Wānaka’s Masonic Lodge
The Wānaka Lodge
No 277 New Zealand Constitution
The Wānaka Lodge was constituted on 11 February 1925, the ceremony being conducted by the MW Bro Thomas Ross, Past Grand Master. MW Bro Ross had been Provincial Grand Master for Otago, and would have been pleased to preside at another new Lodge in the Otago Province.
The first Master of the Lodge was Worshipful Brother John Faulks. The Wanaka Hall was used for Lodge meetings until the Lodge building was opened.
Wanaka Hall on the left c.1925. Ref. B83. Provided by Hocken Library
The Lodge building was opened on the Annual Installation night on 11 February 1937. The cost of the land was £15 ($30) and construction costs were £862 10s ($1725).
The Lodge had 25 Members from its opening, and over the years has been an important part of the Wānaka community since. A number of its members have also contributed to the Otago Masonic District.
The photograph of the Lodge building at 1 Dunmore Street, Wānaka shows a feature
noticed by many Freemasons - the "Square and Compass" on the front of the building is upside down from the way it is normally displayed. The builder, a non-mason was given a copy of the Square and Compasses and asked to put it above the door, but they omitted to tell him which way up it went.
The Lodge has used the space around the Lodge building to create car parks which are rented out; the money being used both to maintain the car park for the Lodge, and to assist charitable projects in the Community benefitting local charities and individuals in need.
The Masonic Lodge, 2026
