The foundation stone for this Masonic Hall in Brougham Street was laid on 27 December 1864. The architects were Messrs. Watson and Brown and the builders Messrs Kelly and Burton. (Plans in Puke Ariki collection ARC2013-1546)
The lodge was officially opened on 24 June 1865 and a "Freemason's Ball" was held there on 13 July 1865. The Hall was described as being "50 feet by 26 feet", only just big enough to accommodate the crowd of over 200.
According to the Fred Butler diaries (Puke Ariki archives) the Hall was sold to the Salvation Army in July 1890. The building was destroyed by fire in September 1921, having recently been converted into a clothing factory by Mr E. Bergman. The building, owned by Mr F. Amoore, was insured for £600 and the stock held by Mr Bergman for £1800.
Located at 75 Brougham Street, opposite the east gate to St Mary's Cathedral. Town section 733.
Related documents and plans:
Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 P48 and I3 P500 (Town Section 733)
Taranaki DP965 Sheet 1 Brougham Street (1896), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP4145 Sheet 1 Brougham Street (1921), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
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