Lowan Lodge 107 marked 140 years since the Post Office cornerstone ceremony with a march,
re-enactment and community gathering

On Saturday 20 September 2025 a special event occurred. To celebrate 140 years of Freemasonry in Nhill, The Lowan Lodge 107 reenacted the consecration of the cornerstone of the Nhill Post Office. The program followed the 29 October 1887 event with a march to the Post Office by all local Freemasons.

God Save the King was sung by all those present. WBro Wiremu Larkins Worshipful Master of The Lowan Lodge 107 was handed the plans of the Post Office building which were deemed correct. He along with WBro Graeme Price and VWBro Bill Howarth inspected the cornerstone and placed a plumb rule a level and a square in place. WBro Wiremu then poured wine, oil and sprinkled grain on stone. 3 taps were then done with a gavel and it was “well and truly laid”. Rule Britannia was sung after three hearty cheers from the crowd. WBro Rhys Webb provided history on the Nhill Post Office to those present. Finally the Australian national anthem was played completing the ceremony. A tree was planted by WBro Larkins and VWBro Haby in front of the Post Office and unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion.

The Farmers Arms was then used as the dining place for a dinner in the evening. The usual toasts were given throughout the evening. RWBro John McTaggart the Grand Masters representative congratulated the members of the lodge on such a historic event. Representatives from Nhill CWA, Nhill SES, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Nhill Lions Club, Nhill Rotary Club, Portland Lodge 6, Wimmera Lodge 70 were in attendance and shows the support each organisation has for one another. WBro Rhys Webb provided a detailed history of Freemasonry in Nhill from 1885 until present day and the many accomplishments that the Lodge has done in serving the district. Freemasonry is an organisation of good men supporting each other their families and the community. 

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 24 September 2025.