The Freemasons of Campbelltown district have been left homeless after their centre was completely gutted by fire in the early hours of yesterday morning.
So far the cause of the blaze is believed to be an electrical fault inside the Masonic Centre of Campbelltown, located in Wickfield Circuit, adjacent to Ambarvale sports complex.
The fire was reported to authorities just before 1am on Monday morning.
Sydney Fire Communications – Fire Rescue NSW – 801 Station received the first of numerous calls to a building alight on Wickfield Circuit.
Both Fire and Rescue NSW Station 087 Rosemeadow and Fire and Rescue NSW Station 088 Campbelltown responded to the report.
However, the massive blaze meant the response was quickly upgraded to include brigades from Narellan, St Andrews, Camden and Horningsea Park.
Fire and Rescue crews arrived to find a large building well alight.
They also found that part of the roof had collapsed due to the fire.
More than 20 Fire and Rescue fire fighters worked for three hours to contain the blaze.
The building was totally destroyed in the blaze.
Fire and Rescue Fire Investigation Unit are continuing to look into the cause of the blaze.
The fire has meant a spotlight on Freemasons, an ancient order some people believe has a secretive side.
It is also rumoured they have a special handshake so they can recognise fellow Freemasons.
Even its name invites speculation: the local branch is called the Campbelltown Royal Arch Chapter No 85 – Holding under the United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of NSW and the ACT.
“Our ceremonies, rituals and regalia are full of allegorical symbolism designed to remind a Freemason of what he’s learned and the obligations he’s undertaken,’’ they say on their official website.
We were unable to contact the Freemasons to ask them if the centre will be rebuilt in the future.
Below is a picture of the Masonic Centre of Campbelltown taken before the blaze.
