Our History | Lodge Sir John Lavarack No.110 | Scottish Freemasonry Since 1896

Lieutenant-General Sir John Lavarack, Governor of Queensland

About Sir John Lavarack

Sir John Lavarack, born on October 19, 1885, was an Australian military officer and Governor of Queensland. He joined the army in 1905 and served with distinction in both World Wars. During World War II, he commanded the 7th Division and later the First Army, playing a crucial role in the defense of Australia and the Pacific campaigns.

After the war, Sir John Lavarack served as Governor of Queensland from 1946 to 1957. He was knighted in 1951 for his contributions to Queensland and Australia. Known for his strategic brilliance and dedication to public service, Sir John Lavarack passed away on December 4, 1957, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.

A Legacy of Leadership

In 1947, Lieutenant-General Sir John Lavarack, Governor of Queensland, joined our lodge. His distinguished military career and leadership during World War II earned him great respect throughout Australia and the Commonwealth. In 1950, he was installed as Master of the lodge, bringing his renowned leadership and dedication to our Masonic community.

In 1986, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to both Freemasonry and Queensland, our lodge was renamed in his honor, becoming Lodge Sir John Lavarack. This renaming symbolizes our commitment to the values he embodied: service, leadership, integrity, and dedication to the betterment of society.

Our Journey

Lodge History Timeline

Tracing our evolution from Lamington Lodge to Lodge Sir John Lavarack

1896

Foundation as Lamington Lodge

Lodge Sir John Lavarack, originally established as Lamington Lodge No. 842 S.C., was consecrated on Friday, August 21st, 1896, at the Masonic Hall on Alice Street in Brisbane. The ceremony was officiated by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, marking the lodge's foundation under the Scottish Constitution.

1896-1900s

Distinguished Early Members

From its inception, the lodge attracted influential individuals from diverse fields, including industry, commerce, public utilities, politics, and community leadership. Members included academics, accountants, architects, bankers, clergy, doctors, dentists, engineers, lawyers, mariners, military personnel, and underwriters. Notably, the lodge counted a Prime Minister of Australia and two Governors of Queensland among its distinguished brethren.

1904

Formation of Grand Lodge of Queensland

Lodge Sir John Lavarack played a pivotal role in the formation of the original Grand Lodge of Queensland in 1904. During this time, Worshipful Brothers A. M. Hertzberg and E. Denny Day from the lodge held the positions of Pro Grand Master and Grand Treasurer, respectively. When the Grand Lodge of Queensland (Queensland Constitution) was established, the lodge was registered as No. 31 Q.C.

1921

United Grand Lodge of Queensland

Following the reconciliation of Masonic Constitutions in Queensland, the United Grand Lodge of Queensland (U.G.L.Q.) was formed. The lodge was re-registered as Lamington Lodge No. 110 U.G.L.Q. Despite the adoption of standardized rituals by the U.G.L.Q., the lodge proudly preserved its unique traditional rituals, reflecting its Scottish and Queensland heritage.

1922

Masonic Memorial Temple Construction

The lodge participated in the construction of the Masonic Memorial Temple in Brisbane, a project led by a Temple Committee that included M.W. Bro. Abraham Hertzberg. In recognition of its contributions, the lodge was awarded Hall Stone Jewel No. 5 in 1926.

1933

Governor Wilson Joins

The lodge welcomed Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, Governor of Queensland, who joined in 1933 and later served as Grand Master of the U.G.L.Q. Another notable member was Sir Arthur Fadden, who served as Prime Minister of Australia and remained a dedicated member until his passing in 1973.

1947

Sir John Lavarack Joins

Lieutenant-General Sir John Lavarack, Governor of Queensland, joined the lodge. His distinguished military career and leadership during World War II earned him great respect throughout Australia and the Commonwealth.

1950

Sir John Installed as Master

Sir John Lavarack was installed as Master of the lodge, bringing his renowned leadership qualities and dedication to service to our Masonic community.

1986

Renamed in His Honor

In recognition of Sir John Lavarack's outstanding contributions to Freemasonry and Queensland, the lodge was renamed Lodge Sir John Lavarack, honoring his legacy of leadership and service.

Today

Continuing the Tradition

Today, Lodge Sir John Lavarack continues to uphold its rich heritage, returning to its Scottish roots and preserving the original Scottish rituals. The lodge remains a vibrant part of the Masonic community, welcoming new members who wish to explore the timeless traditions of Freemasonry.

Our Rich Heritage