News and Events - Epworth HealthCare

A Courtyard of Peace and Harmony at Freemasons

Epworth Freemasons today dedicated the newly-renovated Courtyard of Peace and Harmony, as a place of respite for patients, visitors and staff of its Clarendon Street site.

Rev Dr Phillip Creed was joined by representatives of Epworth HealthCare Board, Epworth Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, Freemasonry Victoria as well as donors and friends of Epworth Freemasons.

Alan Kinkade, Group Chief Executive Epworth HealthCare, said the courtyard has always been a special place for patients’ families.

“Seventy-nine Lodges founded the Freemasons hospital in 1937 and the sun dial that was donated in memory of Mrs Cook and Mr Robinson in that same year is still here. Simon Kessel’s bronze sculpture - Mother & Child which was commissioned by the family of Paul D Quittner to celebrate his life (1928-2000) and the care he received here, remains prominent.

“Also central to the courtyard are several hundred engraved paving stones. Many people who purchased one of these in honour of a loved family member are here today and I thank them sincerely,” said Mr Kinkade.

“Epworth Medical Foundation recently erected honour boards acknowledging the 79 Lodges and more than 500 donors who have supported the hospital since its inception,” said Mr Kinkade.

Epworth HealthCare, which began as a 25-bed hospital in Richmond in 1920, celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The Freemasons Hospital was a welcome addition to the Epworth HealthCare group in 2006 and Epworth agreed to retain 'Freemasons' in the name acknowledging its heritage.