Local News

Pictured (l-r) Very Worshipful Bro Andy Boyden, Bro Peter Whitley and Very Worshipful Bro Mike Hall. Image: Contributed.

Freemasonry in Maclean

The tradition continues for the Freemasons of Maclean.

The Master of the Freemasons Lodge for the last two plus years has transferred the responsibility for the Master of the Lodge (Livingstone) to Dr Peter Whitley who was installed as Master on Saturday May 15.

Peter Whitley’s installation ceremony was attended by a New South Wales Grand Lodge representative team led by the VW Brother Mike Hall. In a ceremony comprising many visiting freemasons from the surrounding region and Clarence Valley, Peter Whitley accepted the role of Master of Lodge Livingstone and indicated he will be keen to promote the role of freemasonry in and around Maclean and Yamba.

The evening’s ceremony culminated with a presentation to the past Master Roderick Smith.  A special medal, recognising the years of service as a Master of the Lodge, was presented by VW Brother Mike Hall.

The closure of the formal part of the evening was followed with a celebration of the Installation held at the Maclean Bowling Club. Freemasons and their partners enjoyed the camaraderie and fine conversations while toasting the installation of a new Master.

Peter indicated that freemasonry, like many other groups in our community, faced the challenge of maintaining relevancy and membership in our modern and fast paced society. The concerns and restrictions brought by the Covid virus represented another layer within our complex society.

Master Peter Whitley has indicated that over many years’ freemasonry has supported and promoted worthy community activities and initiatives. Such initiatives have included support for aged care facilities and disability groups.  Freemasonry must move forward in a changing world. Its future will depend on its relevance to a younger cohort of members and this imperative will be one of the challenges for Peter going forward.