Community & Business
1 June, 2026
Freemason’s farewell Lodge’s home
After 129 years The Clifton Lodge will be farewelling its hall on Fisher Street, after ballooning insurance premiums forced The Clifton Lodge to move premises. We joined them for the last time in the old hall.
The Freemason’s Hall on Fisher Street was constructed in 1897, on the block behind Clifton State School on Logan Road.
In 1929 it moved to its now home, on Fisher Street.
For 129 years the Freemasons of Clifton have been meeting beneath those beams.
Pictures of past members Joffre Bell and George Rickert, one of Clifton’s last blacksmiths, adorn the wall.
“Ledgers still exist from 1869, their families still live in Clifton.” Mason Darryl Keyes said.
The Freemasons have been a part of this town almost as long as it’s been a town.
Darryl joined the Masons after marrying into the Mullers.
At the reception the idea of joining was put to Darryl.
He hasn’t looked back.
He’s attributed the masons for his many friendships and self-confidence.
“You know what masonry is all about, believing in God, strict morals, and being a just and upright person,” Darryl said.
Originating back to 17th century Scotland, the Freemasons are a club which orient themselves around God, morals and hope.
Aiming to be upright citizens, their club is orientated toward being, as Darryl said, an upright person.
The main hall is littered with symbolism.
Pillars of Doric, Corinthian and Ionic design.
Bibles, staffs adorned with eagles.
Images of the King, and past Masters lined the walls behind rows of leather chairs for the members of the Lodge to sit in gallery during the procession of their ceremonies.
“We’ve lost a bit of pride, it’s got a lot of history this building doesn’t it? A number of local identities went through here. We’ll still continue you know but it’s really the end of an era.” Darryl said.
Lindsay Muller, Darryl’s brother-in-law and member of The Clifton Lodge described the pressure insurance put on the Lodge.
“Our insurance with Allianz just got too expensive,” he said.
From $2,660 before the hailstorm to $4500 afterwards. We just couldn’t afford it.”
What help was provided by Allianz, wasn’t help at all.
“We had these young fellas up from Brisbane, they just ripped up the carpet before throwing their hands up and leaving the job undone.”
“My daughter and I had to come and finish the job and clean up the corners,” Lindsay said.
But the Freemason’s aren’t gone from Clifton yet.
They’ll continue on at private residences, where they’ll continue with their ceremonies, community service and work in pursuit of being upright people.
But one can imagine that Clifton’s Masons will spend some time mourning their hall.
As should we all, these Freemason’s have watched Clifton for near 130 years.
They’re an important part of this place and our memory of it.
