The Fremantle Lodge No.2 WAC is a Masonic Lodge located in the City of Fremantle, Western Australia. The lodge was originally consecrated in 1865 under the United Grand Lodge of England as Lodge 1033 English Constitution, and later as Lodge 002 Western Australian Constitution after the colonies of Australia became federated, and the Grand Lodge of Western Australia was formed.









Proposal for the founding of the Lodge

In 1864, a number of the Brethren of Lodge St John No. 712 EC under the Grand lodge of England, located in Perth, Western Australia, (Later to become No.1 WAC) sort support and advice of the W.M. of Lodge St John in the form of a letter, in relation to establishing a new lodge in the town of Fremantle, Western Australia. The letter read as follows;

“ Fremantle Western Australia, 4th June, 1864. Worshipful Sir and Brother, "We the undersigned members of the Masonic craft residing at Fremantle, being desirous of promoting the interests of the Order, are anxious to form a lodge here, and from the fact of Fremantle being the only seaport in Western Australia, the Masters of vessels coming here being Masons, and Masons being so well known all over the world for hospitality, think that the time has arrived when we ought to have a lodge; this most delightful end we imagine may be accomplished by the aid of yourself, Worshipful Sir, and the Brethren at Perth, to whom we now look for advice." We are, Worshipful Sir and Brother, Fraternally yours, Signed C.A. Manning[1] M.M., E.C. Deane M.M., Daniel Scott M.M., W. Jose R.A. N.R Patterson M.M., W.D. Jackson John King M.M. R.A., John Wellard Walter Bateman M.M., A. Francisco., E. Newman, Alfred Rosser ”



The letter was read in open lodge by WBro S.P.M Lochee to the W.M. who observed that while a lodge in the seaport town was very desirable, Bro Lochee urged that the establishment of a new lodge was an undertaking of serious consideration.

The W.M. concurred in the remarks of WBro Lochee and stated that the subject should be further considered when the Fremantle Brethren sent in the petition in form for transmission to Grand Lodge (of England). Furthermore, it was proposed by WBro Lochee and seconded by Bro J.W. (name not fully recorded in the minutes book) that the letter from the Fremantle Brethren be duly recorded in the minutes of the lodge.

Consecration of the Lodge

On the 1st of June 1865, an emergency meeting was held by Lodge of St John in Fremantle (location unknown), as the petition for the founding of the Fremantle Lodge had been received by the United Grand Lodge of England, approved and a warrant had been written, issued and sent to Lodge St John to be presented to the Brethren of the now newly founded Fremantle Lodge. The minutes for this meeting read as follows;

All FC's having withdrawn, the W.M. raised the Lodge. Bro Secy then informed the W.M. that certain Brethren, viz, Bro C.A. Manning, Bro John King, Bro W Bateman, Bro Francisco Jr, Bro E.C. Deane and Bro Wm. Jose and others not present desired to be formed into a new lodge under the English Constitution, and that a proper legal Warrant had been obtained for that purpose, which was now in the Lodge.

The W.M. then ordered Bro Secy to read the Warrant, which was done accordingly, and then handed to the W.M. The Fremantle Brethren having approved of the selection of officers, the W.M. of Lodge St John advanced to the pedestal and constituted the Lodge in form, in the following words;

"Acting under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England, I constitute and form your the Brethren before-named, into the regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons by the name and title of 'Fremantle Lodge No. 1300, and henceforth empower you to act in the same in conformity to the rites of our Ancient order, and the charges of our honourable fraternity."

The W.M. then called Bro C.A. Manning, the person named in the Warrant of Constitution as the first Master of the new Lodge, and after expressing his conviction that he would discharge the duties of his office with care and fidelity, ordered Bro Secy to read the Ancient charges, and Bro Manning having responded thereto, the Brethren Master Masons withdrew, the Past Masters alone remaining. The Brethren Master Masons having been readmitted, the W.M. then said that it was usual on such occasions as the present for the Grand Master or person acting on his behalf, to address a few words of admonition or advice to those who were about to take upon themselves the duties of conducting a Lodge, and being desirous that no portion of the usual ceremony should be omitted, he now purposed to do so. However, as all the brethren present of the newly founded Fremantle Lodge were Master Masons, the W.M. assumed as a matter of course that they were all so well acquainted with the history, principals and mysteries of Freemasonry as to require from him no instruction on those points.

Charles Alexander Manning, inaugural Worshipful Master of The Fremantle Lodge and prominent figure in the Swan River Colony. Photo credit: City of Cockburn

The new W.M. of the Fremantle Lodge (WBro Manning) was then pleased to appoint and invest the following Brethren as officers of his Lodge;

Bro John King - Senior Warden

Bro Walter Bateman - Junior Warden

Bro Alex Francisco Jnr - Treasurer

Bro Edward Chas. Deane - Secretary

Bro William Jose - Senior Deacon

Bro Daniel Harrington - Junior Deacon

Bro James Herbert - Inner Guard

The two later Brethren were not present to be invested and would be invested on a later date. Bro W.M. Barlee acting at the request of WBro Manning closed the Lodge.

Fremantle as No.3 WAC?

When the petition for the foundation of the Fremantle Lodge was sent to London to be reviewed by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) in 1864, it is alleged at around the same time, the petition for the foundation of the Geraldton Lodge (currently No.003 WAC) in the far North of Western Australia was also sent for review. A story that is often told among the Brethren, is that two UGLE delegations were dispatched from England, the first of the two bound for Geraldton, and the second bound for Fremantle.

It is alleged that the first of the two tall ships, carrying the UGLE delegation for the Geraldton Lodge had trouble with their mast or yards, and was forced to make port somewhere on the South or South Western coast of Africa to make repairs. During this time, the ship carrying the UGLE delegation for the Fremantle Lodge overtook the first ship, and as such the Fremantle Lodge was the first of the two to be consecrated, and then when the Grand Lodge of WA was founded, became 002 WAC as the existing lodges were listed in order of original consecration. Some say if it wasn't for the delay of the first ship, Fremantle would have been No.3 WAC instead of No.2. However the above story, whether true or not is never told with any kind of annoyance or jealously, but is often told as an item of harmony during the festive boards/South, and is always met with great mirth and amusement by members of both Lodges.

First meetings of the Lodge

The first meetings of the Fremantle Lodge were held at the residence of one Bro Wellard on the corner of High and Henry Streets in Fremantle, Western Australia. The room was said to have been small and poorly ventilated, which in the South Western Australian climate proved to be unbearable, especially as the Brethren wore full dinner suits under their regalia.

MW Bro Michael Samson, son of Bro Lionel Samson. Michael was the first Brother to be initiated into the Fremantle Lodge in 1867. He would go on to become District Grand Master of the District Grand Lodge of Western Australia under UGLE, and then Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Western Australia.

Sometime later, it was reported that a lodge building of sorts was being built by another fraternity by the name of 'The Oddfellows', on the corner of High street and Pakenham street also in Fremantle. The order of the Oddfellows gave permission to the Brethren of the Fremantle Lodge to hold their meetings at their lodge, with the first meeting held on 1st July 1867. However, it soon became apparent that the building was not altogether satisfactory, and on a number of occasions the Brethren were compelled to sent correspondence to the Oddfellows to voice their concerns.

On the 9th April 1873, the following letter was sent to the Trustees of the Oddfellows lodge;

“ I am directed by the W.M. of the Fremantle Lodge of Freemasons, No 1033, to call your attention to the untenable state of the Lodge room used at the odd fellows hall, and to ask that you will take some immediate steps as to repairs. I shall be glad to lend you the keys at anytime you may be inclined to inspect the room. I am, Gentlemen

Yours Respectfully

Signed Sam I Soloman.

Sec 1033 ”



It can also be noted, that the fees for membership at this time was 7 shillings per quarter, which in today's currency would be approximately $260.00 AUD.

Building of the original Fremantle Lodge rooms

At a meeting on 1st September 1874, one Bro Mcleary advised that her was going to donate his salary as secretary for the previous year towards a building fund and suggested that a building fund be established. It was put into motion an carried, that a committee be formed to oversee the necessary preparations. This committee consisted of; the W.M. (WBro J.F. Stone) the I.P.M., Treasurer, Secretary and Bro's Broomhall and WBro Mannning.

The original Fremantle Lodge building on Marine Terrace, as viewed from Fremantle Town Hall, C.1899.

At a later meeting, WBro J.F. Stone advised that he had had a private conversation with the Hon Colonial Secretary and that the Lodge would probably receive a land grant. (This grant would later be granted in earnest)

After some years of planning and raising funds from both within the lodge and without, it was suggested that His Excellency the Governor (Sir William Robinson) lay the foundation stone. At a meeting on 4th April 1876 however, it was advised that H.E. The Governor could not be asked to do this, and that His Honour the Chief Justice should asked to lay the foundation stone instead during the ceremony instead.

The original Fremantle Lodge building as it is today, currently owned by a private business.

Laying the foundation stone of the original Fremantle Lodge

On Tuesday the 18th of April 1876, the interesting and impressive ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Fremantle Masonic Hall took place. Around this time, a famous prison escape by a number of Irishman (the Fenians) being held at the Fremantle prison took place and apparently lessened the public interest in the foundation stone ceremony, however the attendance was still reported to have been large. The current lodge building was said to have been profusely decorated and within the building was set up to accommodate the ladies of the lodge with tickets having been issued by the Worshipful Master for the later celebrations.

The Brethren of the Fremantle Lodge and other Freemasons assembled in the existing lodge at 1500 hrs where the Worshipful Master (At this time WBro John Frederick Stone) opened the lodge.

Once the lodge was opened the lodge formed a procession, and marched through High and Mouat Streets followed by a large crowd. On the head of the procession arriving at the site of the Brethren opened to the right and left, facing inwards, leaving space for WBro Stone to pass up the centre, he being preceded by the Inner guard, the other Officers and Brethren following from the rear.

The proceedings were opened by prayer by the Reverend D.G Watkins B.A. After this, Bro Sir A.P Burt, the Worshipful Master, the Immediate Past Master, the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden drew near the stone.

The secretary then read the following;

"By the Grace of Almighty God. This corner stone of Freemasons Hall, Fremantle Lodge No. 1033, was laid with Masonic ceremonies by His Honour Sir Archibald Paul Burt, Knight, Chief Justice of the Colony, the Worshipful Master and Officers, and in the presence of many other Brethren who came to witness the Ceremony, Dated at Fremantle, Western Australia, this 18th day of April, A.D. 1876, A.L. 5876; His Excellency William Cleaver Francis Robinson, C.M.G., being Governor of the Colony, and in the 39th year of the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria."

RW Bro George Bland Humble, who was present at the consecration of the Lodge in 1876. Member and at the time of the consecration, Immediate Past Master of the Fremantle Lodge.

John Frederick Stone, WM

George Bland Humble, I.P.M.

Robert Morgan Sutherland, S.W.

James George Broomhall, J.W.

Alfred Frederick Durlacher, Treasurer

Walter Raleigh Pugh Smith, Secretary

James Pearce, S.D.

Barrington Clark Wood, J.D.

Joseph Doonan, I.G.

Michael Benson, Tyler

Bro J.G Broomhall, Architect and

Mr J.J. Harwood, Builder

The Secretary then handed the record to the Treasurer who placed it in the box and deposited it in the cavity of the stone, with the coins of the realm, a copy of the Herald, Enquirer, and WA Times newspapers. The Worshipful Master then handed the trowel to Bro. Sir A.P. Burt, and requested him to spread the mortar, the stone was then lowered into position, with three irregular stops, the band playing the national anthem, and the Worshipful Master marking time. (Note: The National Anthem for Colonies in Australia during this time, would have been 'God Save The Queen' which as a tradition is still sung at the Fremantle Lodge to this day at the opening of the festive board, along with the current Australian National Anthem.) Bro Sir A.P. Burt assisted by the Worshipful Master, then adjusted the stone with a plumb rule, level and square, handed to him respectively by the Junior Warden and Immediate Past Master, after which Bro Sir A.P. Burt gave the stone three knocks with the mallet, handed to him by the Worshipful Master, who then gave the following invocation;

Bro Barrington Clarke Wood who was present at the consecration of the Lodge. Member of Fremantle Lodge and Junior Deacon at the time of the lodges consecration. Bro Wood, would go on to become the Mayor of Fremantle in 1883, the first Mayor of The 'Municipality of Fremantle' having previously been the 'town of Fremantle'.

"Worshipful Master, Immediate Past Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, and Brethren all, before closing this interesting ceremony, I crave permission to express the deep satisfaction I experience in complying with the request which has this day enabled me to co-operate with my fellow labourers in the craft. We have now laid according to the rites of Freemasonry, the cornerstone of a building which, under God's providence, will be an acquisition and advantage to this town, at the same time that it affords good accommodation to the members of the society.

The existence of such a society in a seaport cannot be viewed otherwise than with satisfaction by all who recognise the fact that the great object of this benevolent institution is to aid and assist the distressed of all climes and all nations. The day has long past when the society of Freemasons was occupied in the structure of magnificent Gothic edifices. I fear Freemasons as builders must contrast unfavourably with Masons of the present day. This society, however, though now giving place to operative builders, yields pre-eminence to none as an association for benevolent objects. The association is one of great antiquity. The origin of the institution dates back about 4000 years before the Christian Era.

The mode and period in which the association became changed from a mere professional fraternity of Architects and Builders to a society of persons of all ranks, professions and callings connected by secret symbols, is unknown. It has certainly for years past excited much attention, and enrolled individuals of the highest rank, as we are mere convivial association. We are a benevolent institution; and the mysteries of Freemasonry, which have caused the association to be regarded, in some quarters, with suspicion, are mere symbols by which one member may make himself known to another, however different their languages, and in whatever country they may meet. And the obligation upon members is to aid and assist each other whenever need may require. Such are the legitimate objects of their mysteries and symbols such is the great secret of Freemasonry. It is now improbable that this institution, claiming no exemption from abuses to which all institutions are alike subject, may in times past, have been sought by political intriguers to be made available to further their schemes by the secrecy afforded by their symbols.

If such abuses existed, they are abuses of the past. In arbitrary governments, secret meetings and associations of persons connected by symbols known only to themselves, are objects of jealously. But, where men are not restrained from expressing their opinions openly, Freemasons do not labour under the suspicion of dangerous intentions, and are not regarded with disfavour. The present enrollment of its members, including His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness Prince Leopold, and Lord Carnarvon, is surely sufficient guarantee that the principles of Freemasonry are open to no such abuses under our free constitution. Our principles enjoin a vigilant discharge of the duties we owe to God, our Creator; a strict fidelity to the Sovereign; and an enlarged and active benevolence to our fellow creatures. Acting up to these principles, a man should glory in the name of Freemasonry."

WBro Sir William Frederick "Freddy" Samson. Son of MWBro Michael Samson, member of the Fremantle Lodge and Mayor of Fremantle 1951-1972.

On the conclusion of the Chief Justices speech the Worshipful Master presented the trowel to his Honour, and invited him to the banquet, which was held in the evening at the Freemasons hotel. (Note: What was originally the Freemasons hotel in Fremantle is still a tavern, but now named 'The Sail and Anchor'.)

The Brethren then reformed in the same order as they came, halting as they arrived at the Lodge gates, when the procession was inverted as before, to allow the Worshipful Master preceded by the Inner Guard, to lead into the Lodge Room.

The Fremantle Lodge during The Great War 1914-1918

During the great war (World war I) many of the members of the Fremantle Lodge, and other Fremantle based lodges signed up to serve King and Country. In response to this, in July of 1915 Harmony Lodge asked that a roll of honour be provided for the hall to contain the names of those members of the various Fremantle lodges who served and to those that served and those who were killed in action. A committee was formed to begin planning said honour roll. Initially only a printed scroll sheet would be made with a more permanent board to be made after the war ended.

At the finance and general meeting of the Fremantle Lodge in October of 1916, the lodge secretary had made a list of those currently in active service. At the time the list consisted of the following Brethren.

Brethren serving at the front:

Bro Captain JW Foxworthy

Bro Lieutenant Claude Herb Terry

Bro Corporal Arthur John Sellars

Bro Private Henry George Dungey

Brethren in camp awaiting deployment:

(the camp was located at a place called 'Blackboy Hill' in Perth, Western Australia)

Bro Corporal Walter Sefton

Bro Private Ralph Winter Salmon

Brethren working in munition production

Bro John Morris Finlay

WBro Edgar Ferres

WBro Ferres was present in uniform at the October 1916 meeting and, as recognition of his service of 9 years as Director of Ceremonies, he was invited to act as DC at this meeting. WBro Sefton also present at the meeting, was presented with a wrist watch as a mark of esteem and in recognition of his service to the lodge.

Further to the above, due to some Brethren in camp awaiting deployment at a moments notice, and not knowing when this was to happen, many degrees were conferred on members on short notice. One such event occurred in December of 1916 when Bro Lieutenant Eric George Henderson McKenzie, aged 20 was balloted for and initiated on 2nd of December 1916, passed on the 9th of December and raised on the 16th of December.

At the meeting of the Fremantle Lodge on 11th of December 1917, the WA introduced a new departure before closing the lodge, that of remembering our Brethren at the front. The secretary then read out the list from the previous made printed honour roll, of the Brethren who had been sent to the front. A portion of scripture was then read out by the Chaplain, and after one minutes silent prayer to commend the Brethren mentioned to the care of the T.G.A.O.T.U, the soldiers ode was sung with the Brethren all standing with the sign of Fidelity. The effect was said to have been 'solemn and impressive'.

Photographs of Fremantle Brethren that served during the Great War

Brother William James Westergaard

Brother John David Plummer.

Brother John Patterson

Brother J Colledge

Brother Benno Carl Lehman

Brother Alexander Cleland

Brother Albert Eranest Outred

Brother AJ Sellars