Hallstone Jewel

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Narrated by R.W. Bro. John Dacey of Enogerra Lodge and W.M. Samford Lodge
Compiled by Wor. Bro. Ralph Bailey, W.M. Albion Lodge 1991-1993

Very few brethren, even the Worshipful Masters who wear them at all Lodge Meetings and Festive Boards, know the history of the Hallstone Jewel, struck by U.G.L.Q. in 1925.
The story is closely allied to the erection of the Masonic Memorial Centre at 133 Ann Street.

Shortly after the establishment of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland, Rt.Wor.Bro. F.W.Buckham suggested that it was timely - To erect a significant building to house the Headquarters of U.G.L.QA site was chosen at what is now 133 Ann Street, Brisbane when Most Wor. Bro Alexander Gorrie was Grand Master in 1921-1922. His successor, Rt.Wor.Bro. Charles Stumm, who was Grand Master from 1922 until his death in 1929, was the real driving force behind the erection of the new centre, being ably assisted by the Grand Secretary Rt. Wor. Bro C.H.Harley.
All the brethren of the jurisdiction were levied 4 Guineas ( Approx. $8.40) but the members of 93 Craft Lodges, The District Grand Lodge of England in Queensland, The District Grand Lodge of Carpenteria (U.G.L.Q.) The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Queensland, The Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Queensland and the District Grand Lodge of Mark Masons E.C. went a step further. They levied themselves an additional 2 Guineas (Approx. $4.20)to add to the funds. It is these lodges and chapters that are entitled to the Hallstone Jewel. (Refer List following) In 1925 two lodges, Prince of Wales No.3 and Jubilee No107 received their Hallstone Jewels. All others were presented before the dedication of the Centre in 1930 when the fund closed.

Fortunately, Rt.Wor Bro John Dacey of Enogerra Lodge is Still Alive (at original time of writing 1994) to provide details about the Jewel and what each has a value of today. John was an apprenticed jeweller with Wallace Bishop, Jeweller of Albert Street Brisbane, were the Jewels were made.

The actual craftsman who constructed them was Eric Faux, to a design by Rt. Wor. Bro. F.J.Wilkes who also designed the Grand Lodge Standard, The Grand Lodge Crest and the Clock in Grand Hall.

Right Wor Bro. Wilkes was initiated into North Australia Lodge No 1 in 1910. Eric Faux and C.W.Bishop were both members of Brisbane Lodge No 279.

The Jewels are made from Gold. They were composed of 22 Carat gold alloyed to 9 Carat, Melted and Rolled to 16 Gauge roughly in the form of a square. These were placed in a lathe and recessed leaving two rims, the letters "HALLSTONE JEWEL U.G.L.Q." were stamped on the die (A block of steel) and soldered into position.

The wreath a the bottom was cut out by hand . The silver disc enamelled blue and surmounted by the U.G.L.Q. Coat-of Arms and silver lined was also stamped on the die and fixed in the centre of the Jewel.

Above the Jewel, The Square, Compasses and the letter "G" mounted on a cube were made by hand. The cube being shaped from a block.

The frame above this section was cast in "Cuttlefish" ( I.E. two Halves), one with the template impressed and the other plain and the two sections wired together for the molten gold to be poured in.

Inside the frame the Lodge Name is enamelled in dark blue. All the engraving on the Jewels was done by Jack Lowe whose business was in Burnett Lane off Albert Street, Brisbane. All jump rings, as well as fastener at ribbon around the neck are 9 Carat gold.
At the bottom of the Jewel on the reverse side is stamped W.B.9CT.

The years 1925 to 1930 were the times of the great depression. The average weekly wage at that time was the equivalent of $11.17. Today the average wage is computed at $420 Plus. These early brethren sacrificed more than one third of their week's wage (extra) to build our magnificent centre. Are we as generous and devoted today?

The Masters of Lodges granted Hallstone Jewels were among the official guests at the dedication of the Temple on 9th December 1930. No further Hallstone Jewels could be struck after this date.

Consider and wear with pride your Hallstone Jewel. Their present Material value is over $3,000 and are no longer replaceable. Their Masonic worth is beyond price...




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