unique setting beautiful and inspiring. Though the "cow'ans" looked on throughout the ceremony, the secrets of the degrees remained secure.
After the Lodge closed, the Brethren returned to the festive board for a delicious banquet, fellowship, and harmony. The conversations around the tables and the toasts that followed praised the special nature of the Grand Master's Raising Under the Stars. The Grand Master himself remarked that this was an event to be remembered and cherished in our thoughts, a night when the ancient craft met the timeless Australian landscape under a canopy of stars.
The next happy meeting of the Grand Masters Raising Under the Stars has already been set for 7th February 2026 at Lachballan, Cowra.
