News

Benalla Freemasons invite community to centenary celebration

By Simon Ruppert

Feb 5, 2026

Benalla’s Marangan Lodge was officially reconsecrated with a special ceremony in 2025. This year there will be another ceremony, celebrating the centenary of Moira Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 4.

Once considered members of a secret society, in recent years Freemasons have made a move to not simply open their doors to all, but also to actively promote their activities.

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When visiting Marangan Lodge in Benalla you won’t be met with special handshakes and guarded interactions.

You’re more likely to find a nice afternoon tea and several members queuing up to tell you all about the Freemasons, the local lodge and its history.

Back in June 2025 the Benalla Masonic Centre, home to Marangan Lodge No.64, celebrated its 150th anniversary with a grand reconsecration ceremony.

One thing that many might have guessed about Freemasonry is that it is a strictly hierarchical society, which is absolutely true.

In Benalla, Marangan Lodge, Worshipful Master Chris Halligan is at the top of the local pyramid.

Below him are senior and junior wardens, and other positions including deacons, stewards and a treasurer secretary.

Each has unique uniforms used at various ceremonies and meetings, and specific places they sit or stand in the lodge.

During the 150-year anniversary, the reconsecration was performed by Most Worshipful Master Peter Henshall, and his grand lodge team, which sits above Mr Halligan and his team.

Within the Freemasons, there are various levels members can achieve, outside these specific positions.

Once you have been a Freemason for some time, you can become part of a Mark Master Masons lodge.

One step up from there is becoming part of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners, usually referred to simply as the Ark Mariners.

Benalla not only has a Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, it is about to celebrate its centenary.

On Saturday, February 14 the community is invited to the Benalla Masonic Centre at 28 Benalla St to witness a Demonstration of Dedication and Constituting of Moira Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 4.

The grand ceremony, marking the lodge’s 100th anniversary, takes place from 2pm.

The ceremony will be followed by an afternoon tea.

Mr Halligan said the event was not to be missed.

“The Grand Commander of Royal Ark Mariner Masonry, his deputy and team, will come mainly from Melbourne and from various spots in Victoria to Benalla to perform the ceremony of rededication, which is a carbon copy of what happened 100 years ago,” he said.

“It’s one of the biggest ceremonies you could see in Freemasonry.

“Anyone from the community is more than welcome. Come along, have a look.”