The Masonic Centre
The North Munster Masonic Centre in Limerick is located in the tourist and heritage area of the city, directly across the road from King John’s Castle and beside the former Bishop & Lady's Palace (now the headquarters of Limerick Civic Trust). The building occupies the site of the old St Munchin’s Church Hall and incorporates parts of that building in the museum area. The Foundation Stone for the Masonic Centre was laid on June 10th, 1999 at a ceremony that was attended by representatives from Government, Local Government as well as a number of members of the Order. The official opening, which took place on Friday, September 23rd, 2005, was performed by the then Minister for Defense, local TD Willie O'Dea.
Since the official opening three fine stained glass windows have been all designed and completed by the late brother David Knowles to whom the Province is very grateful. He was ably assisted in the installations by his brother Herbert.
The Masonic Centre houses a large lodge room containing ornate furniture, acquired over the centuries and of historic interest in itself. This room is used for all major meetings held in the Province. There is also a smaller Chapter Room used for smaller meetings, in addition to offices and a dining room. A grant from Shannon Development under their Tourism & Heritage Innovation Program helped to complete the museum and library which is open to the public by prior arrangement. To make a visit please follow the e-mail link below or contact Limerick Civic Trust who can organise guided tours for groups. One of the many features of the museum is a reconstructed portion in similar stonework of the original wall of the coach house and stable used by the Bishop of Limerick in the 1740's. Some other parts of the original building have also been retained in the museum area.
The museum contains many articles of masonic interest including medals, masonic jewels and silverware and historical regalia. One of the artefacts in which the Freemasons of North Munster take great pride is the ancient brass square known as the “Baal's Bridge Square”. The original brass square was recovered from the foundations of Baal's Bridge in Limerick when the bridge was being rebuilt in 1830. It is inscribed “I will strive to live with Love & Care Upon the level By the Square” and bears the date, 1507. This Square is one of the earliest Masonic items found anywhere in the world.
Freemasonry has been intimately involved in civic life in the Ireland for many years, although often keeping a low profile. Past Provincial Grand Masters in North Munster have included Sir James Spaight and Sir Charles Barrington, names that are still closely associated with the city of Limerick, although now only through architecture and place names. It is recognised that in the past Freemasonry was associated with the protestant community and in some respects was seen as a gentlemen’s club within that group. Historians will know that Limerick city has a rather turbulent history of community relations and different religious groups maintained separation, with varying degrees of animosity, until recent times. Limerick and Templemore, the original home of Lodge 311, were garrison towns and up to 1920 this was an important factor in Freemason membership. In the North Munster Masonic museum is a commemoration showing the names of the members in the Province who fought in the Great War, many never came back. In the nineteenth century Freemasonry had quite a strong public profile, with parades and masonic news reported in the local press. However, from the foundation of the State, the Order in the Republic maintained a low profile and did not encourage enquiry, but this changed through the 1970’s and 1980’s. The opening up of the economy to external investment and the gradual loss of old suspicions allowed the Order to broaden its appeal, which resulted in rapidly changing patterns of membership. This process continues today with a membership which is diverse in origin and religious affiliation, and broadly reflects society at large. The membership in North Munster now includes brethren from North and South America, from Africa and Asia and of course various parts of Europe.