Who are we?
Spirit of Rugby Lodge was consecrated in 2015 to satisfy the demand amongst freemasons in the area who are keen freemasons and keen rugby players and/or supporters. The lodge meetings reflect our enthusiasm for both rugby and freemasonry. We are currently the newest lodge in Durham and have around 40 members ( 2023).
What we do
We believe in work hard play hard, so we love to get our masonic ritual as correct as we can at our meetings then we try to emulate the rugby club during our festive boards, expect fines , referees whistles and even the court judge making an appearance , all in good humour and with fraternal cheer. At our meetings we wear our distinctive lodge tie and pocket square ( with permission from the PGM at our consecration). We have supported numerous charities such as Ny Names Doddie Foundation and Rock to Recovery and produce an annual lodge challenge coin to support the masters charity.
We are part of a growing Rugby Lodge community with friends spread far and wide with rugby lodges in Kent, Wales , Northamptonshire and many more who we communicate with often and meetup with masonically whenever possible. We are also affiliated with the Durham Masonic RFC and have in the past played a few games verses other provinces and arranged the first England Vs Scotland Rugby Match , which was held in Murrayfield. A Spirit of Rugby brother captained that side to victory, and we proudly display the match ball at our meetings
Why join us?
We are keen to have anyone with a rugby background Player, coach , administrator or just anyone with a passion for the game join our lodge , and help us grow, and maybe even get a side back out onto the pitch to represent Durham freemasons once again. We are different from most other lodges in the province and our special interest of Rugby (Union and League) means we all have an extra bond as rugby brothers even before we add to that by becoming masonic brothers. If you love rugby and are interested in freemasonry ( or even already a member) then we would love to meet you , share a story and maybe a beer, and help you on your masonic rugby journey.
Parking:
There is a small car park situated at the rear of the Masonic Hall building for use by members and visitors. There is also a public car park situated nearby at Osborne Road, next to Osborne Workingmen’s Club. Osborne Road car park has two electric vehicle charging points.
Approach:
Front door is adjacent to the front road.
Entrance:
There is a double door which has a security fob to gain entrance, or a bell to ring where bar staff can open electrically.
Emergency:
The building is equipped with defibrillators, emergency lighting and escape routes which will be highlighted on the notice boards.
Accessibility:
Our membership comprises of all age ranges, with our oldest member being in his 80’s. We accommodate all needs within our Lodge and respectfully assist every member to access our meetings. We offer special dietary requirements at our festive boards and the Masonic Hall building has stair lifts to ensure all members are able to access the temple on the top floor of the building.
Toilets:
Toilets are situated on every floor of the Masonic Hall building.
Inside:
We have a fully functioning bar which is open most nights, A chef who can cater for functions, Friday fish and chips and Sunday lunches.
Stairs/Lifts:
The Masonic Hall building is a three-storey building and has one main staircase fitted with stair lift facilities.
