A new building

In November 1954 it was proposed that a letter be written to the Grand Architect, inviting him to visit the lodge when convenient, with a view to discussing the future of the building. There was also discussion about the formation of a building committee, which was apparently agreed, but there appears to be no further record of this until a year later when the subject of a building committee was again raised and a committee formed.

A report from the building committee in September 1956 recommended that the lodge apply for a loan from Grand Lodge. The report was endorsed and W Bro Jack Hammond was also elected as a member.

W Bro Robinson as chairman of the committee, in 1957, delivered the recommendation that the present building be disposed of and a new temple be built on the site. Subsequently it was moved that the secretary write to Grand Lodge seeking approval to sell the building for removal, advising the intention to erect a new temple and seeking advice with regard to raising the required funds. W Bro Jack Hammond moved an amendment to the effect that the consent of the members be obtained before any communication with Grand Lodge about the matter. The amendment was carried 21-8. Some time later a letter of thanks was written to Mr Fendly for preparing plans free of charge.

The topic of the new building is continued here, although a little out of chronological order.

On 21 February 1959, W Bro J Hammond informed the brethren that a tender had been accepted for the erection of the new temple and that arrangements had been made with the C B A bank concerning an overdraft. A vote of confidence in the actions of the building committee was carried. At the May meeting, W Bro Hammond explained the financial position of the lodge and the state of the building program, which prompted him to submit a notice of motion relating  to the changes in fees and dues shown below.

Initiation Fee including G L certificate                          15/15/-
Annual Dues @ 1p 10s per quarter                               6/-/-
Emergent meeting by request of the candidate             2/2/-
Joining Fees       Master mason                                    2/2/-
                            F C to include raising                        4/4/-
                            E A to include passing and raising    5/5/-
Registration/Joining from another constitution              3/3/-
Country member                                                           1/6/-

On June 18 the brethren were asked to assist with digging of the trenches on the following Saturday so concrete could be poured during the next week. In the meantime, the old building had been moved by the Church of England to Palm Beach, reconditioned and repainted, and arrangements had been made for the lodge to meet at Coolangatta until the new building was available. Coolangatta charges were 10 shillings per meeting and 5 shillings for practices.

The original temple (with addition) is still in use as St Pauls Church hall in Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach.
The social committee presented the chairman of the building committee with a cheque for 100 pounds for his fund.

The foundation stone was laid on Sunday 4 October 1959 at 2.30 p.m. by the Grand Master at the invitation of the WM, W Bro J Fradgley, after which the wives of the members served afternoon tea in the premises of Hammond Motors. Donations received amounted to 219p 7s

The new building was dedicated, coinciding with the installation of W Bro R Aitken, on 18 June 1960, by the Grand Master, M W Bro H B Milliner assisted by Grand Lodge officers, R W Bro Patterson was Installing Master and V W Bro McLuckie, GDC. The building was insured for 8000 pounds.

OTHER EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES
In August 1957 it was decided that the lodge donate 5 pounds to aid Bro L McClymont who had lost his house by fire. After including funds collected in the charity box and other donations, a total of 20p 10s was given.

A donation of 3 guineas was approved for the Bowen Flood Relief Fund in 1958 and a further 10 pounds was donated to the same fund on 21 February 1959. In April 5 pounds was donated to the St Johns Cathedral Appeal.

Visiting lodges Tuscan, Tamborine, Southport, Coolangatta and Ballandean performed a number of degree ceremonies at Burleigh during the mid fifties and early sixties, while Burleigh reciprocated on visits to them. It appears that because the Tuscan Lodge was Scottish, the members brought with them their lodge charter, and apparently Burleigh Lodge did the same when visiting Tuscan.

Candidates were numerous during this period with multiple candidates for degree work being quite frequent.
Annual Past Masters nights were held and degree work at the Sandgate Homes was a frequent occurrence.
Finances were again a problem in late 1959 when the treasurer reported a debit balance of 85 pounds in the general account and a credit balance of 256p 4s 9d in the building account. W Bro Paget moved that 300 pounds be borrowed from the Charity Account at bank interest rate and that the brethren be requested to donate funds to the building fund. A Country Building Fund Loan from Grand Lodge was quickly requested which helped to ease the problem.

It is interesting to note that on 21 May 1960 there was a secret ballot agreed to, for the
consideration of a motion that the members of this lodge be permitted to partake of Spirituous
Liquors at the festive board. The motion was defeated.

In recognition of their outstanding service to the lodge, in 1961 R W Bro F B Hammond, R W Bro S R D Andrews, V W Bro A C Black and V W Bro J L Schuster were presented with fountain ns by the W M and in 1964, the same Andrews and V W Bro J Simpson were made Life Members.

The early sixties saw a progressive reduction in the bank overdraft while at the same time many donations were made to various charities and public appeals. The need for Christmas 1964 presents for residents of the Sandgate Homes was recognized by the two R W Bros Hammond, who moved and seconded that 5 guineas be donated. This particular donation continued for some years.

The meeting in January 1966 decided to apply for the perpetual lease on the lodge land to be converted to freehold and in February of that year, the balance sheet and accounts were converted to decimal currency. Balances then stood at $2153.08 (debit) in the General Account and $63.76 (credit) in the Benevolence Account. A quote for painting of the toilets of 46 pounds ($92.00) was accepted.

Editors note: thank goodness the need for spelling pounds, shillings and pence is ended. A pound sign was desperately needed on this keyboard.

A cheque for $175.69 from the bank as interest rebate on the loan account was gratefully received and in February 1967 a donation of $20.00 was sent to the U G L of Tasmania to help with rehabilitation of those burned out during the recent bushfires.

Concern for the financial situation of the lodge was again evident in 1967 when the Secretary wrote a letter of appeal to all members seeking donations to eliminate a number of debts. This letter was not included in the minutes but a number of ledger entries in late 1967 and early 1968 showed donations to a special appeal, which were significant but apparently not as much as anticipated.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Apparently the lodge had a social committee from its early years, however there is very little reference to its activities in the lodge minute book other than the receipt or use of funds raised. Fortunately one book containing minutes of social committee meetings from May 1951 to July 1974 was found giving some indication of the social events held. The major event being an annual debutante ball but also, dinners, boat trips and barbecues,

The ball in 1961 attracted 14 debutantes resulting in a profit of 75 pounds being donated to the building committee.

In 1965 a request was received from Grand Lodge seeking a price for the provision of lunch for a touring party of 90 persons who were to attend the Grand Lodge installation. W Bro Alfred W Ham, president of the Social Committee provided to Grand Lodge, a suggested menu to cost 17/6p per head, adding that alcoholic and soft drinks would be available at a price based on consumption. A letter from the Grand Master concurred with the arrangements. A number of letters were received in relation to this event advising that five coaches carrying 170 would be attending, another stated the figure as 167 and the final number catered for was 173.

The luncheon proved successful and a letter thanking the lodge, particularly commending the efforts of the ladies, was received from the Grand Master.

Although some mention of conducting a ball was made in earlier lodge minutes there is no record of one being held. All reference to the conduct of Masonic balls was restricted to the minutes of the social committee. The following item appeared in the 3 April 1968 edition of the Gold Coast Bulletin. The newspaper item indicates that the first ball was held in 1947 and the editor has been told that one debutante was a daughter of Clive Sawtell and the flower girls, daughters of George Paget.

The Social Committee of the Burieigh Heads Masonic Lodge announces their 21st Annual Debutante and Cabaret Ball which will take place at the Burieigh Heads R S L Hall on the 16th May 1968 commencing at 8pm.
To celebrate the special occasion of its 21st birthday, the committee has taken the opportunity to introduce its first Cabaret night that should provide a very entertaining night for all attending.
Admittance will be by ticket only, which can be obtained from the Secretary, Mr R Whichello Phone 5.1762.
Book early, only a limited number of tickets available.

The Masonic Balls were great social events attracting large crowds including many dignitaries viz. MLA's, the local mayor and aldermen. Until 1969, they were held in the Burieigh RSL hall. The debutantes, one of whom was the eldest daughter of Russell Hinze MLA (known as the Minister for Everything), were usually presented to the Grand Master or his representative. There is no record of a ball being held in the years 1970 and 1971, the next known one was at the Tallebudgera Playroom in May 1972 when the tickets cost $4.00 single and $7.00 double. At the time of writing (March 1999) the Playroom is again under threat of closure and possible demolition.

In 1974 a joint meeting of the Burleigh and Surfers Paradise Lodges social committees agreed to conduct a ball in the Miami SHS Great Hall, the hiring charge was $75.00, cleaning $15.00, catering by the school ladies auxiliary $2.25 per head and the admission charge $10.00 double. It was also agreed that after all expenses had been paid, the account would be closed and a cheque for the proceeds given to a member of the Board of Benevolence at the next meeting of Burleigh Lodge. It was moved that a similar event be held in 1975 but there is no record of the event.

FROM THE LODGE MINUTES
In September 1966 it was proposed that the building committee be instructed to call tenders for the external painting of the building. The same subject was again raised in November 1967 and, although there is no further reference to tenders being accepted or work approved, there were two payments of $300.00 and $233.00 made to C Lalley in August 1968, for painting (no money, slow committee or slow painter??).
Bro R A Dunn passed away on 21/1/67 whilst in the office of treasurer and it was agreed that a brief case donated by Mrs Dunn be suitably inscribed. Also at the following meeting, W Bro L G Warner was then appointed to complete the year. Lloyd remained in the office for almost 27 years.

In July 67 the lodge purchased 100 stackable chairs from Sebel Sales at the cost of $514.12. Presumably, these are the metal chairs that are still used for major events that require seating in the main hall.

FREEHOLD TITLE OF LODGE LAND
A Land Administration Commission valuation of $7500.00 for conversion of the land to freehold title was received in November 1967 with provision for payment over 20 years. At the December 1967 meeting it was decided to pay $707.10 as the first instalment. At the same meeting, the lodge approved the purchase of a electronic Yamaha organ for $850.00. This amount was reduced to $587.00 by a gift of $200.00 from Bro Smart and a saving of $63.00 tax. RW Bro W North was thanked for building the organ surround and the platform on which it was mounted. A social committee donation of $200.00 was received in September 1968.
Further payments of $356.25 were made for the land in March 1968 and 1969 and in February I 1969 a motion was carried to the effect that the lodge apply to the Grand Lodge Country Building I Fund for assistance in paying for the land and to ease other debts. A May 1969 ledger entry I indicates receipt of $5500.00 from the Building Fund. Following this, payments of $4046.01 and k six months later $200.92, were paid on the land.

During this period the Burleigh Heads Royal Arch Chapter donated four fans to the lodge.

FINANCES AND A LEVY
The lodge financial situation was again a problem prompting a motion from the Secretary in September 1970, that a levy of $10.00 be imposed on each member for the purpose of clearing the overdraft with the C B A bank. This resulted in the treasurer's financial report moving from a debit balance in the general account of $101.40 to a credit of $574.90 three months later.

1970/71 saw eight applications for initiation with two candidates in successive months and a busy program of degree work for some months. In 1972/73 there was only one initiate but the lodge gained twelve joining brethren. A steady increase in members was maintained for a number of years thereafter.

In 1971 new collars and gauntlets were purchased and in 1972 a working party was organized to lay couch grass on the western side of the building.

ANNIVERSARIES
In November 1972 the WM accompanied by a number of officers and brethren attended the fiftieth anniversary of the Coolangatta Lodge and in March 1973 a special committee was formed to arrange the fiftieth anniversary of the Burleigh Lodge, to be combined with the installation in June. The following program was agreed:
    Lodge tyle at 2 p.m.
    workings to 5.30 p.m.
    commence barbecue at 6 p.m.
     meal and speeches to end at 8 p.m.
    tables cleared and entertainment commence at 8.30 p.m.
     invitations to be sent to all district lodges limiting attendance to 10 per lodge
     invitations to all past members who could be located
     tickets at $2.50 per head to be sold in advance with provision for seating up to 200

The attendance book recorded 35 members, 39 visitors and 35 grand lodge officers. With the addition of ladies for the meal and entertainment, the figure of 200 may have been quite accurate.
At the installation, M W Bro Bauer spoke at length on masonry and the lodge, making particular mention of W Bro Geike who was the foundation D C. He then conferred the following honours:
W Bro Aitken and W Bro Warner - P D G D C and V W Bro Fradgley - P J G W.
The lodge adjourned for harmony at 5.30 p.m., conforming with the committee's estimated time.

Sunday 7/10/73 at 10.30 am, was a memorable occasion when RW Bro Barret, AGSW  accompanied by the WM, PM's and brethren of the lodge attended the home of RW Bro S R D  Andrews (then 93 years old) for the presentation of his 50 years service jewel. Morning tea was served by Misses Hazel and Margaret Andrews.

In January 1974, 47 visitors attended the regular meeting, 15 of them from Lodge Uki No 497 zer,   (NSW). This was apparently the first of the fraternal visits which have been exchanged with that lodge to the present time. Sadly, the 1999 visits will be the last as the Uki numbers have declined to the extent that they will cease to meet before this history is published.

Later in 1974 the amount of $100.00 was donated to each of two brethren in distress after the record flood and a cheque for $200.00, the proceeds of the Masonic Ball, was presented to the Freemasons Homes. In December a quote of $750.00 was accepted for the external painting of the building and in early 1975, it was reported that arrangements were in hand for the next ball with 12 debutantes listed for attendance. There is no mention of a 1976 ball, but a combined lodge's ball was held in June 1977 at the Broadbeach Bowls Club.

In May 1977 V W Bro L G Warner proposed a notice of motion that Annual Dues be increased -Town members from $13.00 to $20.00 and Country members from $7.50 to $9.50. This was carried at the June meeting and at that meeting, Bro Scheele (SW) proposed three notices of . motion. Briefly these were:
1.        That the lodge honours the founders and past masters of the lodge by erecting a professionally completed Roll of Honour.
2.        That a monthly meeting notice be sent to each subscribing brother and that a installation card be sent to each member with the notice for each installation.
3         That a new committee be formed and be known as The General Committee for the purpose of taking care of and to be responsible for - Social Activities, Hall and Property, Planning and Organising of Fund Raising and Financial Matters. The committee to comprise all Officers and a number of brethren, to meet at every second practice night and report to each lodge meeting.

Motion 3 was amended by deleting "Hall and Property" and all three motions carried at the July meeting.
It is not known how long this committee functioned but as a matter of interest, in 1997, discussion along similar lines took place and without any formal motion, it was decided to discuss these matters at the first practice night each month with all brethren permitted to attend and participate in the discussions. At the time of writing (1999), this meeting is still effectively held.

The amount to be spent on refreshments at the installation banquet was increased from $50.00 to $200.00 as the result of a motion by the secretary in November 1979. Two years later it was determined that for any meeting, the WM be authorised to order reasonable food and refreshments for the members and visitors, to be paid for from the lodge funds, and the amount » for installations was raised to $400.00.

The notice paper for February 1978 referred to a Lodge of Sorrow at Surfers Paradise Lodge and the fund for endowment of a two-bed ward to honour Bro J Denning. It was stated that the appeal had raised $349.00 and the target was for $400.00. "Please keep the donations coming!!" was the message.

 Sadly, as the result of a stroke suffered by Bro J C Milne close to the date of the meeting, the 1978 installation ceremony was postponed. At the July meeting it was proposed that a fresh | election of officers take place but this was ruled out of order as the Grand Lodge had instructed t that the current Master should continue in office and the other elected officers be invested. This duly took place at the August meeting and W Bro Jack Scheele remained in office for a further year.

 Further problems arose at the next installation when a substitute had to be found due to the illness of V W Bro Stone, who had been selected to install his nephew, Bro M R Head.