Pakenham Masonic Lodge No. 496

Pakenham Masonic Lodge No. 496 OFFICAL page of the Pakenham Masonic Lodge 496. Freemasonry is the oldest and largest existing fraternal organisation in the world.

It comprises an estimated 5 Million members worldwide with 12500 in Victoria. Modern Freemasonry traces its organization historically to the late 17th century and proudly preserves the traditions it has inherited from those times. These traditions make Freemasonry unique within the community. Freemasonry offers men a principled way of life, a sense of belonging and of personal growth. The principl

es by which a Freemason is expected to conduct himself are based on tolerance, equality, charity and honour. Freemasons demonstrate these principles by showing tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, behaving with kindness and understanding and practicing charity and care for their community. Freemasons illustrate these principles for new members through ceremonies which utilize the tools of medieval stonemasonry as symbols. Freemasonry recognizes the richness of all cultural beliefs and excludes no individual from membership on the basis of race or politics. Though Freemasons are required to profess a belief in a Supreme Being the specifics of a Freemasons belief are considered to be a personal matter. Meeting Times

Meeting - 1st Monday of the month at 7:30pm (2nd Monday if holiday on first Monday)
Rehearsal: Last Monday of the month
Installation: October

27/06/2024

Pakenham Lodge No. 496 is now under the Grand Lodge of Queensland.

03/06/2024

Tonight was eventful. 3 members of Grand Lodge turned up to a closed meeting. Long story short, police called they were trespassing.
After discussions with the police and report/s taken we allowed them to enter the property NOT the lodge room while business was completed.
The lodge dealt with its discussions and finished with a ballot.
Pakenham Lodge has left the United Grand Lodge of Victoria Constitution and is to be aligned with the Grand Lodge of Queensland.
We will build the Pakenham Masonic Lodge No. 496 with the same dedication and fortitude prior to the interference of Bucca and Cowie, if GL (GM &SCEC) hadn’t been so dictatorial and arrogant, the Lodge may still be under FMV.
What other lodges under FMV need to realise is that FMV were ever only Trustees prior to transferring ownership into their own name. You have a legal right to demand your Deeds back, ombudsman and fraud squad costs you nothing but an email.@

18/05/2024

Well here it is for all to see, I have never met Ash Long nor spoken with him. Is he the same person that posted the items on Keith Murray?
However, I would ask that you remember who has assisted and will continue to assist lodges and centres in gaining a tax concession on land tax

Complaint No. 1
That whilst under suspension, WBro. Hodder made unauthorised public statements
about Freemasons Victoria.
WBro. Hodder was suspended as a member of Freemasons Victoria by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master on 16 August 2023
Written notification of the suspension was provided in a timely way by Freemasons Victoria
to WBro. Hodder.
WBro. Hodder was fully aware of his suspension, commenting upon it in various social
media posts.
On or before Wednesday, November 8, 2023, WBro. Hodder gave an interview to the
Pakenham Gazette newspaper in which he held out to be Worshipful Master of the
Pakenham Lodge, when he knew himself to be suspended as a member of Freemasons
Victoria. WBro. Hodder was at all material times aware that he was suspended from the
position of Worshipful Master of the Pakenham Lodge, yet misrepresented himself to the
newspaper and the public. His behaviour was clearly not in good faith. Portions of that
interview were published in print and online by the Pakenham Gazette, one of Victoria's
leading community newspapers. At no stage did WBro. Hodder obtain permission from the
Grand Secretary's office for comments to be published.
Rule 287 states: "No brother shall print or publish or communicate to any person for the
purpose of printing or publication any of the business or proceedings of any Lodge or other
Masonic gathering (except such gathering as members of the public are entitled to attend),
or any matter or thing discussed therein without the consent of the Grand Master, or print or
publish, or cause to be printed or published, anything which by Masonic law or custom
should not be published."
Rule 288 provides: "It is a Masonic offence ...
d) If a brother is guilty of conduct or behaviour which is in serious violation of his Masonic
obligations or in serious breach of the laws, rules and regulations of Freemasonry or the
standard of conduct or behaviour reasonably to be expected of a Freemason."
The Freemasons Victoria Code of Conduct expressly states: "We will only make public
comment on behalf of Freemasons Victoria when specifically authorised to do so. We
commit not to bring the fraternity, or its members into disrepute through comments and posts
on social media, or other broadcasts." The only authorised spokespeople for Freemasons
Victoria are the Grand Master, and the Grand Secretary when delegated by the Grand
Master to do so.
To compound the misrepresentation, WBro. Hodder cause to be published a second report
in the Pakenham Gazette newspaper (on November 15, 2023), in which he is quoted to say:
"My current role sees me ... as the Master (Manager) of Pakenham Lodge No. 496." "I have
been a Master of a Lodge four times and I am into my fifth term." "There will be resistance,
you will need to upset people. Go with it, don't give in." Freemasonry is not about upsetting
people. This is not the image of the Craft that Freemasons Victoria wishes to advance to the
public. WBro. Hodder's comments are not consistent with the teachings of our Craft.
Attachment (Hodder1.pdf): Pakenham Gazette, November 8, 2023
Attachment (Hodder1B.pdf): Pakenham Gazette, November 15, 2023
Complaint No. 2
That WBro. Hodder made unauthorised social media posts about his suspension.
On or around October 23, 2023, WBro. Hodder submitted a post for publication at the
Freemasons Victoria page in which he said: "As you are aware, I am suspended
from the Craft, Mark and Chapter due to issues involving our Centre."
WBro. Hodder's authorship of a social media post about his suspension, and unresolved
issues, is clearly unmasonic conduct.
Rule 287 states: "Nor shall any Brother publish or circulate any document relating to any
case of Masonic complaint before the regularly constituted authorities, until after final
adjudication thereon, and then only if the same be proper to be published according to
Masonic law or custom.”
Attachment (Hodder2.pdf): Hodder Facebook post, October 23, 2023
Complaint No. 3
That WBro. Hodder made unauthorised social media posts potentially inciting unrest
amongst Victorian Lodges.
On or around November 25, 2023, WBro. Hodder published a social media post to the
'Victorian Masons Uncensored' page, in a series of ongoing disloyal and misleading posts.
in this post, WBro. Hodder said: "In all seriousness, have any of you Freemasons Victoria
ever wondered why you can't get a building grant from The United Grand Lodge of Victoria?
If you or your centre management would care to hear a serious theory, let me know, I will be
sending a document to the secretary of every lodge by the end of the week. I may have the
answer?"
WBro. Hodder, as a suspended member, has no authority or right to contact Lodge
Secretaries. His actions or threatened actions are not those of good faith.
Attachment (Hodder3.pdf): Post to Victorian Masons Uncensored page,
November 8, 2023
Complaint No. 4
That WBro. Hodder made allegations on social media potentially bringing Freemasons
Victoria into disrepute.
On or around November 18, 2023, WBro. Hodder authored and published a social media
post suggesting that there should be a Class Action against Freemasons Victoria, with the
allegation that FV face "Criminal Prosecution for Obtaining Property By Deception."
This was a scandalous publication of an unfounded allegation of criminal behaviour.
Attachment (Hodder4.pdf): Post to Victorian Masons Uncensored page,
November 1, 2023
Complaint No .5
That WBro. Hodder published electronic communications potentially bringing
Freemasons Victoria into disrepute, and that he made unauthorised comments about
his suspension.
On or around August 18, 2023, WBro. Hodder authored communications including the
comment that Freemasons Victoria was acting improperly, beyond legal parameters: "UGLV
are at it again, attempting to obtain property belonging to others."
In that communication, he referred to a proper request (Rule 179) by the Grand Secretary to
deliver paperwork. WBro. Hodder published: "As the chair of the PMCCA I was summoned
to the GSec ant told to deliver up Minutes and Financial Statements to GL, I refused as the
PMCCA is a totally separate entity to GL."
Rule 179 states: "The Master, Wardens and members of every individual warranted Lodge
may be summoned to meet with the Grand Master, the Pro Grand Master, or the Deputy
Grand Master, or the Grand Secretary. If so summoned, they shall attend as requested and
shall, if required, produce the warrant, books, and papers of the Lodge. Failure to attend or
to produce the required documents may result in suspension of the individual brethren or of
the Lodge and may lead to further disciplinary action as provided for in these Rules."
WBro. Hodder admitted in that social media post that he had audio-recorded a conversation
with the Grand Secretary, without first gaining permission from the other party: "I have a
recording of the actual statement made by Bro. Bruce if anyone wants to hear it contact me
or I could simply post it on here??" In Victoria, the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 prohibits
the recording of audio conversations without the consent of all parties. WBro. Hodder's
behaviour of using a device to record a conversation without prior permission is unmasonic
conduct.
Complaint No. 6
That WBro. Hodder published an unauthorised email about his suspension.
On or around August 16, 2023, WBro. Hodder published and distributed an unsolicited email
to 45 recipients, in which he discussed his suspension from Freemasons Victoria. In that
email, he stated: "I find it prudent to inform you that I have been suspended from
Freemasons Victoria by the Grand Secretary for an undetermined period. If anyone wants
the truth about my suspension and not speculation, feel free to contact me."
Rule 287 states: "Nor shall any Brother publish or circulate any document relating to any
case of Masonic complaint before the regularly constituted authorities, until after final
adjudication thereon, and then only if the same be proper to be published according to
Masonic law or custom.”
Complaint No. 7
That WBro. Hodder suggested the corruption of a Grand Lodge Quarterly
Communication vote.
On or around September 15, 2021, WBro. Hodder published a social media suggesting the
corruption of a Quarterly Communication vote of members. He said: "I am just wondering
what the likelihood of the 'electronic voting platform' becoming 'overloaded' and shut down
tonight? If that happens it would mean a show of hands from the Grand Lodge members in
attendance. Would it truly reflect the intent of the 'rank and file' of the Craft? I believe if the
system were to be 'overloaded' it would demand that a deferment on the vote, just a theory,
let's wait and see?"
Complaint No. 8
That WBro. Hodder published electronic communications potentially bringing
Freemasons Victoria into disrepute
On or around November 18, 2023, WBro. Hodder published a social media post that
included the words: "grand lodge has obtained their Deed of Title by deception". This
publication constituted unmasonic conduct.
Attachment (Hodder8.pdf): Post to Victorian Masons Uncensored page,
November 18, 2023
Complaint No. 9
That WBro. Hodder caused to be published communications potentially bringing
Freemasons Victoria into disrepute
Prior to March 10, 2024, WBro. Hodder gave an interview to Charlotte Grieve of The Sunday
Age, that was highly critical of Freemasons Victoria, in breach of Rule 287. This publication
constituted unmasonic conduct.
Attachment (Hodder240310.pdf): Sunday Age report, March 10, 2024
Complaint No. 10
That WBro. Hodder caused an unauthorised radio interview to be broadcast on radio
station 3AW, potentially bringing Freemasons Victoria into disrepute
On March 10, 2024, WBro. Hodder gave an interview to Tom Elliott of radio station, that was
highly critical of Freemasons Victoria, in breach of Rule 287. WBro. Hodder had no
authorisation to make these public remarks. This publication constituted unmasonic conduct.
Attachment (Hodder10.rtf) Transcript of radio interview, March 6, 2024
Complaint No. 11
That WBro. Hodder caused a social media post to be published, defaming the Grand
Master and Grand Secretary, and potentially bringing Freemasons Victoria into
disrepute.
On March 2, 2024, WBro. Hodder published a social media post "I would like to personally
thank Mr Bucca and Mr Cowie for personally destroying the good work of Pakenham
Masonic Lodge No 496 (UGLV) had achieved over the last 3 years. I find you are both
spineless and dirty individuals that do not represent the true ethics of freemasonry. I am
assured that if I wish for a lodge of the same name to continue, the Grand Lodge of
Queensland would seriously consider raising a Warrant with the same descriptors. You are a
petty man Mr Cowie and I look forward to the upcoming weeks of media."
Attachment (Hodder11.pdf). March 2, 2024
Complaint No. 12
That WBro. Hodder caused a social media post to be published, offering to replay an
illegally obtained audio tape. Audio taping of individuals without their knowledge or
consent is against Victoria law.
Around April 2024, WBro. Hodder posted on the Victorian Masons Uncensored page: "Who
would like to hear an audio of the GH stating how he was kept informed of an ethics
complaint against me (he wasn't part of the complaint) stating several times that a GS was
informing him as the investigation was being conducted??? It sort of adds to Boys club and
lack of security of a members personal information.
Attachment (Hodder12.pdf). April 2024.

29/03/2024

I once presented a paper on Voting and how it could achieve a 90% vote. it was paper based voting. The Key reason it was not adopted was that it would not afford a vote on motion if the motion was changed/altered???? The genious from GL that responded with that obviously didn't understand the Concept of Notices of Motion and alterations/changes to a Motion, it would have to start again; at least that is my understanding. If a motion is changed/altered. it isnt the Motion that was presented as a 'Notice of Motion'?https://www.facebook.com/groups/330542308158808/posts/1087647932448238/?comment_id=1087722929107405¬if_id=1711695347797861¬if_t=group_comment_mention this is the link to the discussion paper on voting, take your time, read and see if this would not be a better or combined method of voting (it would be blind once out of lodge.

15/03/2024

Hello Brethren,

The following is an email that was sent to the reporter that was denigrated by Mr Anthony Bucca. I truly wish I had penned the elegant response. I will also be forwarded an apology to Charlotte;albeit not as elegant as the following. I have purposefully removed his name from the email to avoid FMV persecution.

As a Freemason, I would like to apologise for the inexcusable attack on you made by Bucca in the recent email to Victorian Freemasons.
Most I have spoken to are outraged that such a personal attack on you is coming from the man who is supposed to be our leader and is the one whose role as Grand Master is to uphold the core values of Freemasonry. His toxic outburst is a perfect demonstration of exactly what the rank and file see and is what is wrong with the Leadership of the "Elite" Senior Grand Officers.
The Principles we strive to maintain are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity and they are guiding principles for life. Freemasonry Victoria (FMV) also talks about Tolerance, Equality and Honour on their webpage for all to read. Bucca also signs on the bottom of his signature block, "Bringing Happiness to Others"
In one of the ceremonies that Bucca was a candidate for his journey in Freemasonry, he swore an obligation while he was kneeling on both knees and with both of his hands resting on our Volume of the Sacred Law (Bible, Koran. etc depending on their beliefs) that he would " maintain a Master Mason's Honour, will not injure him or cause him to be injured by others but will boldly repel the slanderer of his good name and most strictly respect the chastity of those nearest and dearest to him, in the persons of his wife, his sister and his child." Available to all on the Internet - Website - Web of Hiram and from the Lecture of the Third Degree of Freemasonry and It would be interesting to know if you have a family member who is a Freemason.
I note that the CEO of Tabcorp recently stepped down as his behavior did not reflect the values of the organisation and he was out of step with Community values.
Bucca most certainly does not reflect the values of Freemasonry and he definitely is out of step with Victorian Freemasons and he should be called to resign from Freemasonry.
Please don't give up on the rank and file Charlotte as there is more info coming in regularly from others. I like what you have said so far.

13/03/2024

I listened to the podcast, my opinion is that Charlotte may not have believed everything Bucca has said?
It appears that more than a few people have contacted her which leads to a further investigation into FMV as well as other states; well done Mr Bucca

12/03/2024

, I once presented a paper on Voting and how it could achieve a 90% vote. it was paper based voting. The Key reason it was not adopted was that it would not afford a vote on motion if the motion was changed/altered???? The genious from GL that responded with that obviously didn't understand the Concept of Notices of Motion and alterations/changes to a Motion, it would have to start again; at least that is my understanding. If a motion is changed/altered. it isnt the Motion that was presented as a 'Notice of Motion'? https://drive.google.com/.../1uZeZfa-sblveGAYPZld.../view... this is the link to the discussion paper on voting, take your time, read and see if this would not be a better or combined method of voting (it would be blind once out of lodge.

12/03/2024

Both Bucca and Cowie know that as the chair of an external association I am not legally required to supply commercial documents to them.
Quite simply the title is stamped Entitled in Equity, Estate Fee Simple and Pakenham Masonic Centre as the Sole Proprietor.
What part of that states that FMV is able to dictate operational procedures when they can’t get their own act together?
Yes, I have advised lodges/centres on how to achieve many things in opposition to FMV, for instance
- Land Tax Concessions, FMV HAS MORE THAN 20yrs; in some instances; to attain what took a maximum of 6 months for me to achieve.
- 5yr plans for lodges and centres for the betterment of Freemasons in general.
I might add I am unable to assist anymore as I have been removed as a point of contact between lodges and SRO.
Mr Cowie can’t say that it is too difficult to achieve LTC’s for lodges, it just needs to be done on a case by case basis which I have explained ( too hard a concept to grasp). In fact all of my communication with the SRO in regards to Concessions were ordered to be submitted to Cowie.
It is also noticeable that I was suspended for not submitting documents of the Pakenham Masonic Lodge No. 496, incorrect Cowie confirmed he was in possession of all documents of the lodge that were requested.
Oh and this was confirmed to a barrister at a meeting of PMCA and legal teams. In fact Cowie stated I was under further investigation for more disciplinary action(only exclusion left) for unmasonic behaviour because I was advising lodges and centres on how to regain their titles.
I am still advising and assisting several lodges.
Who authorised the payments, that would be members of the association.
We PMCA have nothing to hide from our members, not to outsiders.
As to which lodges will be sold off and the bare reasoning behind it is based on the Victorian Accommodation Strategy, see link at the bottom of this text This is the link to the Accommodation Strategy
https://acrobat.adobe.com/.../urn:aaid:sc:AP:29e02978... after reading the VAS do you really believe your Lodge/Centre is safe???

19/02/2024

How many lodges/centres in Victoria hold their own Deed of Title. This is for research

31/01/2024

In all honesty, what lodges have attempted to regain their titles from grand lodge and had to give up due to the obstacles that have been placed before them by GL or the outright refusal to return them??
Message me for anonymity, I have some news

Congratulations to Lindsay and Joy in their well deserved OAM awards.Freemasons Victoria would like to congratulate the ...
26/01/2024

Congratulations to Lindsay and Joy in their well deserved OAM awards.

Freemasons Victoria would like to congratulate the following Brethren and family who were recognised in The Australia Day 2024 Honours list.


Affiliated Brethren

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Bro. Ian James Hardingham KC MM, of The Old Melburnians Lodge No. 317
For significant service to the law and legal reform in Victoria.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

WBro. George Leslie Bird PJGD, of the Powlett Lodge No. 661
For service to the community of Wonthaggi.

RWBro. William Richard Jones PSGW, of United Ararat Lodge No. 935
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
(Immediate Past Grand Master of The United Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Victoria)

The Late RWBro. Geoffrey Colin Jones PJGW, of The United Memorial & Merbein Lodge No. 327
For service to the community of Mildura.

RWBro. Lindsay Victor Tharle PJGW, of the Koo-Wee-Rup Lodge No. 323
For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Unaffiliated Brethren

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

Bro. Mervyn Allan Cann MM, formerly of St Johns Lodge No. 36
For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Meritorious Honours

Bro. William Gordon Johnstone MM, formerly of the Swan Hill Lodge No. 919
Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)

Bro. Graeme Charles Hurrell FC, formerly of Tarra Lodge No. 127
Emergency Services Medal (ESM)

Masonic Family

Mrs Lavinia Joyce Tharle, for service to the community through a range of organisations.
Wife of RWBro. Lindsay Victor Tharle OAM PJGW

Mrs Anne-Catherine Thompson, for service to Modern Pentathlon.
Wife of VWBro. Rev David Thompson PGChap

Address

31 Bald Hill Road
Pakenham, VIC
3810

Telephone

+61359411301

Website

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