Meander Lodge in Deloraine has been a cornerstone of Freemasonry since 1889. With a rich history and a renewed focus on community engagement, the lodge is undergoing a revival, seeking to dispel misconceptions while honouring long-held traditions.
Freemasonry, often shrouded in mystery, is at its core a self-improvement organisation, according to lodge member Martin Brinkman. “It means different things to different people, but by and large it’s a self-improvement organisation,” he explained. “There’s also an external component, supporting charities and helping in the community.”
One of the persistent myths about Freemasonry is its association with religion. Geoff Fox, another dedicated member, clarified that while members must have a belief in a Supreme Being, Freemasonry itself is not a religion. “It is a multi-faith organisation. We take people from different faiths and we sit in harmony,” he said. “We don’t talk about politics or religion in Lodge, and that allows us to work together not based on faith, but on what we bring.” There are Jewish and Christian members at Meander Lodge.
Fox, a nurse who has recently overcome a battle with cancer, has been part of the lodge since 1998. “I’ve been a member here off and on for over 25 years,” he said. “I wouldn’t have stayed if it wasn’t enjoyable. It provides something for me to stay.” Brinkman, a project management consultant, joined Meander Lodge 18 months ago, inspired by the efforts of its members to restore and reinvigorate the organisation.
With 14 active members, the lodge is focused on steady growth. “We’ve got opportunities to admit three new members a year,” Brinkman said. “We want to make sure that each new member gets the attention they should get rather than swamping it with too many all at once.” Their goal is to add 10 new members over the next three years, strengthening their presence in Deloraine and the broader Meander Valley.
The other thing is people probably never knew that you don’t get invited to join Freemasonry. You ask. You ask. And no one knew that you had to ask.
History plays a crucial role in the lodge’s identity. Recently, the members reached out on social media to find descendants of former members. “We got about eight hits, and out of those, a good three or four we have verified,” Brinkman said. “One of those was as early as 1920. Now we have the task of finding out exactly what those members did here in the lodge so we can share it with those families.”
Freemasonry in Tasmania dates back to the early 19th century when British garrisons brought the tradition to the island. Meander Lodge itself was originally chartered under the Irish Constitution before aligning with the Grand Lodge of Tasmania in 1890. In a surprising historical connection, the lodge recently established a relationship with Shamrock Masonic Lodge in Kirkcubbin, Northern Ireland. “They found us because I created a Facebook page,” Brinkman said. “Now we’ve got a relationship with them. They’re in a rural setting just like us, and they’ve been going since 1903.”
Beyond history and tradition, the lodge is involved in supporting the local community. They have partnered with Deloraine House, an organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable residents. “They have an annual Christmas orphans lunch, and we thought that would be a great thing to donate to,” Brinkman said. The lodge has also begun hosting fundraising barbecues, with a portion of the proceeds going towards their Benevolent Fund.
Freemasons Tasmania has introduced a community support fund, offering grants of up to $6,000 for local initiatives. “We’re making people aware that this is something they can apply for,” Brinkman noted. The lodge is also involved in statewide charitable efforts, contributing to organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, The Smith Family, and women’s shelters.
Freemasonry has long been seen as a secretive organisation, a perception that members of Meander Lodge are eager to challenge. “We haven’t been good at explaining who we are,” Brinkman admitted. “The problem is, you can Google it, but you won’t really know what you’re reading online. You can only find that out by coming inside here.”
For those interested in joining, the process takes around four months, provided they meet the requirements. “You have to have a belief in a Supreme Being,” Fox explained. “You have to be 18. And there’s this little thing about being male.” While women cannot join the lodge, they are welcome at social events, and alternative organisations such as the Order of the Eastern Star exist for those interested in a similar experience.
Despite its deeply rooted traditions, the lodge is adapting to modern times, embracing technology and open communication. As the organisation moves forward, it remains committed to both its members and the wider community.
For Fox, who has lived in Deloraine since 1991, the town itself is as much a part of his identity as the lodge. “My wife and I travel often around the local area,” he said. “We love the area.” Brinkman, meanwhile, finds solace in nature. “The Meander Falls bushwalk is one of my favourites,” he said. “And just sitting by the river here in Deloraine—it’s a nice spot to reflect.”
Meander Lodge will be hosting a ceremony on Saturday 29 March. For more information contact martin@mbapc.com.au.
As the Meander Lodge continues its resurgence, its members remain focused on preserving the past while embracing the future, strengthening their ties to both history and community.
