Freemasons' Hall Renovation

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Munster, a venerable institution with a legacy spanning 300 years, and a membership of almost 400 Masons, is at a pivotal moment in its history. As we prepare to celebrate this significant milestone, we are also undertaking an ambitious and essential development project to enhance our building’s accessibility. This project involves constructing an extension that includes a lift, and fire escape, ensuring that all floors can be accessed by all, regardless of mobility. The total cost of this project is estimated to be in excess of €1.5 million.

We are embarking on an important project to renovate the historic Freemasons’ Hall in Cork, located on Tuckey Street. This cherished structure, steeped in history and tradition, requires crucial updates to ensure safety, accessibility, and preservation for future generations. As Freemasons, we uphold values of fraternity, charity, and integrity, and this project embodies our commitment to these timeless principles.

The Challenge

Accessibility Issues: the lodge lacks necessary infrastructure to accommodate members with mobility issues, especially the elderly and those with disabilities. This limits their full participation in Masonic activities and events, which contradicts our inclusive values. Our goal is to ensure that everybody, regardless of physical ability, can access all areas of the building. This necessitates the installation of a lift (elevator) and the construction of an extension to accommodate it.

Safety Concerns: The current state of the building presents safety issues for all members, especially those with mobility challenges. The lack of proper accessibility features not only hinders participation but also poses risks during emergencies. Ensuring safe and easy access to all parts of the building is paramount for the well-being of our members and the ever-growing numbers of people who visit us.

Funding Shortfall: The renovation project is significant and costly. Our internal fundraising efforts, while heartfelt, are insufficient to cover the total estimated cost of more than €1.5 million. To achieve our goal, we seek sponsorship and support from a global audience of Freemasons and friends. Leveraging our shared Masonic heritage and the inspiring stories from our past, we aim to build strong connections and gain financial support to preserve this historic landmark.

Objectives

The integration of modern accessibility features, while preserving the historical integrity of our building, will serve as a model for balancing tradition and progress. This will result in:

Enhanced accessibility by ensuring that everybody can access all areas of the lodge, thereby fostering inclusivity and active participation for all, while upholding the Masonic value of brotherly love. Our efforts will ensure that everybody, regardless of physical limitations, can fully engage in all our activities.
Improved safety by addressing the safety concerns posed by the current lack of accessibility features, ensuring the well-being of all. This includes ensuring safe and easy ingress and egress to all parts of the building, thereby reducing any possible risks in case of emergency.
Preservation of historical integrity by integrating modern features while maintaining the building’s historic character, honouring our past while preparing for the future. This reflects the Masonic principle of adherence to tradition coupled with progressive action.

Historical Significance of Freemasons’ Hall

Freemasons' Hall – the headquarters of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Munster – has been a cornerstone of Masonic heritage for generations. This iconic building has served as a meeting place for Masons, a hub for charitable activities, and a beacon of our enduring values.
One fascinating aspect of our history is the story of Elizabeth St. Leger, the only woman known to have been initiated into Freemasonry in the early 18th century. Her unique place in Masonic history is a testament to the inclusive and progressive values that we strive to embody today. Elizabeth St. Leger's initiation broke barriers and showcased the spirit of enlightenment that Freemasonry represents.
By supporting our project, you help preserve the legacy of figures like Elizabeth St. Leger and ensure that our Lodge remains a symbol of our enduring commitment to equality and enlightenment. Her story, intertwined with our Lodge's history, serves as a powerful reminder of the values we uphold and the progress we continue to strive for.

How you can help

We invite you to join us in this noble endeavour. To achieve our goals, we seek sponsorship and support from a global audience of Freemasons and friends. Leveraging our shared Masonic heritage and the inspiring stories from our past, including the remarkable connection to Elizabeth St. Leger, we aim to build strong connections and gain financial support to preserve this historic landmark.

You can support our initiative by:

Making a cash donation: to donate CLICK HERE

Promoting our cause: share our project with your network to help us reach a broader audience. Your endorsement can make a significant impact.

Staying tuned on this website for news of our future initiatives with an opportunity to purchase one of our customised packages.

Our project not only addresses essential accessibility needs but also ensures the preservation of our historic Freemason's Hall in Cork for future generations. By tapping into our shared history and heritage, including the remarkable story of Elizabeth St. Leger, we can come together to support this significant initiative. Your contribution will make a difference, ensuring that we continue to be a beacon of fraternity, charity, and community service.
Together, we can uphold the values that define Freemasonry and pass on this legacy to future generations. Join us in this endeavour and help us preserve a piece of history while making it accessible to all.

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