Southern Star

History of Southern Star Lodge
In May 1842, only four months after the first immigrants settled in Nelson, a proposal to form a Masonic Lodge led to a meeting of Freemasons at the appropriately named Freemasons Tavern on the corner of Bridge and Trafalgar Streets. Nothing positive emerged from that meeting, but there is evidence to show that the idea of forming a Masonic Lodge was not forgotten. The Lodge holds a copy of a letter from 1846 in which the Master of NZ Pacific advised that he did not have the authority to issue a dispensation to form a new lodge, and that it would need to be obtained from the Provincial Grand Master in Sydney.

One of the principal proponents in the attempts to form a Lodge was Thomas Sullivan, who was later elected as its first Master, a position he held for two years. He was also an ardent Oddfellow and was responsible for establishing that Order in Nelson. It is reported that he and eight other Oddfellows, who were fellow passengers on the Martha Ridgway (621 tons), which arrived in Nelson on 4 April 1842, met regularly as Oddfellows in the ship’s long boat.

Captain Richard Scott, Master of the brig Spray, which traded between Nelson and Sydney, appears to have acted as an intermediary between the District Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Freemasons in Nelson. Acting under a dispensation from the District Grand Master of New South Wales, Wor. Bro. Scott presided over the foundation meeting of Southern Star Lodge on 4 October 1853.

Homes of the Lodge Through Time
For some years the Lodge met in hotels, but in 1858 it was able to build its own hall in Trafalgar Street on a site which now forms part of the Nelson Museum. In the early 1860s the Lodge experienced financial difficulty and the building was sold. The Lodge then met at various venues, at times becoming a tenant of the very hall it had built. That building was eventually demolished in 1915.

In 1885 the Lodge constructed the Masonic Temple in Collingwood Street, which remained its home for over 130 years. In 2019, due to the increasing cost of maintaining such an ageing building, it was sold. The Lodge had arranged to move to the Masonic Centre in Nile Street, however this building was severely damaged by fire in November 2019. Since then, the Lodge has met in temporary venues.

Today, Southern Star Lodge is proud to meet at the Nelson Tasman Masonic Centre, 443c Nayland Road, Nelson, where it continues its traditions while looking toward a stable and lasting future.

Membership and Legacy
Since its foundation, approximately 1,150 men have been initiated into Southern Star Lodge. Membership reached its peak during the 1960s, with around 180 members.
Today, the Lodge maintains a membership of close to 50 brethren, with a strong core of regular attendees at its monthly meetings.

What’s unique about Southern Star Lodge
Southern Star Lodge is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for both new and experienced Freemasons. We place strong emphasis on mentorship and supporting our newer members through their Masonic journey, ensuring they feel involved from the very beginning.

Our Lodge also balances tradition with a practical, modern approach by incorporating learning sessions, member-led talks, and structured practices to help brethren develop confidence in ritual and understanding of the Craft.

Situated in Nelson, a city with a long and rich Masonic history, Southern Star Lodge continues to play an active role in the local community.

Charities Supported
Southern Star Lodge is committed to supporting both local and wider community initiatives, with a focus on making a practical difference where it is needed most.
Recent support has included Whakatu Riding for the Disabled, assisting with essential equipment for their therapeutic riding programme, and Community Patrols NZ – Tasman District, helping them continue their important work in keeping the community safe.

We have also supported Tamaha Sea Scouts, Nelson Tasman Hospice, and provided patient toiletry packs to Nelson Hospital, contributing to the comfort and wellbeing of patients in care.
The Lodge is also currently supporting the Kirkpatrick Scholarship for girls, helping to provide educational opportunities and support for young women in the community.

In addition, we contribute to Masonic charities and respond to local needs as they arise, reflecting our ongoing commitment to service, compassion, and community wellbeing.