Bendigo Freemasons in inaugural hall of fame

Architect William Vahland and politician Sir John Quick were inducted alongside three other prominent Masons at Fremasons Victoria's Grand Banquet in March.

Freemason historian and Golden and Corinthians member David Beagley said when nominations were called for he hoped one of the two men would be included.

"I thought, with a bit of luck, one of them would be included but both were admitted," Mr Beagley said.

"Both were prominent Freemasons in Bendigo.

"It is a very special achievement when you think that (Freemasons) such as Weary Dunlop and Sir John Monash weren't admitted."

The hall of fame recognises those who have made a significant contribution to community as well as Freemasonry.

Vahland and Quick helped shape Bendigo and Victoria in their respective fields.

Quick was the federal member for Bendigo from 1901 to 1913 and before that was a leading delegate in developing the Australian Constitution.

Vahland was an architect who helped design more than 200 buildings across the Goldfields and wider Victoria.

He was also a managing director of Bendigo Building Society, an examiner at Bendigo School of Mines and a councillor of the Barkly Ward for a short time.

"When you think about how a community starts and keeps going, you need people like that who can get things going," Mr Beagley said.

"Quick's influence on  politics and constitution and Vahland in architecture and the bank (were outstanding). Generations can enjoy what they did for us."

Vahland, who was secretary of Golden and Corinthian Lodge for 40 years, will also be honoured at a special Freemasons meeting at the Bendigo Bank Theatre on Tuesday, May 12, at 7.30pm.

The meeting is open to the public and marks the anniversary of Vahland's initiation into Freemasonry.

For more information or to register your interest in the meeting email Graeme Turpie on gturpie@bigpond.net.au