By Jeffrey Dennison Builders
Palmerston Masonic Lodge, Palmerston, Otago
Early History:
At the 24th April, 1877 meeting it was resolved that Captain Henry Kitchener ( Uncle of Lord Kitchener) of the Grange, Dunback would be the first Master of the yet to be formed Lodge.
On 24th May, 1877 the Foundation Stone was laid, Queen Victoria's birthday, this was a fantastic achievement. It cost about £600 at the time, for the purchase of the land and construction of the building, and would accommodate over 150 people.
The Palmerston Masonic Lodge, No. 1749, was founded in 1878 under the Grand Lodge of England.
In 1890 it transferred its allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand and then became No. 26 in the New Zealand Constitution. The Masonic Hall is a substantial brick building situated on Auskerry Street.
The annual installation of the Worshipful Master and officers is held in August each year.
Scope of work:
Several businesses and individuals from the community helped with various improvements to the lodge over the last six months, including JD Builders of Palmerston who supplied free labour with their team of builders.
A summary of those tasks includes:
* Organizing and delivery of timber from the lumber yard to the lodge for the fencing border.
* Cutting off the iron fence once installed to the correct height.
* Assisting with the installation of the LED lights due to the following advantages, Long Lifespan, Energy Efficiency, Improved Environmental Performance, The Ability to Operate in Cold Conditions, No Heat or UV Emissions, Design Flexibility, Instant Lighting, and the Ability to Withstand Frequent Switching, Low Voltage Operation. They were installed throughout the Masonic lodge.
* Assisting with the organizing of the installation of light switches and batteries for the LED lights.
* Cleaning of the spouting on this tall building.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Corish 2022
Jeffrey Dennison Builders also know as JD Builders specializes in the construction and renovation of residential and commercial projects across the Otago region with building teams in Dunedin, Palmerston, and Oamaru.
We are intensely focused on the delivery of our construction and renovation projects. JD Builders are very flexible in dealing with client requirements without the corporate overhead of larger companies.
Formed in 2016, JD Builders is a privately owned company that is a robust, stable force in the industry. We have the skills and experience necessary to address any technically challenging aspects of a project combined with the attention to detail and high level of interior finishes required on residential and interior fit-out projects. To us, every construction project is unique. Client consultants, occupants, supply chains, and authorities form part of a team that is always created explicitly for each new project. JD Builders enjoy working with people and thrive on resolving any challenge on projects as we think outside the square and go the extra mile for all of our clients. We are proactive, forthcoming, and supportive.
The majority of our work is carried out between Dunedin to the Oamaru area. Over the previous years, we have successfully completed numerous projects for our wide and varied client base. JD Builders can take our services to match the client’s requirements, and we can also provide a concept to completion services when required. This flexibility has enabled us to build long-lasting relationships with our clients.
JD Builders can assist with selecting and designing time and cost-efficient construction strategies that can preserve architectural features.
We bring the resources of our team to the table who will assist you in achieving a cost-effective build to the highest standard.