This is the second and final instalment of the article detailing the history of the Freemasons in Hay.

“The earliest document from the archives of out Lodge is a letter written by Mr Peter Tyson of ‘Corrong’ dated December 26, 1871, in answer to a circular letter from the Reverend Samuel Alexander Hamilton, Presbyterian Minister at Hay, who ultimately became the first worshipful master of the Infant Lodge Murrumbidgee,”Alex C.W. Welsh writes in his condensed version of the original History of Lodge Murrumbidgee, 37, Hay U.G.L. N.S.W.

“We next find on April 22 1872, Anno Lucis 5876 the Provincial G.M. of N.S.W. Scottish Constitution, sent our well-beloved Brother, P.M. Donald Cameron, S.C., Deniliquin to open and consecrate a new Lodge of Freemasons at Hay and install the first office bearers.

“The new Lodge met at an adjourned meeting of Freemasons held at Mr Read’s office, Lachlan Street Hay on April 8, 1872.

“The chief officers were W.M. Rev. S.A. Hamilton, S.W. Alfred Tartakover, J.W. Allen Lakeman.

“The second regular meeting was held at Tattersall’s Hotel May 13, 1872 when a dispensation having been received from Sydney to open a lodge.

The W.M. opened the lodge in the first degree.” George Henry Harrison was initiated in 1883 and remained a subscribing member until his death, April 25, 1931.

He lived to become Father of the Lodge. His two sons, George H. Harrison Jnr, and Fred A. Harrison were P.M.s in the Hay Lodge. Another well-known local family, the Johnsons, were also members of the Lodge. R.W. Brother John Johnson P.G.S.W was a P.M. from 1890 until 1892.

John Johnson installed his younger son, Gavin, to the W.M. of the Lodge on the 50th anniversary of his own initiation. John Johnson’s service to the community was recognised by His Majesty the King, who awarded on him the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

Another well-known citizen of Hay, Henry Barkly Maclure, was initiated in the lodge October 5, 1892 and during 1903-05 was the 22nd master.

“His work in the lodge was nothing short of excellent,” writes Mr Welsh.

“For years he was Hay’s most prominent citizen. He donated the sum of 2,000 pounds to form a scholarship at Hay War Memorial High School in the memory of his son Gordon who was killed in World War One.

“It was largely through Brother Johnson’s instrumentality and that of W. Brother H.B. Maclure, James Glandfield, James Houston, L.E. Pennman, and I.C. Ellis, that the idea of Hay War Memorial High School was conceived and successfully carried out.”

The first Masonic Lodge, or Temple was located in Lachlan Street. It sat where the Commercial Hotel is now.

Established in 1872, the first hall was established by the then Mayor William Sabine. The 50th anniversary of the lodge was in 1922, and they celebrated by refurbishing the hall at a cost of 500 pounds.

A centenary installation of the Lodge Murrumbidgee was held on September 2, 1972.

There were 48 members of the Lodge Murrumbidgee, 73 visitors and a Grand Lodge delegation of 21.

Members of the Hay Lodge served in World War One, with Jack Tyson killed in action.

In World War Two, Edward S. Whitteron died while a prisoner of war.

A memorial plaque was erected in the lodge to remember these fallen members.

The second craft lodge was built in 1878, and was located on the corner of Pine and Moppett Street.

It was built in 1878 and used by both the Masons and the community until 1988 and finally the demise of the building came in 1989 when it burnt down.

In later years the hall was used for school plays, functions, parties and balls.

It was demolished by Nerida Reid’s brother, Colin Barnes, who owned it.

People purchased parts of the hall in which they were interested, including the throne chairs, entrance, and archway. Over the 100 years of the lodge running there was said to have been over 200 masons, From postmasters to local police.

Mr Welsh lists the members in the abridged version of the Lodge’s history.

Some recognisable names over the Lodge’s time were W.M. Sprowell Whitteron, holding Grand Lodge Rank from 1951-1952.

W.M. John Kirkcaldy Johnston, son of John Johnston and brother of Gavin.

Gavin Johnston was believed to be the youngest W.M. of the lodge, holding the rank from 1941/42. W.M. Herbert Farlow, a dairy farmer and returned soldier of the Great War, held the rank from 1947-48.

In 1958-59 Clifford L. Farlow, ex P.O.W. form Japan, initiated renovations to the temple. Other notable surnames include Brunker, Thomas, Gibson, Matthews, Clarke, Houston, Whitehead, Milliken and Tyson.

In 1945, W.M. A.B. Cox was installed into the rank by W.B. Liver.

This officer was a keen jeweller and his jewels were worn by district past members. Mr W.C.P. Schade acted as I.P.M at the Centenary of installation of Lodge Murrumbidgee, which took place on September 2, 1972.

"Mr Schade took that role on for the coming year. He was the son of the Master of the Diamond Jubilee year.

"Brother Edward James Legge, S.W. Master elect spoke at the Centenary celebrations in 1972. “Freemasonry, far from being a secret society, did have a secret which was making men live better lives in a spirit of brotherly love,” he said.

“It uplifts society through its high moral teachings which seek to elevate the thoughts of mankind. Freemasons are taught the brotherhood of God and man; they are obligated to live by the Volume of the Sacred Law, to be good citizens and obey the law of the land.”

Freemasons appear to have admirably lofty ideals.

An organisation with a positive mindset, the society may have earnt a dubious reputation due to the secretive nature, but the good works and ideals of the organisation deserve praise and congratulations.