Coalfields Freemasons are opening their doors to the community on Saturday, November 5, to give locals an insight into the fraternity and its community work.
Members of local lodges will be hosting the open days, with the opportunity for visitors to view the interior of the Masonic Centres, and to be informed about the many charitable enterprises undertaken by the lodges, both locally and statewide.
Mitchell Perrin, Master of Lodge Tomalpin at Weston, encouraged locals to attend.
“We are a fraternity of community-minded men, open to all ages,” he said.
“Many have a negative perception of Freemasonry, and we hope a visit to our centre will overcome that.
“While we have some elements of our meetings which are held as private, we are not a secret society.”
His remarks were echoed by Damien Southam, Master of Lodge Cessnock.
“Many of the charitable initiatives in the Coalfields communities have been founded or supported by Freemasons,” he said.
“Whether it be the Masonic retirement villages, purchasing a vehicle for Jodie’s Place, support for education of autistic students, or smaller individual projects and donations, Freemasons have led the way.”
Lodge Tomalpin at Weston will be hosting a free training day on the treatment of snakebite in response to the recent surge in sightings, while Lodge Cessnock is offering a sausage sizzle to visitors and the opportunity to inspect recent renovations to the lodge.
The open day will run from 10am to 4pm.
Cessnock Masonic Centre is located in Cumberland Street (at the junction with Edward Street), and Weston Masonic Centre can be found at 47 Second Street.
