Who are we?
Phoenix Lodge No.94 was consecrated in 1755. The oldest Lodge in the City of Sunderland, the brethren of the Lodge built the Phoenix Hall in 1785, which is now the oldest masonic hall in the country where such Freemasons have met continually.
We boast a diverse cross-section of members from all walks of life, predominantly based locally, but we also have members who regularly travel from other parts of the country to attend our meetings and participate in our ceremonies.
What we do
We’re proud to be a forward-looking Lodge with a rich and long history. Visitors may expect a high standard of ritual delivered in “Old Working” which may be subtly different from what they have witnessed before.
Why join us?
We welcome enquiries about membership from qualified persons.
To qualify, you must:
- be a man of 18 years or older, and
- be of good character, and
- believe in a supreme being, although your particular faith does not matter.
Although belief in a supreme being is required to join, we do not discriminate on the grounds of religion, ethnic group, sexuality, economic or social standing. We are neither political in nature nor religious. To join, new members must swear an oath (on the sacred book of their own faith) to uphold the law of our country, at all times.
Parking:
60 marked car parking bays are available onsite in a secure area from 5.00pm till 8.30am weekdays and 24hrs at weekends. The car park is tarmacked with clearly marked bays, flood-lighting, CCTV and automatic gated entry/exit.
Approach:
The building is located in a housing estate with street lighting to all sides. The access to the building is via the newly completed secure parking area and auto-gates. Gates are operated on a fob system for members and a call system for visitors (with remote operation of the gate from within the building). The approach is over newly laid tarmac and restored cobbled street finishes, the area is floodlit on all sides.
Entrance:
The entrance is in the corner of the building, overseen by CCTV and via. 4 steps up to the main double door. These are lit by the flood lighting and has emergency battery backup lighting provision in case of mains power failure.
Emergency:
Emergency exits are available from both the lower ground floor and the ground floor areas. The emergency exit doors are available for use by all users at all times when the building is in occupation.
Accessibility:
Meeting in a Grade I listed building, built before disabilities were fully considered, makes it challenging to meet current DDA requirements. The building has steps to the front, but a demountable ramp is available upon prior request to enable wheelchair access. Handrails are provide at all changes in level to enable ambient-disabled members to safely access and move around the building. The building is operated for masonic purposes on one level, with access to all lodge rooms, facilities and dining spaces (including bar). There is no vertical passenger lift or stair chair lift installed at this site should access to the first floor be desirous.
Toilets:
The ground floor has separate male and female provisions and an accessible WC facility for disabled/wheelchair users. There are changing and male toilet facilities also available to the first floor.
Inside:
No internal ramps but the ground floor is all on one level. Hearing loop in the Temple, dining tables are wheelchair accessible as is the bar area.
Stairs/Lifts:
The temple itself is on the ground floor so no lifts necessary. The stairs to the first floor facilities have a handrail to one side.
