October 2017 NSW Masonic Club 5 October 2017 NSWMC Magazine 5 The President, Brother H L Askey said to the assembled crowd: “It gives me great pleasure to formally open this, our new Masonic Club building. The completion of this building marks a red letter day in the history of Club life in Australia. As you are aware, this is only the formal opening, the official declaration will be made by His Excellency Worshipful Brother Lord Stonehaven, Governor General of Australia, on the 4th October next. I now declare this Club open for the use and benefit of its members.” Thus the President, Bro. H. L. Askey, at 12 noon on the 12th September 1927, when with the key handed him by the architect, Bro. C. W. Chambers, he opened and threw wide the doors, the very same doors which are still in place and admitted the members of the N.S.W. Masonic Club into possession and occupation of their future home. A large number of Members had congregated in Castlereagh Street in anticipation of this event, and as soon as admission was obtained, they entered and at once proceeded to explore and criticise the various rooms. It was evident that there is still a lot to be done before the whole of the furnishing and general final touches can be completed, but even in its unfinished state there is sufficient evidence to convince the most captious critic that arrangements on a lavish and up-to-date scale had been made for members comfort and convenience. This is an exact transcript from Club Journal Vol 3, No 2 dated 15 September 1927. Therefore, exactly 90 years later, I the President, Worshipful Brother Stephen G Bates celebrate this milestone with you our Members, invited guests, fellow Directors, Management and staff of the NSW Masonic Club. When this building was built, it was the tallest building to be built in Sydney and the first reinforced concrete construction seen in Sydney. This set the ‘yardstick’ for many of the new buildings to come in Sydney. This Club was quite a talking point when it opened, as evident in the original newspaper feature which now hangs in this foyer. Original facilities within the Club included a library and card room on level 9, a snooker room, a ballroom on level 2 with a wraparound balcony, a magnificent Dining room, now called Cellos, still on level 4, a main bar taking up this whole floor, Member’s lodgings and the most well preserved boardroom on level 1. In the early 1980’s, the top six floors were converted to accommodation. Bathrooms were added into all rooms for the first time, they were previously at the ends of the corridors, and in 1984, the top six floors were deregistered from the Club to create the Castlereagh Inn, not the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel. The whole building is still owned and operated by the NSW Masonic Club and administered by a Board of 9, six being Master Masons. Further restoration works followed in 1990 with a full level 4 restoration and the level 1 Boardroom in 2003, which was re-opened in late 2004 by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, who tendered her apologies for today’s event. Today, the traditions of the past 90 years are significant and great pride is taken in the preservation of standards set so many years ago. The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel is now the lifeblood of the Club, supplying the revenue needed to operate the Club and restore various parts of the premises, both front and back of house. Next year the New South Wales Masonic Club turns 125. Established in 1893, this premises is actually the third but permanent ‘home’ for the Club. We are currently working on a number of activities for next year’s celebrations to mark yet another momentous occasion. We, the Board, truly appreciate the support so many give to this Club. From our Members and frequent guests who call this Club ‘home”, my fellow Directors who give generously their time to administer the Club through to the Management and staff who work so hard to provide the services and well-maintained facilities for us all to enjoy. Now, it gives me great pleasure to cut the cake so deliciously prepared for this special occasion. Afterwards, there will be refreshments and canapes served in the Reagh Bar. Thank you all for your attendance and participation today. 90th Birthday Speech Presented by Club President, Stephen Bates 90years ago in 12th September 2017 Parliament House in Canberra was officially opened by the Duke of York • World population was 1.9 billion • Top hits included My Blue Heaven, by Gene Austin, Black and Tan Fantasy by Duke Ellington • David Kirkpatrick (Slim Dusty) was born • Governor of New South Wales was Sir Dudley de Chair • Bart Cummings, Australia’s Best Racehorse Trainer, was born • Trivalve wins the Melbourne Cup • Stanley Bruce was Prime Minister of Australia • Popular flms included London After Midnight, The King of Kings, The Jazz Singer • Donald Bradman made his first-class debut for NSW against SA in the Sheffield Shield • The US President was Calvin Coolidge • Roger Moore was born • The pop up toaster was invented • Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic • Melbourne gangster, Squizzy Taylor, died in a gun duel in Carlton • Ford Motor Company ceased manufacturing the Model T after making 15 million cars • Work began on Mount Rushmore • 7-Eleven was founded, known as Tote’m Stores Photos top L-R: The fabulous 90th birthday cake; Members gather to celebrate at the Club building’s 90th birthday party