Sesquicentennial Celebration of Lodge St James No. 45
18 December 24
Lodge St James No. 45 proudly marked a historic milestone this year—its 150th anniversary.
Originally founded in 1868 under the Grand Lodge of Scotland as Lodge St James No. 574 (SC), the Lodge was established at Eaton's Hotel in Muswellbrook. In 1874, the Lodge relocated to Wallsend, where its enduring legacy truly began. On October 8, 1875, Lodge St James received its charter from the then, United Grand Lodge of NSW, adopting its current designation, No.45.
To honour this sesquicentennial occasion, an extraordinary night of celebration was held, bringing together members, guests, and dignitaries to pay tribute to the Lodge’s remarkable history and contributions.
The evening commenced with the formal opening of the Lodge, followed by the entrance of the Grand Lodge delegation, led by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, MW Bro Khris Albano, the lodge was then closed and Ladies and guests were then warmly welcomed into the Lodge to join the main event and formalities.
In his address, the Grand Master shared captivating stories about Lodge St James’ journey—from its Scottish roots to its integral role within the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT. He highlighted the enduring ties to Scottish Freemasonry, which were evident throughout the evening's Scottish-inspired festivities.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of custom-made Sesquicentennial Jewels to the Lodge members. These exquisite jewels featured the Lodge St James logo and were adorned with the Ancient Stewart Hunting tartan ribbon, celebrating the Lodge's Scottish heritage. The Grand Master was presented with the first jewel, numbered 001, though he joked about trading it with the brother who held jewel number 41. Each member proudly received this special memento, symbolizing the Lodge's long-standing excellence and unity.
The festivities continued with a Scottish-themed festive board that delighted all in attendance. Traditional delicacies such as white and black pudding—and, of course, haggis—were served. No fewer than three haggises were honoured during the evening, with a spirited "Toast to the Haggis" led by RW Bro Ken Burns and W Bro Col Wyvill.
Adding to the atmosphere, the City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band provided stirring musical performances throughout the evening, filling the room with the rich sounds of Scottish heritage.
RW Bro Rob Peattie shared a concise yet inspiring history of Lodge St James, offering attendees a glimpse into the Lodge’s storied past and its contributions to Freemasonry in the region.
The evening concluded in true Scottish fashion with a traditional Junior Warden’s toast, masterfully performed by RW Bro Richard Pickering. This heartfelt toast encapsulated the spirit of the night—a celebration not just of history, but of fraternity, heritage, and the enduring strength of Lodge St James No. 45.
Congratulations to Lodge St James No. 45 on 150 years of excellence and dedication to Freemasonry. Here’s to many more years of fellowship, service, and tradition!
📸Bro Renan Legaspi
