Heritage & History
Welcome to the historical archives of Lodge Copernicus No. 246 SANT.
Established within the vibrant heart of Adelaide, South Australia, our Lodge stands as a testament to the enduring values of Freemasonry.
We invite you to explore the storied chronicles of our heritage, a journey that reveals our deep-rooted identity and our unwavering commitment to the timeless traditions that connect our Brethren across generations.
SINCE A.D. 2011 A.L. 6011
The Vision of Our Founders
Lodge Copernicus No. 246 was established with a celestial vision, drawing inspiration from our namesake, Nicolaus Copernicus. Just as he revolutionised our understanding of the universe, our founding brethren sought to create a Lodge that would serve as a centre for intellectual pursuit and moral excellence within the Masonic tradition of Adelaide. Guided by a commitment to enlightenment and the timeless principles of the Craft, they laid a foundation built on stability and shared purpose, ensuring that the light of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth would shine brightly for generations to come.
The Path of Enlightenment
Evolution of the Lodge
“The formation of this new Lodge is an indication of a new approach to the direction in which Freemasonry is going and which underlines in a tangible way the ever increasing collaboration between Craft, Chapter and Mark. In taking this direction, it is hoped that membership of the Chapter and Mark will increase and indeed the Craft sees this as the way to help in gaining members of those Orders.
The Lodge will work the five degrees, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd of the Craft, the Exaltation in the Royal Arch Chapter and Advancement in the Mark.
These are the five degrees of pure and antient Masonry which are the only ones recognised by the Craft.
Those who become members of this Lodge and are not already members of the Chapter and Mark Orders will progress to those Orders in this Lodge.
They will not need to join them in any other Chapter or Mark Lodge. Members will support and regularly attend all three Orders when qualified to do so.”
~ Grand Lodge of South Australia & Northern Territory; Website, 2011
In the early twenty-first century, discussions among Brethren focused on the future direction of Freemasonry.
Following a Memorandum of Understanding and mutual support between the three principal Masonic bodies in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and inspired by a workshop presented by VWBro. Godwin of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland on the future of Freemasonry, a committee was formed to develop the framework for a new type of Lodge that would incorporate the three Orders; being the three Degrees of Craft Masonry, as well as the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem, and the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason.
From these discussions, Lodge Copernicus No. 246 was to be sponsored by St Andrews Lodge No. 19 (formerly No. 555 SC) as a practical expression of that shared vision.
The Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter was created to explore and demonstrate innovative approaches to Masonic practice in the new century.
Its first major initiative was the strategic plan titled Revolution in Freemasonry for the 21st Century. Since the adoption of that plan, the Lodge and RAC has sought to function as an integrated unit with a strong emphasis on social, philosophical, educational, historical, and philanthropic pursuits.
A key principle of the Lodge has been the advancement of candidates at a measured and thoughtful pace, allowing Members to benefit from meaningful study, reflection, and mentorship within the Lodge and Chapter environment.
The number 246 was reserved across the registers of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free, & Accepted Masons of South Australia and Northern Territory Inc., the Grand Chapter of South Australia and Northern Territory, and the Grand Mark Lodge of South Australia and Northern Territory - symbolising the unity and cooperation of the three Orders.
April 30th 2011 A.D. 6011. A.L
Lodge Copernicus No. 246 was duly consecrated on the 30th of April 2011, in the Way Room, North Terrace, Grand Lodge of SA & NT, by:
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MWBro. Ray A. Clark; Most Worshipful Grand Master of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of SA & NT (2009-2012)
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MWBro. Alan A. Pearson; Most Worshipful Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of SA & NT (2010-2013)
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MEComp. Chris D. Selwood; Most Excellent 1st Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of SA & NT (2011-2014)
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RWBro. Robert J. Parsons; Deputy Grand Master, P1stGP; A.F. & A.M. of SA & NT (2009-2012)
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VWBro. Robert G. Giles; Grand Director of Ceremonies; A.F. & A.M. of SA & NT (2009-2012)
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Officers of the Grand Lodge, Grand Mark Lodge, & Supreme Grand Chapter
in an Open and Public Ceremony attended by friends, partners, and Brethren of all Degrees.
The Foundation Craft WM was W. Bro. Marcin T. Stankiewicz PM.
The Foundation Mark WM was W. Bro. Michael J. FitzHenry PMM.
The Foundation First Principal was Ex. Comp. Andrew Gardner PZ.
This was the culmination of many years of arduous work and groundbreaking technical discoveries and compromises to make this experiment work.
The Craft Lodge was to meet every odd month, with the Mark and Chapter meeting three times each in a year, in the even months.
The Craft Installation would occur once a year in May.
The Mark and the Chapter would Install their Officers bi-yearly, in June and August.
Guided by the Lights
Since our consecration, Lodge Copernicus No. 246 has remained steadfast in its pursuit of Masonic excellence. Through the ages, the practice of ritual and the study of symbolism have served as an unbreakable thread, connecting generations of brethren in a shared journey of moral improvement and enlightenment. Our dedication to these ancient landmarks ensures that the wisdom of the past continues to illuminate the path forward for the modern Mason.