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Masonic Links
| Freemasonry in Australia and New Zealand
Masonic Orders
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
United Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Victoria
Tasmanian Lodges
Southern Lodges
Northern Lodges
Launceston-Laurie Abra Memorial Lodge
Lodge Lauriston
Launceston Lodge of Research
North West Lodges
Our Leaders
| Grand Master
Most. Wor. Bro. Allan Sangwell
Most W. Bro Sangwell has an extensive Masonic background having been a member for 40 years.
He was initiated into Tasmanian Naval and Military Lodge, No. 43, on August 3, 1970. He progressed through office, culminating in his installation as Worshipful Master on Anzac Day of 1979.
M.W. Bro Sangwell is proud to relate that he undertook his three degrees as a double with his late father, Bro Harold Sangwell. In 1980, following the demise of the lodge secretary, M.W. Bro Sangwell was elected secretary and continued in that role until Tasmanian Naval and Military Lodge relinquished its Warrant in July 1985. M.W. Bro Sangwell affiliated with Darcy Wills Memorial Lodge, No. 85, and was elected Senior Warden in 1986 and installed as its Worshipful Master in 1987.
His progression through Grand Lodge office commenced in 1981 when he was appointed Grand Steward. He has been a Grand Tyler, Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Deacon, Grand Director of Ceremonies and Junior Grand Warden in 1990. In 1991 MW Bro Bryce Ward conferred the Order of Distinguished Service on M.W. Bro Sangwell for his contribution as a member of the organising committee for the Grand Lodge Centenary celebrations.
In 2001 M. W. Bro Alan Swinton conferred the rank of Past Deputy Grand Master upon M.W. Bro Sangwell in recognition of his services to Freemasonry in Tasmania.
The Deputy Grand Master was appointed Grand Secretary in August 1994 and after 16 years service retiring from that office on January 31st. 2011
M.W. Bro Sangwell is also active in other Orders of Freemasonry. He and his wife, Pam, have two children, Nerissa and Darren, four grandchildren.
M.W. Bro Sangwell is also a Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the Tasmanian Society of Justices of the Peace and for many years was its Registrar. His services were recognised by being granted Life Membership.
Deputy Grand Master
Right. Wor. Bro. John Slore
R. Wor. Bro. John Slore has an extensive Masonic background having been a member for 31 years. He was initiated into Centenary Lodge No. 54 on November 12th. 1982, progressed through office, culminating in his installation as Worshipful Master on his 38th birthday April 14th. 1989.
He was again installed as Worshipful Master of Centenary Lodge in April 1990 until amalgamation with St. Georges and St. Johns Lodges to form the new Lodge Launceston No. 2. He was installed as Worshipful Master at Lodge Launceston on September 25th. 1995.
His progression through Grand Lodge office commenced in 1994 when he was appointed Grand Steward. He has been Grand Tyler, Grand standard Bearer, Grand Deacon, Grand Director, Grand Chaplain and Grand Warden 2003.
In 2010 M. W. Bro. Norm Cooper conferred rank of Past Deputy Grand Master on him in recognition of his service to Freemasonry.
He was a member of the Board of General Purposes for 6 years and a member of the Board of Benevolence for 4 years and Vice President in his last year. He is also active in other Orders of Freemasonry.
He has two adult children, Joshua and Samantha his partner is Dorothy (Dot). He is also National Secretary and Tasmanian Vice President of the Masonic Motorcycle Association of Australia
Magazine Archive
| Why be a Freemason
| Freemasonry is unique. It cannot be likened to any institution in that it offers experiences not found anywhere else.
Freemasons are ordinary men in the community, 18 years and over, of all religions and racial backgrounds, who share a concern for human values, moral standards and the rights of individuals. These individuals strive to live by the fundamental principles of integrity, goodwill and charity.
Freemasonry offers members an insight and knowledge of history and philosophy, and appreciation for ancient ritual and symbolism, personal development, public service and hands on involvement with charitable activities. Freemasonry is a non-profit organisation that is heavily involved in supporting charity and community service.
Freemasonry also provides the opportunity to socialise with men from all walks of life, without religious or political barriers and aims to unify men of high ideals regardless of colour, creed, race or worldly status.
Members are banned from any political or religious discussions whilst at Lodge, to ensure peace and harmony is constant. After the Lodge ritual is completed, members come together to share a meal, and family and friends are often invited to participate. Freemasons often refer to the term “meeting on the level and parting on the square” which means they meet as equals and part as friends.
Freemasonry can provide men and their families an enjoyable and active social life with like-minded people from all walks of life. Family and family values are an important part of a Freemason’s life.
It must be noted that as a Freemason, family is to be valued above all else and at all times should take prudence over his Masonic membership. However, it is important that a member’s family understand his Masonic association and support him in his development.
Freemasonry offers men an opportunity to develop the core values of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice. Prudence is to help us make correct and just decisions; temperance keeps us on the straight and narrow; fortitude promotes self-confidence and strong self-esteem; and justice provides us with guidance in life.
Members are also provided with training in self-development, which includes public speaking, mentoring, tolerance, communication skills and self confidence.