History of Pine Rivers Lodge   

In the year 1894 Phoenix Lodge   (our Mother lodge )No. 2564 E.C. (North Pine) the original name for "Petrie" was consecrated under the Banner of the United Grand Lodge of England and along the paths of its history it acquired:

A Charter from the United Grand Lodge of Queensland, A Daughter Lodge, Coronation No.141 in the year 1902;

Now in 1969 three quarters of a century later, another Daughter, Pine Rivers Lodge No. 511; two diamonds in the tiara, and a small jewell in the crown of Freemasonry in Queensland.

The ceremony of consecration of this new lodge commenced at 5:55 p.m. with the Processional entry of the Provencal Grand Master, Most Wor.Bro. J.A.R.Thompson; the deputy Grand Master, Rt.Wor.Bro.Strachan, and Grand Officers.

Following the usual procedures, the Pro.Grand Master declared and opened an Occasional Lodge for the purpose of consecrating a Lodge to be known as Pine Rivers Lodge, then assisted by Grand Officers proceeded with the ceremony, which was conducted with such dignity and significance as to deeply impress and win the approbation of all present.

At its conclusion, the control of the Lodge was passed into the hands of the Deputy Grand Master in order to conduct the ceremony of Installation of  Wor. Master and Officers of this Lodge. It is interesting to note here that Rt. Wor. Bro. Strachan also conducted the ceremony of Dedication of the Petrie Temple in September.1966.

V.Wor.Bro. L.D.Thompson was obligated, invested, and installed as Foundation Master, Wor.Bro. M.Kidstone and Bro. H.Larsen invested and installed as Foundation Senior and Junior Warden respectively.

The remaining Foundation Officers were placed in their several officers after their investiture as follows:

Chaplain, Bro. G.W.Chapman; Treasurer, Wor.Bro. N.Higson; Secretary, Wor.Bro. A.Thomson; Director of Ceremonies, Wor.Bro. O.W.Wegener; Senior Deacon, Bro. D.B.Simpson; Junior Deacon, Bro. D.A. Jones; Deputy Director of Ceremonies, V.Wor.Bro. J.H.Akers; Almoner, Bro. T.V.Ryan; Organist, ---, Assistant Secretary, Bro. R.B.Carnellor; Inner Guard, Bro. A.C.Petherick; Stewards, Bro. D.Smith, Bro. G.Forsyth, Bro. K.Reeves, Bro. L.J.Williams, Bro. J.H.Bennand, Bro. S.N.Thisfield : Tyler, Bro. A.J.Dunstan.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the Pro Grand Master conferred the rank of Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies on Wor.Bro. O.W.Wegener for his sterling services to Freemasonry.

Most Wor. Bro. J.A.R. Thompson, accompanied by Rt.Wor.Bro.T.Strachan and Grand Officers then formally retired, and the newly installed Worshipful Master, V.Wor.Bro. L.D.Thompson then closed the lodge. The brethren repaired to the festive board, where the Pro.Grand Master and Grand Officers were the guests of honour. It was here that the wit and charm of oratory flowered with M.Wor.Bro. J.A.R.Thompson an adept of the art, whose illuminating address included high commendation of the selfless efforts of Bro. R.B.Carnellor and V.Wor.Bro. L.D.Thompson, the co--conveners of this new Lodge.

Rt.Wor.Bro. W.Walker in speaking bought to light some highly interesting facets of local history relating to Phoenix and Coronation Lodges, and what we would now consider dreary privation of communications and travel, and one concerning early names of localities in the district, while Rt.Wor.Bro. Affleck was reminiscent of his youth spent in this locality, and his memories included our well known Bro. Snow Ebert.

The Wor. Master and his wife cut the cake to the acclamation of all present. Several popular items of harmony were rendered,and along with toasts and replies, the evening concluded on a very happy note, voted by all a huge success.