Who are we?
The Lodge of Philanthropy, which was formed in 1863, is a group of Freemasons who meet in Stockton Masonic Hall. The Lodge has a strong tradition of integrity, friendship, respect, and charity. We also pride ourselves on our membership being from many different walks of life. Our members are of varying age, ranging from their twenties to eighty.
What we do
Most of our meetings include one of many masonic ceremonies and in February of each year we install a new Worshipful Master to manage our lodge during the coming masonic year.
Every mason who joins our lodge will eventually be given the opportunity of becoming Worshipful Master in due course. New Masons are of course encouraged to become involved in the activities of the lodge.
Lodge meetings usually start at 7pm, though the installation meeting starts earlier. After we have met in the lodge room, usually about 8.30pm, we meet in our dining hall where supper is served, and our bar is open. Whilst there are some formalities at “The Festive Board”, the main objective is to enjoy good company and good food.
In addition to our main lodge night, we organise our own social events and attend events and meetings organised by our sister lodges, who are also based in the Stockton Masonic Hall.
Why join us?
Freemasonry is an amazing organisation that enables like-minded men of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the membership of an organisation that is worldwide. Freemasons enjoy what often become lifelong friendships and can share their strong beliefs in community and charitable service.
Parking:
There is a large car park and on street parking plus use of a school car park adjacent to the building.
Approach:
From the car park there is a large entrance with a roller shutter door. This doubles as an entrance for people with disabilities. Carry on past this and turn left into Wellington Street, there is a front door with two steps up. A door bell is also placed here with intercom communication.
Entrance:
Blue Door on Wellington street (keep ringing the buzzer – someone will eventually let you in).
Emergency:
Emergency exits are well sign posted.
Accessibility:
Only obstacle is 3 small steps into the temple.
Toilets:
Just inside the roller shutter entrance is a large reception area. This includes Ladies, Gents and Disabled toilets. There is a further Gent’s toilet just off the main reception area near the staircase and lift.
Inside:
The temple is large well decorated and has a permanent chequered pavement. Some of the furniture dates back to the eighteenth century.
Recent repairs and improvement to the various roofs have made the building warm and welcoming. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilets in the Wellington Suite and a separate gent’s toilet off the main entrance hall.
The bar area and Cooper Room are well decorated and comfortable. The Cooper Room is used for smaller Festive Boards, events and meetings. The main dining hall is a grand room capable of seating over one hundred comfortably. Doors lead directly into the well equipped 5 star rated kitchen.
Stairs/Lifts:
There is a large grand staircase from the main reception area. A lift is situated just off the main reception area.
