The Morwell Masonic Temple, constructed in 1927, is a simple single-storey red-brick building with a corrugated steel clad gabled roof (with vents along the ridge) concealed behind a façade parapet. The main part of the façade is symmetrically arranged with a central porticoed entrance and a window to either side. The portico is supported on tapered Tuscan columns and has a triangular pediment with the Masonic emblem in the tympanum. The front entrance beneath it has a double door with a lead-light transom, also featuring the Masonic emblem of the compass and square. The two single-pane sash windows have concrete render sills and segmentally arched lintels of orange-red brick, in contrast to the dark red speckled brick of the rest of the façade. The parapet wall is rather conservative for the 1920s and may have been modelled on a previous Masonic Temple, as the local chapter was apparently founded in 1887 (this date is featured on the parapet).
The brickwork, however, is decidedly of the 1920s, with horizontal chamfered bands of bricks running above the windows of the façade and a side elevation. The walls are divided into window bays by shallow brick piers between the chamfered brick bands.
This same chamfer motif is continued on the façade of the side annexe, which also has a similar window. The upper third of the brickwork appears to have been relaid. The annexe has a very simple parapet concealing a skillion-roof section behind it. The annexe may have been part of the original building or constructed soon after. Both the lintels and sill of the side elevation windows are concrete.
History
The Morwell Masonic Temple was opened in 1927 after the foundation stone was laid on 27 January 1927 by Bro. D McKay PJCD assisted by Bro. W McGowan WM and Bro. J Langdon Secretary.
The hall was in demand for social and wedding receptions. Often used by youth groups.
Its significance
Morwell Masonic Lodge Temple is of historical and social significance as a representative example of a Masonic Temple, which illustrates the importance of Masonic Lodges during the Inter-War years.
Morwell Masonic Temple is of aesthetic significance as a representative example of an Inter-War public building with classically-derived detailing.
The hall was also socially significant as an important community meeting place and recreation venue.
It is now the home of the Morwell Historical Society which took up residency in March 2015.
