Weighing history against progress

The Masonic Lodge on Harding Street is a site of controversy.

Behind the classically-styled façade and a rich history in the culture of Newcastle, lies a breeding ground for vandalism, vagrancy, crime and vomitous behaviour.

Amid the rot, the future of this iconic structure hangs in the balance. Resident and amateur historian, Terry Smith has become something of an advocate for the lodge and its role in the fabric of old-world Newcastle.

Conversely, the owner wants the structure demolished.

Mr Smith met with a representative from Amafa last week at the lodge, while a representative of the owner, Mahindra Sewpersad said the building could not be used.

“There is a problem with vagrants.” Touring the ruins of what has been called a monumental building second to the Town Hall, the evidence of this statement can be seen.

Mr Smith pointed out the original building, built in 1892 by the English. Nestled behind the main hall section of the lodge, a combination of vandals, scavengers and ants has left little remains of the original meeting place. “The English eventually sold to the Scots. I’m not certain but the date was likely 1929.”

On the ground are heaps of original red brick and modern materials, interspersed with bundles of cellphone SIM cards and other detritus. A used condom lays discarded near a fallen piece of roof timber.

Through a hole in the wall, where the original cornerstone archway peeks through, the grand hall has been stripped down to its foundation. “There were Oregon pine floors in here. There was no problem with that flooring.” Handprints marked the walls where looters had torn out the metal vents, small mountings the only evidence of five-pointed stars once adorning the eaves.

Above, the unique architecture retained its skylight.

“I feel it could have been reused as a function hall, or even a themed restaurant.”

Beyond the hall, to an area just behind cement and cinderblocks, are two small rooms Mason members were allowed to change into their regalia. One room is occupied by two vagrants. Far from being random people who just ‘moved in’, these two men claimed to have been allowed living space by the owner to prevent vandalism. “We put up blocks at the entrance because people are coming in at night and destroying the place,” Mr Sewpersad added.

He further stated the agreement was to keep the lodge’s façade and incorporate it into a new building, pending the rezoning of the property. This will include the pillars at the entrance. ‘Peace’, ‘harmony’ and 1929 adorn the lodge’s entrance, signifying the takeover of the structure by the Scottish Masons from their English counterparts.

This is in stark contrast to the turmoil within. “We must save this building as it played a huge role in shaping the community,” Mr Smith concluded.

In a strange turn, the head of Built Environment Section for Amafa KZN, Ros Devereux said she had not dealt with a formal application for destruction of the lodge on Harding Street.

“It may have been submitted by email or hard copy within the last two weeks, but we are working through a serious backlog at the moment.”

Comment from a resident with legal background mentioned buildings 60 years and older were automatically safeguarded, as per the the National Heritage Resources Act.